I have come to the conclusion that Perler Beads are here to stay.

I’m not a big fan to be honest. I don’t like plastic to begin with, I don’t know what to do with all the dinosaurs and unicorns my kids keep on making and I absolutely hate the mess they make when the box with beads tips over … again. (Thank you toddler with your grabby hands!)

I’m not a big fan at all. But my kids are. So I’ve decided to face this Perler Bead mania head on and went looking for actual cool and creative projects I’m sure my kids will love and will not do my head in. Turns out I found some pretty fabulous projects. People are so creative!

Let me share them with you and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

What to do with all the Perler Beads? 15 Creative Projects to try Today

Here we go. Get ready to ohh, ahh and slap your knee with excitement!

Big thanks to all creative geniuses for sharing their projects on their blogs so we can have a go at them too.

1. Make a Key Chain!

Rainbow Perler Bead Key Chain by My Frugal Adventures

This rainbow key chain is adorable. Sweet and simple and will look great on backpacks and school bags. Totally achievable by little hands as well!

2. Make some Coasters!

Perler Bead Coasters by Brit & Co

You’ll find many melty bead coasters on Pinterest but not all look this pretty. With summer coming up the kids might as well make something that will be used A LOT over the next months and they can show off their creativity to all who visit.

3. Make a Necklace!

Chevron Perler Bead Necklaces by The Crafted Sparrow

For the teens & tweens! Make gorgeous chevron necklaces with your stashed away Perler bead collection. Makes a great gift too!

4. Make Pretend Play Stuff!

Rainbow Fish Perler Bead for Pretend Play by Little Worlds

Why not make things kids can use in play? This Perler bead rainbow fish went on many an adventure and now I’m collecting pretend play food designs for the play kitchen. Kids love to switch things up a bit in the play room and instead of buying new stuff, make it!

5. Make a Crown!

Make a Perler Bead Crown by Maker Mama

Birthday crowns, princess crowns, … all crowns are good crowns! Love the idea and it opens up a whole new world of tiara (or hair clip!) based
Perler bead crafts.

6. Make a Bracelet!

Watermelon Bead Bracelet by Handmade Charlotte

You know what. These melty beads look so much prettier when they’re not melted! I love these bracelets and imagine all the designs you can make. Perfect for teens and tweens.

7. Set up a Sensory Bin!

Perler Bead Rainbow Sensory Tray by Little Worlds

Thinking out of the box and into the bin. Who has never put their hands in the Perler bead bag and loved the feeling? We set this sensory bin up for Saint Patrick’s Day (hence the gold!) but you can enjoy a bit of Perler bead sensory play any time of the year!

8. Make a Maze!

DIY Toy Perler Bead Mazes by Babble Dabble Do

This must be my favourite. It’s SO clever! Show your kids and hear them squeak.

9. Make some Magnets!

Perler Bead Fruit Magnets by Frugal Momeh

Magnets, always a winner! And these do look especially cute.

10. Make the letters of the alphabet!

Perler Bead Alphabet by 1 + 1 + 1 = 1

What a fun way to do some hands on learning creating a Perler bead alphabet.

11. Make a Pentomino Puzzle!

Pentominoes Melty Bead Puzzle by Rachel Swartley

Another clever  diy toy idea. These would make fun magnets too!

12. Make a Perler Bead Bunting!

DIY Hama Bead Buntng by Paper and Pin

For the hard core Perler bead fan, because this will require some hard work! Love, love, love the idea!

13. Make Beverage Lids!

Fruity Beverage Lids by Pfefferminzgruen

I’m telling you: everybody needs to make some of these. These beverage lids will save lives over summer! The times my kids had meltdowns over bugs ruining their drinks or wasps hoovering over … it’s just too much at times. Also, everyone sure will remember their own cups. Win!

14. Make a Brooch!

DIY Mustache Brooch by Orangen Mond

Note to self: make a bunch for next “Movember”.

15. Make Cards!

Perler Bead Cards by the Cheese Thief

This. Sooo sweet. These cards are delicious. Keep them in mind for Birthday invitations, but also coming Mother’s and Father’s day and make some Valentine versions in February too!

Perler Beads for the win!

So let’s collectively embrace the melty bead sensation and keep coming up with fab cool & creative designs and ideas for the world to love.

These ideas have got me pretty excited because I was running out of steam, getting kind of frustrated and tired with the same old designs my kids started and never finished. Which was a shame because the Perler beads are the only fine motor, crafty activity my larger than life 4 year old will happily do. I’m in full idea mode about finding new ways to keep him excited about his own creations. I hope you are too!

Also, I keep discovering I’m not the only one with a revived Perler bead crush, have a look here at what projects Kate from Picklebums found!

Have fun!

Ann*

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