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!

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.

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There 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.

Still in need of ideas? Here's some great 'how to' videos and superb Hama designs to get the creative juice flowing...

From the US? Need to top the Bead supplies up? Look no further...

Did 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

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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.

Hunting for a bargain? Here's what's on offer right now...

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.

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