We have been having a BLAST crafting with perler beads (also know as fushion beads)!
They are cheap, easy to work with, and the options for creating creative crafts for kids are endless!
Perler Bead Crafts for Kids
Come dig in to the first of five Perler Bead Crafts for Kids.
The kids were admiring the Melted Perler Bead Bowl Craft from Meaningful Mama. So we decided to make it – it sure did not disappoint!
We preheated the oven to 375 F. Then we buttered the smallest glass mixing bowl we had (think 6” diameter). The kids helped place the beads in the bowl and up the sides in a single layer.
Hint: The butter not only helps the bowl pop right out, but it also makes the beads stick up the sides too making it easier for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten age kids to help!
We tried this twice. (here is our first one)
We found that cooking it longer (like 20 minutes or so) gave us a “prettier” bowl. The beads were more melted and created a more seamless bowl. (there were no small holes like in the one above).
Hint: The perler beads really didn’t smell or smoke while they were cooking. I was surprised! But as always, watch them carefully and check them frequently for your desired “doneness”
Our second and favorite bowl.
See how there are no holes, but a seamless, colorful wall of melted plastic perler beads.
Here you can see the bottom of our favorite bowl – see how pretty and seamless it is. The colors are just stunning. The back one has small holes – still nice, but I’d advice cooking it 20 minutes.
This pretty bowl would make a great kid made gift for Grandparents or to keep as a candy bowl, spare change spot, candy bowl, and a lot of other uses.
