We are sometimes asked to be more specific when we list sources of beading materials and supplies. Generally, our philosophy is that if something is widely accessible, we don't wish to give one source sole preference. If something is not widely available, and/or it is made by an individual artisan, we list the source. Sometimes we substitute materials if we learn that a product has become hard to find in quantity, and this can happen in the time between our acquisition of a design and its publication. In that case, a photograph of a designer's piece can be slightly different than the editor's copy and the materials list, and we supply information for the available materials. Whenever we have more information about special sources, you can find it in the online Resource Guide for each issue.

We also encourage beaders to use their own creativity when making Bead&Button projects — trying new colors, sizes, and types of beads — and to use local shops and suppliers in addition to the Internet, larger vendors, and bead shows. To that end, we include bead-shop listings on BeadAndButton.com under the Resources tab. You can use the online Forum to share or learn about sources and suppliers from fellow beaders, too. We'll also list bead shops that offer ongoing classes in The Beader's Handbook coming out in mid-October!