How to Make 8-Bit Zelda Pixel Bead Coasters (Easy DIY Tutorial)

Ever wished you could bring your childhood Zelda memories to life… right on your study table or gaming desk? Well, making 8-bit Legend of Zelda coasters with pixel beads is honestly one of the easiest and coolest ways to do that.

As someone who’s made dozens of these pixel bead crafts (and yes, even burnt a few by overheating the iron once 🫣), I can promise you: if I can do it, anyone can.

🎨 What You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

✅ Materials:

• Perler beads (or any fusible beads) – get the colours that match your Zelda sprites

• A square pegboard

• Parchment paper (usually comes with bead kits)

• An iron (your normal cloth iron works fine)

• Tweezers (totally optional, but they save your sanity)

✅ Optional but recommended:

• Cork sheet or felt pads for the coaster bottom

• Strong craft glue

🕹 Step 1. Pick Your Favourite 8-Bit Zelda Sprites

Here’s the fun part. Think back to your NES days. Which Zelda sprites made you smile the most?

Some popular choices for coasters are:

• Link holding the Triforce

• The classic 8-bit heart container (always needed more of these in-game, right?)

• Different coloured rupees (green, blue, red)

• The tiny yet mighty Master Sword

I personally love the heart container coaster – makes my coffee feel like it’s giving me extra HP before work. 😆

You can find free Zelda sprite sheets online. Just search “Zelda NES sprites PNG” and pick high-resolution images for clarity.

🧩 Step 2. Set Up Your Pixel Bead Design

1. Place your pegboard on a stable table with good lighting.

2. Using your chosen sprite as reference, start placing beads colour by colour.

3. Tweezers help if your fingers are too clumsy (like mine after a long editing session).

4. Double-check the design once done. Missing one bead can ruin the whole vibe.

🔥 Step 3. Ironing – The Make or Break Moment

This is where most beginners mess up (including me, the first time 🙈). Here’s how to get it right:

1. Place parchment paper gently over your design.

2. Heat your iron to medium (no steam).

3. Press the iron in slow circular motions for 10-20 seconds.

4. Check if beads have fused. If not, iron a few more seconds but don’t overdo it or the beads melt unevenly.

Tip: Lift the paper slightly to peek. Patience here saves your design.

🔄 Step 4. Let It Cool and Flatten

Once fused:

• Gently lift your design off the pegboard while it’s still warm (not hot).

• Place it under a heavy book for a few minutes to keep it perfectly flat.

• Nobody likes a wobbly coaster, right?

🪵 Step 5. Add Backing for Extra Grip

While this step is optional, I highly recommend it if you want your coaster to last long and not slide around when you place your chai cup on it.

Here’s how:

1. Cut cork sheet or felt pad to slightly smaller than coaster size.

2. Glue it securely to the bottom using strong craft glue.

3. Let it dry completely before use.

🎁 Step 6. Use, Gift, or Sell

And there you have it. Your DIY 8-bit Zelda coaster is ready to add a touch of retro awesomeness to your workspace.

Trust me, if you’re looking for handmade gift ideas for gamer friends, these coasters will make you the hero of the day. You can even sell them as themed bundles on Etsy or local craft fairs to make some side income.

❓ FAQs

Q. Can I use mini beads instead of standard Perler beads?
Absolutely. Mini beads give finer detail, but your coaster might end up smaller. Consider adding a black border to increase diameter for mugs.

Q. Do I need special parchment paper?
Nope. Your regular baking parchment works fine. Just don’t use wax paper – it sticks and ruins everything.

Q. Will these coasters survive hot mugs?
They handle warm drinks just fine. But avoid placing extremely hot mugs straight from the microwave to prevent slight softening over time.

✅ Final Thoughts

Crafting these 8-bit Legend of Zelda pixel bead coasters isn’t just about making something pretty. It’s about bringing your love for gaming into your daily life in a fun, practical way.

So grab those beads, channel your inner Link, and start crafting today. Who knows, maybe these tiny coasters will give you the motivation boost you need for your next big quest – whether that’s finishing your thesis, editing your next YouTube video, or building your first niche site empire.

🔗 Pro Tip:

I always keep an extra coaster set ready. They make last minute gifts that still feel thoughtful and personal.