Kids Craft: Perler Bead Bowl

by Jessica

2 Materials

1 Hour

Easy

Get crafty with all those extra Perler beads the kids have lying around!

This Perler bead bowl craft is so easy for kids to make and great for the child who likes to nest and collect small items.

Start by gathering your supplies. You'll need: Perler beads, a non-stick cooking spray and an oven safe bowl.

Preheat your oven to 350 and spray the inside of your bowl lightly with the cooking spray. This will allow the beads to stick to the sides during preparation and while in the oven.

Carefully, drop a handful of Perler beads inside your bowl and gently push the beads around so that they cover the bottom of the bowl and up along the sides. Be sure to leave a small gap so your beads don't melt over the sides.

Place your bowl into the oven.

After about 10-15 minutes, you'll notice that the beads are starting to get soft and melt.

At about 25-30 minutes your bowl should be melted and can be removed from the oven. The bowl will be extremely hot, so please use caution.

Grab a spoon and gently press around the bowl to fill any gaps. The beads are still soft out of the oven so they should be fairly easy to mold if you don't wait too long.

Allow your new bowl to cool completely before removing (about 30 mins.) and wash with a bit of soap and water to remove any cooking spray.

These bowls are so much fun to make and can be made with so many different color coordinations. The possibilities are endless! Allow your little ones to choose their own colors, make patterns and stretch their imaginations with this easy, fun craft!

NOTE: Perler Beads are designed to be melted with an iron and the beads fuse together through the process of melting. They are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a food-grade plastic and do not contain harmful chemicals. Perler Beads are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 11 questions

Debruser on May 16, 2016
These are plastic beads, would the clear beads be safe to use as well?

1
Carol Armstrong on Mar 17, 2017
Great idea but how did you get the beads to stic to the outside of the bowl. Or did I misunderstand.

3
Vit11006085 on Mar 18, 2017
Can I print this?

1

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4 of 84 comments

A on Mar 17, 2017

There was some concern about how safe it is to melt this particular brand of bead so I asked Wilton (yes the baking pan people who also manufacture Perler beads). I specifically requested the MSDS for the product and they sent it to me. I was unable to attach the .pdf file, but if you go to their website and contact them I'm sure they will send the file to you.

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- Jeannie Carle on Mar 18, 2017
  Sooo --- did they say "safe" ---------- or not?
  
  2
- A on Mar 18, 2017
  I'm not an expert, but it seems the answer is yes and no. Here are some copied excerpts from the MSDS: 2、Hazard indication: 2.1 Referring to EEC directive 88/379, the material is classified NOT DANGEROUS. 2.2 Main personal hazards: -fire, see §5 -Slipping in case of spillage/leakage, see §6 -Inhalation of vapours,fumes,powders, see §7 -Hazard of contact with molten polymer, see §4 2.3 Powders have specific fire risks 2.4 Environment: Lack of biodegradability, see§12 3、Composition / Information on Ingredients Technical name：EVA copolymer Chemical name：Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer Ingredient percent(%): EVA99.9%，Other0.1﹪ Chemical Abstracts Number (CAS No.) ：24937-78-8 Symbol of the basic polymer against standard ISO 1043-1：E/VAC Dangerous components: NONE 7、Handling and Storage 7.1 During the processing of the material, avoid inhalation of fumes, or powders, by providing good ventilation of the workroom and, if necessary, they have to be trapped by intake in an effective manner. If these measure are taken, traces of aldeydes or ketones which may arise during the process, will remain under the TLV/TWA value. Avoid dispersion of dust in air to reduce potential for ignition or explosions. 7.2 Storage: Out of direct sun, in well ventilated, cool and dry places 7.3 fire precautions: Equipment must be earthed, to avoid static electric charges. Any contact with flame or hot surface must be avoided. 8、Personal Protection Use gloves, goggles or eyeshade and normal working equipment. In case of powder, avoid inhalation.
  
  1
Fra9989339 on Mar 17, 2017

Very toxic inside the house when beads are cooking in oven.

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Fra9989339 on Mar 17, 2017

never again

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Gail on May 27, 2017

Thanks, I wondered how this was done.

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