Never the Twain Shall Meet?

A few months back, Artbeads.com sent me this Swarovski Crystallized Components 18mm Rondelle (wide hole) bead for a product review. I thought I was getting something suitable for the focal bead on a lanyard... the bead was a lot larger than I expected. (The radius is 18mm.) I guess I could have gone with the lanyard idea, but I got distracted by my Christmas sewing projects and I had a "better" idea.

This bead is the perfect size to use as an accent closure on my satin purse. Thanks to the unusually wide hole, I was able to use a heavy duty thread (normally used for hand quilting) and ensure the bead was sewn securely enough to handle repeated use. A 4mm Swarovski crystal pearl bead is used to hold the thread and anchor the bead firmly. Pictures do not do this bead justice. It is nice and heavy, with lots of faceting that throws light even in dimly lit rooms. I imagine this bead would also make a great knob/drawer pull on an ornamental box or jewelry box. Given its price relative to other Swarovski products, this is a TERRIFIC value!

It's kind of funny. When I first saw this bead, I had no idea what anyone would ever do with such a huge bead. Now, I think I'm going to have to order a couple more for some other household crafting projects I've been working on.