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Perler beads (sometimes called “melty beads”) are often used in children’s arts and crafts. But Australian artist Rachel Burke uses them differently. She’s created melty bead tapestries, purses, and more, all featuring a variety of designs. Comprising letters, illustrations, and fabulous floral-shaped fringe, the beads fuse into colorful works of art that are simultaneously playful with tinges of emotions like, “very anxious ready for snacks.”
The act of play is powerful, no matter how old you are. For adults, it allows our minds to wander—to ponder questions, recall memories, and much more. This is at the heart of Rachel’s work. “Using nostalgic, colorful materials centered in craft and play,” she writes, “these artworks serve as ‘portals’ for personal introspection and transcendence, highlighting the complicated tenderness and frailty of memory.”
See what Rachel is up to next on her Instagram.
Rachel Burke creates tapestries, purses, and more using Perler beads (aka melty beads).
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
“Using nostalgic, colorful materials centered in craft and play,” she writes, “these artworks serve as ‘portals’ for personal introspection and transcendence, highlighting the complicated tenderness and frailty of memory.”
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram