Carl, I have been collecting for about 15 yrs but only for the last 5 years seriously. I'm sure my small collection is nothing compared to yours and others on this Forum. Tasart encouraged me to join this forum, and I think it will be good for me to learn more about many different kinds of beads. Most of my beads are Venetian or Dutch and I really don't know much about other kinds of beads. Next month I am going to Phoenix to visit Bernie and Thomas( he doesn't know it yet)and I sure they will inform me about all of the other kinds of beads that I am missing out on. Basket Bob