LJ got a great present for his birthday.  Hama beads and digger/dumper patterns to follow!  He's been a digger fan for a long time and things digger related usually go down well.

I decided to get some extra beads so we'd have plenty - we've got thousands now! - and decided to try the local Tesco brand ones.  They are cheaper and I thought they might be as good.  My initial impression is THEY AREN'T!!  I also decided to sort them out into little containers because they would be easier to use when following a pattern.  I wasn't wrong but perhaps there are better ways of spending my time.....

Before I tried to iron LJ's first effort (made with help - aren't they fiddly!) I thought I'd make a couple to try the iron on.  I made one with Hama beads and the other with Tesco beads.

The circle is made with Hama beads.  I nearly ironed that one into oblivion, pressing so hard!  The square had a problem.  A couple of the beads were shorter than the others and in my effort to make sure all the beads were melted and stuck together I managed to iron the base and squash some of the prongs a bit flat.  Yo!  Happily they are not too damaged and we will be able to use it again.  OOPS!

Then I ironed LJ's digger.  Isn't it great?