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Doing the Wire Wig Jig!

August 13, 2007 by Barbe Saint John

earrings8.jpg

If you don’t have a Wig Jig, you should get one. They are inexpensive, and you can make so many things with it.  The WigJig website has a “Wig Jig University” with a TON of free (yes FREE!) wire patterns to make with your jig.  You can whip up lots of wire bits and connect them together, make chandelier earrings, fun necklaces, all kinds of stuff!

 In addition to the patterns, they sell tools, kits, and have info like ‘beads to the inch’, wire gauge info, hardness of materials, and other information. Its a great place to sit and spend a while reading thru it all.

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Comments

  1. annemarie says

    August 15, 2007 at 3:27 pm

    Ican’t wait. I ordered wigjig from Firemountain Gems and should be getting it any day now. I tried the plastic jig from a local craft store and it didn’t handle well. The one I now ordered has aluminum pegs which are suppsed to be better.

    Thanks!

  2. Gary Helwig says

    September 5, 2007 at 7:11 am

    Barbe, as it turns out, August 13th, the day you posted this, is my birthday. I could not have asked for a nicer birthday present.

    We now have over 2,700 free web pages of jewelry making designs, tips and techniques on wigjig.com.

    Sincerely,
    Gary Helwig
    WigJig

  3. Barbara says

    December 9, 2007 at 9:28 pm

    got my first jig but whereare the free patterns help me find them lol this is a neat place to visit thanks
    Barb

  4. Jodi Clark says

    June 6, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Definitely have to get one of these things, been doing this manually, not fun!

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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