Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Totally Twisted Blog Tour and Giveaway!

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Welcome to the 6th and final stop on the Totally Twisted Blog Tour!  (If you are interested in checking out the previous stops, they will be listed at the end of this post.)

This blog tour celebrates the book Totally Twisted: Innovative wirework & art glass jewelry, written by Kerry Bogert and published by Interweave.

Totally Twisted is a great book to have on hand to learn about working with both twisted wire and glass beads.   In this book Kerry presents a multitude of fun projects which burst with bright modern colors, of both bead and wire, and funky textures. I love the anodized coils! Each project not only includes easy to follow step-by-step instructions written in a friendly tone, but also tool and supply lists, ways to create additional looks with the same basic principles and tips and hints.  My favorite “ordinary home” tips where using boiled eggs instead of liver of sulfer to patina your work, and using your washing machine to work harden your wire.  Awesome!

The beginning of the book includes an excellent section on the necessary tools and at the end of the book is a great resource list for beads, supplies and tools, as well as a profile of the bead artists who’s work was used in the projects.  Also worth a mention is how fabulously the the step-by-step instructions and finished pieces were photographed and the overall fun feeling of this book.

If you are just starting out, or pressed for time, and feel you need a little more help to get started on these projects, you can pick up a materials kit straight from Kerry’s  site – instructions are not included,  so you will have to buy the book for those.

If I haven’t sold you on the book yet, here is your chance to pick up a free copy.  Interweave has supplied us with a copy of Totally Twisted for one lucky reader (very lucky indeed, as I don’t really want to part with this one!)  Just leave a comment here and I will choose a winner on April 28th. You  can leave addition comments letting me know that you have posted on your own blog, Facebook or Twitter about this competition. Each will count as new entry and a winner will be chosen at random.

If you are interested in interviews with and by Kerry, author photos or seeing some of Kerry’s projects tested by other bloggers, be sure to check out the blog tour list below.

Good luck and happy twisting!

————–

Past Blog Tour Stops:

Friday, March 19 – Sweet Bead Studio

Friday, March 26 – ArtBeadScene

Friday, April 2 – CraftyPod

Friday, April 9, LIVE FROM Bead Fest Wire!
(A post from Kerry)

Friday, April 16, Beading Arts

Alice, lucky number 13, was the winner of this giveaway!  Stay tuned to Jewlery Making @ Craft Gossip for future giveaways.

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Comments

  1. I agree wholeheartedly, you will certainly want to add this book to your reference library…you won’t be able to put it down once you open it! 🙂

  3. I really interested in learning to work with wire and would so love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the opportunity!

  6. I’m happy and grateful to be able to read your blog and admire one more time Kerry’s creation. I would love to win a free copy of her book. Today is a wonderful day, thank you again, all the best for you, Laura.

  9. This intrigues me! Yet another way to wrap my mind around jewelry and add my polymer clay beads… thanks for the opportunity!

    edie

  13. I’ve been experimenting with wire, and I’m always looking for new techniques.
    Thank-you for the chance to win! 🙂

  14. This is one to treasure. I just know that I will be keeping this book in close reach for a long time to come. The projects are each very accessible and stunning in turn. And they really are very easy, with Kerry’s guidance. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the day! Erin

  15. Wow – no matter where I roam (and I roam the internet all over) I keep reading about Totally Twisted….it is definitely on my wish list…..the key work I see is “easy” and I like easy….will have to check it out – or maybe I will win it….I hope..

  17. I just love Kerry’s work and try to visit her blog a couple time a week. I would be thrilled to win this book since it’s been on my wish list since it came out!!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  22. I think the author was on an episode of “Beads, Baubles, and Jewels.” A book that combines new techniques, fabulous projects, and pages bursting with inspiration will be a treasure in my craft library.
    thanks for this opportunity!

  23. i would love to win this book! ever since i have seen all these cool works or jewelry art on etsy i have been wanting to learn!

  27. Kerry is such an inspiration to lampworkers providing the creative end to glass beads. I really enjoy reading about her work and her adventures.
    I’d love to win your book.

    Thanks so much for all your input.

  28. Kerry sounds like a girl after my own heart, doing things with stuff around the house. The boiled egg thing I had heard of but the washing machine hardening is new. Bet she’s got all kinds of hints and tricks inside that cover. Would love to take a peak!

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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