Beaded Safety Pin Tea Light
These Beaded Safety Pin Tea Lights add sparkle and color to a party table, holiday display, or handmade gift. Kids and teens can use metallic pony beads, crystal faceted beads, and safety pins to create a pretty beaded holder that slips around a tea light for a glowing decoration.
This is a fun bead craft for older kids, scout groups, classroom activities, or handmade gifts. Use battery operated tea lights for the safest kid-friendly version.
Supplies
- 36 size 2 colored safety pins
- 54 gold or silver metallic pony beads
- 60 inches metallic cord
- 108 8mm crystal faceted beads
- Tea lights, battery operated recommended
- Scissors
Instructions
- Open each safety pin and string 3 faceted beads onto the pin. Close the safety pin securely. Repeat until all safety pins are beaded.
- Cut the metallic cord into three 20 inch pieces.
- Using the first cord, string through the head of one safety pin, then add one pony bead. Continue alternating safety pins and pony beads until you have strung 18 safety pins and 18 pony beads. Make sure all the faceted beads face the same direction.
- Using the second cord, begin stringing through the loop at the bottom of one safety pin from the first row. Add a loose beaded safety pin through its loop, then add one pony bead. Continue across the row until you have added 18 more safety pins and 18 more pony beads.
- Using the third cord, string through the heads of the second row of safety pins, alternating with pony beads.
- Bring each set of cord ends together and tie tightly with a double knot. Trim away extra cord.
- Place the finished beaded holder around a tea light and enjoy the sparkle.
Craft Tips
Use two colors of crystal beads for a patterned look, or make each tea light holder in a single color for party favors.
Gold or silver pony beads both work well, so kids can match the colors to a birthday party, holiday table, or bedroom decoration.
For safety, use battery operated tea lights when making this craft with children.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
No printable template is needed for this beaded tea light craft. Follow the instructions above to build the rows of safety pins and pony beads around the tea light.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
Turn this beaded safety pin craft into a patterning activity by asking kids to plan their bead colors before they begin. They can create AB, AAB, or rainbow patterns and then compare their finished designs.
Older students can count the total number of beads used, divide the beads by row, or calculate supplies needed for a group project. This makes the craft a simple hands-on math activity while still giving kids a pretty finished decoration to take home.
Supplies
6 Size 2 Colored Safety Pins
54 Gold or Silver Metallic Pony Beads
60" Metallic Cord
108 8mm Crystal Faceted Beads
Tea Lights
Instructions
Open up all safety pins and string on 3 faceted beads. Close the pins. Cut cord into three 20" pieces. String cord through the head of one of the pins, followed by a pony bead, then another pin, then another pony bead. Continue until you have 18 pins and 18 pony beads. Make sure all the beads are on the same side. You can pattern two colors as shown above or use the all the colors. To keep costs down you can use regular size 2 safety pins, gold or silver.
Using a second cord, begin stringing through the loop on the bottom of one of your end pins, string on a loose safety pin through the loop making sure the beads face in the correct direction, string on a pony bead, then through the loop in your next safety pin. Continue until you have finished the row of safety pins. You'll will have strung on a total of 18 pony beads and 18 more safety pins.
Using a third cord, begin stringing through the heads of the newer row of safety pins alternating with pony beads.
Bring each set of cord ends together. Tying tightly in a double knot. Trim. Light a tea light and set the decorative holder down around the light.
Contributor
These projects are created by Terri, Betty, Jamie or one of the talented staff members at MakingFriends.com. They have been created exclusively for publication on FreeKidsCrafts.com with supplies you'll be able to find around your house.
