Project Ideas

• Perler beads can be made into many different types of decoration, such as a magnet. Children can create their design have it ironed, then apply a magnet to the back once the project has cooled. Self-sticking magnets work well because the child does not have to wait for glue to dry before she can have the magnet.
  
  Jewelery can also be made from perler beads. As long as the iron is not pressed down too hard, there should still be holes through most of the beads. Thread string through these holes to make necklaces and bracelets. Or make a loop for a string by making a ring over the top of the piece with more beads, though each bead must touch the others to form a complete loop. This kind of loop will not be as sturdy though, as it will be thin and fragile. Make ornaments and wind chimes in the same manner, by tying together perler bead pieces, sometimes in conjunction with other objects like metal rods to make noise.
  
  Join together several flat pieces to create three-dimensional objects, such as furniture and animals. Glue each piece together after cooling. Tthree-dimensional objects can be integrated into games and bigger activities, such as a child creating her own furniture for her dollhouse.
  
  

Templates

• Find perler bead templates online or make them at home. The templates simply consist of colored circles arranged to make a desired shape. As many perler bead pegboards come in special shapes, children may not need templates to make all their projects. For those who use templates, purchase a clear pegboard so the child can place the template under the pegboard and place the beads directly on top of the template, making it easier to follow.