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Learning Laboratory: Fusible Beads

six-year-old fusible bead creations

I picked up some Pyssla fusible beads (very similar to Hama Beads and Perler Beads) at IKEA several months ago, after my mom mentioned that her neighbor’s kids liked them. My kids got frustrated with them, and so we put them away until a particularly rainy afternoon last month, when something clicked and they decided they were a lot of fun! Emma (six years old) made several robots, and lots of different kinds of food, as well as a heart. She was very proud to take her creations to school for Show & Tell!

four-year-old creations with fusible beads

Four-year-old Johnny also made some robots! I love that, while his robots are clearly inspired by those of his sister, they have their own look.

Lily is still a bit small for these beads, so Emma made her a heart and a Mama and baby robot. All of the robots especially have enjoyed a lot of play time!

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

17 thoughts on “Learning Laboratory: Fusible Beads”

  1. I had bought these same beads awhile ago at Ikea also. Finally I felt my son (4) just might be old enough to do them. It ended up that he got frustrated and walked away…I, on the other hand worked on my creation for what seemed like too long! Man, those teeny little beads are not meant for adult hands! It was actually pretty cool…I had never done this when I was a kid…so I guess I needed my fix! LOL. Maybe someday we will revisit when my son is a little older!

    1. My kids got very frustrated with them the first time we pulled them out, so I was surprised to see them enjoy them so much a few months later!

      I agree that they are hard to manipulate – talk about fine motor skills practice!!!

  2. Thanks for the mention, MaryAnne! You know, we got some fusible beads as a gift and I just assumed my kids would get frustrated with them! Maybe I should get them out too!

    1. I was amazed at how well they were able to manipulate them this time around – may be worth a try!

  3. I love Emma’s rich imagination! We tried a variation from Michael’s for Christmas, and they were disappointing (or I didn’t iron them long enough). Anna did one in Y and really liked them – perhaps I need to get some of our own at this point.

  4. I too have forgotten about these awesome beads! We use to spend hours playing with them. Last week my girls came home with all kinds of creations! They can’t wait for me to get more!

  5. I LOVED these things when I was growing up! Good to know that Ikea sells them– if I remember correctly, they are sold in a big ol’ jar, too! Great robots!

  6. So cute. I’ve had my fair share of little parts, so fun, but you find them around the house for months :) Of course it’s always worth it though, the kids love it.

  7. Ingrid tried to play with these last year but they were too small. I’ve been wanting to pick some up for her but with nosey little brother it doesn’t seem like a good idea. However, if they have them at Ikea, I just happen to be going on Wed. I will have to get some :) And then send little bro out to play.

  8. I need to try and get those beads out again. My kids had fun with them one time, but we forgot and haven’t gotten them out for a while.

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