The Hama Beads are the latest trend in the world of crafts and everything indicates that they are here to stay. However, in reality they are much more than simple beads to make drawings since they also report numerous benefits from the physical and cognitive point of view. We explain what exactly Hama Beads are, what their benefits are and how children can use them at home.
What are Hama Beads?
Hama Beads are a type of bead made of plastic, small hollow tube-like pieces in the center that are used to make different crafts. Hama Beads are not usually used alone but are worked on a template with pegs that works as a base or pattern. The idea is to place the beads on the template, combining different colors and shapes to create different designs.
There are Hama Beads in different colors and sizes. The most popular are the Hama Beads Mini, the smallest beads of all since they measure about 2.5 mm. These beads are designed for children who have good fine motor skills, approximately from 10 years, since although they allow more sophisticated figures and with a higher level of detail, they require much more skills in the work.
There are also the Hama Beads Midi that measure about 5 mm, so they require less development of fine motor skills and can be used from the age of 5. Unlike the Mini, in this case you don’t get designs with a high level of detail, but on the other hand they are easier to manipulate and combine with each other. Finally, there are the Maxi Hama Beads that measure about 10 mm and are ideal for younger children who do not yet have good fine motor development.
The origins of Hama Beads
Hama Beads have only been popular for a few years, but they were actually created almost half a century ago. The idea came from Malte Haaning, a businessman familiar with plastic products who, after a growing demand for beads, decided to start manufacturing them in 1971. The first to hit the market were the Midi beads and 7 years later later, in 1978, they included the Mini. In 1982 they began to manufacture the Maxi, in an attempt to reach as many children as possible.
However, it was not until the late 1970s that Haaning developed the ironing method, with the which the beads remained attached to a plastic tray or piece of cardboard. In 1984 the Hama brand was registered as a trademark and, since then, they have accompanied many children and their families during their creative and leisure time.
The benefits of this resource for child development
Hama Beads have become popular as a simple toy for children, but in reality They can also become an excellent teaching resource to stimulate child development. nil Its use during the first years of life helps children learn to recognize colors and distinguish one form from another. In addition, they are perfect for boosting the creativity of the little ones, encouraging them to copy their favorite shapes or create their own designs.
They are also a perfect teaching resource to improve math skills and stimulate the recognition of geometric figures, while helping to develop fine motor skills, especially the movement of the pincer. It is also an ideal exercise to sharpen children’s concentration and get them to focus their attention on a single task for a long period of time, while helping to enhance emotional and behavioral self-regulation.
How to make crafts with Hama Beads?
Making crafts with Hama Beads is actually very easy and fun. All you need is a template to place the beads and Hama Beads of different colors to create the designs you want. Once you have chosen the figure you want to make, just place each bead in its place so that the design takes shape. In the case of the Mini, it is still necessary to use a clamp to facilitate the work.
One of the great advantages of crafts with Hama Beads is that once the design is finished, it can be kept either to use it at home, as a souvenir or to make a personalized gift. For this there are two options: iron or sew the figure. To sew it, you will need a needle and thread and a dose of practice since it is necessary to sew each of the beads together so that they do not separate when lifting the design from the template.
To iron the design you will need a paper that can withstand a lot of heat such as parchment paper, place it on top of the design and, with the iron at a high temperature, pass it firmly over the paper for about 10 seconds. It’s ready when the colors of the design start to intensify through the paper, and then you can take it out of the template. To guarantee an optimal result, you can place an object as heavy as a book on the paper for a few hours.
Where to buy Hama Beads
In the Infant Stage We bring you a selection of the best selling Hama Beads (beads, figures, templates, etc.) on Amazon, your children will love them!
Fun designs to do with Hama Beads
Most children love to experiment and design their own Hama Beads designs. However, working with Hama Beads can be tricky if you don’t have previous experience, so there are also lots of designs that kids can reproduce to gain Hama Beads crafting skills.
1. Butterfly Pattern
Kids who like butterflies will be happy to reproduce this pretty butterfly design of colors made with beads. In addition, it is perfect for those who are just starting out in the world of crafts with Hama Beads as it is not too complicated to complete.
2. Octopus Design
If you are looking for a design that is relatively easy to make so that the smallest of home to start crafts with Hama Beads, this octopus is a good option. Only three colors are used in the design, which will make it much easier for children to reproduce it without making mistakes.
3. Kids Design
Little ones who have some skills in the work with beads can dare to reproduce this couple of children in the field. By including several colors, the drawing requires an extra dose of patience and concentration, but the result will surely be worth it for the little ones.
4. Elephant Design
With Hama Beads children will be able to unleash their creativity and reproduce any figure that catches their attention, like this beautiful elephant with a hat. It is a fairly easy design to make, but it requires a certain degree of attention so as not to make mistakes when placing the beads.
5. Tortoise Design
Children who are attracted to turtles can make their own Hama Beads turtle by copying this pattern in green and yellow, with details in red, white, blue and black. Obviously, you can also give free rein to your imagination and modify the colors or include some added detail.