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Jewelry Artist Mini Interview: Heather Powers of Humble Beads

January 23, 2009 by Barbe Saint John

Todays Mini Jewelry Artist Interview is with Heather Powers of Humble Beads. Don’t you just love this hedgehog bracelet??  Heather creates amazing polymer clay beads inspired by nature and art history.  She has a very unique style, look at these urchin beads for example, they are lifelike!

Anyway, on to the interview!

* How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business?
I started making jewelry in college to pay for extra expenses.  In 2002 I changed the focus of my business from selling jewelry to selling my art beads. 

* Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
It was a brass pendant on leather.  I think I wore that thing every day for a month.  Well, until I returned to the bead store!

* You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take?    My lindstrom pliers, wire-cutters, wire, fireline, and a beading needle.  That would keep me busy for a while.  I’d have to learn how to make art beads from the island’s resources.  That would be a fun challenge!  * What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet? I’d love to learn some basic metalsmithing skills like soldering and making bezels. 

* What do you do when you aren’t making beads?
When I’m not making beads, I’m planning my annual Bead Cruise adventure, editing my popular blog, the Art Bead Scene, and spending time with my family and friends. Links are:  www.humblebeads.blogspot.com www.artbeadscene.com   www.beadcruise.com   I recently had 2 designs published in Bead Star magazine as a finalist in Interweave Press’ new competition. 

Thanks so much for letting us get to know you a bit better Heather!

 

 

Next Idea:

  • Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads…
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Comments

  1. julee says

    January 23, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    love the mini interview… especially the question about the deserted island! how fun would it be to make jewelry from what you find.

    the urchin beads are AMAZING!!

    thanks for sharing!
    xoxo
    jul

  2. Eni Oken says

    January 23, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    Barbe and Heather, what a great mini interview. I wish there were more questions… I’m looking forward to the Bead cruise this year.
    Eni

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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