Wooden Bead Heads for Pizho and Penda Figures and Charms

Wooden bead heads are round wooden beads with a smiling little face painted on them. They’re most often used as heads for Pizho and Penda, the classic pair of Bulgarian folk figures.

These are a type of wooden bead that comes ready-decorated. Beyond figure-making, they also suit little dolls, jewellery, decorations and children’s craft projects.

What they’re used for

• Dolls and little characters. Since they already have a face, these wooden beads are handy for mini dolls, little angels, elves, fairy-tale characters, family figures and small figures for children’s craft projects.
• Garlands, danglers and decorations. Thread several heads onto different yarn or cord and you’ll have a cheerful garland for a party, a child’s room, a classroom or a craft workshop. A single head can become a bag charm, keyring, card embellishment or gift tag.
• Pizho and Penda. These are the classic red-and-white folk figures — Pizho is usually the white male figure and Penda the red female one. The head gives a ready-made face, and you can make the body from yarn, a twisted cord or a tassel.
• Figures with a face. A smiling head makes a figure warmer, more playful and more recognisable. It works for hanging figures, small charms for the wrist, gifts for children and spring decorations.

What to combine them with

White and red yarn, twisted yarn, tassels and cords are the usual choice for these figures. For a more finished figure, add wooden beads for arms and legs, small wooden discs for a hat, ribbon, felt or craft glue. For dolls and other decorations you can also use coloured yarn, cotton cord, acrylic paint, markers, fabric and decorative paper.

Core materials:

Wooden beads

for details and accents

Glue

for assembly

Before you start

Lay your materials out first — head, yarn, cord, arms, legs and any extra beads. That way you’ll see whether the sizes match and whether the face stays at the front. On small figures, even a slightly turned head shows immediately.

If you’re making several identical figures or dolls, assemble one all the way through first. Check that the yarn passes through the hole, that the knot holds firmly, and that the face isn’t hidden by a hat, hair or ribbon. Then repeat the same method for the rest.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make a Pizho and Penda figure with a bead head?
Pass the body yarn through the hole in the head and tie it off at the top. Below the head, form a bundle for the body and arms. Pizho is usually the white figure, Penda the red one.

Does the face rub off?
With normal use, the printed face usually holds up well. To protect it, avoid heavy friction, wetting, perfume, glue on the face and solvents. Wood is porous, so don’t soak the heads in water.

Can they be used for projects other than figures?
Yes. They suit dolls, little angels, garlands, danglers, keyrings, cards, gift tags and children’s craft activities. A ready-made face quickly turns a plain bead into a small character.

Are they suitable for children?
They’re suitable for craft activities, but they aren’t toys. Small beads are a choking hazard for children under 3. For working with children, choose larger pieces, a sturdy build and always adult supervision.