Last weekend I had a little “just for me” time and spent the day at a bead show. Yup, you read that right, a bead show.
Imagine a hall, filled with close to 100 tables… all about beads, bead making and jewelry making.
So. Much. Fun.
(Click on any of the photos for a larger view.)
Some of the tables were like these, piled high with strands. You had no choice but to run your fingers through all their smooth, shiny yumminess.
Some focused on individual lampworked beauties, like this one that came home with me. Can you say creamy vanilla goodness?
I wasted no time making these sea glass beads into a quick stretch bracelet. (Video tutorial coming soon!)
Here’s a table of dichroic beads, arranged like a rainbow. Sooooo pretty. I wish you all could have been with me; they were so much more sparkly and lovely in real life.
There were tables of polymer clay bead artists. (This is the work of Seana Bettencourt. Her web site is here, and her Etsy shop here. Sadly, both are rather empty at the moment, but I hope she’ll post some things soon so you can see more of her wonderful creations.)
These little flowers came home with me. I haven’t a clue what I’m going to make with them, but some day just the right project will come up. In the meantime they just sit on my desk and make me happy to look at them.
More strands of beads. See those little white baskets in the middle right? They give those out to shoppers so we can pile in whatever catches our eyes as we browse.
So imagine from across the room a huge CRASH — then – rattle, rattle, rattle…
There was a gasp – a beat – and then a collective, “Awwwww…….”
Everybody there empathized. lol
Individual lampwork beads. Loved her display with the little lights underneath.
I’m still kicking myself for not going back to this table. I wanted to get one of her little vases with air plants. (Upper right)
I also planned to get one of her glass parrots, but then talked myself out of it later. Silly me. 🙁
The good news is, they’re both in her Etsy shop here. I’ll just have to pay shipping now. Ah well, lesson learned. (And the lesson is, don’t leave the bead show until you’ve spent ALL your money!)
Tables full of all kinds of wonderful chain, of which I bought a fair amount. They will certainly show up in future jewelry videos.
More luscious yummies.
So, who’s going to come with me next year? We can mutually talk each other back into the purchases we want. 🙂
Oh, my! No no no! Not more stuff to buy! Not another addiction. Except . . . a few little trinkets never hurt anybody, right? After all, it is almost Christmas. >:) Thanks for the ideas.
Next year you’re coming with me. Right?
Just wanted to say “hi” and let you know how much I enjoy your jewelry videos. I recently found your site and it’s been a great source of inspiration. I’m just getting back into playing with beads after a very long break (wishing now I didn’t get rid of all my tools, beads etc).
I have never been to a bead show. I would imagine it’s a little over whelming when you first walk in. I spy lots of interesting things in your pics.
Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Hi Shirlee, Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know you enjoy my videos. Giving inspiration is my number one goal, so I was thrilled to hear you’ve benefited!
The bead show was overwhelming, but I’ve been told this was actually a smallish one. It pays to go with a plan (and a fair amount of cash.)
Happy creating!