• 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

“Create Jewelry Glass: Brilliant Designs to Make and Wear” Book Review

February 16, 2009 by Barbe Saint John

Create Jewelry: Glass: Brilliant Designs to Make and Wear (Create Jewelry series) by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett.

  • Paperback: 120 pages
  • Publisher: Interweave Press (April 1, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1596680679
  • ISBN-13: 978-1596680678

Another addition to the “Create Jewelry” book series by Interweave Press, Create Jewelry Glass does not disappoint.  Whether your style is saucy, sassy, flirty, elegant or dressy: this book has 21step-by-step projects to inspire your creativity.  Glass beads are affordable, readily available and in so many varieties that nearly all beaders and jewelry makers use them in their work.

This book is good for novice thru advanced jewelry makers.  The unique design projects are accented with sidebars throughout that have anecdotes, bits of history, and tips about glass beads.

Create Jewelry Glass features a wide range of techniques including not just stringing but also wireworking,  knotting, stitching, and bead weaving.  The book starts with how beads are made, then the projects which are into Classic, Special Occasion, and Fashion Forward categories. Following the projects portion of the book are sections on Techniques and Findings, Resources, and Related Reading.

There are so many gorgeous focal beads and projects in this book, I find it hard to narrow down to just a few. Rhumba is a multicolored bracelet project that utilizes Sarah Morans fabulous lampwork beads and beadwoven beads. Its a really innovative and gorgeously colored design.  Another two that I love are the Honey Blossom Earrings and Sweet Treat Bracelet.

Create Jewelry Glass showcases the beauty of glass beads and will inspire bead jewelrymakers to use their beads more creatively. It’s a great addition to any beadworker or jewelrymakers library.

Next Idea:

  • The Legal Side of Running a Jewelry Business:…
«
»

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

  • Etsy Spotlight – Sew Your Dream Cottagecore Midi Dress with This Beautiful Sewing Pattern
  • How to Make a Garden Planner with Scrapbook Supplies
  • Learn about China for Kids
  • Check Out This Great Method for Framing Cross Stitch
  • Teddy Family – Free Crochet Patterns
  • Book Review – Americana Quilts
  • Add a Splash of Joy to Your Crafts with The Big Book of Happy Crafts
  • 5 FREE Die Cut Father’s Day Interactive Cards
  • DIY Purse with Cricut Maker: A Fun and Easy Sewing Project
  • Free Pattern – Queen Anne’s Lace Meadow

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