Perler Beads: University of Michigan Logo and the Rhode Island Anchor

Between the ages of 2 and 10, Trevor was obsessed with Perler beads. We spent many, many hours making all sorts of creations. It was something we both loved doing together. We still have a huge supply of beads, so when Jonna came over to visit during my convalescence, we pulled out the Perler beads and made some state-themed crafts. Affiliate links below.  

We each chose a state from the list of four that don't have enough craft tutorials yet. I made the University of Michigan logo, inspired by this design by cdbvulpix. 

I used two of the large, interlocking square pegboards. The beads are dark blue and yellow. It took forever, but I'm really happy with how it turned out. And I was really close to running out of blue beads. I was so relieved I had enough!

Jonna used graph paper to design a pixelated version of the anchor on Rhode Island's flag. She used the same yellow Perler beads, and a single square pegboard. 

The anchor took a fraction of the time that the logo did. In fact, in the time it took me to finish Jonna made four other small designs, all following the same theme. I'll show you those tomorrow. 

Construction Paper Anchor

Today's craft, a construction paper anchor, is inspired by Rhode Island. Despite the fact that 30 of the 50 states have a coastline, Rhode Island is the only state whose flag features an anchor. (Slightly random, but read here to learn why it is impossible to measure the length of a coastline. It's fascinating.)

Anyway, the flag of Rhode Island is white with a gold anchor and the word HOPE on a blue ribbon. It was adopted in 1877 and based on the state seal. The seal was first adopted in 1664 for the colony, a good 120+ years before Rhode Island became a state. It is believed that the word HOPE was taken as the colony-then-state motto from Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Affiliate links below.

Construction Paper Anchor

Materials:

• grey construction paper (or gold, if you want to match the flag)
• pencil
• ruler
• microtip scissors
• glue

Steps:

Turn a piece of grey construction paper vertically. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a cross, leaving a 2" gap at the top and extending all the way to the bottom. Approximately 1/2" from the bottom, draw a smile that intersects the cross. 

Use the ruler to draw lines 1/2" to the left, right, top, and bottom of the cross. Mark spots 1/2" above the smile, then connect them into a curve. Draw arrow points at the ends of the smile. Round off the ends of the anchor's cross piece, then add a point to the bottom. Round off the top of the anchor, then add an oval in the rounded portion. 

Use microtip scissors to cut out the anchor, saving the scraps. Cut the scraps into strips approximately 1/2" x 4". Make a chain by inserting one strip through the hole at the top of the anchor, then gluing the ends together. Insert a new strip through that hole and glue it together. Continue until the chain reaches the desired length. 

 

In addition to a study of Rhode Island, this would be a fun project for a pirate-themed party, to say bon voyage, or to count down to a cruise!