Hobbies And Interests
3-D Paper Pictures
Use Hama beads to create 3-D paper pictures for framing or enjoyment. The melting and melding of the beads creates a plastic sculpture on picture templates. Select an outline or a more detailed picture, depending on the level of skill and desired effect. Place the beads side by side to recreate the picture. If using pictures of people, create an Andy Warhol effect using odd colors for the hair and skin, or go traditional with a more realistic colorization. For shapes or patterns, outline in black or other dark colors to create a border. Place a piece of thin cloth or an ironing cloth over the creation carefully so you don't disturb the beads. Heat an iron to medium and place it on the sheet. Apply heat for up to 10 minutes to thoroughly melt the beads. Display your creations by eliminating the glass from traditional picture frames and hanging them up.
Holiday Sculpture
Create a sculpture for the holiday season by layering Hama or other fuse beads. These 3-D sculptures take time and effort and should not be attempted by very young children. Begin with an outline of a Christmas tree. Fill the area with green beads. Cover with an ironing sheet or cloth and heat until the layer is fused. Create a second layer of beads, slightly smaller in width and diameter than the first. Incorporate colored beads to act as decorations to the tree along the border area. Use the iron to fuse the second layer to the first. The melting process takes longer for the additional layer and requires slight pressure be applied. Continue building layers until the tree comes to a point.
Fused Jewelry
Use Hama beads to create whimsical jewelry. Jewelry is part of dress-up for children and they are proud of their creations when completed. Use a heavy-duty cotton thread. Cut a piece long enough to go over the head of the child without having to tie or untie it for use. Lay the string flat on the surface and align beads on either side of the string. The beads should touch, sandwiching the string in-between. Create simple color patterns or layout a shape or design of beads around the string. Boys might design a football or girls a heart. Cover the beads and iron to melt together. The string is melted into the beads and secured in place.