What Would You Do?

"What would you attempt to do

if you know you could not fail?"



 

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

 

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What's on my Beading Board Today?

So, I picked out the beads for my customer's necklace. She had sent me a gorgeous bead and mentioned that she'd had it for a few years, having not found a right-fit with a designer. After a journey through my Etsy shop, (beadazzledoforegon.etsy.com), she contacted me and we started working on a dialog about what she envisioned this piece needed. Thank you for choosing beadazzledoforegon.com, Deb!

While walking from my studio to the family room with my beading tray I managed to successfully trip over one of our Shih Tzus ~ the mix up of the beads wasn't the worst disaster I'd ever had for sure, but the ones that hit the tile floor went in a thousand directions!

 

 

 

It's a fabulous 2-sided gem!

 





So the challenge is to freeform bead in such a way as to leave the bead able to swivel from one side to the other - what fun! It will also be adjustable from 20-26". Using rich browns and tans, a bit of white and silver, with a pop of teal and royals, I have a feeling it's going to be a handsome addition to her jewelry box! I will post the final piece right here so stay tuned....

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A Trip North

Saturday I'll pack up the Jeep, complete with bead tray, walking cane, groceries, and Shih Tzu (Libby), and head north to one of our big kid's house. Grandson, Carson, will also head up there from college to fish with his uncle on the McKenzie River. It'll be great fun, a small unit out of our big family (6 big kids and their families and their families!) but a great unit! Since my serious 2013 health challenges, I haven't been able to watch granddaughter Kayla (16) at the riding arena so that's on my calendar for Monday. And granddaughter Kendra (14) has recently gotten into the cooking mode so we'll work their kitchen over! She's also a movie buff so if we can find a movie she hasn't already seen more than once, we'll head to the theater.  I have missed getting to be an "active" Gramma! Here are some of my "special people":

 

Carson (much younger - now @ Chico College, CA)) 

Kayla (much younger)

Kendra (@ the stables)

Kendra (younger)

Our Son, Keith

Our D-I-L, Kristi (Photographer extraordinaire!)

A Slice of Life Photography

 



 

Just a Few Beading Board Newbies

A beautiful day here in southern Oregon but now the much-needed rain clouds return for tomorrow's promised rain. I have my granddaughter, Aleah, in CA doing a rain dance for us. Our koi pond is empty, a wonderful 18 year project between me and our grandkids. Each child would choose their own 3-4" koi from our local dealer and most would name them. Then we'd walk down to the pond and in they go!! Every summer most all of our grandkids would visit for their week at Gram and Grampa's and check in on their fish ~ how they grew each year! By 2013, most all were from 2-3 feet long and real beauties! But this winter the pond emptied with lack of rain and our local black bear and our wretched Blue Heron (fishing from the dock)  had fulfilling meals of the left-overs. Alas, over a dozen disappointed grandkids and one mad Grandma hen! Better luck next season and Aleah promised she'd help me re-stock the pond. Keep dancing,Sweetheart!!

A few recent goodies from my beading board to share. Enjoy!!

Hugz, Dini

I'm B-A-C-K!!

Hi Dear Friends/Family and Onlookers,

So, what's been happening here at Beadazzled of Oregon? Well, a quick catch-up ~ as you can see, I have been unable to keep up with my computer duties for some time now. We'll chalk it up to serious illnesses and a new titanium leg! Too many challenges in a short amount of time chained me up and put me in a position of total non-activity; my only mission was: rehabilitation of myself. I was forced to let go (what a challenge!) of all outside activities until the mission was completed. Am happy to report that I'm about 95% there at this time; hooray!

So, with renewed energy and a multitude of goals, let's get started together once again and...thankX always for your patience and support. Without it I doubt if I'd be here now.

Thanksgiving 2013 found our whole family and their whole families back together at Gramps and my place in Grants Pass, OR ~ an annual 5 day marathon where the CA and OR kids of ours and their offspring all get together here for 5 days of food and fun and visiting and laughter and love. There are sleeping bags and blow-up mattresses everywhere for the bodies that land here; under the pool table, in the master bedroom (we kick the older bodies out of there and the kids take over...yes, it's a b-i-g room!). Then there are the 3 couches, the shop office room with futon, and the motor home. When the OCCUPIED sign goes out there are 24 of us!

This year, due to my health issues, 3 of our "older" kids rented a house down by the Rogue River and thinned out the sleeping capacity in our house. Thank you "dahlings"! While I was confined to bed, the whole gang did all the cooking and the grandkids did the cleanup. They took turns coming into my bedroom and entertaining me; it was wonderful!

As Grampa and I were saying our goodbyes to all as they drove out the driveway towards their homes, one of my granddaughters asked me if I could possibly bead her guitar strap; she's headed to Nashville upon graduation... When energy permitted, I had been beading through this past year but this would be a wonderful challenge. I wanted to bead her "story". I choose delicas and for those of you that know beads, they are fabulous to work with but very tiny and my recent diagnosis of MS had clouded my vision. Who cares ~ I got started on it. It took me the better part of 2.5 months to finish but she was thrilled and that's all that seemed to matter to both of  us.

 

Miss Brenley (Peanut Rene)

 

~ Delicas and Love ~

So, here it is, now 2014.  Happy New Year, my friends!! With renewed health and energy, "Let's Get Started"!

You can still find Beadazzled of Oregon and it's wearable beaded art jewelry at:

Love and blessings,
Dini

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WEB: Beadazzled of Oregon
ETSY SHOP: Beadazzled ETSY SHOP
FACEBOOK: Beadazzled FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

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"WHAT INSPIRES YOU?"...Won't You Join Me?

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QUICK! Don't Miss this Opportunity

Some fun news for those of you who frequent the Artbeads website and especially for those of you who may not have found this mecca for all our beading needs. Artbeads has recently launched a new contest called the 'Bead IQ Trivia Sweepstakes.' You can test your bead knowledge by taking the short quiz and then enter the sweepstakes for a chance at winning a $250 'Bead Genius' Prize Package, which includes a $100 Artbeads.com Gift Card and $150 worth of beading and jewelry supplies.

Deadline is around the corner! This is a great contest to share also with your family, friends, fellow beaders and blog readers! This sweepstakes is open to US and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) 18 years of age and older and ends on September 16, 2010.

To play the Bead IQ Trivia Sweepstakes, please follow this link: http://bit.ly/ajdrDF. Good Luck!

Another Artbeads Offer:

This is just a quick update on the new Instant Savings at Artbeads.com. We wanted to explain how the new Instant Savings works. You no longer have to search for or remember to enter coupon codes. With Instant Savings, all you have to do is meet certain total order values, and the discount will automatically be applied at checkout. For instance If you spend $45, you will receive a 5% discount. Spend $95 to get a 10% discount. You can even get 15% off your entire order when your order reaches $175!

To save even more money make sure you are signed up with our email newsletter for exclusive coupons. You can then combine these coupons with Instant Savings for even greater discounts. To redeem coupons, simply enter the coupon code at checkout and click "apply."

Note: Instant Savings takes effect on sale prices and after eligible discounts are applied. Shipping costs are not included in cart value and are not discounted by Instant Savings.

If you have any further questions regarding Instant Savings please contact Artbeads.com and feel free to share this information with your family, friends, fellow beaders and blog readers.

SUMMERTIME GARDEN AT NIGHT

"Summertime Garden at Night"

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

There are a few color combinations that I believe we all feel go together and one of them is black, yellow and white. With that in mind, it was time for me to get searching for the components to use in Artbeads "Summertime" theme.

Murano Glass Curved Diamond Pendant- Yellow Millifiori
Product Code: MRG-PEND006

LINK: http://www.artbeads.com/pendants.html

Measurements: Height 40mm,

Width 41mm

Color: Yellow

Material: Glass

Shape or Style: Diamond

Place of Origin: Italy

This lovely yellow Murano glass curved diamond pendant has a large hole for threading ribbon and is decorated with random fields of white and yellow flowers. The white and yellow flowers lay on a yellow field. The design of each of these handmade pendants will vary according to the artist's wishes. To create a pendant, the artist cuts multi-colored glass rods into thin circles that display a floral pattern. He adds these into his diamond design, fuses them together and shapes the diamond into a curve.

Venetian Glass 20mm Zanfirico Millefiori Disc - Jet

Product Code: VZDC-JET20

LINK: http://www.artbeads.com/glass-beads.html

Measurements: Length 22-23mm,

Width 22-23mm,

Height 11-12mm

Color: Jet

Material: Venetian Glass

Shape or Style: Disc

Place of Origin: Italy

These millefiori disc beads are among the most famous Venetian glass beads being used today. The literal translation of millefiori is "thousand flowers," and the intricate flower embellishments in these beads are infused using world famous Murano glass rods and adorned with brilliant gold foil. These beads are created with the Zanfirico technique, which consists of heating glass rods, twisting them together, and coating them with a clear glass encasing. This results in an intricate filigree effect. The combination of the gold foil and black glass gives these beads beautiful color. Use these Venetian beads as focal points on necklaces or simple earrings, or string them together for a beautiful effect. Artbeads suggests to use wire when working with these beads due to slightly ragged glass edges. I always work with Fireline and that has worked beautifully. Once again, the quality of these pieces are extraordinary.

As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

Disclosure: These items were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

THE BEAUTY OF SPRING

The Components

I just love it when these little packages arrive from Artbeads! They always use this wonderful purple tissue that wraps around each and every delivery. In the photos above, you can see the products I used in my "Beauty of Spring" piece.

Everyone I talk to is waiting for spring!! How about you? Depending on where we live, for some it's early, others later. Here in southern Oregon this last week has been beautiful: cold in the AM's and warmer in the afternoons. Trees are in bloom and have been for a few weeks and the daffodils and tulips dot the hillsides.

So, with spring in the air, I wanted to work on a spring necklace with products from Artbeads.com. As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

I decided that a freeform piece would be really fun with this spring Bulgarian ceramic donut. In my opinion, the focal piece is another wonderful Artbeads pendant, and not too heavy. A nice glaze finishes off the handpainted focal piece. I also used Czech glass flowers to compliment the pendant design. Since a photo is worth ...well, you know...here they are.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
STONEWARE DONUT PENDANT:
Measurements: Height 38mm, Width 38mm
Color: Light Green/Red
Material: Stoneware Clay
Shape or Style: Donut
Place of Origin: Bulgaria

PURPLE FLOWER:
Measurements: Length 14mm, Width 14mm
Color: Purple
Material: Glass
Shape or Style: Flat Flower
Place of Origin: Czech Republic

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

Disclosure: These items were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

OHMYGOSH!!

Is This Heaven?

Woke up to a rainy Saturday morning, untangled myself from around the dogs and rolled myself upright ~ turning a few corners, just a few more feet and I was in my little studio. Now I used to have the whole back room in the back of our house - but, but, but the computer wasn't in there, no TV (though usually I listen to music or the Food Channel) and worst of all, little natural light and no visual access out a window. Well, I don't mean to sound spoiled, (and I am) but after a few years of making quilts and doing beading in there, the frustration mounted.

So this winter I slowly started transferring my books and graphic supplies to the back room and schlepping my beading inventory into the front tiny office. Many trips, many, many trips!

Now I am all squished into this much smaller space but, but, but...I have huge windows that look out on the forest that we share with our 4-legged creatures, a tiny TV in the corner and my computer. I have a little bubbly fountain on my work desk (necessary for creating) and feel totally content surrounded by colors and textures, soothed by the fountain and music, and with my two hairy darlings stretched across my feet and under my chair.

What I noticed this rainy morning as I gazed at my table is that I'm very close to being out of control here! (Gads, please don't tell my husband I actually said that). I absolutely never have only one project in process together; more like 4-6, and then I'm pulling colors for a 7th, well, you get the picture. While one piece is drying (E-6000) I'm working on 2 others, and casting glances at a few projects still in very early stages to see where I'm going to go from there with them. This last week I had 3 projects going, and all in greens. I got bored with the color ~ and voila, time to start something new in a different color just to keep my interest up!

The result is what you see above. And that's only the view in one direction! I suppose your workplace is organized and free of clutter? No reply necessary. Oh well, Onward!!

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

It was raining yesterday here in southern Oregon, again. The mailman came and went and I decided to wait until a break in the rain to go out and collect the contents of our mailbox.

Later....piles of catalogs, a few bills and a Priority Mail box from Michigan. Ahhh, the few wonderful poly pieces I had just purchased from RachelesOriginals for my own work. And another surprise package!

Rachele and I are good friends. We are also partners in managing The Beadweaving Emporium market which we founded at 1000 Markets. We are also team members together at Etsy BeadWeavers . I have always admired the exquisite work this woman does. And now I am the proud owner of this very generous gift; one of Rachele's magnificient creations!!! More thank yous, Rachele ~ so very much!

See Rachele's creations at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelesOriginals

http://www.rachelesoriginals.blogspot.com

http://www.1000markets.com/users/rachelesoriginals

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

This product review seemed to come right on the heels of the last one but the timing was wonderful, as far as I'm concerned! With Valentine's Day right around the corner, look at this beauty that I choose to work with.

As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

I mused over several ways I could work with this great lampwork glass heart and found, in the end, that all it really sung out for was an elegant, simple Herringbone necklace to show case the pendant. Anything else would have detracted from the centerpiece.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
Product: #1839959 JC-HTRED
Description: Red sparkle swirl dichoic heart pendant
Measurements: 50 X 30 mm,
Material: Glass
Place of Origin: USA

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

The eye-catching detail and craftsmanship of this artisan dichroic pendant makes it a perfect focal piece for your jewelry designs, not just holiday time. Each bead is handcrafted in the USA. There are no sharp edges and colors are accurate and intense. Their quality is indisputable ~ at least, this is my own opinion.

Disclosure: #1811995 LMP-0054, Hot pink and purple free style Kalera Beads, were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

Kalera Lampwork

Every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review. This time I choose one of their wonderful lampwork pendants and I designed a simple necklace around 2 of them together.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
Product: #1811995 LMP-0054
Description: Hot pink and purple free style KaLERA Beads
Product Link: http://www.artbeads.com/lmp-0054.html
Link: http://www.artbeads.com/cubic-zirconia-jewelry-beads.html

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

Measurements: Length 38.5mm,
Width 19-20.5mm
Color: Pink/Purple ~ Hot Pink and Purple Free Style Kalera Bead
Material: Glass
Place of Origin: USA

The intense detail and craftsmanship of this artisan lampwork bead makes it a perfect focal piece for your jewelry designs. Each bead is handcrafted in the USA. Despite the tiny variations between each bead, (I got 3 each) the incredible similarity from one to the next will astound you. There are no sharp edges and colors are accurate and intense. Their quality is indisputable ~ at least, this is my own opinion.

Disclosure: #1811995 LMP-0054, Hot pink and purple free style Kalera Beads, were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

HOLIDAYS IN THE STUDIO

View from the Studio Window

Welcome to Beadazzled's studio! We're pretty busy, especially this time of year, but we invite you to slide into your slippers, get a cup of tea and "Take 5". Mosey through our shop, if you would like more information about anything you see there please don't hesitate to contact me. Often pieces can be altered to meet your own measurements; if not, we love making custom pieces expressly for our clients. It costs no more and you can really designate your color preferences, etc.

Now I hope you're also thinking about the other folks on your holiday shopping list as well! If you don't see something that catches your eye, we can always issue a Gift Certificate for your holiday present-giving. Then, when the holidays are behind us and the decorations are once again back in their boxes, we can sit down with the recipient and create some specialness just for her.

It's a wonderful time of year! Beadazzled wishes you and yours a blessed season full of good health and surrounded by loved ones. Is there really anything else that matters?

Bestest, Dini

BLESSINGS OF NATURE

BACKYARD WINTER MEMORIES

NEWBIES: The Chevron Collection

The Chevron Series

This series was developed especially for the discerning jewelry shopper. Many of these pieces are 2-sided and all are designed to turn heads in a crowd! Each piece is made from thousands of Miyuki delica beads and most all of them can be custom made in your particular color choices.

HANDPAINTED PORCELAIN from ARTBEADS

HAND PAINTED PORCELAIN and STERLING PENDANTS

Measurements: Height 69mm,

Width: 40mm

Color: Black/Silver

Material: Ceramic (Porcelain)/Sterling Silver

Place of Origin: China

Product #: PB-PEN61

Handpainted Porcelain and Sterling Pendant Black Swirls and Checks - 15% OFF!
This sterling silver and hand-painted porcelain pendant is a must-have item. It is truly wearable art in sterling silver frames. Its black swirls and checks create a unique pattern that is both artistic and captivating. Each piece is handmade in the USA and is the perfect piece to set your designs apart.

Every pendant is large enough for a complicated, multi-strand design, and stunning enough to stand alone with a simple chain or ribbon. Despite being handmade, these pendants are virtually flawless in their similarity. Though the consistency from bead to bead is amazing, there will be slight variations due to the handmade nature. Rest assured that these pendants are extremely high quality and variances will be minimal. Add a small work of art to your designs for a unique, one of-a-kind touch. Use this pendant when you want to create a designer fashion look or even an everyday classic.Save 15% on select black and red jewelry components. Whether you want to create a Twilight®-themed piece of jewelry, or you simply love red and black, you're sure to be inspired by the items in this sale. From beads to links, crystals to necklaces, these stunning items will help you create beautiful jewelry for every occasion. Simply enter coupon code SCW15P-PCS at checkout. Shop now! The quality of this pendant is top notch. This sale ends at 9am (PST) on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Hand-Painted Porcelain Pendants
Link: http://www.artbeads.com/porcelain-ceramic-pendants.html
HTML link: http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20title="> Hand-Painted Porcelain Pendants

See http://www.artbeads.com/

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" - Beverly Ash Gilbert

"Beads on Metal" Luncheon

Workshop in the Barn; October 6, 2009

Classroom; The Barn

WORKSHOP PARTICIPNTS; Washington

Yours Truly

Grants Pass, OR

Each day of the worshop there was a bounty of delacacies having nothing to do with beading and everything to do with friendship. Late every afternoon the wine bottle(s) would come out to accompany the absolutely wonderful hors d'oeuvres made by Beverly. One day Beveraly treated us to a wonderful luncheon - exotic salads, fresh fruits and a dessert to die for. One evening when we worked (beaded ~ is that work?!) until 9, she created a fresh salmon meal for us ~ the wafts of her kitchen expertise wandered up the stairs to the barn above where we all were gathered. The Saturday brunch was another milestone - her dining table set like it came right out of Bon Apetit magazine.

Carol Sween

Gig Harbor, Washington

Carol is a "newbie" at beading - she was hosting Adrienne during her stay here from Wales and never anticipated even participating. No one else was really surprised when she ended up creating some wonderful beading on metal. Her excitement was contageous ~ here she works on her free-form wandering with color necklace in blacks and deep blues ~ I would love to see it finished and Carol wearing it to her son's upsoming wedding!

"Wander with Color" by Kerstin Martin

Bellingham, Washington

Kerstin was one of the few "locals" attending - a professional photographer by trade, Kerstin's sense of color lit up the room! Here she worked on a free-form bracelet using Dark Chocolate, Grass, Tropical Punch, Fuchsia Bead Soups.

"BEACHCOMER Pendant" by Betty Hensley

Betty flew in from North Carolina to join us in the "Workshop in the Barn". A vibrant woman, Betty's personality added spark and pizazz to the entire unit. Not intimidated by the use of color, this rich piece of Betty's was one of her "blander" pieces. She encompassed this beach glass piece in Hydrangea Bead Soup. For some reason, the only photo we have of Miss Betty is during our luncheon so look for her there.

Choosing colors and creating blends between the main colors.




After the first 4 rows, the larger beads are added for interest.

Almost finished, just to add the clasp!

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" PARTICIPANTS

ADRIENNE GOODENOUGH
...flew in from Wales, yes Wales! She is an extremely talented, willing to try anything, humorous woman who warmed the barn with her infectious smile and was a quick study in new friendships. It really was her admiration for Beverly's work that got her started in encouraging the creation of "Autumn Festival; Workshop in the Barn" with Beverly.

Adrienne had never really beaded before and her intention was to learn free-form peyote ~ the photos above are samples of some of the exciting pieces that she created via the workshop classes.The first half of the 2 day "Wandering with Color" class is described In Adrienne's own words: "The first half day explores colour theory, and includes collage exercises which reinforce the colour theory, but which also give participants a couple of colour schemes for future use with beads, or even interior design! Beverly then explains how she creates her wonderful bead soups, and evrybody begins to think about the colour scheme for their pieces, and we blend beads to make new bead soups which work as transitions between the bead soups in the colours chosen for the piece. That's probably as clear as mud, hopefully the photos below makes it clearer. I worked with the 5 main colours in the photo, but made blends so that the transitions between colours were not abrupt."

BEVERLY ASH GILBERT

BEVERLY ASH GILBERT

(Photo by Diane Ahern)

Bead Artist

Educator

Author

Extraordinaire

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" ~ Kirkland, WA

Beverly Ash Gilbert is one of those extraordinarily talented spirits that lights up the room before she even enters - she shared some of her many talents with a handful of us "hungry" beaders during a weeklong workshop that she held in her barn in Kirkland, Washington. After my own year of challenges with 4 hand reconstruction surgeries and a mountain of physical therapy, I was so ready to indulge myself with the pleasure of spending a week with other "like enthusiasts" who spoke the same "Bead Language" that I did. It was far more than I ever anticipated and the memories continue to linger on, and on,...already thinking and planning next year's reunion.

Beverly travels and teaches as well ~ if you ever get the chance to fit one of her classes into your life, I encourage you to make it a priority. See her traveling schedule at: http://www.beverlygilbert.blogspot.com. She is the creator and author of "Eye for Color"; a unique collection of interchangeable templates and color wheel system and a "must-have" for any beader.

She is the creator of "Bead Soup", (with the assistance from one of her sons) a unique, broad blend of colors, textures, and sizes of beads and gems neatly packaged in a see-through plastic box. It is a feast for the eyes and they are inspirations for the soul. You can find them on her website: .http://www.gilbertdesigns.net/beadmixes.html. I invite you to take a look and drool!

Tomorrow I will introduce you to the eclectic group of beaders who I spent the workshop week with; talent from all corners of the world: literally. See you tomorrow.