How to Make Fuse Beads
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or are just getting started, fuse beads offer an endless number of possibilities for creative expression.fuse beads These unique plastic fusible beads can be arranged on pegboards to form patterns that are then ironed together, creating a single fused piece with the design on it. They’re also used to create a variety of other projects like coasters, little jewelry boxes, necklace charms and more! They come in a wide range of colors, including glitter and glow-in-the dark varieties. This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and it’s highly recommended by occupational therapists as a way to develop hand-eye coordination, color recognition and basic math and counting skills.
There are a few essential supplies needed for working with fuse beads.fuse beads First, you’ll need some pegboards in various shapes and sizes. You can find these at craft stores and online, though there are also special fusing boards available that make working with them much easier. Also, you’ll need some tweezers to help with positioning the beads as well as some secure storage containers. If you’re a newbie, we recommend starting with a small bag of sorted beads to get a feel for the process and work out how many different colors you will need to create your first project. You may also want to purchase some specialty beads, such as black for outlines and shades and white for highlights and backgrounds. Having an idea of what you want to create will also help you decide how big or small to make your board.
Once you’ve chosen your design and gotten all your supplies in order, it’s time to start fusing the beads. Ensure that the pegboard is covered in parchment paper (or wax paper) before you start ironing. The amount of time it takes to melt the beads will depend on the size of your design, but you should always check that all the bead holes are closed before removing the parchment paper and letting the project cool down.
Be sure to remove any loose beads before putting it back on the pegboard and continue fusing until you’re happy with your result. When it’s cool, you can take the parchment paper off and enjoy your creation!
Perler Beads are a type of fusible bead that are made from food grade low-density polyethylene. They’re similar to hama beads, but they have a lower melting point and end up shorter and more rounded at the edges once fused. They also have a matte finish rather than a shiny one. This makes them ideal for geek art!