Anyone else experience major nostalgia when they see Perler Beads? I think it was sometime between 3rd and 4th grade that I became too cool to craft with the little plastic tubes, but lately I haven’t been able to stop. I’ve been dying to think up an excuse to bring a pack of Perler Beads into the office, but it wasn’t until I started thinking in terms of Valentine’s Day that I had my aha! moment, and this punchy project was conceived. Since then, they’ve become something of an addiction around these parts — carefully placing plastic beads onto tiny pegs has become our new form of meditation (try it, you’ll see!) Keep reading to see how we made & packaged these irresistible little guys to send to our Valentines this year…
- Perler Beads
- Perler Beads pegboard
- parchment paper
- iron
- small glassine envelopes
- neon washi tape
- Arrange beads on pegboard in desired design. For a 2.75-inch envelope, we created squares that were 12 pegs across.
- Carefully lay parchment paper over beads.
- Set heated iron on parchment paper and hold for 10-15 seconds.
- Once melted plastic is cooled, remove square from pegboard and stuff into small glassine envelope. Use piece of washi tape to secure shut.
What a cute idea! Haven’t thought about these in years! Love it.
These are so cute, what a great idea!! Definitely feel nostalgic looking at these! 🙂
Hahaha. Yes! I made these constantly in elementary school.
oh chanel-just stop it. now i have to make MORE valentines! xoxo
Never!!
I hadn’t played around with Perler Beads in YEARS, and once Chanel busted them out at the office, I couldn’t stop!! They are so fun, colorful, and actually do make some of the cutest Valentines ever. Absolutely love this concept Chanel!!
This is brilliant! And yes, it makes me nostalgic too, because I used to be very taken with them when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. This is the perfect throwback! Now I just need to hunt them down to give this DIY a try!
xx Ivana
Macarons and Pearls
So glad you all love… I was extra-obsessed with this project! Perler Beads 2013!!
Love love love. I think this project is what those were made for!
I couldn’t agree more!!
so colorful! love it!
Love this idea and I have included a link to your post in a Valentine craft round-up on my site… http://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/2014/01/10-fabulous-valentine-crafts-for-older-kids-make.html