Once kids are into craft toys, parents are required to be experts in crafts. There are a lot to learn! We hear you. It's tough to keep up.
One of the questions that often come up is the difference between fuse beads and perler beads.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between fuse beads and perler beads, so you can decide which is right for your kids.
Difference Between Fuse Beads & Perler Beads
Fuse beads and perler beads are both made of plastic, but there are some key differences between the two.
Fuse beads are smaller and have a smooth, shiny surface. Perler beads are larger and have a matte finish.
Fuse beads are melted together using an iron, while perler beads can be fused together with an iron or by threading them through a piece of string.
Both of them are excellent craft toy choices for kids. Just make sure your kids are old enough to understand not to put things they see into their mouths, as the small beads can be choking hazards.
Children should also always have adult supervision when playing with beads.
Fuse Beads
Fuse beads were invented in the 1970s and are often used in jewelry making. They can be strung together to create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Fuse beads have become popular craft toys for kids in recent years.
To use fuse beads, you will need an iron and some wax paper. Place the beads on the wax paper in the design you want, then place another piece of wax paper over top.
Iron the two pieces of wax paper together, using a low heat setting. The beads will melt and fuse together.
Fuse beads are loved by kids as it allows them to create something colorful, fun and put their ideas into reality.
Kids can use fuse beads to make different shapes, patterns, animals or even their favorite cartoon characters. It's a very good creative activity and great for practicing hand-eye coordination.
Once they create the picture with the beads, kids can also put them on their bags as accessories or use them as keychains. It's a perfect way to show their personalities.
Perler Beads
Perler beads were invented in the 1980s and are often used in scrapbooking and other paper crafts. Perler beads can be ironed onto a piece of paper to create a design, or they can be strung together to create necklaces, bracelets, and keychains.
Perler beads are actually a brand name. It gets used so much that it becomes a standard name for those kinds of beads.
Like fuse beads, perler beads can be placed on a piece of wax paper in the design you want.
Place another piece of wax paper over top and iron the two pieces of wax paper together, using a low heat setting. The beads will melt and fuse together.
Conclusion
Both fuse beads and perler beads are great craft toys for kids.
There are no major differences if you're not training your kids up as professional beads artists.
If you're looking for beads to get your kids, get the ones that are made for kids with safe and kids-friendly materials. Make sure you have lots of different colors as children's creative mind will need them.