So, the bead world has just been HOPPING these past couple of weeks.  It's been pretty interesting, and more than a little time consuming.  Of course, that's just me putting off work and reading the internet forums.  For shame. Hehehehee

First, you have all the stuff going on about Austin Hamilton and their membership with the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB).  I know - a little bit of an oxymoron, right?  The ISGB board has been batting around the idea of forcing AH out. Well, today I found out that AH is no longer in the ISGB - and I can say that it makes me very happy.  That dishonest, dispreputable company has no business being affiliated with the ISGB. Maybe when they quit stealing text and images and finally admit in public that their beads are made in China.  MAYBE.  But until then, see ya AH!  I am officially saving up to renew my membership into the ISGB.  They really listened to the beadmakers on this one.

There's probably a lot more to say about AH, but I just am exhausted over that whole thing, so I am moving on.

This next topic is maybe even more abrasive to some people - the whole debate over bead sets on ebay going really high in price, and how some people feel about that.  It's been an issue all over the forums lately, because we've seen some really nice prices - in the thousands - for sets of beads. Personally, all I really want to say is that I am really happy for those artists who are getting these prices, and I am not going to sit in judgement over the artists or the people who bid the high dollar amounts.  I dream about it someday happening to me, but that's about the extent of my envy.  It seems a bit pointless for people to tear other people down over this.  But, whatever.    It's all good.

So speaking of beads on ebay - I have a couple of sets.

I am so looking forward to the American Idol finale tomorrow!  I think I want Taylor to win this one.  But I like them both.  It's definitely a week for TV - The Alias and Medium finales are both on tonight.  I'm going to get nothing done!  Well, gotta go - have a great night everyone!