DIY Enamel Dots Tutorial

Today I want to share a tutorial so you can make your own enamel dots to use for embellishments on cards, scrapbooking pages, Project Life layouts, you name it... they were really easy to do and turned out great!!

First, you need to purchase some Perler Beads which are designed to be melted. These can be found at your local craft store or online in the kids crafts section. I purchased a 4,000-count package of assorted colors that only cost me $6 after my 40% off coupon.

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a cookie tray with parchment paper and line up the beads in rows, spaced about 1/2-inch apart. You will stand them up vertically so they don't roll around.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are completely melted. You will no longer see the tiny indent  in the middle of the dot. It took my batch 27 minutes.
4. Allow the dots to cool completely.
5. Slide the dots off the parchment paper into your storage container. They shouldn't stick. I used small ziplock bags that I had on hand, but a plastic divided bead container would also work really well.
6. Use 3/16-inch glue dots to secure them to your project or layout.

After Baking

Left - Lined Up Before Baking
Right - Packaged After Baking

I discovered this tutorial on a post that I found on the Project Lifers Facebook page. These are extremely economical to do-it-yourself compared to purchasing brand name enamel dots online. Personally, I think they look great too!

Here are a few cards I made this week that are embellished with my DIY dots:

I encourage you to try these out for yourself. You'll be surprised at how easy they are to make!!

Supplies:
Small Perler Beads, Parchment Paper, Cookie Tray, Ziplock Bag or Storage Container