For a year now, there has been an ongoing argument at our house.  Not about finances, or who should clean up after dinner,  but about stormtrooper helmets.  

I like the original ones.  They are iconic, classic and everyone knows what they look like. The hubby likes the new ones.  His first comment after he saw the teaser a year ago, was “I have to get a new helmet!”  I, of course disagreed.

But it is not as simple as just buying him a new helmet….  He thinks anything we make featuring a stormtrooper,  should use the new helmet design.   I, of course disagree.

Now, you might not think one would make that many things with stormtroopers on it in a year.  I, of couse, disagree.  There are t-shirts, coasters, pixel patterns, Christmas cards… oops I gave that one away.   Ssshhhh, don’t say anything!

The good news for me is, that since I do the designs, I get my way.  That bad news is that this means we have not featured any The Force Awakens Stormtroopers until now.

So hubby,  this one’s for you!  The fifth of our TFA patterns, but #34 in the Perler bead/cross-stitch/Lego/pixel/mosaic series. 

(NOTE:  We spent A LOT of time making these designs, and are absolutely thrilled to see that they are becoming so popular, but we want to remind you that we should get credit when they are used.  So, if you show your work using our designs anywhere (online as well), put a “Pattern © Anette Nam Design” and link to “Maythefourthbewithyouparty.com” somewhere close by. THANK YOU! … and as always, you may not sell any products made with these patterns.)

Needed if you make Perler Bead Coasters:

• 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.

We designed these for a set of coasters, but you can use the patterns for lots of other things.

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 – Grey (Light Grey)
Perler Beads – White
Perler Beads – Yellow

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!