Melted Bead Bowls

Inspired by the Chameleon Girls 'CheeryO Bowls' (below) I decided to try my hand at making a bowl from the plastic beads designed for melting! (With an iron generally, though it can't be much different to a nice hot oven)

I researched the different methods some what I they definitely had the best technique to guarantee a perfect bowl.

Following the girls' instructions, I preheated the oven to 200 degrees and got all three ingredients together; An oven proof dish, oil and little plastic beads. My niece calls them 'Hannah Beads..'

I rubbed the inner of the dish with a bit of oil; this makes the beads stick before melting and also help with removal once finished! Painstakingly, I sorted the beads to get colours to match the planned peacock scheme of the new university house living room. During sorting I just dropped them into the oiled dishand pressed so they were one layer, slowly inching them up the sides.

Then I put it in the oven and waited. Impatiently.

When it looked nice and melted I removed it from the oven and left to cool.

Once cold, it slipped neatly out of the metal bowl.

TA DA!

Perfect for keys, jewellery, spare change, most little things actually. I showed my nine year old niece, and then we got a bit carried away...

The cheeky cigar shape one was an experiment to see if I could make a cake stand. Turns out I need more beads but its a possibility. To make the shape, roll grease proof paper around your finger so it is cylindrical, fill with beads and fold up, then bake on a heat on a baking tray. Also use the melting style on a big and small plate. Fix together with the cigar shape (somehow) and you have a melted bead cake stand! Not sure how sturdy it will be though, might need three or four, its just an idea!

Also made 2 individual lasagne dish shapes and a family size lasagne dish shape. Filled with crafty bits ready for moving!

I advise this craft (with kids to justify it maybe) for an unmotivated day, I felt really accomplished and went on to do lots of other things in one day. I'm such a child.

Happy Melting!