I returned yesterday from an incredible week in Italy, my view of beads will never be the same. The following images are a travelogue of the beading highlights of my remarkable trip!

First adventure: a visit to the Museum of Natural History where Dr. Giorgio Terruzi graciously gave me a preview of an upcoming bead show at the museum. The "generalistic" exhibit on beads will be held at the Museo di Storia Naturale on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May.

It seems Dr. Terruzi has been buying beads for years during his travels as a paleantologist to Afghanistan, Morocco, Africa and elsewhere. I received a wonderful education from Giorgio, as he patiently displayed his extensive collection to me. He had some remarkable justapositions of matching Venetian fancies, first in glass and then in plastic!

But my favorite was the wooden chevron. Giorgio, I hope you will post a photo of it.