Beaded Sun Catchers

• Clear glass beads strung into rows so their alternating colors form a pattern make a visually interesting sun catcher. To make one, use a drinking straw as a base from which to hang your bead lacings. Tie fishing line or clear plastic cord in several rows to the straw to form the lacings. String beads onto the lacings in whichever pattern you choose. Tie a knot into the end of the lacing cord when you have reached the end to hold the beads in place. To hang your sun catcher, run string or fishing line through the straw. Tie the ends together and hang from a window's latch or a hook in the windowsill. Some common patterns for beaded sun catchers include an American flag, or simple shapes such as a smiley face, heart or fir tree during Christmas.
  
  

Fuse Beads

• Fuse beads are small plastic beads that can be arranged in a pattern and then fused together with the heat from an iron. Most fuse bead kits come with a square pegboard onto which the beads can be arranged prior to being fused. Common fuse bead projects include Christmas decorations, such as stockings, candy canes or star-shaped ornaments that can be fused and then hung from a tree. Other fuse bead projects may include mobiles, napkin rings, jewelry, coasters and magnets.
  
  

Pony Beads

• Many children enjoy using pony beads to make back-to-school projects such as locker key chains or backpack decorations. Pony beads laced together make great cartoon and video game characters, because the laced beads resemble a cluster of computer pixels. Each project will need pony beads, clear plastic jewelry cord, a pattern and a key ring. Following your pattern, count out the beads, cut the jewelry cord to the exact length you need, and thread the beads according to the instructions. Use solid-colored beads rather than clear plastic ones. Tie off the cord where indicated on the pattern, and attach to a key ring.