Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Give Away: Bead Star

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Bead Star CoverInterweave Publications has made the following announcement today about their exciting publication, Bead Star magazine:

Bead Star magazine announced today the 45 prize-winning jewelry designers in the second annual Bead Star challenge—an exciting competition that garnered more than 2000 entries from the U.S. and Canada, and was voted on by 26,000 people worldwide.

The designs are published in Bead Star 2009, the first-ever beading publication composed entirely of prize-winning designs, on newsstands nationwide Tuesday, December 8. This issue showcases forty-five of the winning designs in nine categories: Crystals, Heart Designs, Glass, Metals, Pearls, Plastics, Seed Beads, Stones, and Designs Under $25.

Bead Star has given a copy of the publication for a giveaway to readers of this blog.  Post a comment here for a chance to win a copy.

This looks like a very exciting publication and I for one can’t wait to leaf through it and see the winners of each catagory.

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Comments

  3. i would love to have this magazine. it’s always exciting to see new bead designs. thanks for the chance.

  6. I’m always interested in learning new things. When I started to make jewelry, I was amazed that, Wow, I can do this. It have become an obsession, It’s so fun. I can alway use new inspriration to continual the fun!!

  10. HI:Thanks for the opportunity to win a beautifullllll magazine, please choosee mmeeee.
    Thanks and Happy Beading.
    Irma.

  12. I’ve been thinking for awhile that I’d like to try beading jewelry. Right now I do some beading in my cross stitch, but I haven’t done a project entirely with beads yet. I’d love a magazine of inspiration! Thanks!

  19. Oh that is fabulous!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy…..all the shiny sparklies!!

    Thanks for oppurtunity to win one!

    Jenn

  20. Thank you for this exciting opportunity. I am a newbie with jewelry making and I am loving learning this beautiful art.

  23. I love all their magazines and subscribe… I hadn’t seen this one!! Looks great…
    Virginia

  27. I don’t want to win it! I already have a copy. 🙂 I won first place in the stones category, and I must say there are some wonderful designs in it! 🙂 I can’t wait to try them.

  30. How exciting! Always looking for new inspiration and gorgeous gems! How wonderful to have an opportunity to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity!

  32. I hope I’m not too late…I’d love to enter to win a copy. My 13yo daughter is a beading freak!

  33. I hope I’m not too late to enter!
    I’d love to win a copy and share it with all
    my friends & fellow students at CIJT–
    California Institute for Jewelry Training.

    Thanks for the chance,
    Matt

  35. i live in pocatello, idaho, and it has been a long and very cold winter, so when i got on line, to break the monotony, i was delighted to find your site. i hope that you will send me a copy of your magazine, because it will inspire me to do something fun, with all the time i have on my hands. i love inspiration, and i know that this will certainly do it. thanks for letting me enter this contest. margaret.

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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