Perler Bead Nightlight
Little Brother is pretty much obsessed with perler beads. It all began a few weeks ago when I let the boys do one of the kid’s craft workshops while I was shopping at Michael’s. The craft was pretty lame (to be honest), but they had some extra time afterwards so they let the kids use the perler beads. Little Brother was hooked. I bought this set from Amazon and we have already had to replenish our supply!
Although it makes me a little nervous having those tiny beads in the house (I’m certain Little Sister is going to swallow some one of these days), I love how creative the boys can be and how much fine motor practice it offers. We have found that if the boys use a cookie sheet (with a lip) to keep the designs and extra beads contained, very few fall on the floor! :)
In addition to creating Inside Out characters, Minions, and an army of butterflies, we decided it would be fun to make a perler bead nightlight for the boys’ bedroom.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Make 4 or 5 different designs that are all the same size. We just used the inside square on these clear pegboards.
2. Iron your design by following the package instructions. I intentionally chose to not iron them to where they are completely smooth, so that light can still come out through the holes. Let each design cool completely.
3. Use a hot glue gun to glue the sides together. Add a design on the top or leave open.
(Little Brother helping to assemble the nightlight)
4. Turn on your battery-operated tealight and it is ready for a darkened room.
Ta-da!
Check out more fine motor activities here.
I love this idea, thanks for sharing!!! I also loved the ideas you mentioned of making some of their favorite characters! I hadn’t thought about that. I just introduced my 6-year-old to perler beads hoping to strengthen his fine motor skills and improve his pencil grip. It definitely helps, he doesn’t realize that’s what he is doing while he creates!