A very popular versatile craft is Perler Beads – great for all ages.
Perler Beads are great funSteo for developing fine motor and cognitive skills as well as social skills in a group setting.
Young children learn and acquire new skills at a remarkable pace, as they learn how to navigate and interact with the world around them. As they play and explore, children are constantly developing their motor, cognitive, and social skills, all of which will aid them throughout their lives as they go on the study, work, and form relationships with others.
Follow this pattern and steps for this ‘cute’ Vampire Bat
STEP 1
You will need these Bead Colours :
- Prickly Pear – 6
- Purple – 90
- Dark Grey – 139
- Black – 238
You will also need:
- 2 large square pegboards
- Scissors and clear tape
- A household iron and ironing paper
- Tweezers
- Three red adhesive gems
- Thread or cord for hanging
step 2
Download the PDF for the Vampire Bat pattern and get ready to start your project. Connect two square pegboards next to each other to form the base. If you’re using transparent pegboards, position the full-size template beneath them for easy reference. Then, arrange the beads according to the design.
step 3
Have an adult help you fuse your creation. Begin by placing your pegboard on a stable, heat resistant surface. Set the iron to a medium heat level. Cover the beads with ironing paper, then gently move the iron in small circles over the design. The beads should remain hollow in the centre once properly fused. Be careful not to overheat, as this could close the beads and make assembling your project more difficult. Allow the design to cool completely before handling.
step 4
Carefully lift the paper and your bead creation off the pegboard. Turn the design over so the unfused side is facing up. Fuse this side by repeating the ironing process. Allow the project to cool fully before handling it again. Once cooled, remove the ironing paper. Both your pegboards and ironing paper can be used for future projects.
Tip: It usually takes about 10-20 seconds of heat per side for the beads to fuse evenly. Periodically check under the paper to monitor the fusing process and apply extra heat if necessary.
step 5
Thread a piece of fishing line or similar cord through the bats head to hang. If Red gems are handy add these as eyes, if not use Coloured Joggle Eyes instead.
If you are new to Perler Beads, we have a great blog on How to Set up for Perler Beads.
