Hi there Cass .... I am self taught just sorta looked at a pair of earrings I bought and then the wild love of the bead started ... I have cases of beads and a closet full of books magazines and pics of things I would like to create ... my darling hubby wonders where all of my money goes ....ahhhhhhhhh the bead world ...hangs head once you fall into it you can't stop...lol I thank you for your post ... it does take time to master all I can say is get out the beads and nymo and start playing with it.... if I can give me a shout...huggs Kim

Hi everyone-This is too good to be true!! My other obsession besides food...beading!! Wow!! I am learning to reward myself with shiny things instead of food. It helps-maybe because I am about 4 weeks post op. I am hoping that when the times get tougher and I can eat more, beading will continue to fascinate me. I started a beading circle and we are celebrating 2 years together!!!

I was just wondering if people have suggestions for knotting. Especially with seed beads and working on looms. I don't know why, but I seem to be very challenged when dealing with knots, especially with multiple strands, such as on a loom. With just a simple, one strand seed bead necklace, I knot several times, even in the middle of the project, just because I'm paranoid of it coming loose everywhere. Only problem with that is if its a spur of the moment project, I can't undo it and fix my mistakes because I've knotted everything so much! Haha Just wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks to hand out. I seem to play with my beads and fixings more than making anything. I'll post a pic of a bracelet I'm very proud of though, and let me know what you think, and what you think it would be worth to you. I'm thinking of selling some stuff, and was curious about pricing. Thanks! Jami

Hello! I am 3 weeks post op, and a bead-a-holic. Only problem is I don't follow patterns very well. I need to take a class when I find the time, which will be hard to do. I have PLENTY of supplies, let me tell you, but I just dont' know the official ways. I have a subscription to Bead and Button mag, which I LOVE, and it just makes me jealous of the things everyone else can do. I also crochet, knit, stamp, love photography, tarot, draw, go to school full time as a graphic design and web major, love movies, books, my iPod, crystals, and much too much more! If anyone would like to chat, I'm up for it! I'm 3 weeks post op and I've lost about 24 lbs. so far. Jami www.jamidanell.blogspot.com

If you haven't taken classes yet, it is a good idea. There are a lot tips that you can get in person that you can never figure out from printed instructions. I taught myself peyote from internet instructions and was doing fine, but it wasn't until I began taking classes that my beading really took on its own personality. It is also a great way to meet others that share your interest. Many bead stores also offer "bead nights" that are not structured around a specific class. Everyone brings their own projects and there are staff people around to help you with decifering instructions. Most stores offer these bead nights free of charge. Of course they aren't apposed to you making a few purchases while you are there. I warn you though...beading is adictive, but calorie-free. Good luck, Teri

Beading is the best. I'm always amazed that I have the patience to bead when I have little patience for so many other things. And OMG, those CHAIRS! I fell in love with those chairs. My butt felt skinny. It was WEIRD! About the surgery, I need to update my profile. I decided not to have it. I sat myself down and did a personal inventory. I found that I haven't really given myself the opportunity to lose it on my own. I've dieted and lost 30 or 40 pounds and then I give it up and gain it back. But I've never really MADE myself really really really change my eating habits and exercise habits. I thought about it, and it became clear to me that even with the surgery, you still have to eat right, eat less, and exercise more. If I do that, I'll lose weight anyway. So I'm going to do that. I wish you the best in your journey. Several women I've met here had their surgeries done in Mexico. If I were denied with finality by my insurance company and still wanted the surgery, I'd probably look into it myself. It's a crying shame we can't bead while we walk isn't it? I'd give it a go on my treadmill but I don't think my fingertips would hold up to the needle sticks for long. :D Brandy

That's neat Kimi! I have most of those same designs. It's pretty cool to see the same earrings made in different colors than I chose for my own. I don't know about you, but I friggin' LOVE the magazine Beads to Buckskin. I can't remember the name of the other beading book where I found your other designs, but they are cherished in this house, believe me. Keep up the good work!

Hi Brenda, Try Auntie Beads...they have them and are pretty reasonable as well. Here is the link, don't forget to put the http:// in front of it. auntiesbeads.resultspage.com/display.php?p=Q&ts=dynamic&w=magentic+hematite+beads Take care, Kathy

Hey Sexy! I hope you find this post from the clues I left! Just thinking of you and will talk to you later. Love you, Your Captain!

I am makeing my wedding dress and I would like to put some bead work on it, I can't find the clear sequins ,any sugestions?