first pair of seed bead earrings

Just finished these today, my first pair of seed bead earrings that involve more than stringing.  For a first try they're not half bad, will need more practice before I make them for gifts though.

a couple of items

My friend Jane gave me the lacquered chopsticks,
and this is the hair sticks I came up with

Pet peeve

I hate getting new magazines for crafts, fashion, etc, and when I try to copy a look, pattern or recipe, one of the key ingredients is impossible to find.  My latest example is the new issue of Bead Unique has a gorgeous necklace on page 20 requiring a citrus mix of size 11-0 seed beads which the author bought at Bead weasel.  Well guess what, that store is out of business, including any online transactions.  GRRRR.  What to do?  Look for other sources, but nobody sells them.  Ok, one good thing is I have an EXCELLENT eye for color, so I decided to do it myself.  I think I did a great job, but will know better once the necklace is finished.  Maybe I should go into business making custom bead blends?  LMAO