There are days we need to keep our little ones busy and happy for a few minutes. These easy toddler-approved Perler bead ornaments are perfect for that!
The big kids are busy with their homework. Common core math has forced a silence over the house. The little kids are enjoying their simple life, but since their brothers are occupied, they decide it’s their turn to get my attention.
I need to busy them with an easy and fun craft idea. Something I won’t need to closely monitor, as we have spelling words and multiplication tables to review with the big kids.
Perler beads to the rescue – as always.
These tiny beads are great for a multitude of projects and ages. Jansen’s eyes light up when I tell him that we are going to make [easyazon_link identifier=”B000ZDME7Y” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Perler bead[/easyazon_link] Christmas ornaments.
Everything you need for this project:
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0000AW5SU” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Perler beads[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”160″ identifier=”B0000AW5SU” locale=”US” src=”http://mamainthenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/51tqITIR0KL.SL160.jpg” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″ width=”158″]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00UY0W9CI” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Cookie cutters[/easyazon_link], medium or large. (Note: Do not use plastic, only metal or silicone)
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”160″ identifier=”B00UY0W9CI” locale=”US” src=”http://mamainthenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/51FI72ID5XL.SL160.jpg” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″ width=”160″]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B000G0KJG4″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Cookie sheet[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”160″ identifier=”B000G0KJG4″ locale=”US” src=”http://mamainthenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/31kjzheUuPL.SL160.jpg” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″ width=”160″]
- Oven (I am going out on a limb by not attaching a picture of an oven. I hope that’s OK!)
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B001AXF31M” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Fishing line[/easyazon_link], or thin thread
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”160″ identifier=”B001AXF31M” locale=”US” src=”http://mamainthenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/51B9GJO6YXL.SL160.jpg” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″ width=”150″]
- Minimal patience required (from both parent and child)
[bctt tweet=”Easy #ToddlerApproved #Perler Bead #Ornaments for when you need to keep the kids busy! ” username=”MamaintheNow”]
Step by step instructions:
- Place the cookie cutters on the cookie sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Fill the cookie cutters with beads. Layering them 2-3 beads deep will make a solid ornament.
- (The kids can do this step independently for several minutes.)
- Either strategically place the colored beads, or do it toddler-style with random colors throughout.
- (We did it both ways and love the results equally.)
- Put the cookie sheet in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Keep the oven light on – this will entertain the kids – and help you to monitor the melting process.
- Remove promptly once all the beads are melted.
- Rinse the cookie sheet and cookie cutters under running water.
- The bead ornaments will pop right out and be cool enough to handle.
- (Please DO confirm the temperature of the ornaments before you give them to the kids!)
- String fishing line/ thread through the holes in the ornament.
- Voila! Easy ornament, happy kids – win win!
*** I am sure this does without saying, but I am going to say it anyway: Please watch your little ones around the small beads, as they fit perfectly in nostrils and ears – or so I am told! Also use caution around the hot oven and the newly melted ornaments. ***
Both Jansen and Jonah are now firmly planted on the couch, admiring their ornaments, feeling rather accomplished – and I have the peace to devote all my attention to the enthralling common core problems of 2nd and 4th grade.
Don’t miss this other Perler bead craft that is perfect for little hands!
Over 500 Pokemon and Minecraft Perler Patterns
Ros Emely @stressfreemommies says
Adorable and perfect little project for my kids to enjoy.