Getting Started With Perler Beads
Thermobeads, also known as perler beads, are a fun crafting medium for kids and adults that can be used to create countless designs. These small, colorful beads are arranged on pegboards in patterns or shapes and then fused together with the heat from an iron. Once cooled, they can be removed from the pegboard and strung to form necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keychains, and other accessories. They can even be glued to paper or cardboard to create unique gifts for friends and family.
Getting started with Perler Beads is easy and fun. First, choose a design or pattern to create. If you are creating a design from scratch, make sure that it can be created with the beads that you have. You don't want to end up with a massive, overbeading creation that is difficult to work with. If you are using a pattern, it is best to stick with simple shapes like circles or squares. This will help ensure that your finished product is neat and tidy.
Place your design on a sheet of parchment paper (also called ironing paper) and carefully cover it with another piece of parchment paper. Then, set a dry iron on the parchment paper and slowly run it over your design in a circular motion. This process should only take a minute or two. Be sure to check your project regularly so that you don't accidentally apply too much heat, which could cause your beads to melt or fuse unevenly.
When your project is finished, remove the parchment paper and allow your beads to cool. You can now enjoy your new Perler Bead creation. If you have a flat, sturdy object that can be placed on top of your creation while it is cooling, such as a book or a plate, this will help to keep your beads from warping and will give your finished product a polished finish.
While you can purchase buckets of Perler Beads at your local craft store, there are several places to buy them online that offer a good value. Amazon, in particular, offers a great deal on both smaller buckets and larger ones, especially with their Prime membership program. Another great option is Meijer, which carries a large selection of Perler Bead kits, buckets, and pegboards and often has them 25% off.
One of the most popular uses for Perler Beads is to create pixel art. This type of art is perfect for showcasing the love for a favorite video game, television show, or sports team. Perler Beads are ideal for expressing this passion because they can be easily arranged on a grid to create a picture. This type of art has become particularly popular with today's youth.