A sad farewell

When I first got into seed beads, I made a giant mistake. I purchased Toho Aiko seed beads. I had done some research, I knew that Aikos were the most perfect beads ever made. That each bead was exactly the same size as all the others, and that there was no need to cull. Let me repeat that. NO NEED TO CULL. Seriously, in 3 years of using them, I have only thrown out 1 single bead for being wonky.



So, since I have total OCD about some things (my seed beads among them), I bought some. Just a few colors to really get me started in bead weaving (prior to this I had been using some really cheap seed beads that had been given to me). And they were as wonderful as I had thought. For the first time, I didn't hate peyote stitch. In fact, I fell in love with it! They all fit together just like I wanted, no wonky rows due to a bead that was too tall or too short (or too wide or too skinny). My beading life was bliss. I was broke, though.

You pay for that perfection. The best source I had found for my Aikos (BelloModo) had them priced roughly 3 times more than Delicas. They also had a very limited palette available compared to Delicas.

So, I tried Delicas and I found them to be.... not bad. Though not as OCD perfect as the Aikos, there were much better than the cheapos I had started with. I could buy a whole lot more for the same price, and I could get more colors. I managed to snag a deal on Ebay and picked up a kit of 36 colors (5g each) for about $75. I was content with them. But I was still buying Aikos on the side. Just a few, here and there. No new colors, just replacing colors I already had. Really, I had it under control.

It was that OCD part of me that just loved the perfection of the Aikos. The knowledge that each one was just as perfect as the next. That a ring would turn out with a perfectly flat edge, no short bead dip. A dip that NO COULD SEE BUT ME!



So, we come to that time again. I see that I am running low on my red Aikos. This time, though, I have determined that I shall make the break. I shall not replace them. I am happy with the Delicas. I can afford the Delicas. I will not buy more Aikos. Say it with me. I WILL NOT BUY MORE AIKOS!

I feel mostly good about this decision, but not completely. A part of me will miss knowing I have those few stashed away waiting for that special project that really deserves the perfection. *sigh*

Quote: Acceptance is such an important commodity, some have called it "the first law of personal growth."
Peter McWilliams, Life 101

All About Seed Beads...

Seed beads are a fun medium to work in. They allow for a beadweaver to create a very detailed image or pattern in their work. However, many people are unsure of the difference in the types of seed beads available. Here is my breakdown:

Cylindar beads (Delicas, Toho Treasures, Aikos) provide a very even fabric when woven. Because the sides are straight and not curved, they fit together well with little space between the beads.
Czech seed beads provide a more textured fabric. The beads are more rounded on the outside and thus show more space between the beads.
Miyuki, Matsuno, and Toho are Japanese manufacturers of seed beads. They make both the rounded seed beads similiar to Czech seed beads and cylindar beads.
Delicas are made by Miyuki. Most people find that Miyuki beads have a better consistancy of size and shape than Toho or Matsuno, and thus require less culling. The exception would the the Toho Aiko line - they are as consistant as they get, no culling needed.
Culling - almost all seed beads will require culling. This is the process of going through the beads and seperating those that are too big, too small, or mishapen. Some people keep these and use them to assist with shaping the beadwork when doing more complicated work, others just throw them out.

So, what beads you use depends on what effect you want. It is entirely
a matter of personal preference and the effect you are going for.

Quote: Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "A Civil Campaign", 1999