Magazine Review: Bead Trends

September 12, 2008 by Barbe Saint John

Bead Trends is more than a magazine, much more. I just got the Sept/Oct 08 issue and was really suprised to see how thick this issue is, it’s really like a softbound book. Their love of creating jewelry is evident in the magazine which is filled . Filled with juicy photos and projects and thin on advertising, Bead Trends sets itself apart from the other jewelry craft magazines. The projects range from beginner to advanced so there is something for everyone. In addition to all the projects, each issue contains a “Designer Highlight” article and “Fabulous Findings” section to bring you the newest and most interesting new things to create with.

The Sept/Oct issue contains a great article about paper quilled jewelry that is gorgeous and stunning lampwork bangles projects. It may be a bit hard to find in your local book or jewelry supply store, if they don’t carry it tell them about it. You can also buy single issues online directly from the publisher or splurge on a years subscription..

Next Idea:

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

Comments

SoftFlexGirl says
September 17, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I love this magazine too! It is really nice.
Sara
David Ross says
September 19, 2008 at 3:48 pm
It is great to read your review. It could not be more spot on with the vision we have for our publications. We will always only allow a small percentage to go to advertising as we want the publication to stay tru to submission and great photography.
If you could ad one more plug to this article it would be that we want submission to keep in the publication and to keep the variety high. We do not have a design team making jewelry all day so to keep the magazine full of great projects we rely on our readers to send in their submissions.
If you could and also spread the word to others that we are always looking for more variet and new submitters that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the great review…
Publisher
David Ross
Erin Prais-Hintz says
February 12, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I am so happy to find a review of this publication. I subscribe to all the major beading and jewelry magazines and I agree that Bead Trends has completely set itself apart and, I would dare say, above the others.
The photography is what propels this publication in the stratosphere. No other takes such care to showcase the designs. It is consistently raising the bar on true artistry and it is amazing how beautiful the pieces look.
The fact that the magazine submissions is all reader based designs is wonderful. It proves that there are talented designers in every corner of the world, and you don’t need any formal training or a title to be the next great thing. I do love to see a consistent take on things with a design team as with other publications, but Bead Trends affords the rest of us an opportunity to shine. I am one such designer. My star has never shone more bright than in the pages of Bead Trends.
I have been very fortunate to have my designs chosen for this publication many times. I am always humbled that they like what I do. I won’t ever be able to repay them for what they have done for me professionally and personally. I have no trouble believing that I am an artist when I see my work represented in the pages of this magazine. It is sublime.
I would definitely encourage anyone who is interested in trying new designs, whether beginner or advanced level, to subscribe to this publication. The lean advertising makes the cost quite a bit more than the others, but I find it is worth it.
Worth. Every. Penny.

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!