Fuse Bead Coasters
Creating things with fuse beads can be a fun and rewarding projects for all ages. Follow along as we create coasters that can be given as gifts or added to your home décor.
These were created using the Cup of Comfort graphs from the 2023 Graph-Along available on this site.
Materials:
Fuse bead peg board (this will usually come in the fuse bead kit)
Tweezers for placing the beads on the peg board (optional)
Self-stick Felt sheets or Cork sheets
Links have been added to the materials needed for your convenience.
Let’s start by talking a little about fuse beads. Some may know them as Perler beads. These can be purchased in large tubs of multi-color or in separated/single color packs. I do find the multi color tubs are cheaper but the down side is you will need to separate the colors you want to use before starting your project. I do this using snack size sandwich bags which are then all saved in a gallon size bag for easy storage. Buying the single-color ones does, however, ensure you have the correct amount of each color you want to use. You can select a graph design to start with or you can design your own right out of your imagination. I do find a graph that ends up approx. 4”x 4” is best for this project.
Fuse bead sets generally come with small pegboards that are used to hold the beads in place while you create your masterpiece. Each bead is placed on to a peg, forming a graph style design. Once you have all your desired beads in place you cover the project with parchment paper and iron with a low setting until the beads melt together slightly. When you have one side completed you flip the image over and using another piece of parchment paper you repeat the ironing process. Now just allow the image to cool ( put it on a flat surface and add a book or heavy object on top of mine to ensure they remain flat). I only takes a few minutes for the finished piece to cool and then you have a beautiful keepsake.
It is possible to over fuse/melt the beads so be careful to ensure even heating while fusing your beads. I set my iron to the lowest setting for this project.
If creating these with children be cautious and closely monitor when a hot iron is near.
To turn these into coasters you can choose a felt or cork backing. I chose cork because it is what I already had on hand. This ensures that the beads do not break apart and helps to create a moister barrier between the coaster and your surface.
Once you have your desired design created and it is cool (about 10 minutes) it is time to add the felt or cork backing. Start by tracing the shape you have created onto the felt/cork sheet. Cut out the shape making sure to cut on the inside of your lines so that there won’t be any overhang when you attach it. Trim as needed for desired coverage.
Using the E600 glue add small dabs to the corners and center of the backing material to ensure additional bonding and lay the precut backing piece onto the back side of the cooled fuse bead design. Now flip over your piece and allow it to dry at least 2 hours, or overnight is best. Repeat this process with each coaster.
Fuse bead creations are a fun family activity, perfect for days when the weather isn’t great for outdoor fun. I hope you enjoyed creating in color with me. Please share your creations with me on The Pastel Blonde Facebook group, link is below in the contact bar.
Disclaimers:
Affiliate Disclaimer: All item links may provide me with a small monetary gain from any purchased items. These links are for the sole purpose of providing easy access to the items I have used and in no way is an endorsement of the seller or products they provide.Content Disclaimer: Content is provided for informative purposes only. All opinions and outcomes provided are from my personal experience and beliefs and do not reflect the actual outcome you may experience.