Hama Perler Beads – Kids’ Creative Activity

Hama beads

I use beads from the Danish brand Hama to make my fuse beads creations. They’re easy to find and come in different sizes: mini, midi, and maxi (2.5 / 5 / 10 mm). Of course, there are plenty of other brands on the market too — feel free to try them 🙂 You’ll find the beads and accessories I use, along with the latest new arrivals on page My supplies ! Tested and approved 🙂

The educational benefits of hama beads

The great value of Hama beads lies in their educational benefits: they are much more than just toys. They help develop children’s motor skills and creativity, while also improving their focus.

A child’s basic skills develop during the first years of life. During this time, they need to learn to recognize colors, grasp small objects, distinguish shapes, understand quantities, and more. It is in these early years that Hama products really prove their worth as educational toys.

Hama products offer a creative challenge for children from the age of three and support their development from their very first attempts to master motor skills. As children grow, Hama products grow with them, and these educational toys gradually become creative hobbies.

How to proceed?

1️⃣ Print your fuse beads pattern and stick it under your clear pegboard (I use sticky tack) so you can see where every bead goes 🖨️

2️⃣ Put each bead on its matching color 🎨

3️⃣ Done? Cover your beads with ironing paper (I use baking paper) 📄

4️⃣ Have an adult carefully iron over the paper (medium heat, no steam) 🔥

5️⃣ Flip the board and let it cool under a heavy book to flatten it perfectly 📚

6️⃣ Gently lift your beads off the board ✋

7️⃣ And there you go—your awesome perler beads creation is ready! 🎉

Is it safe for my child?

For all parents wondering if heating the plastic could be harmful for them or their children, Hama conducted a series of tests. Do the beads and pegboards release any chemicals when ironed? The tests were carried out under the exact conditions you would have at home or elsewhere. During the entire testing process, the air above the samples was collected and analyzed for any traces of chemicals.

The measured concentration was 0.026 mg/kg·h, which means you would have to iron 1 kg of beads—around 17,000 beads—for one hour to reach 0.026 mg of pentamethylheptane. The conclusion is clear: it is completely safe to breathe the air nearby or to be in a room where pegboards are being ironed.

Are there any organic beads?

For those who want to be more eco-friendly, Hama is launching an organic range this year. It’s made from sugarcane by-products. There are fifteen colors available for now. They are a bit more expensive, it’s true—but it’s a great initiative from the brand!