Ever buy one of those econo-packs of Perler/Fuse beads that have 20,000 beads in them and wonder how many flowers, horses, and dogs you'll have to iron before you get through them all? Well, here's a project that will allow you to use a lot of beads all at once and make something useful as well. We just gave ours to the kids' teachers and they       L-O-V-E-D them!

Start with these 3 things:

Put a generous amount of regular oil or shortening all around the bowl.

Then pour your beads in and start pressing them onto the bottom and sides. They should stick because of the oil.

Then place in your oven at 250 degrees for 20 minutes. Take out and let cool.When it's cool enough to touch, start working the beads out of the bowl, and Voila!If you want it melted more so it looks like this, then leave it in the oven longer or melt on higher heat. Never leave unattended of course.

It won't hold water, but it's a good way to use up those extra beads and makes a fun, colorful present.