Greetings Beading Friends!

Happy Spring everyone!

For many, spring is an energetic motivator for creativity. The new growth and strong, vibrant colours of spring vegetation and simply the feeling of renewal is inspiring. Robin Williams apparently said “Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s party’!” On a quieter note, Lady Bird Johnson observed “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” For us we are happy that spring is coming once again.

Someone was in the store the other day and was super enthusiastic about Tulip needles.... a perfect product to mention given that we are looking forward to tulips soon blooming. These needles are manufactured in Japan where needle making has evolved over 300 years! Each needle goes through 30 steps in the manufacturing process. They are expensive but if you are careful with your needles they last a long time. They are made of high quality steel. The eye of the needle is somewhat larger that other beading needles and most people find them easier to thread. The body of the needle is strong and break resistant but with enough flexibility to wiggle through narrow spaces. The sharp point has gone through a special polishing process for sharpening but it is slightly rounded to minimize splitting thread. Tulip needles are used with seed beads. There are several sizes plus a choice of short or long.

One teacher we have had at the store tells people to buy the best quality tools you can afford as the quality of one’s tools affects the enjoyment of the creative endeavour. Tulip needles are a joy to use.

Wishing you the very best for the month of April. We hope the spring weather brings you inspiration for new creative endeavours!

Meredith, Brent and Carrie