How to use ironing beads without an iron?

How to use Hama beads?

Hama ironing beads are a fun, colorful handicraft activity that appeals to young and old alike.
At Perles and co, we like them too, because there's something regressive about these little plastic beads... A taste of childhood!

Very simple to use, all you have to do is create your pattern on a support, then assemble the beads together using the heat of an iron.

How to use Hama beads without an iron?

If you don't necessarily want to get the iron or steam iron out of the cupboard every time, there are alternatives to using an iron:

• simply fix them with a dot of glue.
• melt them in the oven.
• weave them with a needle as you would your Miyuki beads.
• use the old-fashioned method of filling a saucepan with hot water.

What can I create with Hama iron-on beads without an iron?

1 - Small Hama bead objects

Assemble your ironing beads in a different way, by weaving them into a brick stitch. You'll be able to make small objects like a woven parrot, a slice of watermelon or a hibiscus flower.
Use these objects to make an accessory and add an exotic touch to your look. Glue the resulting shape onto a brooch or pin to pin to the lapel of a denim jacket, a headband or a hair clip. For example, make this original hair clip for a child, decorated with a cat in brick stitch weaving.
You can also make a keyring by passing a ring through one of the beads.

2 - Easy jewelry

Thread beads onto a wire to make a bracelet or necklace in a jiffy.
If you want to make your DIY jewelry with flat beads, it's possible! Instead of soldering the beads together, melt them in the oven to create pretty rondelle beads.
To do this, take a perforated dish, such as a pizza tray. Put a sheet of baking paper (or ironing paper if you don't have one) on top and place your beads (hole facing up), spacing them out. Then place in a hot oven.

After a few moments, your beads are ready. All that's left to do is thread them onto an elastic thread.
Be careful to let them cool before handling them, as you risk burning yourself with the hot plastic.

Mix Rondelle beads and cylinder beads in the same creation for a highly original result.

3 - Flower pots

You can customize a flowerpot by gluing the beads edge-on to the pot. Monochrome, multicolored or with patterns? Let your imagination be your guide!
If you're a Zero Waste enthusiast, give a tin can a second life. Using the same method, decorate it and use it as a pencil cup, flower pot, make-up brush holder and a whole lot more.

4 - Greeting cards

Send an original greetings card or cute invitations to invite your children's friends to a birthday party. Create a pattern with your iron-on beads and glue it onto a cardboard sheet, and you're done. All that's left to do is write your text.

5 - A colorful basket

Make a colorful basket by placing the beads against the sides of an oiled Pyrex bowl. Place in a preheated oven at 200°C for a few moments. The beads will melt and weld together. All that's left to do is unmold.
Make sure your container is ovenproof, and always leave to cool before moving your creation.

6 - Phone jewelry

Phone jewelry is super trendy right now. Create your own with Hama beads!
Easy to create, this fashion accessory is made like a necklace that you simply attach to your cell phone.
Endlessly customizable, add anything you can think of: alphabet letter beads, Heishi beads, charms, pompoms...

7 - Headphone storage

How about a headphone holder? It's really easy to make. Simply place the beads on the cord of your headphones. As well as adding a colorful touch, it's a great way to stop confusing your headphones with someone else's.
Bonus: your cable won't get tangled!

Do you already useHama ironing beadswithout an iron? At Perles and co, we're curious! Show us your creations on our social networks: our Facebook page and our Instagram page.