First of all...I'll just say that I *love* your magazine. I just love looking at all the projects and ideas. One day, I hope to actually be able to find all the supplies to make something!

In the meantime, I was thinking, part of the reason that I have so much trouble making anything is that I can't find all the exactly same supplies that are shown in the projects that I like. If I was more knowledgeable, it would be easy for me to make substitutions (i think). This makes me think that a "Design 101" issue of your magazine would be fantastic. It could go over the basics of everything. Not just the usual "how to make a wrapped loop", but...the different kinds of beads (plastic, glass, gemstones, pearls, etc) and what they are good for and what they cost (relative to each other) and what you should use to string them and what good substitutions would be (i.e. the high-end version, a middle-of-the-road...but still very nice version, and a cheapy--not expecting it to last too long or just for something quick or for a younger person--version). The pros and cons of different beads and supplies (i.e., swarovski, crystals, glass, etc). What good bead mixes would be (i.e. pearls go great with blank, or, these type of gemstones work great with blank, or...never use crystal with glass (i don't know), if you can't get this, this is a great substitution...) Also, information about the different types of earring posts and materials. Information about sterling silver, pewter (how do you know if it has lead in in?), gold, etc. What is good for use if the item will get wet? What is good for allergies? What is the top-of-the line? Best Buys, etc. And, information about ~how~ to design your own items. There are probably basic rules to follow...that, since I'm just a beginner, I can't even imagine. All stuff like that. A bead stringing, jewelry designing, get to know your equipment and materials issue. That would be great.

Also...
suppliers listed as to who has on-line stores,
who ships internationally,
who has *reasonable* international shipping (i hate spending an hour in an on-line store only to find out they will only ship UPS and it's gonna' cost fifty bucks!).