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You can be a STAR, baby!!!!!

March 31, 2008 by Barbe Saint John

 

Interweave has put out the Casting Call of their inaugural Bead Star competition and the debut of a new magazine, Bead Star.   This is such an exciting event for the beading community—like American Idol, but for beaders! Check it out on their website. The Bead Star challenge will reward the best and brightest bead jewelry designers from around the US and Canada with amazing prizes, professional recognition, and the chance to appear in Interweave’s newest, most original and anticipated special issue magazine ever, Bead Star!

Every project showcased in the magazine will be a winning design and the coveted cover piece will feature our ultimate Bead Star’s winning project.

The deadline to enter an original beaded jewelry design is May 6th.  The “polls” will be open from June 12th – June 18th on BeadingDaily.com.

The judges will be the readers of Beading Daily. They will cast their votes for their favorite designs among submissions in each of nine design element categories:
Crystals, Seed Beads, Glass, Pearls, Stones, Metals, Plastics, Under $25, and Designs with a Heart. Winners will have the chance to donate their projects to an auction benefiting the American Heart Association’s women’s heart health initiatives. 
A first-place, second-place, and third-place winner and two honorable mentions will be selected in each category.   One Grand Prize winner will be selected by the Grand Prize sponsor from the first-place category winners. This Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip for two to beautiful Santa Fe for Bead Expo 2009, win $1500 in cool beading stuff from our grand prize sponsor, Fire Mountain Gems, and see his or her design featured on the cover of Bead Star magazine! This grand prize has a value of $5000.  

Prizes are valued at over $12,000 in all! Visit www.Beadingdaily.com/beadstar for complete contest rules.

Next Idea:

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Comments

  1. Alejandra says

    April 3, 2008 at 1:02 pm

    This is a wonderful idea, it’s a shame that I’m not in the US or Canada…

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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