We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Get creative with these bold, bright and fun craft ideas Artkal Block Set Blocks
Hama beads continue to charm children and adults alike which is why we're always in search of new hama bead ideas - there’s certainly no sign of this craft craze fading! Easy to do, hama beads are also known as perler beads, melty beads, fused beads and iron beads. Whatever you call them, one thing is guaranteed: they’re a super fun craft activity and great to do with children over the school holidays. The traditional way to use hama beads is to place them on a hama pegboard and create pretty pictures, before tipping them off to reuse and start again. You can also thread hama beads to make jewellery like bracelets and necklaces which make great gifts. A creative way of making art with hama beads it to make a landscapes using beads on a board as an alternative to painting. If you’d like to keep your design, the hama beads can be ironed together using ironing paper (that comes inside kits) so the complete design can be removed from the pegboard and kept.
You can buy hama bead kits from stores like Argos and online at Amazon, or directly at hamabeads.com, where perler bead patterns and ideas are provided, or you can simply buy a pack of beads and go free-form with your hama bead design. Using hama beads in household items and even your wardrobe has become a popular way to get creative which means there’s a host of hama bead ideas that all the family can get involved with.
If you're doing hama bead designs with children, make sure to keep small hands far away from the iron. To make designs that last, it's best to leave the ironed beads to cool overnight before they're played with.
Looking for bead ideas? We’ve picked some of our favourites below. Here's 35 cool ideas for hama beads...
Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
Homemade bunting is a staple project for craft fans, but have you ever made bunting from hama beads?
What an inspiring way to use these versatile colourful beads. You can get really creative with the designs, making the flags in simple block colours, or trying patterns like these zigzag stripes.
What a brilliant way to jazz up a plain old glass candle votive. This hama bead idea certainly gives this candle some chutzpah, and would look gorgeous in a teen's bedroom (or yours!).
Wow! This is such a simple yet stylish idea and one that’s great for activities with the kids. Let them make the hama flowers while you create the stalks.
Rachel Burke aka Imakestagram is one of the most joyful social media craft influencers and we love seeing her innovative take on everyday craft supplies.
She recently began working on large-scale projects using hama beads like this patchwork wallhanging. You could create something similar by getting the whole family involved. They could all make hama bead squares which you could join together and hang up.
Turn a boring old tin can into a fabulous pen holder with this creative hama bead idea. How? You can follow a classic cross stitch pattern and glue the beads directly onto the can. Et voila! You've got yourself a small but punchy upcycled showpiece.
For a hama bead idea that's out of this world, why not have a go at making a 3D hanging mobile? Every child goes through a space phase, and these would look fantastic in a kid's bedroom along with glow-in-the-dark stars.
If baking a gingerbread house for Christmas feels like too much effort, then try this colourful crafty hama bead idea instead. Simply construct the sides of the building then decorate with 3D details like sweets and candy canes.
Here's an unexpected way to embellish a pair of shoes using hama beads. Instead of using them in the traditional way, simply stick individual hama beads all over a shoe using a hot glue gun.
Clock crafting is such a satisfying craft. You can attach a clock mechanism to any medium including hama beads. This cuckoo clock design looks so good, you can't tell it's been made from them.
How cute is this colour-burst rainbow key chain for a kid's backpack, lunchbox or sports bag? Not only does it look great, it's ultra-easy to make, too. Makes every day bright and fun.
If there's one thing we know for sure it's this: kids absolutely love making hama bead bracelets. It's a super-fun craft they can do with friends, making matching ones for their bestie or stacks for themselves. It's a no-brainer.
Why not take up the challenge of using a large pegboard to create a piece of hama artwork that you can frame? We love this floral design inspired by folk art. It looks like it's been embroidered.
All you need is some jewellery ring findings and you can create a set of these vibrant hama beads in no time. They're great party bag favours and little ones can even help you make them.
They're based on the basic hama flower bead design and are really quick and easy to make.
For a stylish upcycling and interiors project, here's another way to use hama bead flower motifs. Use your bottle as a vase or even as a pillar candle holder.
For an adorable look that your mini me can actually wear (exciting!), these hama bead buttons are perfect. Get the little ones involved - they can all make different colours – for a fun crafting session that's also practical later on.
What genius came up with an idea that would keep the kids busy crafting AND then busy playing? Inspired. These fun and colourful spinning tops are sure to give endless hours of joy for kids of all ages.
From spinning toys to wind spinners, these delightful mini-mobiles will brighten up a tree in your garden, or you could make a variation as a Christmas tree decoration.
We've gathered a few hama bead ideas for interiors in this round up but here's one of our faves. Why not make a sign for every door in your home? Each time create a different pattern for the border.
We adore these bold, bright and fun mini bookmarks made from hama beads and paper clips. A gorgeous way for the kids to keep their place in the latest David Walliams blockbuster. You can get really creative here, too.
This bowl of faux liquorice allsorts made us chuckle! They're be great for an April Fool, or just make a bowl full as they look really cool.
Where to try pottery painting
Diamond painting: What it is and the best kits
Try hydro dipping with our easy guide
Make a pop up card with the kids
Keep the kids busy with Christmas craft ideas
How to make papier-mâché
How to make a bath bomb
Getting started with perler beads
How to make salt dough
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Hamma Beads Artkal 5mm ©2024 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England. All Rights Reserved.