National Perler Day celebrates the creative world of fusible plastic beads, where imagination meets crafting. These small plastic beads are arranged on pegboards to create artistic designs and then fused with heat from an iron.
Quick Facts
When is it?: August 8th annually
Tagged as: Creative Arts & Crafts Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #perlerbeads (465,000+ posts on Instagram)
When was it founded?: 2019
Who founded it?: CSS Industries
History of National Perler Day
The story begins in Vällingby, Sweden, where Gunnar Knutsson created the pegboard for bead designs as therapy for elderly homes. The concept reached American shores in 1981 in Cloverdale, California. What started as a children’s craft has evolved into a sophisticated art form, with adults creating elaborate pixel art and photorealistic portraits.
Timeline
- 1962: Pegboard invention in Sweden
- 1967: Patent granted for the pegboard design
- 1981: Introduction in the United States
- 2019: First National Perler Day celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Aug 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | Aug 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Aug 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | Aug 8 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | Aug 8 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by creating their own Perler bead designs, sharing their creations on social media, participating in online communities, and teaching others the craft. Many retailers offer special promotions and creative challenges.
Fun Facts About Perler Beads
- Each bead measures approximately 5.07mm high x 4.77mm wide
- Made from food-grade low-density polyethylene
- Can be used to create water-resistant items like coasters
- Over 50,000 members in dedicated online communities
- Artists have created portraits using up to 12,000 beads
Quiz
- What year were Perler beads introduced in the US?
- Who invented the original pegboard?
- What material are Perler beads made from?
-(Answers: 1981, Gunnar Knutsson, Low-density polyethylene)
FAQs
- Are they suitable for all ages? Yes, both children and adults enjoy them
- Do you need special tools? An iron and pegboard are essential
- Can they be used outdoors? No, they should be used indoors only
- Are they reusable? Once fused, they cannot be reused
Importance of National Perler Day
The day promotes creativity, helps develop fine motor skills in children, provides therapeutic benefits, and brings together a community of crafters who share their passion for pixel art and bead crafting.
Related
- National Craft Month
- World Art Day
- National Creativity Day
- International Games Day
- National DIY Day