The first time Ma Snook visited our new place, she said, “Oh, you’re near the bead store!” Evidently the premiere bead store in, like, all of Australia is located just a few blocks down Enmore Road. So for those of you keeping track, I’m within walking distance of a wool shop, a ribbon shop, a button shop (“What do Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge, Ewan MacGregor in Star Wars, and Bananas in Pyjamas have in common? They all wear buttons from All Buttons Great And Small!!”), and a bead shop. It’s crafty heaven.

Anyway, today I finally dragged the Snook down to this allegedly amazing bead store. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I only wanted some chunky wooden beads for my funky knitted hat, but I ended up walking round and round in amazement at all the shiny pretty things. I know I’ve just been going insane with all the crafting lately, but I really am going to have to take a jewelry-making class there. It’s just too good an opportunity to pass up.