Bead Fest Friends And Fun

Last year I made a very spontaneous decision to fly across the country, from Washington State to Philadelphia, for the April 2012 Bead Fest.  I had the best time meeting and hanging out with beady Facebook friends that I was meeting for the first time.  Everyone told me that I should come back the next year in August, because that is the larger Bead Fest and I would have the opportunity to meet many more people.  

Having just returned from the August 2013 Bead Fest, I can tell you that I met many more online friends and had the most wonderful time imaginable.  I could go on and on about it, but I'll make sure that my mental editor is in firm control today!

Perhaps this "Sh-h-h" from Diana is a reminder to avoid writing a short novel here!

Before I left, I withdrew my budgeted amount of bead money from the bank.  I figured that if I had the money as cash, I would stay more in control of my spending.  Its just a little too easy to lose track of your spending when using a credit card (I speak from experience at other, smaller bead shows).

I had a few shopping goals in mind.  First and foremost, I wanted to stock up on artisan beads and components.  Secondly I wanted to get some of the more unique, higher-end Czech glass beads and then, if I had time or money left, there were some tools that I hoped to pick up.

I wanted to visit all my friends' booths on Friday, so I could give them big hugs and get first dibs on their creations.  I had told Jenny Davies-Reazor that I would lend a hand in her booth, so I started there. It was so great to meet Art Jewelry Elements team members Jenny, Jennifer, Kristen, Melissa, Karen and Susan for the first time! We talk online all the time, but now I can picture the "real person" when I am reading their posts!

I knew beforehand that I wanted one of Jenny's new Russian nesting doll pendants and I also picked up a delightful house milagro.

Marsha Neal brought me a bag full of goodies.  I was so delighted to meet her for the first time!  We've been Facebook pals for a long time.  I met Staci Klinger-Smith last year, so I gave her a big hug and got some goodies from her booth.  I met Diane Hawkey for the first time and got an assortment of delights from her too.  This is Friday night's loot laid out on my hotel bedspread.

I've already made a pair of earrings with the black ceramic headpins (above) from Marsha Neal.  Come back for the earring reveal this Sunday, to see them.

By 2:00 on Saturday I had blown through almost my whole budget, just on handmade items.  Needless to say, the Czech glass and tools just never happened.  But it was worth it. Handmade beads and components make my world go round.

On Saturday, I chose glass beads from Jennifer Cameron and Sue Kennedy.

Jen - Glass Addictions

Susan - Sue Beads

I indulged my ceramic lust with goodies from Diana Ptaszynski, Jenny Davies-Reazor, Karen Totten.

Diana - Suburban Girl

Jenny - Jenny Davies Reazor

Karen - Starry Road Studio

Gathering all these fantastic beads was wonderful, but I have to say that meeting and getting to know these talented, warm, funny and generous women has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.  I feel welcomed and at home in this creative community.  I'll be forever grateful.

Left to right: Sue Kennedy, Linda Landig, Karen Totten, Jen Cameron, Jenny Davies Reazor and Diana Ptaszynski.
(Melissa Meman and  Kristen Stevens came to Bead Fest on Saturday , but weren't present on Sunday when this photo was taken.)

It's Oh So Quiet...

Shhhh Shhhh...

The tumbleweed is blowing around the AJE HQ today as so many of the team are well on their way to Bead Fest, some as vendors, some as helpers and some as lucky shoppers. I however am stuck on another continent feeling much aggrieved that I can't be there to meet up with all my stateside beading buddies. It's on my bucket list though and I will get there - one day...

It seems they didn't want me to miss out altogether so before they left they very kindly send me lots of photos of the beads they would be taking with them...torture me why don't you! But they are very lovely beads and rather than keep them to myself I thought I'd share them here so those of you who can't make it either can suffer bead envy with me and those of you who are going can get a little preview and plan what you want to make a beeline for.

First up some fabulous lampwork focals from our esteemed leader Jen. If you've read her post from  yesterday you'll have seen how Jen plans to display these striking beads and I think they're going to look just fabulous....

Jennifer Cameron - Glass Addictions - Booth 559

Jenny has obviously been working her socks off to put together this lovely collection with loads of depth and variety - just how cute are those little Matroshka dolls..?

Jenny Davis Reazor - J Davies Reazor - Booth 461

Sue Kennedy also posted about her preparation this week and it looks like she's going to have a really stand out booth with all these gorgeous colourful lampwork pretties...sigh!

Sue Kennedy - Suebeads - Booth 463

Diana will selling these richly coloured daisy pendants and a new design of double sided leaf beads in some of my favourite copper and root beer glazes...hold on to a couple for me please Diana...!

Diana Ptaszynski -  Suburban Girl Studio LLC - Booth359

And last but not least, Karen has been working hard on some new designs including these adorable owl beads and pendants... I bet there are none of those left for me at the end of the show! You'll also find Woolywire at Karen's booth which she is sharing with her daughter Nellie - creator of this innovative  wire and fibre mix.

Karen Totten - Starry Road Studio - Booth 373

Well ladies - you've certainly put on a great show between you and even though I can't be there I wish you every success with your beads and hope you have a great time and a lot of fun. I will actually be going to a bead show on Sunday - a much smaller affair admittedly but I'm sure I will find some goodies to console myself with so all is not quite lost.

Lesley

The Gossiping Goddess