DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns
Spiders scare me! They are the one insect I do not like. I dislike spiders more than snakes! However, this little spiders is cute! Abbey shares with us her tutorial for creating a simple beaded Spider. Probably the cutest beaded spider I have ever seen. Take a look and learn how to make your own here.
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!
Maybe you know this, or maybe you will be told multiple times, but spiders are not insects. Insects have 6 legs; spiders have 8. Spiders are arachnids and they are beautiful. There are many species. No doubt you are familiar with web weavers – I have a large specimen on my verandah with a huge web. My favourite TV substitute.
But there are other types – wolf spiders hunt prey as do wolves. Trap door spiders lay in wait for prey to wander by.
Spiders feast on flies – one of the few creatures I am willing to kill.
You are right. I stand corrected! Thank you. It has been so long since I studied all of that, I had forgotten. The large specimen you mentioned on your verandah reminds me of the only spider I have seen that does not scare me. I do not know their correct name, but they are black and yellow. We call them banana spiders. I do not know what it is about these particular spiders, but like I said they do not scare me. I am glad spiders feast on flies, they are pesky little things!
Such a cool spider, even if it is missing a couple legs. Great for Halloween!