Message Hearts

Message Hearts

Designed By Karen Benvenuti.

These sweet message hearts are so quick and easy to make with Perler beads—they are the perfect thing for classroom Valentine exchanges!

Instructions

Step 1
Bead Colors/Quantity Needed:
Peach - 85
Bubblegum - 30
Red - 44
White - 93
See the Supply List for beads and tools you can purchase.

You will also need:
Cardstock: white, peach, pink, gold
Toothpicks
Candy kisses
Scalloped heart punch, 2.5" wide
Craft glue
Foam adhesive
Pen or marker

Step 2
Download the Message Hearts Project Pattern. You will use the small heart pegboard to create your projects. If you are using a clear pegboard, slide the actual-size pattern underneath it. Place your beads following the patterns.

Step 3
Ask an adult to fuse your designs. Place your pegboard on a flat, heat-safe surface. Set a household iron to the medium setting. Place ironing paper over the pegboard. In a circular motion, begin to iron the project. When ironed properly, the beads will still have open centers. Let the design cool.

Step 4
Remove the paper and bead design from the pegboard. Flip the design over to expose the non-fused side. Repeat step two. Let cool completely. Once the design is cool, peel off the ironing paper. Your pegboards and ironing paper are reusable.

Note: Beads need heat for about 10-20 seconds per side to fuse evenly. Lift the paper occasionally to see how the beads are fusing. Sometimes additional heating time may be required.

Step 5
ASSEMBLY: Punch two hearts from contrasting colors of cardstock. Choose the heart you will use as the backer for the Perler bead heart. Glue the end of a toothpick to the bottom of the cardstock heart.

Step 6
Adhere your Perler bead heart to the front of the cardstock with foam adhesive.

Step 7
Adhere the other cardstock heart to the back of the first one with foam adhesive, leaving room to write a message. Pen the message to your Valentine.

Step 8
Gently insert the bottom of the toothpick into the top of a candy kiss.