How to use ironing beads without an iron?

How to use Hama beads?

Hama iron-on beads offer a fun and colorful craft activity that appeals to both adults and children.
We at Perles and Co. love them too, because there’s something nostalgic about these little plastic beads… They take us back to our childhood!

They’re very easy to use—just design your pattern on a board, then fuse the beads together using the heat of an iron.

How can you use Hama beads without an iron?

If you don’t necessarily want to pull the iron or steam generator out of the closet every time, know that there are alternatives to using an iron:

• Simply secure them with a dot of glue.
• melt them in the oven.
• Thread them with a needle, just as you would with Miyuki beads.
• Use the good old method of a pot filled with hot water.

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

1 - Small objects made with Hama beads

Assemble your iron-on beads in a different way by using the brick stitch technique. You’ll be able to make small items like a woven parrot, a slice of watermelon, or a hibiscus flower.
Use these items to make an accessory and add an exotic touch to your look. Glue the finished shape onto a brooch or pin to attach to the lapel of a denim jacket, a headband, or a hair clip. For example, make this original hair clip for kids, decorated with a brick-stitch woven cat.
You can also make a keychain by threading a ring through one of the beads.

2 - Easy Jewelry

Thread beads onto a string to make a bracelet or necklace in a flash.
If you want to make your own DIY jewelry with flat beads, you can! Instead of soldering the beads together, melt them in the oven to create pretty Rondelle beads.
To do this, use a perforated dish, such as a pizza pan. Line it with parchment paper (or, if you don’t have any, ironing paper) and arrange your beads on top (hole facing up), spacing them out sufficiently. Then place the dish in a hot oven.

After a few moments, your beads will be ready. All you have to do is thread them onto elastic cord.
Be careful to let them cool before handling them, or you risk burning yourself on the hot plastic.

Mix Rondelle beads and cylindrical beads in the same design for a super-original look.

3 - Flower Pots

You can customize a flower pot by gluing the beads (flat side down) onto the pot. Monochrome, multicolored, or with patterns? Let your imagination guide you!
If you’re a fan of zero waste, give a tin can a second life. Using the same method, decorate it and use it as a pencil holder, flower pot, makeup brush organizer, or all sorts of other things.

4 - Greeting Cards

Send an original greeting card or some cute invitations to invite your children’s friends to a birthday party. Design a pattern with your iron-on beads, glue it onto a piece of cardstock, and you’re all set. All that’s left is to write your message.

5 - A Colorful Basket

Make a colorful basket by placing the beads against the sides of an oiled Pyrex bowl. Place the bowl in an oven preheated to 200°C for a few moments. The iron-on beads will melt and fuse together. Then simply remove it from the bowl.
Make sure your container is oven-safe, and always let it cool completely before moving your creation.

6 - Phone Jewelry

Phone charms are all the rage right now. Create your own with Hama beads!
Easy to make, this fashion accessory is crafted like a necklace that you simply attach to your cell phone.
With endless customization options, add whatever comes to mind: alphabet beads, Heishi beads, charms, pom-poms...

7 - An earphone holder

And why not make an earbud holder? It’s super easy to make. Just thread the iron-on beads onto your earbud cord. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it’s also a great way to make sure you never mix up your earbuds with someone else’s.
An added bonus with this tip: your cord won’t get tangled anymore!

Do you already use Hama iron-on beads without an iron? At Perles and co, we’re curious! Show us your creations on our social media: our Facebook page and our Instagram page.