Super Mushroom
The classic Super Mushroom power-up. 10x10 easy pattern for beginners.
Materials Needed
100 beads total · 4 colorsBackground: The Super Mushroom
The Super Mushroom (also known as the Magic Mushroom) first appeared in the 1985 classic Super Mario Bros. on the NES. Eating one makes Mario grow from small to Super Mario, gaining the ability to withstand a single enemy hit without losing a life. Its iconic red cap with white spots and two beady eyes is one of gaming's most recognizable silhouettes, instantly readable at any size. In pixel-bead form, it translates beautifully to a 10×10 grid — one of the most popular beginner fuse bead projects of all time.
Design Notes: 10×10 Pixel Composition
This 10×10 grid uses only 4 colors to capture the Super Mushroom with remarkable economy. The black outline frames the cap curve and defines the eyes, the red fills the cap body, white forms the signature spots and sclera, and tan (or light beige) represents the stem and lower face. The two eyes sit slightly above center to create the mushroom's friendly, slightly surprised gaze. Because each cell is a discrete bead, the diagonal curves of the cap are naturally stair-stepped — a hallmark of authentic pixel-art charm.
How to Make the Super Mushroom — Step by Step
Supplies
- •10×10 square pegboard (or a larger board marked to 10×10)
- •Household iron (medium heat setting)
- •Ironing paper / parchment paper
- •Tweezers (optional, for precise placement)
- •4 colors of fuse beads: red, white, tan/beige, black
- 1
Start by placing the black beads to outline the entire mushroom silhouette — the cap curve, the stem sides, and the base. This frame keeps everything aligned.
- 2
Place the two black eyes and fill the white spots on the red cap area, leaving the remaining cap cells empty.
- 3
Fill the stem and lower face with tan/beige beads.
- 4
Fill all remaining cap cells with red beads. Double-check against the grid that no cell is missed.
- 5
Cover the design with ironing paper. Iron on medium heat for 30–60 seconds, moving in slow circles.
- 6
Carefully peel off the paper, flip the design, replace the paper, and iron the back side for another 20–30 seconds.
- 7
Place under a heavy book while cooling to keep it flat.
Ironing Tips for Beginners
- 💡Always use medium heat — too hot and the beads will over-melt and lose their shape; too cool and they won't fuse.
- 💡Keep the iron moving in circles. Staying in one spot melts that area flat while the rest stays raised.
- 💡Iron both sides — single-sided ironing makes the piece brittle.
- 💡Let it cool under a heavy book for 2-3 minutes so it doesn't warp.
What Can You Make With It?
The 10×10 Super Mushroom is the perfect size for small accessories and gifts. Here are some popular ways to use it:
Keychain
Glue a jump ring and keychain hardware to the back — a tiny, recognizable charm for keys or backpacks.
Fridge Magnet
Stick a small neodymium magnet to the back for a cheerful fridge decoration.
Desk Ornament
Mount on a small stand or frame it — a retro-gaming desk accent.
Coaster
Add felt pads to the back and use it as a small drinks coaster.
Gift Tag
Tie to a gift box with ribbon for a gamer-themed present topper.