PYSSLA Beads = Happy Mummy

My daughter recently turned 4 and one of her birthday gifts has proved to be a clear favourite...for her and for me.

PYSSLA Beads from IKEA.

I admit that I have seen them before in store but I never knew what they were!! I thought they looked a bit too tiny for threading jewellery but I didn't know what other function they might serve and I didn't have the head space to find out. IKEA can do that to you.

Enter lovely Auntie and experienced mum of 3 (children aged 8, 6 and 3) introducing our family to this fun activity.

They are tiny beads that you place on a base and then iron gently on med-high heat to secure your design by melting them to each other.

My newly four year old has progressed very quickly from random rainbow designs to love hearts with patterns and Master 7 is enjoying creating cartoon character type designs.

They may be suitable for a three year old with good fine motor skills but IKEA's recommendation of 4+ is probably spot on, perhaps even older for some kids as they are fiddly little things.

For $10 for a big jar of beads and $2.95 for a set of shaped bases, this a bargain priced toy with loads of potential for creativity and calm, focussed play....one of my favourites ;-)

Here they are on the IKEA website....Beads and Bases

PS. 'Singing with the Stars' was an AMAZING experience...I look forward to sharing it with you soon.