14 June 2012

Bead & Button Show Recap or A {Bead} Fool and Her Money Are Soon Parted

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Emma!

The Mothership has left the state and headed back to the beady reaches of the Universe and try as I might to convince the bead freaks to take me with them they left me here in reality wallowing in beads and crying for the booths I missed and the peeps I neglected to photograph.

{Isn't this the sweetest welcome? My niece Evelyn is 7 and gives up her room each year so 'Ant Erin' can commune with the bead freaks. She is the sweetest little cutie patootie!}

First off, it is the most fun that I have all year. I get to spend time with Heather Powers (my best beady friend in the whole world) and her Aunt Rosanne (who has adopted me). I don't get enough time with just them, so we are plotting ways to make a getaway that doesn't involve standing at a booth or networking or buying. Just time to chill...

There was a great dinner I attended on Saturday with the President of Nunn Design, Becky Nunn and meeting some of the Nunn Innovation Design team like Rochelle Nation and Stephanie Gard Buss and Becky's friend Donna. We had a great time. I missed the dinner hosted by Lori Anderson but got there for the fun at the end. And Heather and I hosted a Bead Blogger's Breakfast on Sunday morning that was all sorts of networking bliss.

I carried my monster of a camera around with me most of the show. And who doesn't have any pictures to share? Me! But there are some great ones floating around out there (thanks, Diana, for the goofy eating pic!) so be sure to check out all the blog posts floating around. I never even got a picture of me with Heather or Rosanne this year, that should tell you how packed the days were!


But looky! I did manage to snap a pic with Diana Ptasxsydwekski of Suburban Girl Studios (oh crap, I can never spell it right ;-). She was always up for a laugh or two and always causing good beady fun wherever she went even though she felt icky most of the time, you wouldn't know it from her smile.

{Smile through the pain, Miss Diana!}

And I finally met Miss Erin Seigel, co-author of the great new book Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry (yes, you want a copy of this book, it is so pretty!). She is so very sweet, has the most lovely shade of red hair and the prettiest blue eyes. She was wearing my favorite necklace from the book and I couldn't take my eyes off it! I also got to meet Miss Lorelei, too and it was fun to connect with them and have my books signed (yes, I said books... watch for a giveaway coming soon of a signed copy just for you!).

{What the heck is going on with my hair? But doesn't Erin Seigel look pretty? That is my favorite design from the book, so it was exciting to see it in person!}
{Look how cute Heather Powers and Erin Seigel are!}

Of course there are too many beady friends to mention that I fear I will forget some, but I will try... Walking up to the booth was Tanya Goodwin who was wearing a pair of earrings she bought from me (mental note: make more of those!) that she said that many complimented her on... Sharon Misuraco shopped until we dropped (we get into all sorts of trouble)... Mallory Hoffman was having all sorts of fun... and then there were the bead artists that I love to connect with... Melissa Rediger of Sea of Glass...Kerri Fuhr and Stephanie Ann... Yvonne Irvin of My Elements... Melanie Brooks of Earthenwoods... Andrew Thornton and his sweet sister Cynthia from Green Girl Studios... Marianne Kasparian of MAKUStudios... Heather Wynn Millican of SwoonDimples (she is my hero) and her beautiful mom Pam... Trish Lincoln who just opened a new store called Rustic River Finds and she is my adoptive mom plus my Woodsy owls can be found there!... Vlad and Kremena Ivanov of Golem Studios... Marsha Hedrick of Amazing Porcelain... Jennifer Heynen of Jangles... I met Julie Nordine of Credit River Glass in the bathroom of all places!... Katie Wall of Fusion Beads.... and Sara Oehler and Jamie Hogsett of Soft Flex.... and of course Lisa Peters and her sweet mom Dona right across the aisle... oh, there are so many more and I am sorry if my memory is failing me! I enjoyed every moment I could squeeze out of it.

I know what you are thinking... how could Erin go to the Bead & Button show for almost an entire week and not have anything to show for it?

I have tonnage, I tell you, TONNAGE! I thought that I broke the bank last year but apparently I am into bigger and better things this year because I went a bit bonkers. But this is the only time that I actually get someplace where I can actually fondle... er... view the beads in person, so that is my excuse and I am sticking to it! I will henceforth let the camera do the talking since a picture is worth a 1000 words (and I am sure that my purchases topped $1000 this year! Yikes!). Click the pics to get a better look...

{Did you know that Jennifer Heynen of Jangles is not only an accomplished bead maker, but a quilter with a line of fabrics and coordinating buttons? And this year for the debut of her children's line she wrote a BOOK?! The cutest little critters grace the pages of this book about colors like Vermillion and Chartreuse and Magenta and I am gifting it to my co-worker's new baby Gianna Marie born 6/13/2012!}

{Left to right, top to bottom:
Melissa Rediger of Sea of Glass; Lisa Peters Art; Wynwoods Gallery
Golem Studios; Amazing Porcelain; Diane Hawkey
Jennifer Heynen of Jangles; Glass Garden Beads; Pam & Heather Wynn
Heather Powers of Humblebeads; Diana P of Suburban Girl Studios; Heather French of Vintage Meadow Artworks

{Great bead finds! Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
Faux sea glass; aquaterra jasper eggs and three resin beads with red onion skins, eggplant skins and garlic skins!; MOP mosaic beads, more glass, cool wood shapes and some sort of funky stone
sparkly crystals; more sparkly bits and bobs; pewter for patina-ing!
BIG hole pearls; teeny tiny pearls; nice white pearls
funky basket weave beads and some Ojime; nut beads, coral and turquoise inlaid beads (these last two are necklaces I will pull apart!); wood carved Buddha beads with the most amazing color, texture and gold leafing!
{Piece de resistance... from Beads Direct. Amazing gemstones that are even more sparkly in person! Garnet, moonstone, carnelian, quartz, hessionite garnet, more carnelian onion shapes, smoky quartz cubes, can't remember - more moonstone with a diamond finish?, these funky shaped chalcedony, the most beautiful diamond finish on these onion shaped labradorite for a top secret project and bottom drilled teardrops like I have never seen before!}
Of course, now that I am done, I see there are some things I neglected to show... like the beaded beads and the cool resin chunks and the hill tribes copper pieces I plan to try my hand at enameling... and the waxed linen for making something Bohemian-Inspired for next week's hop... and the goodies that I plan to GIVEAWAY to one lucky reader... 

Yes. There is a giveaway. I have taken a smattering of what I bought and some other things that I would like to gift to YOU! So if you didn't get a chance to go to Bead & Button (and really, you should try for next year!), all you need to do is leave a comment telling me what you would look for if you were to come to Bead & Button... or what you would give to be at the Bead & Button (your left arm, your first born)... or just say Hi! I will keep the giveaway open until Monday, June 18th and then I will surprise you with a picture of all the goods.... sort of a reverse surprise! And the longer that I keep it open the more I keep adding to it! Oh, it's going to be good! ;-)


67 comments:

carolyn said...

Thanks for the chance at a giveaway! I would shop for anything ocean-inspired. I'm working on creating a line of glass beads that are so fun & I would actually LOVE to go to the show & be a vendor. But my FEAR is holding me back from my full potential!

Heidi Post said...

Oh my you scored some fantastic loot! I am most envious of the AB sparklies in the last photo... I'm glad you had such fun and got to meet friends in real life :)

KristiBowmanDesign said...

Oh I love those and those and those, you did good girl!!! Always fun to see all the faces too!! It's Diana Ptowkynovink, come on it's so easy!

Anonymous said...

Now that's what I call a giveaway. To get to this show I would have to give up my nationality-I'm from the Uk! Then I'd make a bee line for anything in cream, taupe and honey. But, honestly I would quickly drop that and grab anything and everything, it's also gorgeous.

peacockfairy said...

Sorry we missed each other this year Erin. :-(
You got some great finds! I saw those heat treated stones but didn't splurge. I could always order online though. I wonder, is the finish in jeopardy of ever wearing off?

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Holy Moly Erin: what a GORGEOUS collection of beads! Really beautiful and amazing beads, I can't even decide on a favorite or two-I love them all. Definitely money well spent!

After reading about everyone's experience at Bead and Button, I have added it to my "wish list". It looks like there are more artisan vendors at Bead and Button than Bead Fest. A lot of what bloggers are posting, I have never seen before at other shows. I am giddy over the beads, even as I type! I am working hard to save up enough money for flight and hotel and then of course money to spend at the show! Maybe I should pull back a bit on my Bead Fest spending. Good concept; let's see how well I do with that idea! ;)

If I do make my wish come true and go to Bead and Button next year (anyone looking for a roommate, I'll bring the chocolate!), I would first go to all of the fabulous artisan vendors and buy their gorgeous beads, ones I haven't seen at other shows!

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey to Bead and Button, it looks like you had a really wonderful time!

Mel said...

Oh my gosh, I would loooove to have been there. Unfortunately, it's hard enough being an adult student back at college, and I don't think "But I HAVE to miss that final exam because of all the beads" would fly! =)

It would be amazing to go meet all the people whose blogs I read, and see all the resources and vendors that us west-coasters only see on the internet!

Amy F said...

I would love to go to B&B for the art beads! and meeting people! I'm saving up for beadfest, so your post made me feel good about the amt i have saved because you got a TON of awesome stuff! thanks for sharing with us!! I'm shooting for B&B in 2014 :)

Sandra said...

oh my gosh, you bought some gorgeous stuff! I sure hope to make it next year. thanks for sharing and for the opportunity for your giveaway.

Courtney Breul said...

Drooling at my desk! :)

What amazing finds! Yeah! I would love, love, love to go to B&B. I can't say that there is one thing in particular that I would look for, although sparklies do draw me like a moth to the flame! :)

Thank you for a chance at a wonderful giveaway!

Stephanie P. said...

Those are some beautiful finds! What would I look for? I don't even know where to start! Definitely some owls. Also, I think I would look for some unusual finds--things to help me break out of my comfort zone.

Unknown said...

I can't lie, I'm more than a little envious of your beautiful beads you found. I also have to admit I'm sort of feeling like I'm the only person who didn't go to B&B( ok I know that can't be true, but lots of th blogs I read managed to make it!), thanks for a chance @ a little taste of B&B!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Erin, that is some mighty fine loot you got there woman!!! It looks like you had a blast.
I know one year I am going to get mom and myself up there to go shopping - from everyone's posts it sounds like so much fun. I love the post by Lori, Pretty Things, on how to plan out the fun. I know I would want to stop at all the art beads - but sparklies will pull us in too :)
Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Libellula Jewelry™ said...

Wow...really wishing that I could have been there but glad that everyone else had such a fabulous time!

Krys said...

Beautiful treasures! I would love to go, It's on my list of things to do one day...Thanks for the visual candy!

Cyndi J said...

Wow! What a fabulous time and lots of good finds. I want to hear about the enameling class with Barbara!

CraftyHope said...

Sounds like you had a beady BLAST at B&B!! I unfortunately didn't get to go. . .AGAIN ;)
If I ever do get to go, what would I look for? Well, I would look for . . .YOU!! And all the other wonderful bloggers/beaders I've met online. More than the beads and tools, I would love to actually get to meet some of these people I've been communicating with for what seems like forever!

Bobbie said...

Hyperventilating here!! Girl, you hit the motherlode of beautiful goodies!

If - when - I get to B&B, it would be tempting to spread the love and get something from every vendor, but then my credit card would melt from overuse and my husband would be irritated that I ruined the car trying to haul so much cargo. If I had to pick, though, I have recently fallen deeply in lust with Vintage Meadow Artworks and Golem Beads.

And can I tell you how frustrating it is that B&B started years AFTER I moved away from Milwaukee? Talk about having bad timing ;-)

Unknown said...

Thank you for the giveaway chance! Would love to go, would give most anything, always plotting for next year.

Sarah Sequins said...

Erin, maybe this makes me an enabler, but rock on for spending a grand at the show!!! This makes me want to set aside a Bead Show fund for next year so I can spend more than the little amount I did.

I'm sorry I didn't see you at the show! The blogger breakfast sounds like it was a lot of fun. Maybe next year! <3

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, I don't know where I would start at B & B. We just don't have the range of goodies that you have here in Australia, so I would probably go completely crazy buying all sorts of things. Chain would be at the top of my list, I find it really hard to visualise from a picture. And gemstones, and and and!!! Maybe one day I'll get there ...

Alice said...

Wow, it's the motherlode of beads! How fun it would be to actually meet people in person that you've only blogged with!!!

Let's see, I would give up my freaky dog who, though we have had him for about 8 years, never lets us get near him, but does try to attack other people. We keep him on a chain with a shock collar. Yes, I'd be happy to give him away.

Thanks for the chance to win some B&B goodies!

Martha Dz Jewelry said...

I am so envious! Maybe I'll get to go next year and meet all the wonderful people you talk about. I especially love all the gems you got from Beads Direct. Your designs are such an inspiration. Thanks for this chance!

Diana P. said...

LOLOLOLOLOL! You just made my evening with this post! What a great time at B&B! I can't wait to do it all over again next year!

Unknown said...

I am glad *somebody* got to buy all those beads that I left behind at B&B. I wish we'd had a chance to spend some time together! Maybe another year.

P.S. As much as I'd love to win your drawing, you don't need to include me. I'd love to see someone who didn't go to the show win! :)

A Polymer Penchant said...

Wow, what a stunning haul! Someday I'll get there in person, then I bet I'd be so overwhelmed I'd probably only come home with 3 beads or something because I'd be afraid of spending myself out of house and home. I'm glad you shopped for me (thinking positive thoughts over here!)

Michelle Mach said...

Umm . . . what's up with Blogger?? That "unknown" comment is from me -- Michelle Mach. :)

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Oh stop, already, Erin! That's just TOO MUCH beady awesomeness for one blog... No, I couldn't go in person this time, but it was so kind of you to shop for me LOL

Erin Siegel said...

Erin! It was such a pleasure to meet you. You were one of the online friends I was anxious to meet. I came by Heather's booth on Friday afternoon, but missed you. So, I was happy to see you at the booth on Saturday. You are just as sweet and funny and engaging as I imagined. It did not feel like meeting someone for the first time at all! It all felt very natural and comfortable. I had a great time chatting with you and Heather in her booth on Saturday. And btw, I LOVE these photos of us! Thank you for my 'Simple Truth' charm, I love it. I'm so looking forward to your creation for the blog book tour for Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry. Thank you for participating. Til we meet again, Miss Erin! I hope that it's not far off...(cough, bead cruise...ahem, excuse me.) ;)

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! Such wonderful finds! I'd love to be able to attend B&B but for now I'll just have to stick to BeadFest. I've loved reading and seeing all the happenings, I've feel like I have attended via the blogosphere! Looks like an overwhelming but super fun event!
Thanks for sharing!

EmandaJ said...

Good golly Ms. Molly -- I would love to win your giftie-giveaway! I wish I could go to Bead and Button sometime -- looks like you had a great time. I'd give my appendix to go! I don't use it too much 8^)

Emanda artymezia (at) yahoo - blah, blah blah

Tanya said...

Those are all gorgeous. I am so jealous of your baubles. I went a bit crazy with kits and patterns the night before, so if I get to go next year, I will keep my eyes on the beady prizes. :).

CreatingCures said...

Hi - I've seen some great pics this week. I love the faux sea glass and the Hill Tribe copper pieces! Can't wait to see your treasures! ~~T

Torque Story said...

Didn't make it this year, but I swear I'm going to make the pilgrimage next June.
You have exquisite taste in stones--I love them all!

Barb Fernald said...

After an unintended break from blogs it is so much fun to get back to checking out what people have seen and bought at the B and B show! Thanks for posting the envy-inducing photos!
Hard to say what I would look for, specifically, if I got a chance to go. Anything unusual!

LiliKrist said...

For sure I'll be so so 'edacious' want all the beads.
I wish I can go there someday =)

Anonymous said...

Hello Erin! My name is Diana Kolowski and I am a big fan of your blog. I have wanted to go to Bead and Button for several years, but just haven't been able to. I love, love, love, beads etc... I would have a hard time controlling the urge to buy everything I could get my hands on. Please consider me for your giveaway. My etsy shop is baublesbeadsandmore.etsy.com and I can be contacted through there or my email address which is dlkcrafty@sbcglobal.net Looks like you did a great job picking out goodies while you were there!

Anonymous said...

I would look at the natural stones firsthand and, if he was there, go straight to Gary Wilson. I would want colored linen cord and try to cover glass, Green Girl Studios and polymer clay. For sure I would get stopped on the way and would try to remember to buy when I see it because it's really hard to find again and the uncertainty about buying begins to creep in. Looks like you had a great time.

Rita
parrarita@yahoo.com

The Cabby Crafter said...

I am truly grateful for my job but I'm not a passionate about it compared to y crafts and beading. I would give u
P myPaid time off just so i could go to the Bead and button show and meet you and oher wonderful ladies.

Sue-Lin said...

Well, just lost my job a couple of months ago so going to the Bead & Button would probably literally kill me with those drooling goodies!!!! I would give up a week's of paid vacation to go o the B & B, really!

sltarnowski[at]gmail.dot.com

Rose said...

Sigh. I never win these things. Lol.

I would give... My pinky toe. Off my right foot... You see, it SEEMS little but my whole balance would be off. And as I favor my right side, all kinds of hilarity would ensue from my walking about.

But it would be worth it to go and fondle all the pretty beads. Especially Humblebeads beads. Im in love with those beauties. And i want to see all the wire offerings out there. Strange, i know, but wire options are limited here and I want to see all the pretties in person.

If you see me limping around at the next show, someone probably offered to take my right pinky toe... And, of course, I said yes. :P

Rose said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Rose said...

Sigh. I never win these things. Lol.

I would give... My pinky toe. Off my right foot... You see, it SEEMS little but my whole balance would be off. And as I favor my right side, all kinds of hilarity would ensue from my walking about.

But it would be worth it to go and fondle all the pretty beads. Especially Humblebeads beads. Im in love with those beauties. And i want to see all the wire offerings out there. Strange, i know, but wire options are limited here and I want to see all the pretties in person.

If you see me limping around at the next show, someone probably offered to take my right pinky toe... And, of course, I said yes. :P

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

When I do make it B&B some day I will most certainly head for the Humblebeads as well to Heather and Pam Wynn's table. They are all my favorites. I could also spend a small fortune at GGS.

Thanks for the chance to win!

JeannieK said...

I can't stop looking at all the beautiful goods.
I would look for all my beady friends.
Good Luck to all.

Jeanette said...

Hey Erin, looks like you had an amazing time! I am definitely going next year.
Hey, I am curious about the workshops you took with Barbara and Richard!!??? Aren't they the best!!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous pile of loot! However did you stop! It does look like you had a fabulous time and with so many people. Once again, thanks for giving me MORE blogs to read! You are good at that! Oh, what I would give to go to that show. I would give up my job and all YOUR beads. Well, that's not really giving up a thing, is it? I would give up all my hats. It scares me to say that. I am naked without a hat, NAKED and I would be naked at the bead show, but it would be worth it. I would search of woodsy colors and textures and metal beads and art beads. Oh, what a dream! Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. It's almost like going there myself.

Lupe Meter said...

Wow!!! Thanks for sharing! I would have loved to go this year...hopefully next year. I would look at absolutely everything. You posted just about all the items that I would look for! 8)

Cynthia said...

You really came away from B&B with a nice haul!! And connecting with Beady folks is such a bonus! Looks like everyone had fun, and I am adding B&B to my bucket list! I'll get there someday. Maybe I should send you money, and you pick out stuff for me - I love everything you got. Let's see, I am always on the look out for "the new thing", whatever it is that year.
Thanks for the chance to win what I'm sure is fabulous loot!

swopemelmel said...

Okay, you know that scene in the movie "The Mask" when Jim Carey (as the mask) sees Cameron Diaz on stage and BONKS OUT? Yeah that's me right now looking at your loot. LOL !!!
It would be my wish to meet you, Lorelei, Heather Powers and the Ladies from Vintaj.
I think I would destash "some" of my ever growing hoard if it meant going to Bead & Button. I would have been right there with you and your besty beady buddy, say that 3 times real fast, grabbing up all of the Humblebeads I could carry. I love Humblebeads, they make me soooooo happy, they are so sweet. Oh, and would there be a Simple Truths booth??? Cause I'd be there too!!!!
swopemelmel @ aol dot com

Susan Marling said...

Wow!!! What awesome things you bought! If I went, the first thing I would look for would be the first aid station because I would probably have a heart attack seeing all that beady goodness!!!! I have been to small shows so this would probably be overwhelming! Thanks for the chance to win and I look forward to seeing your goodies in new creations.

Michelle W said...

I am always in search of unusual beads. Thanks for the giveaway!

MoonRae said...

I would look for all you sweeties who have become my friends and mentors....I've been to plenty of fabulous shows and vended my self(not literally hehehe)and found outrageous deals, but when it comes down to it, it's the people....
Thanks Erin....for being Erin

~smiles~
Sharon

cw whitedogjewelry said...

Wow! What an amazing time you must have had. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the giveaway.
Your things look so well thought out. How do you possibly decide which to buy? I have a really hard time at Beadfest, 'cannot imagine the B&B event.
'nice too, that you have family to stay with, good for you!
Chris

Unknown said...

What a wonderful stash! You're going to have so much fun playing with all that loot. I'm living vicariously through all the B and B blogs. Sigh.

I'm starting a bead fun for next year!

Klassy Joolz said...

WOW oh WOW what a super stash! You picked the best lovelies for sure!

I guess the B & B Show is on my Bucket List...I would so love to join in all the fun and meet everyone one of these days.

So HI and thanks for a fabulous Giveaway!

Smiles, Pam

Shelley said...

I was bummed when my friend had to cancel our trip to the show at the last minute and seeing your fantastic haul of loot (where to start?), I'm even more disappointed I missed it!! Here's to next year!

Anonymous said...

Wow, so many beautiful beads! I would look for the large hole pearls, for sure! I love those vintage beads! It looks like you had so much fun!

GlassBeadArt said...

Oh, what a nice idea!!! I live to far away to ever make it there, and my fear of flying long hours does not make it easier either... but if I could beam me there, I would shop for these lovely sparkly gemstones and for pearls with holes large enough to allow knotting and for czech glass rondelles with the picasso finish, and for turquoise.... and for everything that will catch my eye until my credit card will die ;-)

Brandi Hussey said...

Ohmigosh, there is so much awesome-ness in this post, I can't even stand it. It looks like you had a TON of fun!! Oh, and the loot - the loot is amazing.

Maybe one day I'll fly up and get to meet you!

aneri_masi said...

LOVED seeing pics of Diana, Erin S and Heather, and of course you :)
And the beads!!! Am swooning! I SO hope I can go next year!

ANd when I go, I will be looking for tools more than anythng else. And ceramic and metal clay components. And chains. And buttons maybe.

Erin S said...

Really, I was going to leave a comment BEFORE I even saw the thing about the giveaway. I SWEAR! Because I am totally jealous of your awesome score and all the cool people you met. Probably a good thing I wasn't there--I had to give all my money to the feds yesterday for quarterly taxes. So unfun.

Ashleigh Becker said...

I was at B&B on Thursday night. I had all of 3 hours to shop before my husband and I jetted off to CA for a much needed mini vacation. I shopped like a mad woman in those 3 hours and I vowed not to put myself through that again! Next year I will take my time and leisurely shop! I missed so many things this time, but I'm thrilled with what I got!

Unknown said...

Lovely!
Thanks for the chance to win these beauties!
I would be happy enough to even get to go at all but I would look for new knowledge! ..... And beads and buttons :)
Tumblestone.handmakery@gmail.com

rockcreekcreations said...

It's really sad. I like sooo close but sooo far away. It's about a 5hour drive, but would involve a hotel stay, beads, food, etc. All those $$$$. But this year I am going to put some money away each week so I am prepared for next year. Better go put my change in jar right now!!! Love your giveaway!!!

Shai Williams said...

Oh I hope that I am not too late. I just loved seeing all the goodies that you brought home with you. I so want to go but I know that I will need to save up quite a chunk of change first of all.

Melissa said...

Wow, you found some amazing beads! Love the gemstones from Beads Direct! Great to see you again and can't wait to see what you make!

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