Pony Bead Possum Keychain

These Pony Bead Possum Keychains are 15 minutes of pure marsupial magic for kids of all ages! Perfect for backpack charms, fidgets, and so much more!

Looking for a quick, ridiculously cute summer craft to keep the kids entertained? These Pony Bead Possums take just 15 minutes to whip up and are an absolute hit for all ages! Whether you’re filling a rainy afternoon or planning a fun summer camp activity, this simple project is bound to spark some serious creativity. Plus, once the kids master their mini marsupials, they can trade them, gift them, or even launch their very first mini-craft business!

To make your own Pony Bead Possum Keychain, you'll need these supplies:

• Pony Beads - white, gray/silver, black, pink
• 1-2mm String
• Scissors
• Lighter (optional)
• Keyring with Chain

Now, to get started! The project might look complicated, but I promise that the possums 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 possum you will need:

• 3 yards string
• 30 gray/silver pony beads
• 20 pink pony beads
• 10 black pony beads
• 6 white phony beads
  

Cut 3-4 yards of nylon string with a sharp pair of scissors. Use a lighter to carefully burn the ends to keep them from fraying. 

Attach the string to the keyring or chain* using a lark's head knot.

1. Fold the string in half and place the folded loop end behind the keyring or chain link.
2. Pull the loose ends up and through the loop, keeping the ends on the front side of the ring.
3. Pull the ends down tight to secure the knot.

Bring each end of the string through the center of a pink bead and out the opposite side.

*If you don't want this to be a keychain, you can skip this step.

Next, line up two white beads below the first pink bead and pull the ends of the strings through the beads and out the opposite ends. 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 the white one in the center. Bring the ends of the string through the row of beads and out the opposite side.

Next, we're going to add a floppy possum ear. Slide 2 black beads onto the left string. Bring the end of the string back down through the first black bead and pull it through.

Repeat the process to add an ear to the other side.

Add three gray or silver beads, and bring the string ends through to the opposite sides and pull it tight.

For the next row, add four gray beads this time and pull the strings through the same way.

Now it's time to give this little guy an arm (leg?)! Lay the ends of the string out, and add two gray beads, one black bead, and three pink beads.

Now, to create the little hands, bring the end of the string back down through all three black and gray beads, and then pull the string tighter so that the pink beads create a triangle-like shape.

Repeat the process to create an arm on the right side of the possum.

Add four gray beads for the next row. Bring both ends of the string through the set of beads and out the opposite end. At this point, the beads will cooperate a lot more and come together when you pull the strings of each row tight.

Add two more rows of four gray beads just like the previous row.

Next, add a leg to the left side following the directions above for the first leg/arm.

Don't forget to add the other (and last) leg!

Add a row of three gray beads and pull the string tight.

Next, add a row of two pink beads to create the start of the tail.

Thread the strings through row of single pink beads to create the tail. I went for 5 beads, but you can make it as long or as short as you'd like.

Once you get to the end of the tail, make sure the string has been tightened evenly all the way through the possum. Tie the string into a tight knot against the last bead, and then tie a second knot to keep it secure. Trim the ends close to the knot and use a lighter to burn the ends to keep the string from fraying.

Now the completed beaded possum keychain is ready to be added to your keys, backpacks, purses, and so much more! It's also a fun little creature to fidget with (the smooth feeling of the beads is quite satisfying), is a cute little piece of decor.

Did you know that you can use seed beads to create tiny possum earrings? Follow the same directions in this tutorial to construct the possums, just on a smaller scale! Instead of attaching the possums to a keychain, loop a jump ring through the nose and an earring hook.

These Pony Bead Possum Keychains are such a fun 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

Looking for more camp craft inspiration?

Check out this collection of OVER 100 creative camp craft ideas!!

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