Good News for the Bead Museum

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Just a quick follow up to my recent posts about the fundraising efforts for the Bead Museum of Arizona -- as of May 1st, the museum had raised $67,000. As a result, the board has decided not to close the doors! They're not out of the woods just yet, but it means there is time and hope -- both of which are precious. You can read more about it at the Bead Museum AZ website. Phoenix area residents, please take note of the upcoming fundraiser on May 28th.

I'd also like to thank the people who bid on the benefit auctions that I listed for the museum last month - I really appreciate your support! The Bead Museum of AZ has recently signed up for eBay's Giving Works program, so please consider listing or bidding on a few of these auctions too! If the Bead Community pulls together on this one, we can ensure that there will be a Bead Museum for future generations to enjoy.
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Thinking Green...

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In our household, we try to think green. We recycle as much as possible, minimize our use of plastic bags, and we choose eco-friendly products when they're available. What does this have to do with beads? Well, I'd like to be able to apply these same values to my craft -- but as most beadworkers know, beads and plastic are pretty darn connected.

If you use or collect beads, your world is probably brimming with plastic baggies, plastic vials, plastic flip top boxes, plastic tackle boxes and more. It may not seem like much, but it all adds up. Honestly, I'm appalled by how many ziplock baggies I use for my little bead business! I've tried to think of alternatives, but it's challenging because beaders obviously need some kind of storage. And, most bead addicts enthusuasts end up collecting so many types of beads that see through packaging is a must. In addition, plastic has become an industry norm -- would I lose customers if I moved to a different type of packaging?

I could go on and on, but I won't because Beki Haley from Out on a Whim has already written an eloquent and thoughtful post on the subject on her blog. I encourage you to head on over and check it out. I suspect that she and I are not the only ones who've considered this. It would be great to see some discussion on this topic, and to hear other people's tricks and ideas for "green" beading practices!