These Pony Bead Frog Keychains are an frog-ettable craft for kids of all ages to make this summer!
Are the kids looking for a creative summer activity? These pony bead frog keychains are a fun and simple project that only takes about 5 minutes! You can even change the color scheme to make different kinds of frogs. This is a great activity for summer camps or rainy afternoons that will keep kids of all ages busy. Once you get the hang of making your own colorful beaded frog keychains, you can share your creations as gifts or even start your own little business and sell them to everyone you know!
To make your own Pony Bead Frog Keychains, you will need these supplies:
- Regular Pony Beads and/or Glitter Pony Beads
- Black Pony Beads
- 1-2mm String
- Scissors
- Lighter (optional)
- Keyring
The project might look complicated, but I promise that the frog are easy to make. I will walk you through every step of the process, but feel free to refer to the image above or download the pattern to help you along.
For each beaded frog, you will need:
- 3 yards string
- 2 black pony beads (eyes)
- 12 pony beads (toes)
- 2 colors pony beads
Main (darker green on pattern): 53 beads
Accent/Spots (lighter green on pattern): 15 beads
Before beginning, decide on your "Main" color beads and the "Accent" color beads. For this tutorial, the main colored beads will be solid green, and the accents will be a translucent green. In the pattern, the main color is dark green, and the accent is light green.
Cut 3 meters of nylon string with a sharp pair of scissors. Use a lighter to carefully burn the ends to keep them from fraying.
Start by tying a lark's head knot to attach the string to a keychain. Add three beads to the string and bring each end of the cord through the pair of beads and out the opposite sides. You can pull the string tight, but just keep in mind that it will easily loosen at this point*.
*My daughter struggled with this issue, so I'm adding it here for others who may feel similar.
The next row will be added the same way as the previous one, but this time add two black beads with two colored ones in the center. Bring the ends of the string through the row of beads and out the opposite side.
The next two rows will have accent beads included, so be sure to refer to the pattern to get them into the right order. Pull the string ends through the rows of beads the same way you have done with the previous rows.
This next step is when we add the arms to the frog! Lay the end of one string out, and add four main colored beads (green) and then three accent/toe beads (yellow).
Now, to create the little hands, you need to bring the end of the string back down through the two arm (main color) beads. Add an accent (light green) bead for the elbow, and then thread the string through the other two arm beads. Pull the string tighter so that the arms bend at the elbow and so the fingers create a triangle-like shape.
Repeat the process to create the other arm on the opposite side. Once both arms are complete, pull the string so that everything tightens up.
Follow the pattern to add the rows to create the stomach area of the frog. Thread the ends of the string through the rows the same way you added the first few rows of beads.
The legs are made in a similar way to the arms, but use a lot more beads. On one side, thread all of the leg beads, including the three toe (yellow) beads.
Thread the end of the string through the two green beads next to the yellow, and then down through the first/last green bead next to the body.
Pull the string tight to bend the frog's leg into shape. Repeat the process for the second leg.
Thread the last row as usual. Then, bring the ends through the two beads in the middle so that the string ends come out in the center.
Make sure the string has been tightened evenly all the way through the frog. Tie the string ends into a tight knot, and then tie another knot to keep it secure. Trim the string and use a lighter to carefully burn the ends to keep them from fraying.
By changing the color scheme, you can make all kinds of frogs. Just look at this poison dart frog we made with orange, black, and blue beads!
These Pony Bead Frog Keychains are such a fun, colorful, and easy craft for kids of all ages to make at home, summer camp, and even in the classroom. As always, I love to see your version of these projects! Please share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest #AFMCrafts
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