We’re so excited to be back over at Design Dazzle for Summer Camp again this year! This time we’re thinking outside the box by creating these brightly colored bowls from perler beads (also called hama beads). They are so simple that even the littlest hands can help make these fun catch-alls (though all kiddos will need a parent’s help with the oven!).
These bright and cheery bowls are perfect for storing all of your small trinkets and treasures (my guys like to put Legos and special rocks in theirs), and they make a special gift for friends and grandparents.
All you need is an oven-safe bowl, perler beads, cooking spray and an oven that has been pre-heated to 375 degrees.
Lightly spray the inside of your bowl with cooking spray, and pour in a handful of perler beads. Gently push the beads around so that there is only a single layer of beads covering the bottom of the bowl. The cooking spray will help the unmelted beads temporarily stick to the walls of the bowl in order to build it up and make it taller.
Place your bowl on a baking sheet and into your oven. After about 5 minutes you’ll see the beads start to stretch out and begin to melt.
After 15-20 minutes the bowl will be fully melted and can be removed from the oven. Please, be careful because the bowl will remain hot for quite awhile after it’s removed from the oven! At this point while the melty beads are still flexible, you can use the back of a spoon to gently push the softened beads around and fill in any large holes or gaps.
Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes before removing the bead bowl from the outer bowl! Give the outside of your bead bowl a light wiping with a soapy sponge to remove any cooking spray residue.
These fun bowls are textured on the inside and perfectly smooth on the outside. I love the way the top row of beads melt and slide down to create unique teardrop shapes – lovely! Try making them with different colored bead combinations (I think red, white and blue would be fantastic for 4th of July!) and by using a variety of different sized and shaped bowls. There are so many exciting possibilities!
Four Marrs and One Venus says
Oh– I am on my way over…looks super fun! And LOVE the colors!!
TENA says
I LOVE IT
Aysha Farooqui says
It looks so beautiful and bright! A beautiful accent for any room 🙂
Livi says
I just finished making this, it brightens up any room!
Aloha Crafts says
Awesome idea!
Theresa Ryan says
Can’t wait to try this with my grandkids!
Sew Busy says
Have you tried putting the beads on the outside of an upside down bowl? The inside of the bowl would be smooth and the outside would be textured.
Heidi says
I haven’t tried that, but if you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
loria says
wow – amazing idea – keeps the kids busy and so easy!!
me says
LOVE!
Annette Peters says
My grandkids love the perler beads. We have done many designs that you iron over to adhere. We just made our second bowl this morning. They turn out beautifully.
Joanne Talerico says
Going to try this today with one of my DD clients. Looks like fun.