Crystal Bali

Cleanest beaches and ocean in the US??

I want to go on a vacation where the ocean is crystal clear like it is in the Cayman Islands, Bali, and other tropical areas...Where the sand is clean and the water clear ... BUT stay in the US...are there any beaches in the US like that?? Or are they all covered with trash and the water dark gray and full of jelly fish?? Thank you in advance. and photos welcome

The Emerald Coast of the Florida Northwest Gulf Coast are the Worlds Most Beautiful Beaches.

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Handmade Artisan

Where are handmade Tibetan khatas still made?

I'm visiting Tibet, and I was hoping to find somewhere in Tibet where people/artisans handmake the Tibetan ceremonial scarves, khatas (or kata, katak, etc.) My best lead so far is that there might be a factory in Shigatse, which is halfway there.
Now they tend to all be made in Chinese factories. I would prefer to have some made specifically for me.

Hey Alex,

Yes. There are a bunch of sites, here is one.

Artisan Handmade Jewelry For The Refined Lady

When considering spending money on jewelry, not that many women think about artisan handmade jewelry. Most ladies will probably go to the nearest department store first to browse their jewelry collections. On their way out, they might visit one or two jewelry stores to see what they have to offer.

It is important to understand that there are many types and classes of jewelry that suit every occasion, from seriously formal to relaxed and even extending to simple jewelry that you wear around the house.

The types of jewelry that you can buy at the traditional stores are probably more suited for the non-distinctive occasions and for more relaxed environment settings. Sure, you might find some piece of jewelry that you like, but you cannot really tell whether one, ten, a hundred, or even a thousand other women are wearing exactly the same piece. In today's world of mass production it is most likely the case that you are buying something that many others are wearing.

If you want a truly unique piece of jewelry, then artisan handmade jewelry is there to rescue you from the mediocrity of replication.

Artisan handmade jewelry goes back in history as early as 7000 BC. During those early years gold and copper started to be shaped to decorate the human form. It is true that artisan handmade jewelry rarely competes on price with machine-made items. However, artisan handmade jewelry is treasured for its uniqueness, diversity and often exceptional exquisiteness.

I can tell that you are a refined lady who wants to express her individuality through unique artisan handmade jewelry, simply from the fact that you have found and are reading this article. You did not find it by searching for the typical, for the replicated, or for the type of jewelry that you see on most women.

When you decide to invest money in a unique piece of artisan handmade jewelry, you know that you are getting a masterpiece that was not only created by a professional, but was also created with exceptional care and with the loving attention to detail that only an experienced artisan can bring to the art of jewelry making.

Of course, you are going to pay a little more for your jewelry that is handmade by an artisan. Nevertheless, you know for certain that you are buying something that is truly unique and refined, just as you are.

Artisan handmade jewelry does not only mimic the value and uniqueness that you place on yourself as a woman, it also serves as an object of admiration and an excellent conversation starter.

About the Author

Pierre Perissel recommends
handmade artisan jewelry
for the refined lady. Pierre has an
informative fashion column
on TheFashionPro.com.

Glass Lampwork

Lampwork: glass bead supplies?

I have recently begun making glass beads. In about an hour I'll be picking up most of the supplies needed.

Here is a list of the supplies I'll be shopping for today. If anyone can recommend or advise against buying certain types or brands, that would be great. I'll appreciate any advice.

-Torch (1400 F)
-Fuel (must be mixed with oxygen): propane, natural gas, (or MAPP gas, it does not need to be mixed with oxygen)
-Striker (for the torch)
-mandrels (I believe these are the glass rods
-Beadrake, marver plates (what is the difference?)
-Clamp for torch
-Bead release (what kind of paint is this?!)
-Fiber blanket (for cooling the beads down in. What is this made of?)
-Small work table
-Large, square, metal plate for the table
-Pliers (for making stringers)

You need to ask an expert bead maker. Ask Pam East. If anyone knows-- She for sure does! I make a simple lampwork bead by mixing glass frit (broken marbles) and fusing them to 20 gauge copper wire. I use my welding torch.

Keep Arting! Jeff (weseye) Wesley