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Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping Book Review

May 12, 2008 by Barbe Saint John

wirewrapping.jpg

Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey

  • Publisher: Interweave Press
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1596680598

Wire Wrapping (Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey), is a nice introduction to the art of wire wrapping.

The book begins with a list of tools and materials needed to create the projects in the book. They include the ‘essential” tools as well as some “cool but not necessary” tools. This chapter also includes a wire guage chart which handy to have for a quick visual check, and a section on how to get the most of your tools. There are wonderful photos that clarify each step of the instructions, so you never have to wonder if you are doing it right.

The “first project” is a basic bracelet which is the foundation that the other pieces are built upon. The authors strongly recommend making and mastering this design before proceeding onto more complicated designs.

The book is heavy in bracelet projects-there are 8 of them compared to one pendant, one ring, one bracelet-pendant-earring set that make up the rest of the projects in this book. My favorites were the Art Deco styled “Bow Tie” bracelet, and a link bracelet called “Celtic Knot”. While the overall book is really great, I wish it had a few more ring projects in it. But thats a personal opinion, not a reflection on the book. 

Overall, its a great book for the basics of wireworking bracelets and to have in conjuction with other wireworking books. Its very well written, with tons of photos to help you ever step of the way. I can strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a solid background learning the basics of wirewrapping.

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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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