A simple and colourful beading project for young children
This beaded keyring is a fun, hands-on craft that works especially well with younger children. It’s all about choosing colours, threading beads, and watching something simple slowly turn into something useful.
Because this project uses a thin piece of wire, which can be sharp and pokey, adult help is important, especially when starting and finishing the keyring. Younger children can enjoy choosing beads and threading them on, while an adult helps with the wire bending and securing.
Presented by: Crafty Corner
Skill level: Beginner
Age suitability: 4+ with adult supervision
Supervision note: Uses thin wire and pliers; adults should assist with cutting and bending the wire
Materials and tools
- Coloured beads
- Thin wire (approximately 1 mm thick)
- Key ring
- Pliers or wire cutters
Before starting, read through all the steps together. Make sure all tools are on hand and set up a clear workspace so beads don’t roll away.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Attach the wire to the key ring
(Adult help recommended)
Using side cutters, cut a piece of wire approximately 20 cm long. Thread one end of the wire through the key ring.
Fold a short section of wire (about 5 cm) back over itself. This folded section will help stop the beads from sliding off later.
Step 2: Secure the wire
Twist the short folded piece of wire around the longer wire a few times to secure it.
Press the twisted section flat using pliers so there are no sharp ends sticking out.
Step 3: Thread the beads
Now for the fun part! Thread beads onto the wire one by one.
Children can choose any colours or bead shapes they like. This is a great opportunity to:
- Talk about colours
- Make simple patterns
- Reuse beads from old or broken jewellery
Keep threading beads until most of the wire is filled.
Step 4: Finish the bottom end
(Adult help recommended)
When the beads are threaded and there is about 2 cm of wire left, use pliers to bend the bottom of the wire back up.
Thread this bent end into the last bead to stop the beads from falling off. Press it gently into place so it feels secure.last bead.
Step 5: Finished!
Your simple beaded keyring is now complete.
Give it a gentle tug to check that everything is secure, then admire the colours and patterns. Each keyring will look different — and that’s exactly what makes them special.
