Pony bead and prism suncatchers are fun and easy to make. Kids can benefit in many ways from doing this craft. They can learn colors, they can work with patterns and early math concepts, and practice their fine motor skills. My daughter is almost three and she loved it!

Please don’t offer this craft to youngsters that are still mouthing objects or are not ready to handle small parts or plastic needles. As an alternative, you can use a 3-inch piece of pipe cleaner instead of a needle to do this craft.

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Pony Bead and Prism Suncatchers

Pony Bead and Prism Suncatcher: Materials

• Transparent Rainbow Pony Beads
• Prism(s) or something else to hang – We used these Crystal Teardrop Prisms , or you can use Crystal Ball Prisms, or Icicle Crystal Prisms.
• 30-Lb Monofilament Fishing Line
• Plastic Sewing Needles
• Push Pins

Pony Bead and Prism Suncatcher: Preperation

This is an easy way for young children to string beads. For another more advanced way to put these together see Heart Prism Pony Bead Suncatcher.

• Cut a 3 – 4 foot section of monofilament line.
• Tie one end of line to plastic darning needle or pipe cleaner.
• Place prism on other end of monofilament line.
• Tie the free end of the monofilament line together near the needle to make a double strand. This will hold the needle in place while your child beads so the knot won’t get stuck in the middle of the beads. Make sure you start with enough line to cut off both this knot and the needle when you are done beading. You will retie the line with another pony bead to lock it all in place once your child is finished. See below.

Pony Bead and Prism Suncatcher: Directions

• String the pony beads one by one onto the needle and pull each all the way down monofilament line to the prism.
• If you child has never strung beads demonstrate it for them first. Children learn by modeling. Use it to your advantage by showing them what to do rather than telling them what to do.

• You can also have your child work a pattern by placing the beads on the needle first. I demonstrate a rainbow pattern in the photos below. You can also work in numerical color patterns. As an example you can use; 1 yellow, 2 orange, 3 red, 2 orange; repeat. Allow your kids to have fun and get creative!

My daughter started placing several beads on her needle before pulling them down to the prism after watching me do this. I did not tell her to do it, nor was she working a pattern. She was only imitating what she saw me doing. The power of modeling in action. [She’s wearing a DIY jersey knit peasant dress her grandma made her. Click on the link to find out more.]

Pony Bead and Prism Suncatcher: Finish

• Cut both strands off below the knots and hold on tight.
• Place a single bead on only ONE of the strands of monofilament line.
• Tie a knot at least 1/2 to 2 inches from the remaining beads. [You will need room to hang it.]
• Tie it 3-4 times to make a super strong square knot
• Cut off extra monofilament line about 1/4 inch from knot.

Making pony bead and prism suncatchers is a fun craft for kids. Kids can practice color recognition, fine motor skills, patterns and early math concepts such as counting the number of beads in a pattern. They are lovely to hang and enjoy, or give as gifts.

You may also like:

• Beautiful Gifts Kids Can Make
• Heart Prism Pony Bead Suncatcher
• Rainbow Window Star
• Top 10 Rainbow Suncatchers
• Green Crafty and Creative
• DIY Rainbow Peg Dolls
• DIY Rainbow Colored Blocks
• DIY Waldorf Square

For more fun ideas follow me on Pinterest!

Visit Nell @ Rhythms of Play’s profile on Pinterest.

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Nell Regan

Nell is an artist, athlete, wife, mother, psychologist, educator, and coach. She believes in the wonder of childhood, the power of the imagination, learning through play, making this world a greener place to live, and getting outside in all seasons!