DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns
Not only was Katie Hacker was kind enough to grant us an interview and she also gave me two books for giveaways to a lucky CraftGossip reader.
If you’d like to win a copy of “The Need to Bead” and “Born to Bead” books, leave a comment here with why you feel “the need to bead” or why you think you were “born to bead”. I’ll pick one lucky person at random on Jan 31st!
[…] forget to leave a comment to win a copy of “The Need to Bead” & “Born to Bead” books by Katie Hacker!!!!! […]
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!
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.
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!
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.
? 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!
I would love to win one of the books.
I need to bead because I cannot resist buying beads – they are like candy so i have loads of them. And when I see beads lying around I feel a great urge to make something of them – a need to bead!
I have never worked with beads before but I am interested in learning new crafts and would love to learn more about beading after seeing all the beautiful creation on different craft sites.
I feel the need to bead because that is my way to express my creativity and to show my interpretation of beauty. I love creating beaded jewelry for my self because it makes me happy and helps me relax and take my mind off of things. I also feel the need to bead and give people gifts of beaded jewelry to see them smile and see them wear some jewelry that makes them feel happy and beautiful.
Im’ a bead junkie, beads everywhere (even in the bed – don’t talk to my husband.) See my fabulous homemade beadboard at this link: http://lisaoram.com/?p=157. Would love to add either of Katie’s books to my collection. Thanks!
Those books look awesome…especially for a newbie beader like me!!
I don’t like my hands to be idle – and do a lot of machine sewing and rubber stamping -neither of which are very portable.
I find beading to be portable, and show-offable, so I can brag on my mad beading skills – quilts are harder to show off at the office, and you can only stamp so many cards to display on your desk.
Um….I don’t NEED to bead; I can quit anytime I want 😉
I’m not sure if my comment went through ok…I was having problems with my Internet connection, but anyway…I feel the need to bead because that is my way to express my creativity and to show my interpretation of beauty. I love creating beaded jewelry for my self because it makes me happy and helps me relax and take my mind off of things. I also feel the need to bead and give people gifts of beaded jewelry to see them smile and see them wear some jewelry that makes them feel happy and beautiful.
Clearly not “born to bead”–I still chafe at picking up a needle. The “need to bead” has come out of a desire to express myself through the visual arts and a personal love of bling.
i’ve always loved to adorn myself with pretty babbules so i would love to learn how to make my own to flaunt
i need to bead because i did a lot of it in my younger days and really miss it thanks for the giveaway
I would like to win these books. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have a tutor form high school I would love to win these for. SHe send me a nice beaded gift for Christmas
I love beading – it has been my new “relaxation hobby” and a great way to stimulate the creative juices!
I just love checking out new beads, testing out supplies… it’s so much fun!
I was born to bead because I have always loved jewelry and rocks/stones. Now I can put my two loves together!
making things help me relax from being a mommy of three
I like to bead it’s a relieve from stress!
carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have loved beading for years (well decades really) and love to learn new projects
I would like to have a craft to do with my teenage SD.
Thanks for the giveaway.
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to learn how to bead. I think its gorgeous.
I feel the need to bead so I have an outlet to release my inner artist 🙂 I love the all the beautiful things that beads can make. *Thanks* for the giveaway!
oooooo….I hope you pick little ol’ me!
~Sadie
I think I need to bead because my friends and family call me a beadophile… :p
I love to do bead work!
I just started beading recently and I just can’t stop! lol!
Its like its an obsession or something!
As I bead my project it starts taking a life all its own.
And Iam always amazed at the beautiful end results!
This new hobby of mine blows my mind as I finally realize…..”Hey! Iam an artist too!”
I love Katie and her books are just wonderful! A reader is going to be very lucky! 😉
Jamie
Creations by JAE
I need to bead, because I saw my mother-in-laws beaded Christmas Ornaments and Angels and fell in love with this artistic endeavor. She told me she fell in love with beads from seeing beautiful necklaces and braclets her daughter had beaded.
I would love to win one of these books! They would help with inspiration. I bead so that I can get the images out of my mind to a format that I can show to other people.
What great books, and a great giveaway!! Enter me please.