These Perler bead fish are SO CUTE! Looking for a fun and creative activity for kids and adults alike? These fish Perler beads are a fin-tastic choice! These adorable little fish are super easy to make, and you can create them in so many different colours.
Whether you’re new to crafting with Perler beads or a seasoned pro, this project is an awesome way to dive into the world of pixel art. Use our free, printable Perler bead fish templates to make 8 different fish patterns, or design your own!
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How to Make Perler Bead Fish
Add a splash of colour to your room with these Perler bead fish! Use our free printable templates and melty beads to make this fun ocean craft, perfect for summer or anytime!
Check Out The Video Tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
Step 2: Make the Perler bead fish design on the pegboard
Step 3: Iron your Perler bead fish
Helpful Tips:
- If you have a clear Perler bead pegboard you can slide the printed pattern underneath, making it really easy to follow along with these Perler bead fish patterns!
- Use the same colours as we did for our fish, or experiment with different colours and designs to make this craft your own!
Get our free printable Perler bead fish patterns:
The links or pictures below will take you to our free, printable Perler bead fish templates! The PDF files will open in a new window.
Then simply follow along with the pattern on your device’s screen, or print the patterns in colour on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper.
>>> Perler Bead Fish Pattern #1 <<<
>>> Perler Bead Fish Pattern #2 <<<
What are Perler beads?
Perler beads are small, colourful, fusible beads that can be arranged on a pegboard to create various designs and patterns. Once the beads are arranged in the desired design, they’re fused together using a household iron, which melts the beads slightly and bonds them into a single, solid piece.
Perler beads are popular for crafting and are often used to make pixel art, jewelry, keychains, coasters, and other fun projects. They come in a wide range of colors and are a great way to get creative with kids, or anyone who enjoys hands-on crafting activities!
How can I use these Perler bead fish?
These Perler bead fish are super cute on their own as decorations or for pretend play, but you can also transform them into something functional! Here are a few fun and easy ideas:
- Glue a magnet on the back to decorate your fridge or locker.
- Turn one of your fish into a window decoration or suncatcher by attaching ribbon or twine to the top.
- Make your own keychain by attaching a jump ring through an outside bead.
- Glue a thumb tack onto the back to make a decoration (and useable pin!) for your bulletin board.
- Attach the fish to a piece of cardstock and then add it to a picture frame.
- Use a glue dot to connect a fish to the front of a card, for birthdays or another special occasion. You can paint or draw an ocean scene on the card first!
How long should I iron my Perler bead fish?
Try ironing your Perler bead design for about 15 to 20 seconds and then check on it. The amount of ironing time will depend on the size of the design and the heat of the iron.
Be sure your iron is set to medium heat without steam. If your design still isn’t fused together properly after 20 seconds, continue ironing for another 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat this process until you’re sure the piece is secure and will stay together nicely.
You can also iron the other side of your pixel art, or iron one side for longer. Ironing both sides will add stability to your design, but it will change how the fish looks. Exactly how melted or closed you want the beads is completely up to you!
Have fun making a Perler bead fish! These fish pixel art designs are sure to bring a splash of joy wherever they are. Perler bead crafts are low cost and low mess, making them the perfect indoor activity for a rainy day or anytime!
Here’s even more Perler bead craft ideas:
Summer Perler Beads
Perler Bead Fruit
Football Perler Beads
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!