Crafting Perler beads is a fun and inexpensive art form that inspires creativity. Perler beads, also called Hama beads, are plastic fusible beads. The colorful beads are typically arranged on plastic pegboards to form patterns or strung into necklaces.
Select A Design and Assemble the Materials
Start by getting organized and selecting a plan. You can look online for ideas! Choose your bead colors and get ready to start. Find a quiet, clean table or desk to work on.
Start Arranging the Beads
Roll out one side of your pegboard. Place your design on the pegboard and trace it with an erasable marker. It will serve as a guide while placing beads. Take off all loose beads and push them to the side, so they are not in the way anymore. Then, place beads in a row or concentric patterns according to the design you’ve just traced.
Plan
Decide on your design by considering what edge you need to start from and count across to ensure you have adequate height and width to fit on the pegboard. Number every column across and up to make it a bit easier. Plan out your design, and remember the number of beads you have used.
Lay Out the Outline First
Starting with the outline is the simplest way to begin. Count from each side and check both ways. Double-check to ensure you realize a flaws early on.
Follow The Pattern to The End
Finish your Perler bead design. Working with your fingers might be tricky. Consider using bead tweezers to make the work easier. If your beads are of different colors, join them together once you are done. Leave some space between each bead so it’s easier to work with both sides simultaneously.
Check Your Work
Check if you’re happy with your work and if it’s the size required for your project. After finishing up all your beads, check the final design against your pattern. Ensure you evenly make the pattern on both sides and that beads are placed correctly.
Iron Your Perler Design
Preheat your iron to medium and ensure you switch the steam function off in case steam gets in the way and melts your beads. Once your beads are on the pegboard, cover them with Perler ironing paper and run your iron for 15-20 seconds from both sides to ensure you have an even pattern piece.
Check the melting progress. Some individuals prefer melting the beads completely to seal all holes, like the effect of beads that are not hard iron.
Finish
Once you’re happy with your design, take it off the pegboard and iron the backside. Once cool, you have your masterpiece on the wall or hung from somewhere unique.
Choosing the best design will depend on your taste. Suppose you are wondering what to make or how to get started. When you do decide on a pattern, try to stick with it.