This Pixel Monday post is a follow-up on last week’s post and pattern of Darth Vader:  today we have Vader’s TIE Advanced (TIE Fighter).  I always though it was very interesting that Vader did not simply stay in the safety of the Death Star or his Imperial Star Destroyer.  He got right in the action.   I love how different that makes him from Kylo Ren.

Ren has a bigger “Death Star” and he has a MUCH bigger personal vessel.  He is still very immature, so much so that when The Force Awakens opens, he is just as concerned that things are perceived as intimidating and powerful, as he is concerned about real power.  And he is too busy throwing tantrums to notice that the force is strong with Rey, or to realize the treat she poses.

Vader, on the other hand (Limb-OH! pun alert), has as we know, learned that fits of anger cloud one’s judgment, and make one quickly lose control of a situation (or one’s life!).  He knows the dangers of confronting someone unknown who is strong with the force (Luke, in Vader’s case) – yet he also knows that no-one but him stand a chance against Luke.  He is prepared, has small ship ready, and is ready for a dogfight at a moment’s notice.

Kylo, well, Kylo doesn’t have a clue yet. Thinking ahead and planning is not his strong suit.  However, I am sure he will be ready by the time VIII comes around.

Until then, here is Vader’s TIE Advanced, #55 in the Perler bead/cross stitch/crochet/knitting/Lego/pixel/mosaic pattern series.

• 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 heatproof 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 – Dark Grey
Perler Beads – Grey
Perler Bead – 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!