Easy Toddler-Approved Perler Bead Ornaments

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.