Most of us geeks of course know Christopher Lee as a pivotal character in two of the most popular movie series of all time (Count Dooku in Star Wars, and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit). But like most casual fans, I had no idea his list of accomplishments was so much more extensive. In fact it reads like notes for a movie script:  War, spies, blood, love, Hollywood and… heavy metal.

Act 1:  Lee spent much of WWII in the British Royal Air Force fighting Germans.  He was even part of its intelligence unit and has been quoted as saying “I was attached to the SAS from time to time but we are forbidden – former, present, or future – to discuss any specific operations. Let’s just say I was in Special Forces and leave it at that. People can read in to that what they like.” (wikipedia)

Act 2:  A few years after the war, he started acting and married the Danish model Birgit Krøncke. (They were still married at the time of his passing in 2015.)  Then he spent the 60’s and 70’s as the star in a series of Dracula movies, in addition to a slew of other horror movies.

Act 3:  We all know about his phenomenal acting career later in life.  But did you know that he was also an avid singer, and ventured into heavy metal in the later years in his life?  Lee even got the “Spirit of Metal” award for his heavy metal CD Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross in 2010 – at the age of 87!  And pardon the pun, but that just rocks!  We could all learn a bit from that.  He was not afraid to take risks, reinvent himself and to enjoy life!

(Info from wikipedia)

Here are #24 in the Perler bead/cross-stitch/Lego/pixel/mosaic series.

Needed:

• Perler Beads
• 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:

• Download and print out the pattern provided (mirror it, if you only plan on ironing on only 1 side).
• Cut out, then tape pattern to the back of the Perler Pegboard so the dots line up with the pegs.
• Add the Perler beads (tweezers are pretty handy if you don’t have a 6 yr old’s tiny fingers).
• Carefully move pegboard to ironing board, place parchment (or Perler ironing paper) on top.
• Iron until the beads start melting together (If you have never done this before, it might take some practice to get it “just right”).
• Let cool for a bit, remove from Perler Pegboard and remove paper.
• Optional: turn over, cover with parchment paper and iron on other side. (put something solid and heat-proof underneath to make ironing easier)
• If you only iron on 1 side, place it under something flat and heavy while it cools, to avoid curving.
• Cut cork about 1/4” smaller than the square, affix to the back.
• Don’t forget the Bantha Milk. 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 – Black
Perler Beads – White
Perler Beads – Sand
Perler Beads – Tan
Perler Beads – Grey (Light Grey)
Perler Beads – Rust
Perler Beads – Red
Perler Beads – Dark Blue

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!