If you grew up in the 90s, then you are probably familiar with “perler beads”. If not, here is a little introduction: perler beads are a type of small heat-activated decorative beads that can be used to create a variety of crafts and projects.
While perler beads were most popular many years ago, they often came in pre-packaged kits that would teach how to make a keychain or decorative piece. While these craft kits may be more or less out of vogue, perler bead crafting has seen quite the resurgence over the past few years thanks to innovative internet tutorials. In this article, we will share a collection of our favorite ones that you can try out the next time you have a spare weekend!
Fruit Keyrings
Let’s start with the very foundation of what perler bead crafts are all about: keyrings! If you are just dipping your toes in (or back in) to the world of perler beading crafts, then a good place to start is with these adorable fruit-themed keychains from My Poppet. Whether you choose to make watermelons, pineapples, or another fruit, you are sure to get some questions and conversation starts by having these hang on the end of your keyring.
Earrings
Speaking of showing off your perler bead creation, what better way to show them off then to actually wear them on your body? Perler beads make a wonderful material for all types of jewelry, but especially earrings as they aren’t particularly heavy and won’t drag on your earlobes. Here is a video tutorial that will show you all of the steps involved with making perler bead jewelry!
Perler Bead Bracelets
Earrings aren’t the only kind of jewelry that perler beads can be used for, though! We love these adorable bracelets from Red Ted Art that make a wonderful craft idea for adults or older children. There is nothing better than being able to wear your creation and show it off!
Melted Perler Bead Bowl
Although this bowl made of perler beads is more for looks than it is for use, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for anything at all! It would work wonderfully as a container for small trinkets on a bedroom table or living room coffee table. Learn how to put it together over at An Inspired Mess.
Fairy Garden Friends
Are you familiar with the concept of fairy garden friends? These whimsical ornaments are designed to bring cheer to your outdoor spaces by sharing small slivers of tiny, imagined worlds. Though they are usually made out of ceramic or natural materials, you can also make adorable fairy garden characters from perler beads! Find out how over at Fun Loving Families.
Perler Bead Popsicle
Sometimes the creations that we make don’t need to have an intended use as a tool or other functional item. Sometimes, we want to make them just for decoration — or even just for the sake of making them! Such is the case with this cute little popsicle, made completely from perler beads. Find the fun idea over at Crafty Marie.
Fridge Magnets
DIY fridge magnets are perfectly suited to be a perler bead craft. They are small, decorative, and welcome the incorporation of bright colors. There are many tutorials out there that can show you how to make your own magnets out of perler beads, but we are biased towards this tutorial from Frugal Momeh because they show you how to make cute fruit shapes that are ideal for kitchen use.
Coasters
You knew it was only a matter of time until we included coasters on this list! These geometric coasters from Intimate Weddings are made completely out of perler beads, and feature bold, colorful patterns that make a statement.
Camper Keyring
Here is another keyring example — and this time it’s for anyone who loves camping! While camping memorabilia has become more and more common over recent years, it can still be hard to find certain items that carry that theme, such as keyring. You can remedy this lack of availability by creating a keyring yourself for that special someone in your life that loves the great outdoors! Get it from True Blue Me and You.
Perler Bead Trivet
A trivet is almost like a coaster, except that it is a larger version and intended for use with pots and pans! If you place them hot upon a trivet then you eliminate the risk of making a mark on your countertop. These make for a great gift idea too! Get the details at Homemade City.
Phone Case
What would this list be without at least one option that you can use on a phone case? This tutorial from Cut Out and Keep will show you how you can make an iron-on phone case that can be personalized to suit your tastes.
Miniature Furniture
Like we said before, sometimes the point of doing a craft isn’t to end up with something practical at the end of it. Sometimes, it’s about the act of crafting itself. While these miniature furniture items made of perler beads may not serve any purpose, they could also be used to furnish a dollhouse! Get the tutorial from Mama Smiles.
Ring Toss Game
If you are looking for a craft with a practical output, though, don’t write perler beads off just yet. These small but mighty beads can also be used to make useful objects and games! Once such example is this simple ring toss game that is made from perler beads. It’s sure to impress the guests at your next hangout! Find out the details at The Art Kit.
Perler Bead Candle Holder
If you’re a fan of the ambience and aromatherapy that candles provide, you will want to have a decorative container to keep them in that adds character to your room. Here is an adorable candle holder that you can make out of perler beads, courtesy of Minie Co. If you’re not into candles, you could also use this as a mini receptacle for general odds and ends.
Perler Bead Necklace
Earrings aren’t the only kind of jewelry that can be made out of perler beads! The Crafted Sparrow can show you how you can also make a fashionable necklace. The end result is unexpected and oh-so-vintage, which is very much on trend as of now!
Perler Bead License Plate for Kids
This is a fun craft idea for kids who love riding their bicycle: a “license plate” out of perler beads! This is a great opportunity for customization for kids who have a hard time finding items with their name on them. Get the idea from Willow Day.
Perler Bead Tray
Everyone needs a tray (or two) in their bedroom or office to hold those small miscellaneous items that would otherwise go missing! This pattern from Tried and True Creative will show you how you can make a professional-looking tray with a gorgeous rose pattern.
Garden Markers
Here is one for all of the passionate gardeners out there! You can use these homemade perler bead marker/stake from Krsyanthe to indicate the kinds of produce that you are growing in the garden, or you can just make decorative butterflies or flowers to add decoration!
Perler Bead Drink Covers
There is nothing worth than enjoying a cold drink in the summertime and realizing that a bug has had the misfortune of flying into your refreshment! You can mitigate this risk by using a drink cover, of course — and you can even make your own drink cover right out of perler beads! Learn how from HGTV.
DIY Spinning Toy Made of Perler Beads
This is another tutorial that makes a great craft idea for birthday parties or sleepovers! Your guys will delight in making this adorable spinning toy together and then testing them out afterwards. As there is heat involved in any perler bead craft, it is always best to have the attention of an adult on hand. Get the idea over at Babble Dabble Do.
Perler beads may not have the same popularity that they had in previous years, but the fact that they are less common just makes them all the more special! What kind of unique things can you think of that could be made out of perler beads? There are so many possibilities!