I have now written, and then deleted 5 different versions of this post.  All of them came out sounding bitter and angry over the Special Edition of the Star Wars trilogy – and the lack of an original version available.  They say, if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.  So I will only say this:

Han. Shot. First.

P.S. Since I am done on the subject, I will leave you with some other artists showing their frustration creatively.  Here are some of my faves:

From Bluemilkspecial.com

T-shirts from the teefury.com, but it doesn’t look like they are available any more. (via fashionablygeek.com)

Here is #7 in the Perler bead/cross-stitch/Lego/ pixel/mosaic series.

Needed:

• Perler Beads (Black, White, Yellow, Light Green, Parrot Green, Purple, Pastel Lavender)
• Tweezers (optional)
• Perler Clear Pegboards
• Removable Tape
• Printout of Pattern (download above image)
• Iron
• Baking Parchment Paper (Perler Ironing Paper)
• Heavy Object with Flat Bottom
• Cork sheets with Adhesive Backs
• Scissors or X-acto Knife
• Glass
• Bantha Milk (optional)

How To:

1. Download and print out the pattern provided (mirror it, if you only plan on ironing on only 1 side).
2. Cut out, then tape pattern to the back of the Perler Pegboard so the dots line up with the pegs.
3. Add the Perler beads (tweezers are pretty handy if you don’t have a 6 yr old’s tiny fingers).
4. Carefully move pegboard to ironing board, place parchment (or Perler ironing paper) on top.
5. Iron until the beads start melting together (If you have never done this before, it might take some practice to get it “just right”).
6. Let cool for a bit, remove from Perler Pegboard and remove paper.
7. Optional: turn over, cover with parchment paper and iron on other side. (put something solid and heatproof underneath to make ironing easier)
8. If you only iron on 1 side, place it under something flat and heavy while it cools, to avoid curving.
9. Cut cork about 1/4” smaller than the square, affix to the back.
10. Pour some Bantha milk in a glass, and enjoy!

Tips:

Usually people iron on both sides of the Perler bead design, but I prefer to only do the back. The designs look crisper and more “pixely”.  With the cork on the back, I have not had any problems with the coasters falling apart, but feel free to iron yours on both sides.

Note, if you only plan on iron on only 1 side, you need to mirror the pattern.

Also, the coasters are pretty hard to clean, so try not to get anything too gunky in there.

Get Supplies:

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-Black

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-White

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-Yellow 

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-Light Green

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-Parrot Green

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-Purple

Perler Beads 1,000 Count-Pastel Lavender

Perler Beads Clear Square Pegboards 4 Pack

Perler Fun Fusion Ironing Paper 6/Pkg-

Darice Adhesive Backed Cork Tiles   (This is a bit thicker than what I used, but I can’t find the same kind I got)

Note:

Feel free to use these patterns for any personal use – but please do not sell items made with them. Also, feel free to link to this blog so others can download the pattern, but do not download and then re-upload in order to offer them as downloads on your own site/blog. THANKS!