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This blog is for those of us girls (and guys) who love everything artsy and enjoy the challenge of discovering new and exciting ways of creating something wonderful. We do not discriminate against any artform but are willing to try them all and pass on our knowledge to you. In addition, we love to feature our ATA Girlz (and guys) so that those people who can't draw a straight line - but love unique and handmade items - can help support our wonderful friends. Visit often to discover what we're "playing" with next!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Beaded Lizard Pattern: For Kids or Adults!


Ok -  I admit - I was bored.  How is that possible, you might ask, when I have tons of things to do, projects to make, items to create...... don't know - but I was.   Maybe I was just in a mood, but there it is.  So I started going through some boxes of stuff that needed to be weeded through and low and behold I came across this lizard that Leo and I made on our first (and only) cruise.  Thinking back - I'm not sure why we made it - but we did, and usually it rests on our Holiday tree that contains all the souvenirs of our travels.  Since it's cute - and an easy project to do with kids as well as adults - I thought I'd put together a really good pattern to share with you all.  
You will need:
Beads - any size will work - pony beads are best for kids
Small bead for tail end.
26 gauge colored wire / yarn or string - about 1 yard - whatever you use must be able to pass through the beads multiple times.
wire ring (if you want to make a keychain)
In the diagrams I have color coded each side of the stringing material to make it easier to follow.

Place 1 bead at the halfway point on your stringing material. (This is the nose).

Next, place 2 beads on the string, passing each side of the string through the bead so it comes out the other end. This means you will have 2 pieces of string/wire/yarn inside the bead.

Next, take 1 different colored bead, 1 bead, and 1 bead same color as the first on this row and place on string (This will give you 2 eyes that are the same color). Again, remember to pass both ends of the stringing material through the beads and pull tight gently.

Next place 2 beads that are the same color as the rest of the "head" and pass both ends of the stringing material through them.

For the front legs - string 6 beads on each side. Taking the end of the string, count back 3 beads and pass the string/wire/yarn through the last 3 beads. If done correctly, you will have 2 strings going through the last 3 beads and 1 string going through the "foot"

String 2 beads and pass each string end through to the opposite side. These 2 beads are the beginning of the body.

After you have passed the string through the 2 beads (last instruction above) string 3 beads, passing the wire/yarn/string through. The next row, string 4, then string 4, then another 3 and then 2. This will end the "body" and allow you to immediately begin the back legs.

The body can be done in any pattern or with multiple colored beads. Watch the diagram and note the diamond pattern possibilities.

The back legs are created the same way the front legs were done..

Once you have placed the last 2 beads of the body, you will need to string 5 beads, one at a time, for the tail. As you string each bead, pass the ends of your wire/yarn/string through from each side, causing a wrapping effect on the bead.

After you have strung the final bead, take both ends and pass them through 1 last smaller bead (must be smaller than beads used in body to "plug" the hole.)

If using yarn or string, tie 2-3 knots and trim the excess.

If using wire, wrap the wire tightly around a toothpick. Gently push the wrapped wire off the pick to achieve a "curly" tail look. 
Enjoy your new reptilian friend! 
~ Dani

7 comments:

  1. Thanks Chris, glad you like it! Will follow in return!

    ReplyDelete
  2. very cute little lizard --- and awesome pattern. Love the tray too. thanks for sharing.

    Just became your newest follower and had a question. You have about the same number of followers as I do and noticed that you get lots of comments and was wondering what you attribute that to? Do you think it's your labels (because I noticed you add quite a few) or are you linking up to weekly parties? Sorry just wishing more people would visit my blog and looking for any tips - thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and leaving me such a nice comment.

    Have a crafty week
    tina
    one crafty mess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tina, I participate in the Friday Blog Hop and the Inspire Me Monday one with Create with Joy and that is where most of my comments come from, We also have a facebook page, but not sure we really get much traffic from there. Really, most of the comments come from the blog hops. I am sure you'll get more results as time goes on. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  3. Hi Diane,
    How cute!! and I LOVE the colors, too!!!! Hope you're having an awesome summer!!!
    XO
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cute lizard which reminds me I have something very similar, a penguin. I've been meaning to take it out and have me and the kids do it but haven't...yet.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It looks so cute, I have to try it once!

    I followed you and I just started a blog, it's dutch. But you could use translate of course. Following me would mean alot!
    http://likearolemodel.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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