She Made a 40-Foot Lizard from Pool Noodles, and Needed a U-Haul to Take It for a Swim (Exclusive)

**Las Vegas Creator Revives 90s Craft with Enormous Pool Noodle Lizard**

Las Vegas resident Serena Neel is making waves in the craft community after creating a remarkable 40-foot lizard using pool noodles, a project inspired by nostalgia and a flurry of enthusiastic comments from her TikTok followers. The creative venture has not only gone viral but has also positioned Neel at the forefront of a unique revival of 90s crafts.

Initially, Neel crafted a six-foot lizard made from 8,500 traditional beads, an ambitious undertaking that certainly showcased her artistic skills. However, the project took a dramatic turn when her followers reacted enthusiastically to the video she posted on TikTok, which has amassed over 24 million views. Their requests for a larger version prompted her to think outside the box — or, more specifically, outside the bead box.

Responding to the flood of viewer comments, Neel decided to take on the challenge of constructing a gargantuan beaded lizard out of pool noodles. “So many people in my comments asked for a bigger one made with pool noodles cut into beads, so I decided to spend a few days making a 40-foot one,” she shared. The design drew inspiration from traditional beaded lizards but was adapted to fit the dramatic new scale.

To gather materials for her ambitious project, Neel scoured various Five Below stores across Las Vegas, ultimately purchasing around 120 pool noodles, each priced at one dollar. The materials and related costs, including renting a U-Haul to ferry the massive creation to its debut swimming location, totalled just under £200.

Neel recounted the moment it became clear that a larger vehicle was necessary. “I knew I needed a U-Haul halfway through the project when just the body nearly filled my living room,” she recalled. She also pointed out the practical considerations of needing to transport what would be a damp lizard in the back of her car after its imminent swim.

When it came time to unveil her colossal lizard at the pool, Neel found the construction surprisingly manageable to transport. Workers at the public pool, prepping for the upcoming season, couldn’t help but stop and stare in amazement. “I’m sure they’ve seen lots of things in Vegas, but nothing like that!” she observed, noting the reactions of those around her.

Despite some initial reservations, Neel found herself pleasantly surprised when the giant lizard floated perfectly in the water, even amid the blustery conditions of a wind advisory day. “I didn’t think it was going to work,” she admitted with laughter.

The online community response to her creation has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply gratifying for Neel. The comments section on her TikTok video has seen thousands of reactions, with users expressing their astonishment and joy at the whimsical creation. Comments ranged from playful suggestions of a world record attempt to jokes about where such a massive creature could be stored.

“I love that it’s something unique and that it brought joy to so many people,” Neel said, reflecting on the overwhelming outpouring of support and encouragement. Many followers have reached out to share how much happiness her project has brought them.

Neel, who describes herself as no stranger to oversized crafting projects, casually referred to her home as “basically a craft museum at this point.” For now, her magnificent pool noodle lizard is rolled up on her back patio, but Neel is already dreaming of its next adventure. She hopes for an outing to the iconic Bellagio fountains, where the lizard could swim again in an even more spectacular setting.

“It always surprises me when these large projects actually work! I wing it almost all of the time and hope for the best!” she mused, underscoring her ingenuity and willingness to embrace creativity despite the unpredictable nature of large crafts.

Serena Neel’s journey highlights the powerful intersection of nostalgia, creativity, and digital engagement, showcasing how a simple idea can transform into a massive and joyful project that resonates with so many. In a time when crafting is enjoying a resurgence, her beaded lizard serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from turning cherished memories into fun, tangible experiences.