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BeadforLife in New Hampshire

March 6, 2011 by Stacie Hooder

colorful beads made from recycled paper One of the best things about crafts is how the creative process brings people together–to learn, to share, and sometimes to help those in need. In this case, students at Nashua High School in New Hampshire are helping BeadforLife eradicate poverty in Uganda one bead at a time. 

BeadforLife has been featured on CraftGossip before. You  may  remember they are a nonprofit organization that helps impoverished women in Uganda earn a living by selling their colorful, recycled paper beads. BeadforLife has since added some shea butter products as well. Shea nuts are known as ‘Women’s Gold’ in Uganda. The money earned from gathering shea nuts pays for many critical needs and creates hope.

Chemistry teacher Allison Krones was given a BeadforLife bracelet by her mother-in-law. Allison went to the Web to find out more and ended up organizing a bead party at Nashua High School. Read more about Allison’s bead party in Telegraph Neighbors’ article by Wendy Thomas. Then learn more about BeadforLife and their mission. Organize your own bead party to help craft a better world!

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Comments

  1. Minta Fung says

    March 14, 2011 at 10:39 am

    these beads are beautiful and such a great cause

  2. Beth Garner says

    March 15, 2011 at 12:33 am

    I have a Bead For Life bracelet and love it. Such a good cause!!

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!

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