10 Budget Friendly Back to School Jewelry Ideas

Summer vacation is nearing an end, back to school shopping is underway, and in some counties nearby class has already started. Whew where did the time go? Many of you have probably already spent a bundle on school supplies and clothing, so why not make your child some cute jewelry to go with her back-to-school clothes? Whether you are a Mom looking for a DIY jewelry making project, a teen who likes to create her own accessories or a college student on a tight budget, this list of DIY Jewelry making tutorials will inspire you to get creative!

Get a head start on your child’s learning with these super cool Tubular Glitter Science Bracelets. This tutorial introduces science and fashion. Cool!!

DIY Pencil Crayon Earrings Tutorial

The idea of turning colored pencils into earrings fascinates me! Check out the tutorial and learn how to turn these bright school supplies into a trendy pair of earrings that is sure to get ooh’s and ah’s from fellow classmates!

I had to share this colorful DIY Magazine Necklace tutorial with you. I like the sloppy, yet stylish look of the beads. It looks super easy to make. You could make one like this while watching your favorite movie tonight.

Statement necklaces are a popular trend in the world of jewelry that does not show any signs of fading anytime soon. In this tutorial you will learn how to make a Neon Statement Necklace with an unexpected material found in hardware stores, cotter pins!

Here is another trendy tutorial that uses school supplies to create two stylish necklaces. See how these Paperclip and Tape Necklaces were made.

Glitter and a Bow! Perfect girly combination! This easy to follow tutorial will show you how to make a No-Sew Glitter Bow Necklace that you can wear again and again, and even make some for your friends.

Duct tape rings! How cute! Duct tape rings can be fashioned for any age, children, teens, and college students. This fun tutorial will have you making one Duct Tape Ring after the other.

The ever popular Safety Pin and Bead Bracelet never goes out of style. Check out the tutorial on Craft Bits, the sister site of Craft Gossip.

Aren’t these pretty? These Pearl Bead and Safety Pin Earrings are simple to make and a cute accessory for teens and college students to wear to class.

Last for this post is this colorful Pencil Grip and Bead Bracelets. Perfect for wearing back-to-school!

Have fun being creative!

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Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads…

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!

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Have you read?

What Are Hama BioBeads?

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

How Do They Fuse?

What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

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