Jewelry Making

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Support MzuriBeads

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Handmade, ethically sourced, recycled beads, You can’t get better than that!

Mzuribeads paper beaders live in the village of Ndejje, Uganda, where they roll paper beads from strips of recycled magazines and posters.

The director began this business with the ambition that she will one day not be needed, and Mzuribead will be ran entirely by Ugandans. Kirstie MacLean, is currently the director and acting as the voluntary/not for profit middle man. The money accumulated will be used to establish a program to train the women in the cooperative, (who so wish), to become directors, quality controllers, global marketeers, product developers, etc. In short, they aim to generate enough funds to develop a sustainable business structure.

Visit Mzuribeads and browse their online shop for some beautiful handmade beads.

WIN WIN WIN

Thanks to Mzuribeads we are giving 5 lucky CraftGossip readers the chance to win a DIY Bracelet kit.

This little box equips you with all you need to make your own recycled paper bead bracelet.  Mzuribeads is a business working with groups of village artisans who roll paper, and other ethical and natural beads.  Each bead is unique as the colour is from the specific page selected. And they are also varnished for a waterproof and glossy finish.    Presented in a gift box; containing over 15  colourful round Paper Beads, over 15 Glass Spacer Beads, knottable Tiger tail, (no need for tools,etc), and a toggle clasp.

For your chance to win simply leave a comment on this post telling us what is your favorite bead on the Mzuribead website.

Competition Closed – Winners are IndiviJewels,BeadingHeartArt,Letha,Ken and Sally Lowe. (You have all been e-mailed requesting your postal address)

Competition Open Worldwide

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Comments

  1. I love the pure purple jumbo “The Spaceships Have Landed” paper beads, but there are so many gorgeous ones to choose from. The barkcloth beads are also beautiful.

  4. I like the Barkcloth Beads. They are so unusual and tactile. The chunky size is an eyestopper for sure! It is also neat that they are a product which is made by another group and shared Through the Mazumi site- I especially like that they are networking in their enterprises!

  5. I was amazed to find such an wonderful site while I was researching making jewelry from recycled materials. These beads are so colorful and amazing…they make you happy just seeing them. Beautiful! Thank you.

  6. Hands down, my favosite is the Jumbo green beads. However, due to it being recyled, I love the recycled beads too.

    They are soo beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Gorgeous beads! I can’t choose just one! My faves are “The Spaceships Have Landed” and the “To Infinity and Beyond.”

  9. So many colors of the variety of beads but I am drawn to the Barkcloth beads. They look so organic and interesting.

  11. Definitely Omo in turquoise! I made a necklace with an earlier version of these beads and it’s been much admired. These beads are so much lighter and more comfortable to wear than glass or ceramic.

  13. Love all the beads on the Mzuribeads website, have at least one of each of everything. Especially like using the Omo (the berry bead) in my jewellery designs as the shape works so well with all my other beads.

  15. I am a Mzuribead customer and have to say ALL the beads are fabulous. I really like the jumbo recycled paper beads. I have them in black and they are awesome! But, I love the bead mixes of recycled beads – so much inspiration in one bag. OH, and the banana leaf beads are little pieces of glory! sigh. My favorite? Tough call. I guess I’ll stick with the jumbo! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  17. If I have to choose just one, I favor the Barkcloth beads. I love the color. By the way, the Paper Bead Dress is incredible!

  20. These beads are incredible! They are a good representation of what beauty can come from, like the moth into a butterfly. I would use these as a sign that all is beautiful.

  21. these beads are way more than just beads they are fair trade for a fairer world and beautiful jewelry and i drool over all the beads but my favorite are jumbo’s in all the fab colours xx

  22. I absolutely love fair trade beads!! I am teaching a cultural beading class at a school in NYC this fall (begins in a week), and will include a class on fair trade beading in Africa. The children range from 5-8th grade, and I am sure they would absolutely love to work with such beautiful, ethical beads.
    🙂

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!

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