DIY Dinosaur Keychain with Pony Beads

Make a cute dinosaur keychain using pony beads and macrame cord for a classic summer camp craft for kids and tweens.

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A DIY keychain is a classic summer camp craft. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for dinosaur week or a simple craft anytime, your kids will love this easy dinosaur keychain.

This one uses macrame cord, but the only knot you need is the lark’s head knot. We explained exactly how to tie one in the instructions, just in case you’re not familiar.

Keychains are a fun way to show off your favorite colors – and your favorite dino! The finished keychain is perfect for holding keys, of course. You can also attach it to a backpack, library tote bag, or anything with a zipper.

Pony bead craft tips

• All kinds of beads can be a choking hazard. Young children should be supervised by an adult when crafting with beads.
• Avoid a big spill. Pour beads into a shallow container so little hands can easily grab them.
• If your cord frays, wrap a small piece of clear tape over the end to create a smooth tip. After you’re finished stringing beads, it can easily be removed.
• We made these using pastel colors, but you can use whatever shades you like!

How to make a dinosaur keychain

Supplies

• 1-inch metal keyring
• 3 mm cotton macrame cord
• scissors
• plastic pony beads – We used 20 for this craft.
• dinosaur charms – We used these pastel acrylic charms. You might like this resin t-rex charm, a color-changing stegosaurus pendant, or these silver dinosaurs.

Instructions

1. Attach the cord.

Cut a piece of macrame cord about 10 inches long. Fold it in half and use a lark’s head knot to tie it to the metal keyring. To make the lark’s head, loop the folded end through the center of the keyring, then pull the two cut ends through it. Pull the cord snug against the keyring.

2. String the beads.

Choose pony beads in any color and thread them onto both strands of cord. Leave at least 2 inches of cord on the end. Longer is fine and you can even put a different number of beads on each strand if you like.

When you’re happy with the bead pattern, tie each end in a knot right below the beads. Fray the loose ends of the cord below the knots to create tassels.

3. Attach the dino charm.

Finally, attach the dinosaur charm to the keyring.

Printable instructions

Dinosaur Keychain

Print

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Materials

• 1-inch metal keyring
• cotton macrame cord
• scissors
• plastic pony beads
• dinosaur charms

Instructions

1. Attach the cord.
   Cut a piece of macrame cord about 10 inches long. Fold it in half and use a lark's head knot to tie it to the metal keyring. To make the lark's head, loop the folded end through the center of the keyring, then pull the two cut ends through it. Pull the cord snug against the keyring.
2. String the beads.
   Choose pony beads in any color and thread them onto both strands of cord. Leave at least 2 inches of cord on the end. Longer is fine and you can even put a different number of beads on each strand if you like. When you're happy with the bead pattern, tie each end in a knot right below the beads. Fray the loose ends of the cord below the knots to create tassels.
3. Attach the dino charm.
   Finally, attach the dinosaur charm to the keyring.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• Dollar Store Dinosaur Habitat Craft
• Easy DIY Bead Friendship Bracelets
• 12 Paracord and Macrame Crafts for Kids