DIY Sea Stone Ring

I am fascinated with rocks. I love the different shapes, sizes, textures and colors. As a child I collected rocks. My collection consisted of several plastic gallon ice cream buckets full of rocks I picked up wherever one caught my eye. I would examine the beautiful rock and put my new-found treasure in my pocket to keep it safe until I put it in a container with my ever-growing collection.

As a child I would pick out a pretty rock and give it to my Daddy to take with him on his business trips out-of-town. When he came home he would pull the rock out of his pocket and tell me he kept it with him everyday. Often times my Daddy would bring home a little rock he found that he thought I would like because it was perfectly flat and smooth, an odd shape or a pretty color.

Today I am in my twenties and I still have a collection of rocks. Rocks from a creek that my oldest nephew brought back for me, odd shaped rocks found by my Daddy, or his friends that know I like rocks. Rocks my Mama finds on her way to the mailbox or walking out in the yard, and rocks I have spotted and had to pick up. I love rocks and this tutorial by Zina from Efzin-Creations is a perfect way to display a favorite rock. Zina shows how to take sea rocks and turn them into a trendy ring. If you do not have sea rocks you can use a rock you found out in your driveway. Zina uses paint to add color to her sea rocks, but you can also use fingernail polish.

This tutorial inspires me to pick out a few rocks from my collection and turn them into rings! Check out Zina’s tutorial and learn how to make your own Sea Stone Rock Ring. I guarantee it will be an eye catcher and may even start a conversation!

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As a long-time crafter, I’ve worked with all kinds of materials, but there’s something about fuse beads that never gets old. The creativity, the colors, the nostalgia—it’s all part of the fun! But let’s be honest, traditional plastic beads aren’t exactly great for the environment. That’s why I was so excited to try Hama BioBeads, an eco-friendly alternative that promises all the fun of classic Hama beads without the plastic guilt. So, do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive in!

What Are Hama BioBeads?

Hama BioBeads are a biodegradable version of the classic Hama fuse beads. Instead of being made from petroleum-based plastic, these beads are crafted from a plant-based, eco-friendly material that naturally decomposes over time. That means less plastic waste while still enjoying the same vibrant colors and creativity that fuse bead lovers expect.

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

When I first opened the pack, I was curious—would they feel different from traditional beads? The answer: not really! The beads are slightly smoother to the touch, but they’re just as easy to handle, pick up with tweezers, and place on a pegboard. The colors are just as bright and bold, which was a big relief since I was worried they might look dull or faded.

One of the things I love about these beads is that they’re the same size as regular Hama beads, so they work with all my existing pegboards and accessories. No need to buy new tools or change my crafting process!

How Do They Fuse?

Now, onto the real test—how well do they iron together?

I followed my usual fusing process, using parchment paper and a medium heat setting on my iron. The beads melted together perfectly, just like regular Hama beads. No weird smells, no uneven melting—just smooth, well-bonded designs.

I also noticed that once cooled, the fused beads felt a bit sturdier than traditional plastic beads. That’s a huge plus because sometimes regular beads can feel brittle or break apart too easily.

What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

? Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable – The biggest selling point! These beads naturally break down over time, reducing environmental impact.
? Non-Toxic & Safe for Kids – Made from natural materials, they’re a safer option for little crafters.
? Same Great Quality – They look, feel, and fuse just like classic Hama beads—no sacrifice in quality!
? Works with Existing Hama Accessories – You don’t need special pegboards or tools; they fit right into your current stash.
? Great for Schools & Eco-Conscious Crafters – If you’re an educator or a parent looking to introduce sustainability to kids in a fun way, these are perfect!

The only potential downside is that since these are a newer product, they may not be as widely available as traditional Hama beads. Some colors also seem to be in and out of stock, so if you see a set you love, I’d suggest grabbing them while you can.

If you love fuse bead crafting but want a more sustainable option, Hama BioBeads are a fantastic choice. They’re just as fun, colorful, and easy to use as regular Hama beads, but they come with the added bonus of being better for the planet. Whether you’re a hobby crafter, a parent, or a teacher, these beads are a guilt-free way to get creative.

So if you’re looking to make your crafts a little greener, give Hama BioBeads a try! Check them out here!

Comments

Zina (Ef Zin Creations) says
June 17, 2013 at 2:47 am
Thank you! this post and the introduction is simply adorable!
Mardi Robyn says
June 17, 2013 at 9:03 pm
You are welcome! Thank you, I enjoyed posting about the tutorial!
Chelsea says
June 18, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Awesome tutorial, I too had a huge rock collection when I was a child. I love this idea to show them off! Thanks for sharing!
Akamatra says
June 19, 2013 at 12:25 pm
I will definitely try this one! Lovely tutorial and easy to follow!