Add a pop of colour to your day with a kandi star! These kandi star keychains are SO CUTE and honestly so fun to make! You can choose your favourite colours of pony beads and make a DIY keychain in 10 minutes or less.
These cute little star keychains are really easy to make, and they’re definitely candy for the eyes. They’re super kawaii, they’re fun to fidget with, and they look great holding your keys or accessorizing your bag!
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How to Make a Kandi Star
Materials:
- Elastic beading cord (white or clear)
- Pony beads (2 colours)
- Jump rings (10mm)
- Keychain findings
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Tie the center beads into a circle
- Cut a 12 inch piece of elastic beading/jewelry cord.
- Choose the colours for your keychain. 1 for the inside (colour A) and 1 for the outside points (colour B).String 10 beads of colour A onto the cord.
- Tie a secure knot connecting the 2 sides of the cords around the beads, forming a rough circle.Leave 2 inches of cord on 1 side, with the other end being longer.
Step 3: Make the corners of the star
- Add 3 beads of colour B to the long side of the cord.
- Determine where the long string is coming out. Skip one bead and bring the string through the next bead.
- Pull the cord through and tighten it. Arrange the beads so that one sticks out on top of the other 2. This is one point of the star.
- Repeat, adding 3 more beads to the same string. Skip another bead and pull the cord through the next.As you add the outer beads, the inner star will naturally start to form.
- Repeat this process with the rest of the beads. (String 3 beads, skip 1 bead, in the next bead, etc.)
- When you get to the end your longer string should be back next to the 2 inch tail. Tie the two ends together securely in a double or triple knot.
- Cut off the excess string close to the knot. (You can stretch the elastic out to do this.)
Step 4: Add the keychain hardware
- Open a jump ring and insert it around the outside of one of the corner beads.
- Slide the keychain hardware onto the jump ring.
- Use needle nose pliers to close the jump ring.
- Your kandi star keychain is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Pull the elastic tight before knotting for the nicest looking star.
- You can also attach this star to a bracelet or necklace, or turn it into a backpack charm!
What type of cord is best for making a kandi star?
We highly recommend using elastic cord to make your pony bead star. It makes it a lot easier to create a neater looking star that doesn’t flop around.
You can also use regular string or yarn if that’s all you have, but the keychain won’t look as nice.
How many pony beads do I need to make a kandi star?
You’ll need 25 pony beads total to make a kandi star keychain. 10 of colour A (the inside of the star) and 15 of colour B (the outside, or points of the star).
Can I make other patterns for my kandi star?
Yes, it’s so easy to make different patterns with the pony beads. Here are a few options:
- Make every bead the same colour.
- Use different shades of the same colour. We especially like the look of transparent or glitter beads inside, with the same solid colour for the outside.
- Make every other bead in the center a different colour, with a single colour for the outside.
- Use a single colour (like black) for the inside, with each point of the star a different colour.
You can probably think of some other fun patterns to use. It’s really easy to be creative here!
Why is this keychain called a kandi star?
The name “kandi” originates from the resemblance of pony beads strung together to actual candy bracelets! Vibrant beads and fun designs are the defining characteristics of kandi crafting.
Kandi is all about creating and trading colourful bracelets and accessories! Kandi represents friendship, inclusivity, and positive vibes.
These pony bead star keychains are so fun to make, and they’re a great craft for summer camp or sleepovers. You only need a few simple supplies, and they’re really quick to make! Create a kandi star in your favourite colours, or make one to give to your BFF!
Here’s even more pony bead craft ideas:
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Butterflies
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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