Did you know that the cylindrical tubes have been around since 1971? Malte Haaning from Hama, one of the leading manufacturers of fuse beads, was the first to include the midi size in his range. Smaller and larger variants followed later. In the meantime, numerous companies have followed suit and also produce the popular plastic beads. But what exactly makes them so valuable for children and how exactly do they merge into a total work of art? We have compiled the most important facts for you.
Contrary to what you might think, the mini beads are not suitable for small children. Since they have a diameter of just 2.5 millimeters, it takes a lot of tact and fine motor skills to craft the iron-on transfers. If you want to give your little one a taste, we recommend starting with maxi pearls, which have a diameter of ten millimeters and are therefore suitable for children from the age of three. Midi beads, on the other hand, can be handled by children from the age of five, while mini beads are only recommended from the age of ten. The ironing beads are so small that it is very difficult to put them on the plates with your hands. For this reason, tweezers are used for this size.
! Warning ! Never leave a toddler alone with the fuse beads as they can be easily swallowed.
Ironing beads are – especially in the Corona period – a nice and meaningful activity for children. But what is even more important: You have a positive effect on the development of your offspring. In addition to the motor skills that are promoted when doing handicrafts, the beads have an effect on the ability to concentrate. The educational toy makes your kids come into contact with different colors and shapes that they need to distinguish from each other. They can thus let their creativity run wild without noticing how their patience is being tested and developed. Playing with ironing beads thus has a valuable benefit for children (and therefore of course their parents).
Yes, you read it right. Ironing beads not only delight children, but also one or the other adult. For this reason, there are not only motifs with hearts or stars, horses and fire engines to replicate. The market is now so huge that craft enthusiasts can try their hand at ironing bead ideas that are modeled on great works of art – such as the famous Starry Night or Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. For children, on the other hand, there is a large selection of different shapes and motifs that have to be put together.
There are either special templates that are placed under the plug-in boards and serve as orientation. Or you can use special pegboards, the shape of which is based on the motif that is to be laid with the beads. However, if you have your own pictures in mind or your children want to create their own motifs, you can also buy a colorful mix of different ironing beads. The plates required for this can also be purchased separately. And how exactly does the ironing work afterwards? You will find out in the next paragraph.
When you or your child have finished a motif and want to capture it for eternity, the iron is used. Don’t set it too hot to avoid damaging the pearls – a medium temperature is recommended. Before you start ironing, you should definitely place a sheet of ironing paper (alternatively, normal baking paper can also be used) on the finished picture, otherwise the beads would stick to the iron. Iron briefly (maximum 15 seconds) in circular movements and with little pressure over the motif and then let the ironing beads cool down before you remove the picture from the pegboard. Another tip: weigh the picture down with a light book for a better result.
! Warning ! Never leave your child unattended with a hot iron.
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