Put a fork in it…

Once again, Craft Gossip’s Fork & Talk Blogger Meetup sponsored by EK Success is done. Imagine 24 crafty women gathered to share ideas, network, and try some of the fabulous products from the EK Success line up over a wonderful lunch at Trios in Little Rock. What a great day we had last Saturday!

Needlework Editor Denise Felton chats with Janna Jennings, Sarah Bird-Bogner, Kimberly Eagle, and Codie Pope during registration before the event kick off.

Denise called these envelopes from the beautiful K & Company papers a way to recover from a craft fail. I think they are gorgeous enough to warrant their original name – origami business card holders. We stuffed them with a set of business cards from each participant.

Each participant introduced themselves, their blog, and shared their crafty interests. Wendy Gregan tells about the focus of her blog Amelie Eyes.

Trios made us feel very welcome. Julia brought us each a delicious lunch and was the judge for our editor makeover contest.

After lunch, the crafting began with teams giving each editor a makeover. Here Janna Jennings and Julie Kohl are transforming Sewing Editor Anne Weaver.

Angela Crook shows the winning makeover her team gave to Quilting Editor Scarlett Burroughs.

Of course the highlight of the event was the swag bags brimming with products from EK Success including Dimensions Crafts, Laliberi, Martha Stewart Crafts, Inkadinkado, Jolee’s, and American Girl Crafts to name a few. Andi Berry looks at her new clear Inkadinkado stamps.

Leslie Andersen shows off her new paper pad from K & Company.

Paige Condray looks at this versatile flower clip from Laliberi.

Holly Young smiles as she begins to explore her swag bag.

Thanks so much EK Success for the opportunity to meet again with old friends and new, a delectable lunch and all the great swag! You can see more photos from Craft Gossip’s Spring 2012 Fork & Talk Blogger Meetup sponsored by EK Success at Flickr.

I’ll leave you with a close up look at my fork and spoon creature crafted just for our event and links to the other editors’ perspective of the day. Check back soon – there will be a giveaway related to the event!

Sewing Editor Anne Weaver

Needlework Editor Denise Felton

Quilting Editor Scarlett Burroughs

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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!

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Have you read?

What Are Hama BioBeads?

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

How Do They Fuse?

What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

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