Getting Started with Perler Beads

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Perler Beads are a fun and versatile craft idea for kids (and adults!) of all ages!

Author: Becky Cates

Want a craft activity that’s fun and simple to do? See how easy it is to get started with Perler Beads. These fantastic and inexpensive little beads help children with fine motor skills, aid in color & shape recognition, and provide hours of creative entertainment and imagination!

What are Perler beads?
Perler beads are tiny plastic beads that can be arranged on templates to form a pattern or shape. Once your child has arranged the beads in his/her chosen pattern, the beads can then be heat set with an iron to FUSE them together.
 
Here are a few simple directions to follow to create fun Perler Bead designs:

1. Place pegboard template on a flat surface. Place beads one by one on template to create design. A small pair of tweezers, or even a toothpick make picking up and placing the beads a bit easier!
   
2. After completing a pattern, the design must be heat set with an iron on a medium setting. This step should be done with a dry iron by an ADULT. To fuse, cover the beads with ironing paper and iron in a circular motion for about 10 – 20 seconds. Be sure and keep the surface and the iron level.
   
3. When the design has cooled, peel off the ironing paper and flip the design over.
   
4. Reposition ironing paper and repeat procedure to thoroughly fuse design.
   
   

Perler Bead Pegboards:
Pegboard templates come in many shapes and sizes and are sold separately or in themed kits. The themed activity kits are great for beginners because they include everything needed to create that first project including beads, template, ironing paper, and patterns.

Project Ideas:
Perler beads are great for making Christmas ornaments, wall hangings, jewelry, key chains, necklaces, etc. Older children might want to try their hand at the more challenging three dimensional designs.

More Inspiration:
Once you get started with Perler Beads you’ll find it hard to stop.  Browse the Kids Crafts Gallery or visit the official Perler Bead website for hundreds of creative ideas!

Perler Beads provide endless hours of fun and stimulates creativity in young minds. Why not give it a try!