Last week I was working on a project for the "Something extra" department of the March issue — a beaded magnetic leash for runaway pens. I'm the perfect person for this because I can't hold onto a pen (or scissors) for more than 10 minutes.

Anywho, one step in the process was making a wrapped loop at one end of a piece of wire, inserting it into a pen cap, pulling it snuggly against the inside of the cap, and then making another wrapped loop on the outside. Simple, yes?

Well, I'm not sure how many of you have tried to string a three-inch piece of wire through a tiny hole in a pen cap from the inside, but it's not for faint hearts or approaching-middle-age eyes.

 As my sanity and patience began to evaporate, I gave up and cut a six-inch piece of wire and inserted it from the OUTSIDE of the pen cap. SIx inches is more than twice what you'd need for two wrapped loops, but it's long enough to extend from both ends of the pen cap so I can insert the wire, THEN make the loop and pull it against the inside of the cap and make a second loop.

Now, we at BeadStyle know that the cost of materials adds up, so we try to let you know exactly (or close to it) what you need to complete a project. But when does your time and sanity trump your frugality?

For me, the choice is easy. If I have the 6 inches of wire, I'm going to use it. My time and mental health are more valuable. Where do you draw the line? If you drop a crystal in the carpet, do you search until you find it — even if you have a spare?