Gotta Catch 'em All! Part 1

I don't know if you've heard, but Pokemon is hot again, thanks to a new mobile app called Pokemon Go! This app is possibly the best thing ever to get kids who are too involved in indoor activities, out and about.

I thought I'd have a little beading fun and make beadies of the pokemon my sons have caught so far. Here is part 1.

Charmander (Pokemon #4)

You can find the pattern for Charmander here. I made a couple of modifications to this pattern that I thought would make it nicer for putting on a backpack or purse.

I did the tail with a separate piece of plastic lacing, strung through the three yellow beads at the bottom of his tummy. Then, I strung the plastic lacing through the middle beads of the row just below the eyes, to tie the tail "up" more like Charmander uses it.

 This makes it more 3-D and less long and dangly.

 Caterpie, Pokemon #10

This Caterpie pattern came from Jason's Beadie Site. I have links to his site on my website, but while looking for some of these Pokemon patterns, I found that Jason's site host has enabled some annoying and potentially dangerous pop-up ads that tell you things like "your media player may be out of date" and want you to install things - not cool! Therefore, I have included the pattern from his site here:

Paras, Pokemon #46

Again, this one is from Jason's site, so here is the pattern:

These are just three of the two dozen or so different Pokemon that my sons have caught so far. More to come soon!

Summertime...and the Beading is Easy

Looking for some fun crafts to do this summer? How about some beadie critters? Here are some ideas to put on your backpack, suitcase, duffel bag, or tote bag, whatever you are carrying for your summer adventures.

Graduation!

Did you or someone you love graduate this year? Celebrate with some fun beadies. Here are a couple of ideas from beadiecritters.com:

Smiley Graduates

You can make the cap and tassel whatever colors you need for your school.

Graduate Bob

Bob is ready to graduate and move on the next stage in his life! Again, you can change the robe and cap colors to suit your needs. (This is part of a whole series of Bob outfits - scroll down a little to find the graduate one, click on the picture and you'll see a larger version.)

Summer Treats

Hot summer days leave us looking for treats. Here are an ice cream cone and popsicle that will never melt on you!

Ice Cream Cone

This pattern offers a variety of options to show different ice cream flavors, a double scoop, etc.

Popsicle

What's your favorite popsicle flavor? Change the color to show it.

Summer Beach Fun

We love to go to the beach or the swimming pool in the summer. Hook these onto your beach bag!

Beach Ball

This will really add some color to your bag!

Another idea: Make the 3-D Christmas ornament with a different color for each of the sides for a beach ball look!

Girl in Swimsuit

Change the color of the skin and/or the swimsuit to represent you! (Note: this is part of a series of beadie dolls in different outfits. Scroll down a little to find "Jordan at the Swimming Pool."

Sun

A lovely piece to show our favorite part of summer, all that bright sun!

Sunflower

In the pattern, this is called a Black-Eyed Susan, but it looks like a sunflower to me. Change the black in the middle to brown. One of my favorite summer flowers.

Summer Events

Some of our most-beloved patriotic holidays happen in the summer or at the end of it. And there are summer Olympics this year!

U.S. Flag

My site has other U.S. flags, but this one is a nice size for putting on a bag.

Olympic Medal

One way of showing your excitement for the Olympics. You could make it a necklace if you wanted.

Another option: Choose a flag from our many country flags (247 countries) to show your support for your favorite country in the competition.

I hope you have a great summer with lots of time for fun and relaxation!