The short answer: two methods. The easiest: iron one big circle on one side only, then press it over an upside-down bowl while it is still warm so it takes the curve. Or build a disc base and a wall band, fuse them together, and shape the band into the bowl curve.
Bead bowls are decorative, not food-safe, and they hold keychains, beads, and small things just fine. The one-sided melt makes both methods work because the un-ironed side stretches.
Method one: press over a mold
- Make a circle of beads about 20 by 20 beads wide, or bigger for a deeper bowl.
- Iron it on one side only until it holds together, but stays flexible.
- While it is warm, drape it over an upside-down bowl and press gently from the center outward.
- Hold it in place for a minute, then let it cool completely before removing.
- Iron the other side lightly for a smoother finish if you want.
Method two: base plus wall band
- Make a round base disc and a band as long as the disc’s circumference, about two beads tall.
- Iron both one-sided and fuse the band ends into a ring.
- Fuse or glue the ring to the edge of the base disc.
- While warm, press the walls outward against a bowl mold so they flare.
- Cool completely, then iron the rim once more for stiffness.
Both methods use the same techniques from our 3D patterns guide. For more useful shapes, the pattern library has round grids ready to use. Beads, boards, and paper are in our shop.