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Pony Bead Turtle Keychain
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How to Make a Pony Bead Turtle

This pony bead turtle is so cute! Have fun making this easy turtle craft using our free pony bead pattern. It's a fun summer craft for kids, tweens, and beading enthusiasts.
Active Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Yield: 1 pony bead turtle
Author: Debbie Chapman
Cost: $1

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Step 1: Find what you need

  • Gather your supplies and materials.
    Pony bead turtle supplies

Step 2: Arrange the cord

  • Cut a piece of rattail cord to be 4 feet (48 inches) long.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Fold the cord in half.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Attach the cord to a split ring keyring using a lark's head knot.
    To do this, slide the loop through the keyring and then bring it around and over the keyring. Pull the cord ends to tighten the knot.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Then secure the keyring to your working surface with a piece of painter's tape. This allows you to add the beads more easily.
    Pony bead turtle

Step 3: Add the first beads

  • To make the pony bead turtle you’ll be working with the ends of the cords, first attaching bead(s) to one strand, and then the other.
    Pony bead turtle
  • For Row 1, add 2 green beads to the left cord.
    (You can also do the right cord if it’s more comfortable to you. The pattern works either way.)
    Pony bead turtle
  • Take the end of the right cord and push it through the right side of the beads, so they're attached to both cord ends.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Pull the cord ends so that the top of the turtle head ends up centered against the knot.
    Pony bead turtle
  • For Row 2, add 3 green beads in the same way.
    Pony bead turtle

Step 4: Start the turtle shell and make the arms

  • Row 3 begins the turtle shell. Add 4 brown beads to both cords.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Next we're going to make the arms of the turtle. Add 4 green beads to the left cord and push them next to Row 3.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Loop the left cord back through the first green bead (the one closest to Row 3).
    Pony bead turtle
  • Pull the cord tight and arrange the beads so the arm is right next to the shell.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Repeat on the right cord to make the other arm.
    Pony bead turtle

Step 5: Continue making the shell

  • Attach the following beads to both cords:
    Row 4: 6 brown
    Row 5: 8 brown
    Row 6: 8 brown
    Row 5: 7 brown
    Pony bead turtle

Step 6: Add the back legs and tail

  • Use the same process as the arms to add 2 legs using 4 green beads each.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Finish the turtle shell by adding 6 brown beads for Row 6. Then make the turtles tail with 2 green beads (Row 7) and 1 green bead (Row 8).
    Pony bead turtle

Step 7: Finish off the keychain

  • Tie knots on both cords, placing them as close to the beads as possible. Make a double knot, if necessary.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Cut the cord ends close to the knots, leaving about 1/4 inch extra.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Hold a BBQ lighter next to the cord end and light it. This will melt the end of the cord, keeping it from unraveling. Repeat on the other cord end.
    Pony bead turtle
  • Your pony bead turtle is complete!
    Pony bead turtle

Video

Notes

Looking for more reptile crafts? Here's a few of our favourites:
Clay Turtle
Turtle Coloring Pages
Paracord Snake Craft