Hello, my darlings!

So, who else is over the moon with joy about Union beads? I swear, I have about lost my mind with excitement. You guys may remember my blog post I am a Miyuki Snob that a wrote last year about my love of Miyuki brand seed beads? Well, that has definitely not changed. I still exclusively use Miyuki seed beads because of their uniformity within a tube of seed beads and because of their consistent sizing across all their bead finishes.

The only downfall for me has been that the Czech companies have so many pretty colors and finishes that they make all those wonderful two-hole beads in and there aren’t always great Miyuki seed bead options to match.

Well, prepare for a grand surprise, because in turns out that Japanese and Czech bead manufacturers make GREAT bedfellows and now we have Union Bead Blends!

Basically, what this means is that Miyuki is making their wonderful seed beads and then sending them to the Czech Republic to have matching finishes put on them so that the seed beads MATCH the two-hole and specialty beads that we all love!

For example, we now have Crystal Capri Gold 11/0’s to match all the O-beads, SuperDuos, Silky beads, MiniDuos etc that have already been made in that color!

I know a few of my beader friends in particular who are going to be thrilled to see Chalk Lava Red available as a Miyuki seed bead!

My FAVORITE Union bead blend so far, though, has GOT to be the Full Labrador 11/0‘s. I have wanted to be able to match that true bright silver of the Czech beads for awhile now and nothing has quite fit. Miyuki’s galvanized beads were just too yellow and even their Durocoat line didn’t have a bright enough silver in it. Now my problem is solved!

I mean, look how gorgeous this silver looks in a finished piece. I used them in my most recent Backsplash Bracelet.

*dramatically wipes away a tear* I’m so happy. 

All the links I provided go to Beads Direct USA, because A) that’s where I work and B) not many other retailers seem to have Union Beads yet. Even we only have limited quantities. But I am so excited for these new beads and can’t wait until more finishes are available.

What about you guys? Have any thoughts about this astonishing collaboration between Japanese excellence and Czech beauty?

PS: My big spring sale ends on June 1st! If you’re interested on discounted patterns and finished jewelry, check out my Etsy shop!