- Even More Ancient Beads -

An article in New Scientist pushes back the putative beginning of beadmaking to about 100,000 years ago:

"Archaeologists have discovered that 100,000-year-old shells found in Israel and Algeria were decorative beads. This suggests that modern human forms of behaviour, such as language, developed earlier than previously thought."

What is fascinating is that beadmaking is used here as an indication for the possible beginnings of human language and culture. Doesn't that make you proud?

Cyberbeader
http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com

- Useful Bead Reference Sites -

Here are a number of sites that contain useful information for beaders:

• Swarovski Crystal Beads - Finishes and Effects. Yes, they are for sale, but just looking at the colors and shapes can give you ideas.
• Bead World Bead Facts. Handy charts and measurements.
• Fire Mountain Gems Beading University. I must admit, the bad pun in "EncycloBEADia (TM)" made me cringe, but the site contains useful info, including a glossary, overview of basic techniques, gallery of designs, and more. Now, if I want puns that make me groan, I"d rather go to the O'Henry Pun-Off :-)
  
  
  Cyberbeader

http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com