Seeds As Beads Info Needed.....

Q: I'm the East Coast Editor of a Bead newsletter called "About Beads", published in Washington state. I'm in the process of writing an article about Seeds used as Beads (not glass seed-beads). Does anyone in the NG have a suggestion of any type of seeds that were strung like beads and used as personal adornment, etc.

A: There's going to be a little about the use of vegatable ivory (tauga nut) pieces and slices used as beads in an upcoming 'Bead Soc.' of 'Great Britain Newsletter'. I could ask the writer to send her text, and maybe pictures on to you if that sounds appropriate. It's not the whole seed though, just used as base material. In going through my 'MIL's' old trunk once, I found a doily-type thingy made from, I think, apple seeds. I also remember when I was in 9th or 10th grade (late 60's) that we used to have necklaces made from apple seeds. The seeds were very pear shaped. Both of these items were shellacked, and the seeds turned very dark brown. Difference: None that I know of. I only visited that site above for a little bit, but did read that the jewelry seeds were sterilized, which meant that idiots buying the jewelry to plant their own marijuana couldn't do it. As far as marijuana adorning my body in a hemp-strand macramaed bracelet or necklace; nah I don't think I would wear one either. Then again, look at what some people are walking around with...their eyebrows pierced with multiple rings, their nose rings and nose studs, 16 earrings in each ear, nipple piercing, belly button piercing...and I think I'll stop at that part of the body! If I had to choose between life and death, body piercing or wearing "marijuana-hemp" seeds, I'll choose the seeds every time!