These are so pretty and ridiculously easy and inexpensive!It's a fun activity for kids, too, if you let them design the colors and patterns of the beads. Just make sure a grown up does the baking because the plastic gets HOT!
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Cheapy plastic 'pony' beads (available at craft stores for around $5 for a pound) A cookie cutter and cookie sheet or muffin tins or other shape nonstick metal cooking vessel (it doesn't ruin the pan.. you can still use it for food later) an oven, set to 400° Jewelry wire, or glass or metal beads and ribbon 
Next time the plastic tip of your shoelace starts to break, don't rush out to by new laces; fix it at home with a candle.If it's completely frayed, you'll want to start by using thread or dental floss to tighten up the end as we've discussed in a previous post. Once it's nice and tight, dip it into the melted wax of a recently-exinguished candle, and let the wax soak in for a few seconds before pulling it out to let it dry. It may take a few coats to get a solid tip, but once you're done, your laces should have some extra life.11 Crazy Useful Things You can Do with a Candle | WonderHowTo