One question I see in the forum a lot is “what is the difference between beeswax and Thread Heaven?” I got the best answer for this in a class with Diane Fitzgerald.

Beeswax is sticky, and is used when you want multiple threads to behave like one. So use it when you are using your thread doubled. It will save you from having to reposition your needle all the time at the end of the threads.

Thread Heaven helps keep your thread from tangling. It puts a static charge on the thread so the thread acts like your hair on a very dry day — the pieces move away from each other. This keeps the thread from wrapping around itself.

I’m going to share with you my “secret” gemstone seller. Her name is
Szarka, and she sells at her ebay store “turquoise magpie”
http://stores.ebay.com/Turquoise-Magpie_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

Szarka is immensely helpful, has absolutely wonderful prices, and ships quickly. She has the nicest gemstones I’ve seen. And she tells you what you are buying. She’s well versed in the different types of stones, and will check her beads(as in, test them with acid, heat, stress) to make sure that they are what the wholesale vendor claims they were. You can buy from her with complete confidence that you are getting what you are paying for.

If you are looking for gemstones, definitely check out her store!

I went to the mailbox today and found my new copy of Fire Mountain Gems’ bead catalog!!!! I am always sucked into the pretty pictures and the designs that they have. It gives me a whole new set of inspiration!

Have you ever looked at the artwork in the catalogs? There are many first class jewelry makers and artists whose work is showcased in both the Fire Mountain Gems and the Shipwreck Bead catalogs. If you are looking for good eye-candy or places for new ideas, try these out!