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Get Hip with Katie Hacker’s “Hip to Bead” book

July 19, 2008 by Barbe Saint John

I’m not saying that any of you AREN’T hip, obviously you are because you are reading this blog (LOL!). But for anyone who may be having a ‘not so hip’ feeling kinda day, this book will bring you back up to being fabulous!  You can take a look inside the book too!

Hip to Bead: 32 Contemporary Projects for Todays Beader by Katie Hacker

  • Paperback: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Interweave Press (March 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1931499950
  • ISBN-13: 978-1931499958

This may have been written for a younger/trendier group of beginning beaders, but even us old-timers will find the projects interesting.  I really like the Rock n Roll cuff and the World Beat Choker.  Its a great how-to beading book to encourage creativity in the tweens to 20somethings crowd. Not limited to just fashionable jewelry, this also contains projects such as barrettes, candle wrap and journal.  By branching out from jewelry, this book encourages the reader to look at mundane items with a fresh eye and encourages them to add their own creative touch to them.

Hip to Bead starts with a section on the basics and explains everything clearly. If you have never stepped foot in a beadstore it can be overwhelming, this section clears up the confusion for a beginner. The book then starts with a chapter called “Easy Assembly” where you build up confidence and skill, and moves on to stringing, wirework, knotting and more. One thing that I really liked about this book is with every project there is a sidebar with one or two addition tips, hints and variations to help you.

The projects are trendy, fun and easy to complete in a short period of time.  Katie Hacker has written 15 instructional beading books, teaches at National Conventions and is the guest expert on PBS’s Beads, Baubles and Jewels show.  Her blog can be found here.

I’ll be giving away a copy of this fun book-check back next week for the details!!!!!!

Next Idea:

  • The Legal Side of Running a Jewelry Business:…
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  1. and the Winner is……………. · Jewelry Making @ CraftGossip says:
    August 1, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    […] by random from the comments on our blogpost by using a random number generator at random.org the winner for Katie Hacker’s  Hip to […]

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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