These are quite possibly the coolest things ever: http://www.pixelblocks.com/

They're little interlocking blocks that you can use to make stuff, namely pixel art. The stuff that people do with them are just too cool:

http://www.doofyfuel.com/members/spidie/pix1.jpg
http://www.doofyfuel.com/members/spidie/pix2.jpg
http://www.doofyfuel.com/members/spidie/pix3.jpg
http://www.doofyfuel.com/members/spidie/pix4.jpg

If you can't afford the blocks, you can always do beads: http://www.insertcredit.com/features/beads/

I can't believe I never thought of doing this. I remember making stuff out of these beads at school when I was little.

I'm going to run to Michael's and try this stuff out. Problem is, I don't know where to start. Mario? Zelda? Final Fantasy? Too many choices.

I'm so getting some of these this weekend. Thanks for the link!

I know EXACTLY what I'm doing first.

Cool, and a retailer here in town.

I'll start with Zelda, then do some Metroid.

I remember those beads. Those rock! So tempted to try it myself... although i'm not very crafty

Here are some more cool bead pictures: http://www.farazansari.com/beads/

I like the Samus and Mario Karters.

Anyone know a good resource to use as a guide to make those? I know there are sprite pages out there, but do any have them blown up with all the colors identified?

Another question... how many colors could the NES and SNES use (and how can I find out what they are)?

I think I just found a new hobby... use the more expensive pixelblocks as a temporary display, then make the design permanent with the cheaper beads. Repeat by changing pixelblock design periodically.

Ah, I just now saw that link about the beads in the original post. Good stuff!!

The SNES could display 256 colors, and the NES could display 16. Search for game sprites online. There are a ton of pages out there with sprites.

Here's a nice site of sprites with each sprite broken up into grids and colors: http://www.smashboards.com/fzero/emblems.php

Let me guess...



Link: http://www.smashboards.com/fzero/emblems/metroid_l.jpg

No, but I'll probably do that too. First will be Slimes from Dragon Warrior, all 3 of them.

But keep in mind that individual sprites are limited to 16 (SNES) and 4 (NES) colors.

I ran out and bought some beads today. 11,000 beads for 10 bucks. Way more beads than I need.

Here's what I made: http://s87617422.onlinehome.us/pictures/beadsprites.jpg

Sorry for the thread crap but, Beads = Gay in my book.

pretty sweet

I made this beautiful suncatcher...



(arm'a gunna glued it to mar trailer!)

Awesome, thanks for letting us know. With that ultra-masculine statement, we'll know not to question your sexuality in the future.

Only someone who caught teh gay would say that!

U R A MANS MAN! YOU GOOD!

My happy family, now with Megaman.

These things look pretty high quality from a distance. Instant nerd decoration.

Beef, excellent work.. excellent work.

Nice job!

Where could I get some of these beads locally? What stores do you look for?

Wow, these things look pretty cool. It reminds me of this place that sold somewhat expensive stickers you could put on your walls that looked like space invaders. Now you could just build some with beads for hella cheaper.

I'll have to go snag some of the beads from the local Crafts 2000 later today.

They sell beads at Jo Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and some Walmarts. I've come across two brands, Hama and Perler Beads. I bought both in different colors, but found that Hama beads are slightly smaller than Perler. So you have to iron for longer to make sure that all of the beads fuse together. I bought a big bucket of 11,000 Perler beads for 10 bucks at Michael's, one square Hama board for placing the beads on for around 5 bucks (also came with other, useless board shapes), and a bag of 1000 black colored beads from Hama for 2 bucks. I suggest buying a bag of black beads because you're going to be using a lot.