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Jewelry Artist Mini Interview-Jennifer Cameron/Glass Addictions

February 2, 2009 by Barbe Saint John

Today’s mini interview is with lampwork artist Jennifer Cameron. Her business name is “Glass Addictions” and you will easily understand why when you see her work!

How did you start doing jewelry/beadmaking as a business?
My obsession with glass started with a simple class making a stained glass panel. I was immediately fell in love with glass and was compelled to start taking as many classes as I possibly could and planning vacations around what glass related places we could visit.
Within 3 years of that first class, I got my first kiln and started fusing. I desperately wanted to make lampwork beads too, but resisted…an entire YEAR of resisting! Now I have 4 kilns (one of which only anneals beads) and haven’t made a stained glass panel in 5 or 6 years.
Making jewelry out of my beads was a natural and unplanned progression. I was completely surprised by how much I enjoy creating jewelry and sometimes prefer making jewelry to making beads. I go through different creative phases like many other artisans.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
It was probably a macaroni necklace for my mom! However, the first “serious” attempt at jewelry was probably one of my first fused dichroic cabs that I then wire wrapped into a bracelet using instructions from Jayne Persico’s book. I don’t really care for that style of wire wrapping now, but I still have that bracelet.

You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make
jewelry with-what would you take?

Are you kidding me? Is it possible to only have five? I like to have every tool known to man at
my disposal!  OK, I would definitely need my Lindstrom RX Pliers: Flatnose, Chainnose,
Roundnose, and Wire Cutters; and lots of wire.

What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn
that you haven?t yet?

I am really wanting to try some mixed media and collage, incorporating it into my jewelry and my home. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!

 

 

Luxury time is spent reading or taking classes for learning new techniques to incorporate into my work. Goofing off time is spent on twitter, facebook, and other social networking activites. I also homeschool my children, and work as the primary chauffer, secretary, accountant, maid, chef, and all the other mom stuff.
What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?

Upcoming Show:Indiana Art Fair at the Indiana State Museum Feb. 21-22

Glass Addictions Links: website: http://www.glassaddictions.com/
blog: http://www.glassaddictions.blogspot.com
etsy: http://www.glassaddictions.etsy.com
1000 markets: http://www.glassaddictions.1000markets.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/GlassAddictions
Facebook: a really long link! Search for Glass Addictions on facebook or there are links on
my website and blog.

Next Idea:

  • Selling Your Handmade Jewelry on Etsy: A Beginner's Guide
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Comments

  1. Hollys Folly says

    February 2, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    Go Jennifer! What an awesome day you are having! Congrats on the recognition! You so deserve it!

  2. Lady Blancpain Moonphase Collector says

    March 23, 2009 at 10:42 am

    As a UK-based luxury jewelry fan, I found your blog on google and read a few of your other jewelry posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

  3. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collector says

    March 23, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    Can you provide more information on this for the rest of us luxury jewelry fans?

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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