Perler beads are small, plastic beads that can be used to create a variety of crafts and designs. These beads are avaiable in a wide range of colors and can be arranged in any pattern you desire. One popular craft that can be made with perler beads is a link bracelet.
To make a link bracelet using perler beads, you will need the following materials:
– Perler beads in various colors
– Perler bead pegboards
– Ironing paper or parchment paper
– Iron
– Jump rings
– Jewelry pliers
First, choose the colors of beads you want to use for your bracelet. You can use one color, multiple colors, or even create a pattern with your beads. Once you have your colors picked out, it’s time to start placing your beads on the pegboard.
Lay out your pegboard and place the beads on it in the pattern you desire. You can create a design that goes all the way around the bracelet or just a portion of it. Make sure to leave a small space between each bead to allow for expansion when ironing.
Once your design is complete, cover it with ironing paper or parchment paper. Use a hot iron to melt the beads together. Start with a low heat setting and gradually increase the temperature until the beads have fused together.
Allow the beads to cool completely before removing them from the pegboard. Once they are cool, use jewelry pliers to attach jump rings to each end of the bracelet. You can also add additional jump rings between each bead to create a more fluid, linked look.
Your perler bead link bracelet is now complete! These bracelets make great gifts or can be worn as a fun accessory. Experiment with different color combinations and patterns to create a unique bracelet that reflects your personal style.
Connecting Perler Beads
To connect Perler beads, you will need parchment paper and a dry iron set to a medium heat. First, arrange the beads into the desired design on the pegboard. Once you have finished, cover the beads with a piece of parchment paper. With the iron heated to a medium setting, slowly run it in a circular motion over the parchment paper for abot 10 seconds. The heat from the iron will melt the beads just enough to fuse them together. Once you have completed this step, let the beads cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pegboard. And that’s it – your Perler beads are now connected!
Using Adhesives to Attach Perler Beads
When it comes to sticking Perler beads together, it is important to use a strong and durable adhesive that can withstand wear and tear. While there are many types of glue available, not all of them are suitable for this task. The best option for sticking Perler beads together is E6000® Craft Adhesive. This adhesive is specifically designed for bonding a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and fabrics. It has a strong and flexible hold, making it ideal for use with Perler beads. To use it, simply apply a small amount of glue to one side of the bead and press it firmly onto the other bead. Allow the glue to dry completely bfore handling the beads, and avoid getting any glue on your skin as it can be difficult to remove. With E6000® Craft Adhesive, you can create durable and long-lasting Perler bead projects that will stand the test of time.
The Benefits of Taping Perler Beads
People tape Perler beads to prevent the plastic boards from warping when applying heat to the beads. When making Perler creations, the beads are placed on plastic pegboards in a specific pattern. Once the pattern is complete, the beads need to be fused together usng heat, typically from an iron. However, the heat can cause the plastic boards to warp, which can ruin the design and make it difficult to remove the finished creation from the board. By taping the design with masking tape before applying heat, the tape acts as a barrier between the plastic board and the heat, preventing warping and making it easier to remove the finished creation from the board. Additionally, taping the design can also help keep the beads in place while fusing, ensuring that the design stays intact and doesn’t shift during the heating process.
Conclusion
Perler beads are a fun and creative way to express oneslf through art. They come in a variety of colors and can be arranged into countless designs. The process of creating a design using Perler beads is relatively simple, requiring only a pegboard, beads, and an iron. Once the design is complete, it can be used as a decoration or even turned into a functional item such as a keychain or coaster. While it is important to follow safety precautions when using an iron, creating Perler bead art is a great activity for people of all ages. With a little creativity and patience, anyone can make a unique and beautiful Perler bead creation.
