Above, a Candice Wakamuto bead I was sighing over. Note the bee and the peony. I believe it is a peony ..

Look at this charming tiny shibuichi skull-- potential earrings for my dolls, for my column? I did buy two! This is by the great Bob Burkett! Here is what Andrew wrote about this bead:

"Bob Burkett, an artist and master metal-smith out of California's Bay Area, has hand-crafted this unique and edgy TINY bead. These would be perfect for earrings! The show-stopping bead is cast in shibuichi, which is a metal alloy of copper and silver. Shibuichi is an ancient Japanese casting technique once used for sword hilts, prized for both its rich color and strength. Bob's pieces are renowned for their glassy, mirror-like finishes and variegated patterning – encompassing cherry reds, mahogany browns, silvery gray, and pale peach. The skull measures 6mm long, 5mm wide, and 6mm deep with two 3mm hole running from the top to the base of the skull."

.... NOW YOU WANT IT, TOO@! YOU KNOW YOU DO!--jean

My friend Andrew Thornton , who is known and LOVED worldwide for his mesmerizing art and beading talents, wrote to me yesterday. This is what he said (well he said more than this but I will start here): "Anyway... To say THANK YOU to everyone who participates in my current sale in my online shop, I'm offering an opportunity to win a year long subscription to Interweave Press's Beadwork magazine. That's six issues of this inspiring and lovely magazine. To be entered to win, all you have to do is purchase something from my shop during the sale. At the close of the sale, one lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive the year long subscription. http://andrewthornton.bigcartel.com/ Please pass this along to anyone who you think might be interested. (Note: check out his Candice Wakamuto beads. Holy Wow! I show one at the top! They are stunning. And his glass jelly fish bead! Aye yi yi!! I was sighing my way through the entire store!--jean)

Thanks so much!

Simplicity Always, Andrew