It is always a pleasure to visit Mike and Marie who operate East Of Oz beads, and set up at the Gem Mall. (My favorite place after the Quality Inn.) Mike and Marie can be counted upon to have the best vintage Venetian beads made for the European/American market (as opposed to typical trade beads—though they have some of these as well).

Some Twenty-five years ago, I managed to buy a group of five furoca beads, made from red and yellow flower canes, and cut into bicones (almost), from the 1920s. They are so weird and hard to use, these five beads have never been in a necklace since their original tattered Liberty necklace, I bought for a song at The Bead Store in San Francisco. And I have wanted to make something spectacular with them.

So, when my eyes focused on this group of millefiori beads from the same time, using the same cane (conventionally), I felt I had to have these. I was so gratified that Marie and Mike were kind enough to let me have them for a good price.

So, down the road I will be showing-off what I think will be a unique and amazing necklace. Thanks to Marie and Mike!

JDA.