Pony beads are plastic beads or glass beads that are larger than seed beads and smaller than crows beads. Traditionally, a seed bead has a diameter of less than 2 mm and the diameter of a pony bead falls between 2 mm and 4 mm. However, today the crafts stores sell pony beads that are much bigger in size than its original measurement. The shapes of pony beads have also changed over time. Historically these pony beads used to be barrel beads or small tubes of glasses with various thicknesses.

Popularity and Usage of Pony Beads

Pony beads have become popular because of their size and the easy-to-use quality. Due to the comparatively large size and the bigger holes, these beads are preferred for kid's craft projects. They are also an important ingredient for various pony bead patterns used for making jewelery and other gift articles like key chain accessories etc. They are, perhaps, popular jewelery beads used for making such items like bracelets, necklaces etc. They are also used as hair accessories for different hair styles.

Origin and History of Pony Beads

Pony beads are older even than seed beads. They find their origin in Europe as tube beads. In fact, in the United Kingdom, they are still referred to as barrel beads due to their original barrel like shape. Explorers like Lewis and Clark brought these European glass beads to North America. They were started calling pony beads as they were delivered by the Pony Express. North America should be given the credit for making pony beads craft popular. Originally, these beads were used by American Indians for making Indian Jewelery, on fringes on leather clothing as also for neck gear for their horses. They were extensively used during the 1830's to 1850's.

Types of Pony Beads

On the basis of their looks and material used for making them, pony beads can be classified into following types-

Transparent Pony Beads- These are the look through beads and can be made of plastic as well as glass. They come in various sizes and thicknesses.

Opaque Pony Beads- These beads are solid colored beads that doesn't allow to see through them. They can be made of plastic or can be acrylic beads too.

Metal Pony Beads- They are, in fact, plastic beads having metallic finish. Any metallic color including gold, sliver or copper, can be used to paint them.

Glitter Pony Beads- These are the 'glow in the dark beads'. These glitter-finished pony beads have small specks of glitter added to them.

Shapes of Pony Beads

Pony beads have come a long way from its original tube shape and is now available as round beads, triangle beads, square beads and in some unusual shapes too. Heart shaped pony beads are very popular for making hair accessories like barrettes and jewelery too, especially Valentine's Day jewelery. Butterfly and animal shaped pony beads are also popular with children for their craft projects. Assorted pony beads come as pony beads kits. These theme-shaped pony beads come in packs having different items of same genre such as various sport balls or different modes of transportation, marine animals etc. Christmas pony beads come in Christmas specific shapes like those of Santa Claus, Christmas tree, etc. There are mini pony beads too that come in bulk and are very popular for fine craft projects like loom beading patterns etc.