August, 2006

Tambrook Bead and Trade of the U.S. and TOHO Beads of Japan have completed the judging for the annual "Treasures of TOHO," a beading competition. Sue and Wendy received first place honors in the Non-wearable Art category with their evening bag entry.

Sue and Wendy will be the guests of TOHO Beads in a week-long tour of Japan later this year, including stops at the TOHO bead factory to see how the company's glass beads are made, as well as visits to Miyajima, Osaka, and Hiroshima. In addition, they will conduct two half-day Loops and Bounds classes.

The judges evaluated entries based on several criteria, including their overall look, use of color, mastery of technique/stitches, finishing touches and use of materials, sturdiness/longevity, and overall creativity and originality.