My name is Heidi. I live in Nome, Alaska. I started beading 3 1/2 yrs ago.

I have beading fever in the biggest way - I just love it. I recently learned how to make

dichroic beads. I have learned how to make glass beads. But in  both of these I am still

a green novice, but I love it all, nonetheless. I am blessed, in that I am getting an addition

add-on to my existing art room. I will be putting a work bench in, then a small kiln for

the glass annealing, and firing the dichroic pieces. I want to have small bead classes

in the addition too. I have wanted to make jewelry since I was a kid and am

fortunate to follow my only true passion - the world of ART. 

I am also a watercolor painter, and between my painting

and beading supplies, I ran out of room. I bought a business license since I have been

selling my paintings and jewelry. I get actual exercise when my miniature schnauzers take

me for a walk - every day, depending on weather. Right now it's snowing in Nome. BUT

it is a snow/rain mix so no white stuff sticking to the ground (much).

There are no bead stores in Nome (pop. 3,500). You can only get

to Nome by airline jet. So I go to bead stores each time

I take a trip outside of Nome. When I am home, my only option is to buy via

the internet. I always buy beads, findings, etc. in bulk since I don't have a

store to go to locally. I buy beading magazines when I can get my

hands on them, otherwise I order a subscription.

My questions: Does most everyone usually get more than they need,

or find a pattern or think of a pattern they want to do, and

then go shopping for what they need, only for the project?

  For other people who live in very small and/or isolated communities,

how do you buy your beads/supplies - especially if you don't have access

to the internet. 

Sincerely

Heidi