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Step 1
Perler beads are unfortunately not very well known in the crafts for kids world. They are small plastic beads that fit on peg boards to make any pattern your mind can come up with. They're cheap, easy to make, and last forever. You can find Perler Beads on the internet, in your local craft store, even in your local grocery store.
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Step 2
Sometimes the beads come with an idea book, but there's really no rhyme or reason behind a design. Let your imagination roam. Perler provides peg boards in your standard geometric shapes, as well as pet shapes, flowers, and odd ball shapes. Using the beads, design your own patterns.
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Step 3
Once you've designed your board, its time to iron. Using a Perler ironing sheet, place the sheet over the board and gently press down with a medium-hot iron. Press and run the iron over the sheet on the entire surface to melt the beads together. Once you've fused the first side, slowly remove the beads from the peg board and fold the ironing sheet over the other side of the beads and repeat the process.
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Step 4
Allow the creation to cool for for a few minutes, and then test the strength of the fused beads to make sure the melting was done throughout.
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Step 5
Taking a pair of scissors, cut a section of magnet sheet to fit the bead plaque you made. You don't need a whole lot, just enough to get a good hold on the back of the plaque. You can find craft magnets at a Michaels or local craft store for really cheap.
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Step 6
Use hot glue to adhere the magnet to the peg board, and press for thirty seconds. Allow a couple hours for the glue to harden completely, and then test your magnet. Place the finished magnet on your fridge, and voila! custom homemade magnets!
Comments
leanan said
on 11/21/2008 Cute idea! Thanks!
leannec71 said
on 8/29/2008 I have just started making things with perler beads and im hooked. Great idea.