Make Beaded Geckos to Donate — It’s Fun and Easy!

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!

Beaded Gecko Step 1

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.

Beaded Gecko Step 2

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

Beaded Gecko Step 3

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.

Beaded Gecko Step 4

4) Repeat for the next row with two beads.

Beaded Gecko Step 5

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

Beaded Gecko Step 6

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

Beaded Gecko Step 7

7) Repeat Step 6 for the right hand side.

Beaded Gecko Step 8

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

Beaded Gecko Step 9

9) Repeat for the next row with two beads.

Beaded Gecko Step 10

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

Beaded Gecko Step 11

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.

Beaded Gecko Step 12

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?

Looking for More Beading Patterns?

FreeKidsCrafts.com has dozens more patterns to try. A couple of our favorites are the ice cream cone, the parrot and the owl.

DIY to Donate

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