Happy Earth Day!

Save the Earth Charm from CharmFactory.com

Celebrate Earth Day by greening your bead supplies! Here are a few tips. Have a great idea of your own? Please leave it in the comments!

• Look for beads and pendants made from tagua nut, coconut and other sustainable materials.
• Incorporate hemp cord, cotton cord and other natural stringing materials into your jewelry designs.
  
• Use stainless steel components and beading wire because stainless steel is typically made from at least 60% recycled content and is completely recyclable.
• Shop for sterling silver from pre-produced sources, such as Earth Silver, to minimize mining and protect the earth's resources.
  
• Re-use packaging whenever possible. Store your custom bead mixes in used seed bead tubes or plan a fun recycled bracelet project for kiddos using beading wire spool clips (cover with ribbon or tacky tape and beads!)
  
• Recycle beading wire spools and other packaging.
  

My first book, It's Knot Hard: Hemp Jewelry is still one of my most popular titles. Check it out for an introduction to earth-friendly macramé techniques and lots of hemp jewelry ideas.