How to make drink covers with Perler beads

Lounging by the pool during the summer or sitting on the porch to people-watch requires hydration -- but that need for a beverage outdoors carries the risk of debris and insects in the glass. This functional craft helps create a colorful topper for any beverage that can be sipped through a straw.

This project also may be done without the hole for those who prefer to just take the lid off for an occasional sip or two. Color schemes are optional. Use the colors shown for a summery look, oranges and yellows for the fall or black and white for a wintry look.

Materials
- Mason jars with 3-inch mouths (no lids)
- Ruler
- 6 colors of Perler beads
- Round pegboard
- 6 small bowls
- Tweezers
- Ironing paper
- Iron

1. Measure the mouth of the mason jar to make sure it is approximately 3 inches across. Measure the pegboard to make sure it is wider than that.

2. Place the round pegboard on the work surface. Choose one bead color to start and pour some into a bowl.

3. Place two beads next to each other along the inner rim of the pegboard’s center small circle. Turn the pegboard so the left bead starts a straight vertical line to the base. Add six beads down this line so there is a total of seven.

4. Turn the pegboard clockwise until the right initial bead is at the head of a vertical line. Add six beads down this line.

5. Add beads to connect the ends, and fill in the shape.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each color.

7. Place the ironing paper on the project and iron. Remove the beads from the pegboard, flip them over and iron with the paper.