Pretty Little Things Book Review

Pretty Little Things: collage jewelry, trinkets, keepsakes by Sally Jean Alexander

I love Sally Jean, she is truly a real life cupcake-sweet, pretty and makes you smile to be around. So of course, I was sure I’d love the book even if this kind of shabby romantique chic thing isn’t my style. And I was right.Â It is SUCH a gorgeous book, from the embossed cover, to the photos of the objects and her studio, to the projects themselves-that you will fall in love with it even if you never ever plan to solder anything.

There are twenty-seven projects and thirty variations feature Sally Jeans signature style of using collaged vintage ephemera allÂ soldered within glass of some shape or form. The finished pieces tell romantic, luxe and sometimes whimsical stories.Â Â Looking at the book is like falling into Marie Antoinette’s jewelry box-you are surrounded by pale aqua blues,pinks and greens, cream colors, faded ink, velvet, rhinestones with a hint of shimmer.

The jewelry projects include a Vintage vessel pendent, Bottle Bangle and a project from one of her sold out classes-Â Totally Tiara. Many of the other projects could be modified into jewelry-like the tiny chairs or budvases that would make lovely pins and pendants.

So with all the visual eyecandy, you also get very well written instructions on how to cut glass and solder properly. Even if you have never picked up a soldering iron in your life, you will feel completely confident to do so after reading thru the book. Sally Jean talks about everything you might need or want to know with how to work with one, tips and tricks.Â She has hand written notes on each page so its like she is right there with you, helping you along. You learn how to solder correctly the first time, rather than muddle thru on your own. I have to add, you don’t HAVE to cut your own glass to do many of these projects. Nowadays there are tons of shapes you can buy pre cut (see yesterdays post about Delphi) but knowing how to do it gives you more leeway in your creativity.

Even if you are more modern than vintage, or more chic than shabby you will still love the book. EVERY project can be done with your own colors, materials andÂ style. Make skyscrapers instead of houses, or spaceships! Don’t like flowers-use a doll head orÂ bunch of feathersÂ instead for the pen. Use modern graffiti art or MangaÂ instead of Victorian letters-make it your own.

Next Idea:

Soldering Tips For Jewelry Making

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!

Next Idea:

Comments

Have you read?

What Are Hama BioBeads?

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

How Do They Fuse?

What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

Categories