I finally bit the bullet and decided to reorganize my personal stash of beads.  I was tripping over them as they spilled out of their various containers.  I was also forgetting about some of my beads and taking hours to find others.  I spent last weekend gathering everything together and starting the sorting process.   The treasures I found!  I'm planning on organizing them into color-coordinated packages this weekend.  I'm using some of the storage tips that have been published here.  So far, my favorite tip has been hanging my strands on shower hooks and putting them on  a curtain rod screwed into the wall.  I am amazed at how much drawer space that opens up and at how pretty my beads look hanging from my cellar wall.

And now onto this month's columns

Beading Tip  Different beads have different hole sizes

Marketing Tip  Form a master mind group and get free management consultants.

Featured Bead Artist  This month we highlight Vivian Bansal.  Her colors POP!  They remind me of a breath of spring.  That's indeed welcome right about now.   Please note that The Beading Times does not in any way participate in the sale of these hand crafted dazzlers and bears no responsibility for any transactions you may initiate. 

Beading Culture Beads that are painted on the inside

Beading Project   A pendant.

Elements Project   Make a badge lanyard.  Kit available.

Design  Corner  I don't think anyone likes a holiday better than Bethany.  She discusses Valentine's Day Jewelry - the color heart you choose just may say something about you.

When dreaming about this website, I pictured a place for beading enthusiasts to gather, to participate and to share their knowledge.  I hope you all take part in shaping this magazine – I want it to truly be a group effort.  Your input is welcome here.  I’d love to have you nominate a bead maker or submit tips or projects (don’t worry about your writing skills - my staff stands ready to transform your basic instructions into publishable text.).  Beyond your participation in the regularly scheduled monthly features,  I’d like to see you guide the shape of things to come.  What would you like to see?  Want to edit a column, write a story or post a question for the staff?   This is your place to shine or to bask in the glow.  Everyone here at The Beading Times is anxious to create a homey place for you – just let us know what it takes by emailing me.

Wishing you happy Beading Times,

Sandy

Sandra J. Paluzzi
editor

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