Single Pin

• Individual beaded safety pins are a straight bar of colored beads. Vary the look by using different types of beads and colored safety pins. Purchase coiless pins of any size. Open the pin and string seed beads onto the needle. Slide each bead to the head of the pin on the side that does not open. Finish the row of beads by adding a crimping bead at the bend to hold the row in place. If you are using wide seed beads, you might need to open the pin to slide the beads around the bend; use a pair of coated pliers or a needle-nose pliers wrapped in fabric to straighten and close the pin, if necessary.
  
  

Multi-Pin

• To make a beaded rectangle, use an unadorned safety pin to string together single beaded pins. Use a sheet of graph paper to help plan the placement of beads. Mark off an area that is six by eight squares, and then color each square a different color. Each of the six columns will be a single pin. Bead six single pins using pins that have a coil in the hinge. Use your sketch to guide the placement of beads; the first bead on the pin should be the lowest bead in each column. Lay the six single pins side by side; they should match your sketch. Thread the single pins onto a large coiless safety pin by inserting the needle of the large pin through the coils of the small pins as if they were beads. Close the large pin to form a rectangular block of beads. Use beads of different sizes and colors to change the look of the SWAP. Make a checkerboard by using red and black beads, write out numbers and letters, or draw animal designs.
  
  

Instant Message/Text Pins

• Use alpha-numeric beads to spell out messages on single pins. Add large sequins that have smiley faces and designs for color. Make a set of single pins with different instant messages such as "LOL" (laugh out loud), "TTYL" (talk to you later) or "ROTFL" (rolling on the floor laughing).
  
  

Bracelet

• Make 30 to 50 single pins using safety pins with coils. Thread a length of elastic jeweler string through a needle. Place a piece of masking tape along the last 6 inches of the elastic to keep the beads from sliding off. Sew through the heads of the needles, using the pins like beads. Remove the tape from the string and knot the ends of the thread. This will form a swinger's bracelet. Repeat, sewing through the bottom coils to form a cuff bracelet.
  
  

Other Pins

• Once beaded, single pins can be used to attach SWAP kits. Use small plastic bags to make first aid kits complete with bandages and alcohol wipes, then insert a beaded pin through the top and swap. Sewing kits, miniature maps, secret messages, trivia, fun facts and recipes can also be tucked into these plastic pouches.