Book Review – Elements of Style: Knit and Crochet Jewelry

Elements of Style: Knt & Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt and Beads by Rosemary Hill

Publisher: Interweave Press (November 28, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596680792
ISBN-13: 978-1596680791

I was intrigued by the title of this book and couldn’t wait to get it. Fiber jewelry is getting more popular but there aren’t alot of books out on the subject. I wanted to see what projects this book offered and I was not disappointed.

With some simple materials you’ll be making modern wearable art pieces of fiber art. The book contains seventeen projects that combine the writers 3 passions – beading, knitting and crocheting and she combines them perfectly. Elements of Style will appeal to jewelry makers of all levels as well as knitters/crocheters who never thought about using those skills to make jewelry.

No matter what your experience with knitting or crochet, this book will get you familiar with the materials, tools, and techniques. This book is so well written with great illustrations and instructions that someone like me who can’t knit, feels confident enough to make the knit jewelry projects. I think this is one of the strongest elements of this book. Most of these are basic wireworking, beading, knitting and crochet so a beginner won’t feel overwhelmed. There are special technique sidebars and tip boxes throughout the book which will make sure you are successful with every project.

The book is in three sections: wire projects, fiber projects, then felting projects. There are so many pieces in here that I like its hard to narrow down a few. For the Wire section, my fave is the “Trio of Wire Earrings”. It has instructions for beaded rectangles, beaded triangles or wire rounds. I really like the triangles the best. In the fiber section, the very first project is my favorite – a scarf cocktail necklace made with stainless steel/silk blend yarn. GORGEOUS!!!! In the felting section I am ga-ga over the “Circles Cuff”

Another great thing I really like about this book is that because the projects are small its a great way to use up all those little bits of fiber, beads, and wire from we all hoard!

If you are looking for something a little different in your jewelry making or are curious about knit/crochet jewelry this is definately a book you will want to pick up. You can preview the book on the Interweave website and see a few of the projects.

Next Idea:

Soldering Tips For Jewelry Making

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!

Next Idea:

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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