craftgrrl | Yarn Question & Goodies

I just finished up this cute little girl & snapped a quick pic to see if anyone had any advice for the yarn... She has on a patchwork dress & thick yarn to look like dreadlocks.

I wanted to finish the ends of the yarn by burning them, so they would not come untwisted, and it would make it easier to add beads. But, this yarn turns brown when I burn it ~ so I was wondering if anyone had another idea, or do you think I should just leave it natural & hope for the best?

These are the strands I burned & will probably snip off.

And for some other goodies...
I meant to post these forever ago ~ so while I'm here...
These are little mint/gun tins covered in white Sculpey and then painted.