Looking for something that is both a toy and a craft? Something that's both fun and educational? Something that'll appeal to almost every age group?
Hama may just be the answer you're looking for!
Hama beads are small plastic beads that can be placed on pegs on a board to create a picture that can then be bound together by being ironed.
They are relatively cheap, and come in a variety of different colours. Best of all, the boards are largely reusable, so only replacement beads need be bought. Also, boards are available in different shapes eg. rectangular, love heart shaped and in different sizes. Boards that can be joined to others to make larger boards can also be bought. A quick Google search should bring up some suppliers and prices of Hama beads and boards.
One of the best things about Hama is the fact that it can be used by almost every age group. I used to use it myself as a young child, and have used it since with groups of young children, but have also seen it being used with teenagers.
I wouldn't advise that very young children use it, though, as the beads are small, and could present a choking hazard, plus its a relatively fiddly "craft" and young children would probably be rather unsuccessful with it. I'd say that 5 year olds upwards would probably be able to use it quite easily, although some supervision would possibly be required and, of course, an adult would have to iron the finished product.
It also encourages creativity in children, especially those who might not be naturally gifted at drawing or painting. It is also significantly less messy than painting for young children.
However, the beads are small, as are the pegs on the boards they've to be placed on so it could try the patience of a child with a short attention span. Also, sometimes the pegs on the board melt slightly when a Hama pattern is being ironed making the boards difficult to use, or making them completely useless. Finally, the designs created can be easily destroyed if the peg board is knocked or moved suddenly before it has been ironed.
As an overview, the positive aspects of Hama beads are:
1. They are relatively inexpensive. 2. Not as messy as paints etc. 3. Encourage creativity. 4. Can be used by a wide age band. 5. Can be used as a craft or a fun toy/activity.
The negative aspects are:
1. Small pieces could pose as a choking hazard. 2. Boards can be ruined by the ironing process. 3. Can by too fiddly for young or impatient children. 4. A degree of supervision is required eg. for the ironing.
In general, I think that Hama beads are a good activity to keep in the house for kids to use on a rainy day, or an excellent activity to take along to a Guide camp, Scout camp etc.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This Disney Hama bead kit contains 2 large pegboards, approx 4000 beads, ironing paper, ... more
colour design sheet, instructions. This set has everything to make the following characters: Donald Duck, Daisy and his three nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie.
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: fun, creative, aid childs development, good quality, fair prices Disadvantages: not something you want to knock over, can be a bit fiddly if you get small beads
ilusvm 14.05.2005 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Hama Beads
Advantages: Teaches co-ordination, motoring skills, colours and allows artistic integrity Disadvantages: Can cause World War 3 when a full board gets knocked over
mizz_behaves 20.09.2006 (20.09.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Hama Beads
Feb 19th, 2004
very helpful by (74%):
helpful by (26%):
