Beaded Gecko to Donate

Serving with Smiles is a kid-powered organization that helps children in need in the United States and around the world. They provide everything from simple toys like beaded geckos to school supplies and clothing. Many of the items are handmade. You can help out at their location in Utah or work by yourself at home individually or with your group.

These beaded geckos are included with their humanitarian school kits as a little something extra for the recipient.

What’s a Beaded Gecko?

If you were a kid in the 90’s you’ll remember the beadie craze. We would weave pony beads to create fun beaded animals or other designs like food or people.

Well…. they’re back! Share this idea with your kids and see if they enjoy it as much as you did.

Supplies:

You won’t need much. Many of these items are probably already in your craft closet. Use what every colors you have or match the ones we made.

Pony Beads – If you live in one of those rare households without a stash of pony beads they are readily available at your local craft store. If purchasing online, MakingFriends.com has the best price.
Any Type of Cord – We used satin cord for this project.
Lanyard Hook – Not required but it’s fun to clip them onto your backpack zipper pull.
Tacky Glue – To stiffen the ends of your cord.
Scissors – To cut the cord.

Instructions for Making Beaded Geckos

We used three colors – green, orange and blue. Feel free to make your gecko in any colors!

1) Cut cord to 1.5 yards. Stiffen the ends of the cord with white glue. Let dry. Lace on two pony beads and the lanyard hook.

2) Lace the right hand cord through the two pony beads in the opposite direction. Pull snug.

3) Lace three pony beads on the left hand cord. Lace the right hand cord through the three pony beads in the opposite direction. Pull snug.

4) Repeat for the next row with two beads.

5) Lace four pony beads on the left hand cord.

6) Loop the lacing cord around and lace it back through the first bead. Pull snug.

7) Repeat Step 6 for the right hand side.

8) Lace three pony beads on the left hand cord. Lace the right hand cord through the beads in the opposite direction. Pull snug.

9) Repeat for the next row with two beads.

10) Make back two legs by repeating steps 6 and 7.

11) Lace one pony bead on the left hand cord. Lace the right hand cord through the pony bead in the opposite direction. Pull snug.

12) Repeat step 11 for four more rows. Tie off. Add a dab of glue on the knot. Trim

Where else can I donate my beaded geckos?

Add them to your Operation Christmas Christmas Child Shoe Boxes.
Find a local shelter and make them for the kids. You can also bag the supplies and instructions in zipper plastic bags as a craft kit for them.