Perler Bead Top Toy
We love playing with games on the floor. Tops are always a go to favorite for my kids, getting to see how fast they can spin (and if the surface area matters). They also enjoy perler bead creations, so this was putting together two of their favorite things. We were curious to see what happened when we used perler beads instead of wood or plastic for the top!
Supplies
- Perler beads
- Circular Perler bead boards (we got a package that included them and ironing paper)
- Bamboo skewers
- Scissors
- Iron
Note: cutting and ironing to be done by adult, only!
Instructions
Make your top by arranging Perler beads in a circular shape on the grid board. Our grid was large, so we adapted to make it small enough as a top would be. LEAVE THE CENTER OPEN! Make the top 3-4 rows wide from the center point.
When the design is done, an adult can iron the Perler beads according to package instructions. You will lay a sheet of ironing paper over the beads and iron them to fuse together. Turn the beads over and repeat to fuse. Make sure you don’t iron too much that your center hole disappears!
Cut your skewer about 2” from the bottom using a sharp pair of scissors.
Place the short skewer section through the center hole of the Perler bead top. You will want to thread it about 3/4 “ from the pointed end of the skewer. Adjust the disc so it is level. Done!
If the top is wobbly, adjust the disc to make it as flat as possible when the top is in the upright position.
In today’s digital world, it was good to show we can be self reliant in creating our own DIY toys, especially something as classic as a top! Even with different material, my kids were amazed it spun just as well as the typical top.
For more science experiments for kids, please check out our blog!
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Photographs and content by: Heather Kucenski
