Last week, associate editor Lynne Soto wrote about pearls for first ladies (and later, she wrote about pearls on TV shows). About the same time, the Canadian Press wrote an article about Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama’s pearls. There must be something in the air: The Chattanooga Times Free Press ran an article about pearls in addition to other underwater treasures, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review profiled the preponderance of pearls in unusual shapes and colors.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about pearls, too—partially because they are part of a project for the upcoming Beader’s Handbook as well as another project in our special anniversary December issue, and partially because I just got married. Due to the history of pearls in bridal jewelry, I made a simple pearl necklace to wear with my gown (which I also made).

After working with all these pearls, I only want to come up with more designs so I can keep using them. In fact, I brought a pearl project along on my honeymoon. Do you ever get hooked on a material or technique and seek new ways to work with it? Sometimes, working out variations is a key component to creativity.

Tea Benduhn Associate Editor Bead&Button Magazine