and the beads have it...

I did my best...but sometimes your best just isn't good enough.

There is only so much one can do with polymer beads...

Although, this one isn't TOO ugly...in fact, I kind of like the bright turquoise color:

I ended up hand wiring the beads to silver coated rings and stringing them on silver plated chain. The round beads were made into nice long necklaces (suitable for summer outfits) and the orange and yellow beads were put onto vintage-y brass chain and paired with vintage yellow glass beads. I'll hand them over to Maria and hope that someone decides to fork over the $10 for charity.