I was asked to review the HAMA beads Christmas time designs for Mumii with my 5 year old daughter, Alicia. It arrived and Alicia couldn’t wait to open it. When we opened the box we noticed some instructions but they were quite basic but had pictures to copy the designs on the relevant boards. We were given the midi beads to test. Alicia decided to make the Christmas tree design so we counted the beads together and then she started to put them on the board whilst I sorted out the green beads for her to use.
The pictures are really easy to follow to make the designs, or you can make your own designs. However, the ironing instructions aren’t exactly clear. When you’ve finished your designs on the board, an adult needs to iron the designs with the special paper over the top of the designs (like greaseproof paper). The instructions tell you to iron midi beads on number 2. Even though I ironed the first 2 designs, I don’t think they had been ironed properly as the back of the designs should melt to keep them together (although the instructions don’t say this).
The set must be very entertaining, as it kept a 5 year old busy for over an hour (which is unheard of in our house). She had a break and then went back to it to make more designs on her own. It also promotes good hand and eye co-ordination and all the family got involved, even my husband wanted to play with them to make his own designs!
I’ve got to say, even though we both thoroughly enjoyed it, I would say it was for children slightly older than Alicia as it was quite fiddly and she needed an adult to supervise and help at all times. But Alicia can’t wait to make more to give to relatives as presents! So definitely was a hit in our house.
- Laura Ashton and Alicia from Merseyside
