• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Bead Museum DC International Juried Jewelry Competition

June 4, 2008 by Barbe Saint John

 The Bead Museum of DC is having their 1st Annual International Juried Jewelry Design Competition. This will be the Bead Museum, Washington D.C.’s largest fundraising event in the museum’s history!

There are 12 media categories for the contestants to enter: Clay, Fiber/Textile, Gemstones, Glass, Lampwork/Dichroic (handmade), Manmade Materials (inorganic), Metal, Mixed Media, Organic Materials, Seed Beads, Swarovski Crystal, and Trade/Ethnic Beads.

Winners will be announced at the Bead Society of Greater Washington’s 2008 Bead Gala on September 20th, 2008 at the Navy Memorial Naval Heritage Center in Washington, D.C., located across the street from the Bead Museum.

The rewards are great, as the top three pieces in each of the 12 media and applicant categories will be showcased in the Celebrating Beads, the journey of…” exhibit to be displayed at the Bead Museum in downtown Washington D.C. from September 28th, 2008 through December 31st, 2008. In addition, 10 “Best of Show” awards will be given along with a “People’s Choice” award to be decided by the guests attending the Bead Gala.

For full details, check the website.

Deadline is July 25th, 2008 for postmarked entries. Deadline for emailed entries is August 8th, 2008. Winners will have their piece on display at the Bead Museum in Washington DC from September 28, 2008 – December 31, 2008. Winners will be announced at the 2008 Gala to be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at the Naval Heritage Memorial Center in Washington DC. 12 Media Categories, 3 Levels of entries accepted. Enter today!

All contest proceeds benefit the Bead Museum, DC.

 

Next Idea:

  • Selling Your Handmade Jewelry on Etsy: A Beginner's Guide
«
»

Have you read?

Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads You’ll Love

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!

RSS More Articles

  • Crewel Embroidery Handy Pocket Guide: Everything to Get You Started
  • Etsy Spotlight: Tank Top and Shorts PDF Pattern for Boys
  • What’s Next for Joann?
  • Color Wheel Mini Scrapbook Album
  • Sunday Shout Out – A Must-Have Crochet Pattern
  • Woolie and Furry Upcycled Slippers by Made By Barb
  • Turn an Old Shirt into a Stylish Scrunchie: A Fun Upcycling Tutorial
  • Designer Spotlight: TesLime Cross Stitch
  • Crochet Kit – The Arpeggio Set
  • 4 FREE Father’s Day Digital Stamp Sentiments

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

Categories

Beading Book Reviews Craft Inspirations Crystals DIY Tutorials and Patterns Felt/Fiber Halloween Jewelry For Men Jewelry Making - General Jewelry making - Supplies Jewelry Making Give Away Jewelry Making Techniques Jewelry Making Tutorials and Ideas metalwork Mixed Media necklace Polymer Clay Product Reviews recycled/upcycled Wire Work

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy