Your kids have exceeded their screen time, but the Minecraft and Pokemon obsessions are strong, show them these Pokemon and Minecraft perler bead patterns.
I love my kids, I really do. But WOW, there are times that I feel less than connected to them. Their obsession with Minecraft and Pokemon is out of my realm of understanding. I put on my best “yes, I am totally interested” face when they talk about “mega-evolutions”, “pokeballs”, “pigmen” and “zombies”… but I don’t think there is any parent out there who faults me not “getting it.”
However, I DID find a way to spend quality time with the kids WHILE bonding over Pokemon and Minecraft. Everyone had a great time… you will want to check this out! It’s genius!
Mothers everywhere, listen up! All I am going to say is “POKEMON and MINECRAFT patterns for Perler Fuse Beads!”… Trust me on this one!
I love to do crafts and I’m just thrilled beyond words when the kids join in… It makes me feel like a cool mom! My challenge though is to find something that holds everybody’s attention. Perler beads are where it is at for us.
Really, these little plastic fuse beads called “Perler” or “fuse beads” keep our four boys occupied FOR HOURS– each at their own level. Stick with me, mama – you too will have beads everywhere creative little kids silenced and occupied for hours!
[bctt tweet=”Over 500 #Minecraft and #Pokemon patterns for #Perler Fuse Beads! Entertain your kids for hours!”]
I recently wrote about getting Jansen preschool-ready with Biggie Perler beads. He plays with them daily and has actually worked his way up to using the smaller beads almost exclusively.
Jacob (8) and Jordan (6) have also found their own area of interest. They make Pokemon and Minecraft related things out of Perler beads.
When Jacob gets into something he is an unstoppable force – I have NO idea where he gets that from! It was due to this obsession “focus” that we had to make a the late-afternoon run to the craft store to pick up more gray beads, so he could finish his Pokemon “thingy.”
I am not even going to pretend that I know who all of these figures are from Pokemon or Minecraft. But I know they are important to the boys, it keeps their attention and they are so proud of their creations – so that is something that deserves my endorsement and “thumbs up!”
For complete instructions on how to create with Perler beads, check out my ever so detailed tutorial here. It is like “Perler Beads for Dummies” – the instructions VERY easy to follow. I would NEVER set you up for a “Pinterest Fail!”
To get started you need:
Plates for regular beads (square) (Stock up on these, we constantly run out when the kids really get going)
Plates for regular beads (fun shapes) (Don’t forget these fun shapes. The kids WILL ask for them!)
Plates for Biggie beads (for preschoolers) (These are such a great size for the little beginners)
Regular sized beads (Buy them by the bucket, you will need them all – and then some!)
Regular sized beads, color sorted (This tray will cut down on time when you don’t have to dig through thousands to find the last three red ones. Trust me on this. We have two color-sorted trays and two buckets.
Biggie Beads (for preschoolers) (The younger kids LOVE these beads, perfect for little hands – just watch noses and ears!)
Iron and ironing board
Instructions (check out my Pinterest board for inspiration. I add new pins every day, so follow it to stay updated!)
LOTS OF Inspiration:
Cool Minecraft ideas. Simple construction inspiration.
74 Minecraft patterns. I know – that’s a lot!
COUNTLESS Pokemon instructions. No really, COUNTLESS – or 378, either way, it’s A LOT!
Please share with me in the comments which character your child enjoys making with Perler beads!
We may not always understand their Pokemon obsession, but we can still score cool-mom-points with these awesome Pokemon crafts and activities for kids of all ages!
mommyinsports says
I have not introduced Minecraft yet (should I?) but my nephew will love these! great for Easter baskets huh?!
Amanda Chapman says
I have never done these with my kids, I remember these from when I was a kid. I might have to try the minecraft ones!
katie says
I’ve seen these but never knew how they were made, so cool. Minecraft is so popular but I’ve never played it.
Melissa says
I cannot even begin to thank you enough for these Minecraft patterns and exact list of what beads, etc. to buy!!!!!!!!! My 5 1/2 year old son is totally obsessed with Minecraft and he got a bunch of Quixels for Christmas but is having a difficult time with them and has quickly lost interest, but with the Minecraft patterns and starting with the Biggie Beads, then moving into the regular ones, I think he will really enjoy it. Such a great help, thank you!!
Mama in the Now says
I am SO glad you loved these. Our kids still can’t get enough of these projects!
Tiffany says
I would like to do these for my ten years old party- do you think they can do it at the party or would it take too long? I would def have to limit to just a few designs of course!
Mama in the Now says
What a fun idea. I definitely think there is enough time to complete one or two of these. You will be amazed at how quiet a group of kids can be when they are doing these! I love them! Have a great time!
Janice says
When you print off the pattern do you place the picture under the clear plate to copy or is it just by looking at the picture and trying to copy?
Mama in the Now says
Hi Janice, this is a great question about the Perler bead patterns. I have done both. It’s easier for the little ones to place the pattern under the peg board, especially when working with the big beads. However, our elementary school aged kids do just fine working with an image next to them and counting pegs. Either way challenges them.
Dana says
Where are the patterns?
Mama in the Now says
The patterns are in the links throughout the text.
fine motor skills toys for toddlers says
Great blog and recommendations. Enjoy your wonderful blogs.
The_L1985 says
As a fan of both Pokemon and Minecraft, I’m definitely glad for these patterns!
So your kid gets “obsessed” with things he really likes for months on end?
It’s possible he might have ADHD or autism. Both disorders can cause hyperfocus on special interests–as an adult with ADHD, I can also tell you that this never goes away, either! I still have my small set of “omg you MUST check this out!!” interests that I drive my husband crazy with!