You’re a mean one, and we mean that as the highest possible compliment. If you’re the kind of person who roots for the grumpy green guy every December, this craft is for you.
This project is a great one to whip up during holiday movie marathons, craft nights with friends, or quiet evenings when you’d rather be making something than wrapping presents. The finished charm clips right onto a backpack, purse, zipper pull, or anywhere else that could use a little more attitude.
Supplies
Before you get started on your pony bead mean one bag charm, gather the following:
- Pony beads
- Pony Bead Lacing
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Keyring or lobster clasp (optional, for attaching to a bag or keychain)
Step-by-Step Instructions
This charm is built using the classic two-strand pony bead technique: you add beads to one strand, then thread the second strand back through those same beads in the opposite direction. Each row locks the shape together. Work from the top of the hat down to the bottom of the figure.
Step 1: Prepare Your Lacing
Cut approximately 110cm of pony bead lacing. Having extra is always better than running short. You can trim the remainder once your charm is complete.
Fold the lacing in half and pull it through the key ring.
Step 2: Lay Out Your Pattern
Use the photo below to lay out your pattern in pony beads.
Step 3: String the Pony Beads
String the top bead onto the left lacing.
Then thread the right lacing up through the bead.
Pull the lacings in opposite directions until taut.
Working from top to bottom of your pattern, repeat those steps to add the second row.
Continue adding rows until you reach the arms.
Step 4: Add the Arms
For the arms, string all four beads for the left arm onto the left lacing.
Next, loop the left lacing around and back through the first three beads.
Repeat that for the right lacing to add the right arm.
Step 5: Continue Adding Rows
Now continue adding rows as before…
Until all your rows of beads are strung.
Step 6: Tie to Secure
Loop each lacing through the row above, and tie them into single knots. Pull the knots snug without over-tightening. You want them secure but not so tight that the beads bunch or the charm loses its shape.
Step 7: Trim and Finish
Use craft scissors to snip any remaining lacing close to the knots. Give your charm a final once-over, adjust any rows that need straightening, and clip it onto your bag or keyring.
You made a pony bead Mean One bag charm!
Ways to Make It Your Own
- Add a stolen gift sack: Make a tiny beaded sack shape in brown or tan and attach it alongside the figure using a short length of cord.
- Make a Max too: Use light tan or cream beads to make a dog charm (see our pony bead dog bag charm tutorial) and attach him right next to The Mean One for a pair.
- Gift set idea: Make a whole set with The Mean One, his dog Max, and a red heart bead charm, Give them as a trio on a single keychain or gift tag.
- Holiday ornament version: Skip the clasp and use a jump ring instead to turn this into a tiny tree ornament.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Work in good lighting. Distinguishing dark green from black beads in dim light is its own kind of holiday horror.
- Keep tension consistent: too tight and the charm curves; too loose and it flops. Aim for snug after every row.
- Sort your colors before you start. Grabbing the wrong bead mid-row is the most common beginner mistake.
- Use a longer cord than you think you need. Running out of cord with two rows left is frustrating.
- If a row looks off, slide it back off the cord and redo it before moving forward. Mistakes are much harder to fix once more rows are added on top.
More Pony Bead Crafts
If you enjoyed this tutorial, here are a few more to try next:
- How to Make a Pony Bead Cat Bag Charm
- How to Make a Pony Bead Axolotl Bag Charm
- How to Make a Pony Bead Fish Bag Charm
- Watermelon Pony Bead Bag Charm
- How to Make a Pony Bead Lizard Keychain
Spread the Grouchy Cheer
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning one of fiction’s most iconic grumps into something tiny and cute that you can carry around all holiday season. Whether you’re making these for yourself, stuffing them into stockings, or handing them out as party favors at your ugly sweater gathering, they’re guaranteed to get a reaction.