Are your kids bored this summer? With just a few supplies and minimal adult supervision, you've got a great kid's craft that will keep the kids busy and creative for hours. My three year old had a lot of fun, and can't wait to make more!
Melty Beads from CraftProjectIdeas.com are an inexpensive and fun way to keep kids busy and creative. Kids can follow the pattern designs on the packaging, or they can create their own! There are five different Melty Beads packs to pick from, so there is something for everyone. Of course, my daughter is always delighted to create anything princess.
To prep, find a clean, flat area to work on. Remove all the materials from the packaging and lay out on the table. Pour some beads into a cup or bowl to keep them from rolling away while you work. Place the box in front of your workspace to reference the pictures if you're going to create the patterns. We made all three designs on the packaging, then made a "Z" all on our own. You can also find pattern ideas and instructions on the Craft Project Ideas site.
Using your fingers (or tweezers), start creating your design by placing beads one at a time on the peg board. Be careful not to knock the other beads over while you add more.
Once your design is finished, carefully carry the peg board to a safe, flat area for an adult to iron. When moving the design be VERY careful!! If you bump into something or even when putting the design down, the beads could fall out of place.
ADULT STEP: Preheat your iron to cotton setting, no steam. Place the wax paper (provided in the Melty Beads kit) over the design. Keep the iron level and apply even pressure. Gently iron the beads in a circular motion for 30-40 seconds or until you can see the beads melt together.
Let the design completely cool, then peel the wax paper away. Remove the design from the peg board and flip the design over. Put the wax paper back on top of the design and repeat the ironing step until the beads melt together. Now both sides of the design should look the same (and will hold together better).
Once the designs are completely cool, apply some E6000 glue to a magnet and attach to the back of the designs. Let dry for a few hours or overnight. Now you have some fun & unique magnets to hold your artwork or to just decorate your refrigerator or magnet board!
I received some of these craft supplies as compensation from CraftProjectIdeas.com. All opinions are my own.
