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Learning Laboratory: Craft Fuse (Perler) Beads

Johnny makes a mess with craft fuse beads

My favorite way to coping with “off” days is to introduce a new craft. I remember seeing Perler Beads as a kid, so when I saw IKEA’s version, I decided to give them a try. It was an ambitious project for a five-year-old and three-year-old! They did a good job of keeping the beads contained, but poured them on the boards haphazardly.

Emma uses a toothpick to position perler beads

Then I tried using the boards myself. I found it challenging! I resorted to using a toothpick, and with this trick Emma was able to make some progress as well!

"John" made out of perler beads

She fashioned every letter of Johnny’s name all by herself, apart from the very large “O”, which I helped with – which is why it is so big. We made the “O” first, on a circular board. Then Emma made the rest.

Part of me wants to get them some shaped pegboards, but I love Emma’s improvised letters, so maybe I should just wait and see what else she can make on her own? Do your kids play with perler (or pyssla if you get them from IKEA) beads?

learning laboratory at mama smiles

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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

20 thoughts on “Learning Laboratory: Craft Fuse (Perler) Beads”

  1. Yes, at least in Europe you can get them in a larger size for the little ones. I bought a set two years ago on a cold, snowy day and my kids have been asking to do this again.

  2. I’ve seen those at IKEA and have wondered about them. I’d never heard of them before. Sorry it took me so long to link up. :) I’m often only on the computer at 5 in the morning. That’s good for my attention during the day, but means I miss online stuff a lot.

    1. No worries about linking! It’s always best to be a mom first =)

      The beads are cool, but they were definitely a stretch for my kids. Emma was the only one who could do anything with them, and that was only after I showed her the toothpick trick. Kiddo might like them, though.

  3. Ikea is brilliant! I love toys that teach and are lots of fun! We’ve been doing fizzy science lately…I’ll link to my blog on your list. ;)

  4. His name would look so cool on his bedroom wall! I’ve seen these at Ikea and other stores but I’ve never tried them with the kids.

  5. My girls have been asking for something similar to this. I’m just so concerned that I’ll have beads everywhere. Did you do anything special to keep them contained?

    1. I put only a few beads at a time in a shoebox bin, and the first time we used them I vacuumed up the ones they left on the floor. Ever since then they have been very good at keeping them off the floor – and picking up those that do fall.

  6. We only tried small Michael’s Christmas versions that are joined together by water, and I had to help Anna quite a bit with them. However, I like the idea in principle and want to try them again when daughter is a bit older. Emma’s letters look really pretty!

    1. The water version sounds like fun – and much more simple! My kids were definitely young for this activity!

  7. We always had fun with Perler beads when my kids were younger. I haven’t tried them with Selena yet. We will though when she gets over this stage of putting everything little up her nose (Hehehe!)

  8. I used those once as a kid to make some little animals. I was probably 8 or 9 though–older than your kidlets. I like Emma’s letters. The big O is kind of fun.

  9. Very nice – I love Emma’s letters! We haven’t tried these, and I didn’t even know IKEA sold them.

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