DIY Perler Bead Patterns & Activities that Kids Will Love

Have your kids discovered the amazingness of Perler Beads? We’ve exploring perler beads at home and in the learning environment for years now. For that reason, I thrilled to introduce several DIY cool Perler Bead designs. Yup, you read correctly!

Throw away the perler bead patterns that come with the set, grab you bead pegboard, and let’s go deep with Perler Bead ideas learning and fun. I promise this post will surprise you with the numerous benefits of this activity. Plus, I am loading this post with tons of ideas for you and your kids!

The Ultimate Guide to DIY Perler Bead Designs

Perler Bead Designs Ideas

The other day my 10-year-old was working with perler beads. He called me over and said, “Hey, Mom, check this out, I made a Medusa!” I saw he had also created a stone figure, clearly indicating some character had fallen victim to Medusa’s spells.

Then he proceeded to outline a narrative that required him to create more objects for the scene, which he did dutifully. His DIY Perler Beads ideas were phenomenal. We took pictures and are creating his own patterned designs.

The Benefits of this Fine Motor Activity

Fine Motor Development – this benefit is pretty obvious but not one to overlook. Have you tried to create a design with perler beads? It’s tough!

Artistic Creation – another fairly obvious one but worth mentioning because you will be in awe of the creations your children make with these tiny plastic beads.

Balance and Spatial Exercise (think: Walk the Line) – This one is tough because you actually have to let your child transfer his tray to the ironing area. More likely than not, on more than one occasion there will be a tiny bump that causes the design to get shaken up.

Experience Failure – see above! Plus, even when you get the tray to the ironing area there is a chance (especially as your child is learning) the ironing will go array. I know, life is tough. A good life lesson in what it feels like to work hard only to have to start over again.

Early Math with Patterns – When my sons let go of their pattern books, something draws them to make these incredible symmetrical designs. My five year old, especially, causes my mouth to open in awe. Perfect balance of patterns and colors. Visually and mathematically, these designs take the cake for m.

Imagination & Comprehension – I love the stories that my son tell about his creations. He even started using a cardboard box, a hot glue gun, & gorilla glue to brings designs and scenes together.

Team Work & Collaboration – Along the same lines as the above benefit, I found my boys knee deepen plotting a story and scenes together. They don’t always agree but in the end, they find their way through problems and conflicts.