Mini Jewelry Artist Interviews

In 2009, I thought it would be fun to do “mini interviews” so we can learn a little about alot of different people!

Our first artist to grant a mini interview is Katie Hacker. Katie presents Beading Lessons on each episode of the public television series Beads, Baubles & Jewels. She has written many beading books and contributes how-to projects and articles to a variety of magazines, including a column for Beadwork magazine. Visit her website and blog at www.KatieHacker.com.

* How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business?

I worked as an editor for Hot Off The Press, a craft book publisher in Oregon, and they wanted to publish a book on making hemp jewelry. I told my boss that I had been making hemp jewelry for years and she asked me to contribute to the book!

* Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?

I loved making friendship pins (see pix on my blog! http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2007/08/then-now.html) and friendship bracelets when I was in elementary school, but I started getting serious about making jewelry when I was a teenager and couldn’t find cool clip earrings for my un-pierced ears.

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

Beading wire, crimps, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters. These would be very helpful for stringing all of those coconut beads that I’d be carving by hand!

* What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?

I am really interested in metal working but I just haven’t made the time to learn much about it. I keep promising myself that I will sit down with my friend Candie Cooper and learn how make some basic things.

* What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?

My husband does organic farming so I help with that in the summer I also love to read and have been known to sit down with a good book and not get up until it’s finished.

*Other News to share?

I co-authored Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed (F+W Pubs Jan 09) with Margot Potter and Fernando Dasilva. It’s all about exposing the components that are normally hidden in a piece of jewelry and making these items an integral part of the design. Read more about it here: http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/12/gifts-for-yourself.html

I’ll be teaching two fun classes at the Swarovski Tucson Event on Friday, Feb. 6. Visit www.create-your-style.com for details.

Thanks Katie for letting us get to know you a bit better!

Next Idea:

Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads…

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!