If you’re a fan of woodland creatures, this pony bead fox bag charm is going to steal your heart! Foxes are one of those designs that translates beautifully into bead buddy form with the classic orange, white, and black color combo is simple to work with, and the finished charm has so much personality. Whether it ends up on a backpack zipper, a keychain, or a lanyard, this little guy is guaranteed to get compliments.
This is a great project for tweens and teens who want to work independently, and younger kids can absolutely join in with a little guidance. Best of all, if you already have a pony bead stash at home, there’s a good chance you have everything you need to get started right now.
What Is a Pony Bead Bag Charm?
Pony bead bag charms, sometimes called bead buddies or bead pals, are three-dimensional figures made entirely from plastic pony beads strung on a length of cord. You thread the cord through the beads in a specific pattern, pulling and shaping as you go, until a recognizable character emerges. No glue required, no special equipment, Just beads, lacing, and a little patience.
The finished charm is durable enough for everyday use, which makes it so much more satisfying than crafts that are purely decorative. Kids especially love that they can actually clip their finished creation onto their backpack and show it off at school.
Why You’ll Love This Pony Bead Fox Bag Charm
Foxes are having a major moment in crafts and kids’ culture, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. They’re playful, a little mysterious, and incredibly cute. All of that comes through even in a small beaded charm. The warm orange tones are a nice change of pace from the bright tropical colors you see in a lot of bead buddy designs, making this one feel a little more unique on a crowded keychain.
This project is a great pick if you’re looking for:
- A craft fair item that appeals to a wide age range
- A fall or woodland-themed craft for classroom or camp
- A budget-friendly handmade gift that feels special
- A way to use up orange, white, and black pony beads from your stash
Supplies You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you start so you can work without interruption:
- Pony Beads
- Pony Bead Lacing (Here’s an explanation of why pony bead lacing is the best for making bead buddies.)
- Scissors
- Measuring Device
- Key ring or lobster clasp
How to Make a Pony Bead Fox Bag Charm
Step 1: Prepare Your Lacing
Start by measuring and cutting a length of pony bead lacing to 85cm.
Now fold the lacing in half and pull it through the key ring or lobster clasp, forming two equal lengths of lacing.
Step 2: Lay Out Your Bead Pattern
Use the photo below to lay out your pattern in pony beads.
Step 3: String the Pony Beads
Begin stringing the pony beads by adding the top bead of the left ear onto the left lacing.
Then thread the right lacing up through the bead.
Pull the lacings in opposite directions until the bead sits just under the key ring.
Step 4: Add the Left Ear
Repeat Step 3 to add the second row of the left ear.
And the third.
Step 5: Add the Right Ear
Next, string all the beads for right ear onto the right lacing.
Then loop the right lacing around and back through two beads from the bottom, skipping the first one.
Pull the right lacing taut, and it should look like the photo below.
Loop the right lacing around again and through the remaining beads for the ear.
Pull it all the way through, and your fox ears are complete.
Step 6: String the Head
Moving down through your pattern, string the next row of beads onto the left lacing.
Now thread the right lacing up through the beads.
Pull the lacings in opposite directions until taut to form a complete row.
Step 7: Continue Adding Rows
Repeat Step 6 above to continue adding rows from top to bottom.
Until all your rows are strung!
Step 8: Secure the Lacing
To secure the lacing, there are two options. Either loop each one through the row above and tie it in a single knot, or tie the two lacings together in knot.
Finally, trim the lacing with craft scissors. You made a pony bead fox bag charm!
To attach your charm, loop the cord end through a split ring or clip on a lobster claw clasp. It’ll hang perfectly from a backpack zipper, a belt loop, or a lanyard. If you’re giving it as a gift, a safety pin makes it easy to attach to a gift bag for an adorable finishing touch.
More Pony Bead Charm Tutorials You’ll Love
Can’t get enough bead buddies? Here are more tutorials waiting for you here on Crafting Through Life:
- Parrot Pony Bead Bag Charm
- Cat Pony Bead Bag Charm
- Dog Pony Bead Bag Charm
- Flamingo Pony Bead Bag Charm
- Pony Bead Fish Bag Charm
Whether this is your first bead buddy or your fiftieth, I hope your pony bead craft turns out absolutely adorable.