Beads Make Us Happy...

Yes it's true... even when we're suffering from the stresses and strains of preparing for a show Like Bead Fest we know we'll get through it in the end because we love beads and we know you love beads.

Half of the AJE team are currently in headless chicken mode trying to finish up their preparations before heading off to set up for the show one week today...yes ladies 1 week!

Today I thought I'd give you a little preview of what you can expect to find at the show as a result of their efforts and if you're not going don't worry - shows usually mean lots of new stock for online shops after the event so September should be a bumper month.

Now sit back and enjoy our little trailer and if you're coming to Bead Fest don't forget to come and say hello.

Lesley
The Gossiping Goddess

Jewelry, Bead Fest and Sneak Peek!

As you're aware, many of us here at AJE are deep in Bead Fest prep!  Part of that prep is to create jewelry samples.  This way, customers can get ideas of what they might do with a particular bead or set of beads. And someone might just buy it as well!

Even though my journey started out making jewelry before I started making beads, I am very bad at actually creating jewelry anymore, especially for shows.  This time it's going to be different!  And, you're going to get a sneak peek at some of my new bead designs!

These round beads are going to be a necklace, just for me (but you might be able to convince me to sell it) to show you what you can do with this new bead design!  There are 34 beads right here, I may need more, and they will be separated by sterling saucer beads.  I still haven't decided what to string them with yet, right now they are on 1mm cotton braided cord, which I really like.

 This new heart focal (hand formed - I'm so proud!!!) is going to be a necklace as well.  It will be pendant style with wire-wrapped, rosary style units, just don't know what beads it will be paired with.

 These free-formed small focal sized beads will be a bracelet!  Probably strung on beading wire, again with some pretty coordinating gemstones.

 Earrings are always easiest for me, and these beaded bead earrings happen to be one of my favorite designs ever!  These will be hard to let go.  I love the color combination of seed beads, and really love the bronze filigree drops.

 And finally, you'll be able to find these morrocan style earrings at my booth as well, made with disc beads in a gorgeous shade of orange and those amazing filigree drops.

I hope you enjoyed the little preview of some beads and jewelry you will find in my booth at Bead Fest (SueBeads Booth #463) and I hope to see you there!  Please introduce yourself!

Susan Kennedy
SueBeads Etsy
SueBeads Web Site

Bead Fest Prep - My Newest Obsession

I'm vending at Bead Fest in August, as you know, and I need to be in full Bead Fest prep mode.  However, between my other job, my house, my kids and all the day-to-day things that need to be done, it's hard to get time.  Maybe that's why I'm so obsessed with headpins!

 At the end of a beading session, I take my short rods, my leftover stringers, and use my color imagination and make headpins on 20 gauge copper wire!  It's really a lot of fun.  In fact, it's so much fun to me that I may have many many more headpins for Bead Fest than I'll ever need! 

 I'll be using these cute little cups to display them in.  You know those cute little orchids in Home Depot, the ones that are mini orchids?  Well, they don't last, and you are left with these little ceramic containers.  I plan on getting some floral foam, you know, that green stuff, and stick the headpins in so they are nice and visible.  At least, that's my plan at the moment.  I am really challenged when it comes to making a good table display.  I think it's my biggest challenge!

Here's an example of some of the headpins you'll be able to find at the market at Bead Fest in Philadelphia August 22-24!  Please join me and fellow AJE team members Diana Ptaszynski, Jen Cameron, Jen Davies-Reazor and Karen Totten for shopping.  Linda Landig and Lesley Watt may have a few things available for your shopping pleasure as well!