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  • Do You Bead Green?

    In the Summer 2009 issue of Stringing, we present an article about eco-conscious beading, Bead Green: New Earth-Friendly Beading Supplies. In the article, author Melaina Juntti writes, “Nowadays many of us think critically about how our lifestyles and hobbies affect the planet and, coupled with a not-so-sweet economy, we carefully consider each and every product before we purchase.” She then goes on to mention a handful of cool, new eco-friendly beading materials: corn-cob pendants, recycled bottle cap beads, and heavy metal-free beading wire, to name a few. ...

  • Do You Torture Your Beads?

    Sadly, my answer is yes. I adore beads, but that doesn't mean they are always safe in my care. I spill beads onto the sofa and sit on them. I vacuum them up. Occasionally, I break them with my pliers. Once, in a scene suitable for a beading horror movie, I dropped a new lampworked focal bead onto a cement floor and it broke. Long-time readers will remember that I nearly burned my first attempt at making a stamped polymer clay pendant and turned the lovely ivory color into a smokey orange. I don't mean to be mean, but it happens. ...