How to: Make a Pixel Bead Sprite

Julie MaierETAD 803: Multimedia Design for Learning

What is a Pixel Bead Sprite?• Pixel beads are small, colourful

plastic pieces that can be arranged like a mosaic and melted to form shapes.

• They are popular for making 8- or 16-bit sprites of video game characters.

• Different brands are available from craft outlets including Perler and Hama beads.

SuppliesYou will need the following items to begin:1. Pixel beads (quantity and colours will be determined by your chosen design)2. A peg board3. Masking tape4. A toothpick5. A flat, firm, iron-safe surface (for example, a thick wooden cutting board)6. A handheld clothes iron7. Parchment paper8. A digital device or screen

Pick Your Design• Perform a Google image search for the 8- or 16-bit character you

want to build. For example, search “mario jumping sprite.”• Find and select your favourite pixelated sprite image.

Pick Your Design

• Right-click on the image and “Save Image As...” to store on your computer or phone.

• Be aware that you will create a mirror image of the sprite you chose. If desired, you may want to plan ahead by reversing the image with a picture editor before you start the next step.

Build Your Sprite• Lay down your pegboard

on a clear level surface.

• Open the image file and keep it handy as a reference while you start to make your sprite. You could use a smartphone for this.

Build Your Sprite• Start to arrange your beads on the peg board by

recreating the pixel arrangement in the image.

Build Your Sprite• Keep working until your whole sprite is built out of

beads.

Prepare for Ironing• Cover the entire top of the bead surface in pieces of masking

tape. A little overlap is ok.• Smooth out the tape and press down carefully to ensure it is

adhered well to the beads.

Prepare for Ironing• Using a toothpick, punch through the tape into the holes within

each bead. This will prevent bubbling and warping later by trapped air.

Prepare for Ironing• Lay down your ironing surface. It must be something that can

handle a bit of heat, like this wooden cutting board.

Prepare for Ironing• Grab the pegboard and beads carefully and flip the entire thing

upside down onto your ironing surface.• Your masking tape should now be on the bottom surface of the

beads.

Prepare for Ironing• Lift the pegboard up to remove it from the beads.• Your beads should now be sitting on the ironing surface with

the masking tape on bottom.

Prepare for Ironing• Cover your sprite with parchment paper.• Now is a good time to preheat the iron. Choose a high-heat

setting with no steam.

Ironing Your Sprite• Start ironing the

sprite by applying firm pressure while moving the iron in small circles. Keeping moving to not scald or over-melt the beads.

Ironing Your Sprite• Work slowly and

evenly over the sprite. You will be able to see the beads melting.

• Stop when the beads appear to be fused together on all parts of the sprite.

Finishing Your Sprite

• Turn off the iron and put it aside.

• Allow your sprite to cool completely.

Finishing Your Sprite• Remove the parchment paper.• Flip the sprite over and remove the masking tape by slowly

peeling from one corner.

Enjoy Your Sprite• Your sprite is done! Display it as you desire. One option it to

attach a small magnet and put it on your fridge.