Thanks to Janna Pereira for teaching a great new technique to a small but very enthusiastic group on March 15.

Our next meeting is April 19. I will be teaching several techniques to make Star clusters, an Octahedron and Chinese Pearl Balls (Dodecahedra). These are not difficult and can add some real bling to any necklace or bracelet. Displayed in multiples or just one on a simple chain makes a very impressive piece.

Supply list:

Fireline, power pro, spectra. Nymo is not recommended Two needles, all techniques use two needles for weaving. Scissors Mat

Star Bursts: 10 top drilled beads. Swarvosky makes the best star but any top drilled bead will work to learn the technique. Top drilled means it is a tear drop shape bead that is drilled at the top from side to side. In the pictures, the orange was 8mm and the blue earrings were 6mm.

Octahedron: 12 round beads. 4mm is a good size to start with. Real pearls are not recommended since you need to pass through the hole several times. Small amount of seed beads in a complimentary or contrasting color.

Chinese Pearl Balls: 30 beads. The ones that are pictured were 6mm pearls and bicones. These make 3/4" balls so you may want to go smaller, although working with larger beads while you are learning will be easier.

All of the above make up very quickly so if you have an idea for a completed project, bring all the findings that you need to finish it.

Has this ever happened to you? You have spent an hour stringing a beautiful necklace and you hold it up to your neck to see how it looks and drop one end. Half the beads go on the floor and the other half go down the drain. Here comes the plumber to save your beads.

I don't know how many times this happened to me until I found the Bead Stopper and it has never happened since. It is a coil that clamps down on the thread or wire and just won't let go until you want it too. Every beader should have at least a few of these so we will be selling them at our next meeting.

See you in April!