If you love Easter crafts and pony bead projects, this adorable Bunny Gnome keychain is a fun and creative twist on the classic Easter bunny peep.
This project combines the nostalgic 90s pony bead style with a cute little gnome design, making it perfect for:
• Easter basket stuffers
• Backpack charms
• Keychains
• Handmade gifts
• Classroom treats
I originally made pony bead Peep bunnies, and they were so cute that I decided to design this Bunny gnome version as well!
Materials Needed
To make this pony bead Peep gnome, you will need:
- 40 inches of 1.5 mm rat tail cord
- 25 pony beads in your gnome color
- 15 white pony beads for the beard
- 1 peach bead for the nose
- 4 black beads for the shoes
- Key ring
- Tape (to hold the key ring while working)
- Scissors
- Lighter (to seal the cord ends)
- Toothpicks (to help keep the rows straight)
Step 1: Attach the Cord to the Key Ring
Cut about 40 inches of cord and fold it in half.
Place the folded cord through the key ring and pull the loose ends through the loop to secure it.
Using a small piece of tape to hold the key ring in place while working can make the project much easier.
Step 2: Start the Bunny Ears
The gnome begins the same way as the Peep bunny pattern.
Add two beads onto one strand, then pass the other strand through the beads in the opposite direction. Pull tight so the beads sit in the center.
Repeat this step three times to create the base rows.
Step 3: Create the Second Ear
Using only one strand of cord:
- Add seven beads.
- Feed the cord back through the previous rows from the opposite direction.
- Pull the cord tight to form the second ear.
Adjust the beads slightly so both ears sit evenly.
Step 4: Begin the Gnome Body
Add five beads in the main color to begin shaping the gnome.
Pass the opposite strand through the beads and pull tight.
Step 5: Add the Nose and Beard
For the next row, use the following bead pattern:
White – White – Peach (nose) – White – White
This row forms the gnome nose and the start of the beard.
Step 6: Build the Beard
Add a row of six white beads for the gnome beard.
Pull the opposite strand through the beads and tighten.
Step 7: Add the Hat Row
For the next row, add:
Main color – White – White – White – Main color
This begins forming the gnome hat and beard shape.
Step 8: Continue the Pattern
Add the following row:
Main color – Main color – White – White – Main color – Main color
Make sure the beads lay flat and pull the cord tight but not overly tight.
Step 9: Add the Shoes
For the final row:
Black – Black – Main color – Main color – Black – Black
This creates the little gnome boots.
Step 10: Tie Off the Keychain
To finish the piece:
- Loop the cord around one of the bottom beads.
- Tie a tight knot close to the bead.
- Repeat the knot again to secure it.
- Trim the cord leaving about ¼ inch.
- Carefully melt the ends with a lighter to seal them.
Step 11: Straighten the Rows (Optional Tip)
If you notice small gaps between rows, you can insert a toothpick through the bead row to help keep everything straight.
Trim the toothpick so it sits hidden inside the beads. A tiny bit of glue can help secure it if the keychain will be used by children.
Final Result
Once finished, you’ll have a cute little Peep gnome keychain that’s perfect for Easter!
These work up quickly and are great for:
- Easter basket surprises
- Classroom gifts
- Backpack charms
- Handmade holiday crafts
Related Easter Crafts
If you enjoyed this project, you might also like these other Peep-inspired crafts:
- Pony Bead Peep Bunny Keychain
- Crochet Bunny Peeps
- Painted Peep Rocks
- Tiny Peeps for Easter Eggs
Get all your Easter tutorials here.
Watch the Full Tutorial
You can watch the full step-by-step tutorial here:
Final Thoughts
This Peep gnome pony bead keychain is such a fun and creative Easter craft. It combines the nostalgia of pony bead projects with a cute gnome design that’s perfect for spring.
If you make one, I’d love to see it! Make sure to join our facebook community here to share your creations and see what others are doing.