Hama Beads

Ranked #3,369 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #38,239 overall

An Introduction to Hama Beads

There aren't many better Arts & Crafts creative toys than Hama Beads - a simple system that allows you to make stunning mosaic designs. Using a pegboard, Hama beads are layed out in patterns, before being joined together by ironing. Pegboards are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and there are dozens of colours of Hama Beads to pick from. Hama Beading can be enjoyed by children as young as 5 through to adults.

This page explains the basics of Hama Beading and provides links to a great many online Hama Resources, including Youtube "How to" guides, pictures of other people's Hama creations for inspiration, deisngs posted in blogs and much more. Finally, if you're a Hama Bead fan, make sure you say 'Hi' on the guestbook at the bottom of the page and vote in our poll. Enjoy!

Hama Bead Pics on Flickr

Needing some Hama Bead inspiration? Check these out.

This is a great source of ideas, as the public images of Hama on Flickr change regularly - keep checking to see more designs:

Lake Street School - Primary 1 with Primary 7 buddies by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 3 by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 2 by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 4 by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 4 by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 2 by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 6 by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Nursery Class by craiglea123
Lake Street School - Primary 5 by craiglea123
Hama beads on my desk by humbert15
automatically generated by Flickr

A Brief History of Hama Beads

Malte Haaning Plastic A/S was founded by Malte Haaning in 1961, originally as a manufacturer of plastic drinking straws. Gradually they diversfied into a whole host of other plastic products. In 1971, Malte Haaning turned his attention to the huge demand for beads, and Hama Midi beads were born. Midi Beads are still the number one selling Hama line to this day.

Later on, Hama Maxi Beads, aimed at younger enthusiasts saw the light of day, as well as Mini Beads for the serious fan. In 1984 the Hama trademark was registered, the word 'Hama' being made up from the first two letters of the company founder's last and first names. The Hama brand has continued to grow in popularity to this day, now being sold in more than 60 countries.

Which Brand is Most Common Where You Are?

Simply click to vote. You don't need to register or give any details to take part. It's just for fun.

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Buying Hama Beads in the United Kingdom

Hama Disney Princess Box SetThere are a great many Hama Bead products out there. If you're just starting out, the best way to get your first experience of Hama Beading is to purchase a boxed set. In a boxed set, you'll generally find everything you need - beads, a pegboard, templates, instructions and ironing paper.

Once you've done a few kits, it's time to strike out on your own. Purchase individual bags of beads (they're not expensive), different pegboard shapes, and perhaps one of the Inspiration books, which are packed with ideas, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a Hama master.

Bus Stop Toy Shop (amongst many fine retailers) stocks a huge range of Hama Beads products. Have a browse around by visiting the Hama Bead Section of our website.

Hama Beading Videos

Still in need of ideas? Here's some great 'how to' videos and superb Hama designs to get the creative juice flowing...
Perler Beads / Hama Beads Tutorial - (Super Mario Bros) Yoshi Tutorial
by kayecel0214 | video info

0 ratings | 101,960 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Buying Hama Beads in The US

From the US? Need to top the Bead supplies up? Look no further...
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Hama Maxi Beads for Younger Fans

Hama Maxi BeadsDid you know that there are Hama Maxi Beads available for children as young as 3? Hama Maxi Beads are chunkier for little fingers, and are a perfect pre-school arts and crafts activity.

To view Bus Stop Toy Shop's Hama Maxi Bead selection, go here

What's your favourite Hama range?

Have your say in our vote below. You don't need to login or provide any details to vote - it's just for fun. Just click to vote...

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Hey, Hama Fans!

Love Hama? Got an interesting idea for Hama patterns? Want us to include your favourite Hama resources? Let us know all about it...

  • teriann Jul 12, 2011 @ 8:41 pm | delete
    These are fun projects to share with children. My daughter enjoys these very much. I've feature this lens on my lens 'discover beading'. Thanks for sharing.
  • OhMe Jun 27, 2011 @ 5:00 pm | delete
    I have seen these and know that the kids really enjoy Hama Beads.
  • MisterJeremy Jun 13, 2011 @ 3:26 pm | delete
    My kids play with these a lot on rainy days. They have fun and get some good fine motor skills work in the process.
  • Tipi May 10, 2011 @ 10:22 pm | delete
    My children enjoyed these and made Christmas decorations for everyone years ago and they are still as good as new.
  • cuteordeath Apr 3, 2011 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    I've always wanted to play with those! They look like so much fun. I want to use them to create real-life versions of my pixel art creations!
  • UKGhostwriter Mar 28, 2011 @ 2:43 pm | delete
    Nice niche lens - well done!
  • sorana Feb 25, 2011 @ 6:42 pm | delete
    Very interesting lens. These beads look like a lot of fun.
  • Mujjen Feb 24, 2011 @ 4:28 pm | delete
    We use these a lot, not only for making patterns, but also for necklaces. They are great, even for small fingers!
  • sukkran Jan 8, 2011 @ 7:17 am | delete
    wonderful presentation. yes, beginning to love hema.
  • ShirlW Jan 7, 2011 @ 6:40 pm | delete
    I've seen these before but didn't know them by name. My youngest daughter would love these.....so would my vacuum cleaner!
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Bus Stop Toy and Hobby Hall of Fame

Hama Beads were inducted into the Bus Stop Toy and Hobby Hall of Fame for 2006. To find out more or vote on the 2010 nominees, visit our Toy Hall of Fame page.

Hama Bargains in the US...

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A Few of My Favourite Hama Gifts

If you know someone who wants to try Hama for the first time, here's a few of my favourite gift sets that make a fabulous first introduction to Hama.
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BSTS is a wholly independent toy and hobby store based in the United Kingdom. On these pages we bring you guides to a wide range of toys and hobbies.... more »

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A Great Perler Beads Present Idea... 

...For Our US Readers

Perler Disney Princess Set Gift Box

Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

This is a great box set, which makes a great present for any girl that's a fan of Perler Beads and Disney Princess. Yep, you're right - that means this gift works for most girls...