20 June 2013

The Treasure that Awaits

Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him. ~ Paulo Coelho

My treasure is always found at Bead & Button!

It is hard to believe that the Great Bead Mothership has taken off without me...again! But I did have a grand time conferring with the other bead freaks out there! And more importantly, I found some new treasures I could not pass up! This year I did NOT take a class. That felt weird. But I am going to ArtBliss in September so I will have to get my learning fix then!

Sadly, I did not take one picture this year. But I did get to see some dear bead friends... some that I never miss seeing and some that were new to me... Lisa Peters and her lovely mom Donna... Cynthia and Greg Thornton of Green Girl Studios... Diane Hawkey... Melanie Brooks... my sister-in-rust, Brenda Schweder... Vlad and Kremena Ivanov of Golem Studio... Marsha Hedrick of Amazing Porcelain... Angie Graham of BlueFrog Art Studio... Lola Surwillo...  Stephanie Ann Dieleman and her friend Kelly... Joan Miller... sweet Miss Kristen Fagan and sweet Miss Sara Oehler of Soft Flex... someone I have long admired, Tracy Bell of Copper, Glass and Recycled Trash... I got to meet Marsha Neal for the first time. She is such a lovely soul! I am always blown away by her generosity and kindness. And Kaushambi Shah came all the way from DC to take a full lineup of classes. She and Lisa Peters were instrumental in setting up the fun Art Bead Scene dinner filled with laughter (much of it at my expense - you can ask Diane about that!) and bead swapping. What could be better?

I met Melinda Barta from Interweave along with Marilyn Koponen who is an ad rep there. I would have loved to go on the bead hunt with them. Maybe next year!

I got to see Karin from Kalmbach who is patiently waiting for me to make up my mind and just DO IT ALREADY! The good news is that Heather and I are going to hold each other accountable. Right, Heather?

I was delighted when Tanya Goodwin stopped by the booth for a visit. She was wearing the necklace she made to celebrate her black belt achievement with the special pendant I crafted for her. And Angela Lund-Logan popped up as well. It is fun to put names and faces together from people who are regulars on the Art Bead Scene.


It is always a treat to see my sister-from-another-mother, Jess Italia Lincoln. This year she had her full entourage with her... including her sweet husband Todd and her little princess Livi! Livi is even more darling than her pictures with those bright blue eyes and the most adorable wardrobe ever. She was even sporting a handmade drusy necklace. The most stylish one year old ever!

Of course, the highlight for me is always getting to spend time with my best friend Heather Powers of Humblebeads and her Aunt Rosanne. I get to fondle, er, admire all the Humblebeads I want for a whole weekend (and add to my collection!). It always goes by too fast! I think that one of these years we will need to stay one extra day just so we can chill and actually sit and talk!

I know that I am missing someone along the way...if that is you, please know that is purely unintentional! There were some people that were missing this year. I truly did miss seeing Kerri Fuhr and Jennifer Heynen. I hope they will be there next time.

One of the best things besides seeing people, is shopping, of course. And although I thought I was on a very strict bead diet, I really couldn't resist! It was like a diabetic being dropped in the middle of the Hershey factory. I was pretty good this year and didn't go nearly as overboard as in the past (or did I?). You be the judge....

{Lovely new shapes and colors of czech glass beads from Nirvana Beads. I especially like the new Concave - Piggy Beads, as they call them. Those coral ones over there on the left. They have one hole in the middle like a bead cap, and then one hole offset. So you can get this cool spooning effect! These were brand spankin' new and they didn't have many from the factory, so I made off with an entire hank of the Pink Luster color. Yummy!}
{Small nugget pearl strands from TA Pearls. Cannot.Get.Enough. And at just $3 a strand, I can afford to love them so! I still have many strands from last year. This year I added this deep navy-purple color and a mix of turquoisey-green strands to my stash. And the multi-colored keishi were an impulse buy on their 'clearance' table for $12 a strand.}

{Our neighbor to the right is Angi Graham of Blue Frog Art Studio. Her display is pretty darn cool (everyone wants her old wooden tool box!) and her glass is dynamite as well. This year I bought some of her 'orphans'... glass disks that are quite gorgeous. And look at those peacock beads! Definitely a splurge! Also shown here are an assortment of Green Girl Studios treasures. I told Aunt Rosanne NOT to let me over there, as I am hoarding half a printer's tray full of their pieces over the years. But I escaped and bought some anyway. That sweet little owlie? That is original artwork from Azalea Thornton, who apparently doesn't fall far from their creative tree! I HAD to buy it to support her art. She had robots and monsters and the cutest little daisy flower person. I went for the owl and it lives on my bulletin board. I am one of those people who stops at every lemonade stand...and this is lemonade for the artist's soul. ;-) Keep on making art, Miss Azalea!}

{I am sad to know that next year Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio will not be exhibiting. I save my pennies all year to buy some of her goodies! Miss Melanie is embarking on new adventures and I wish her all the best. I picked up a few things that will round out my stash. And she had this great tray of lovelies from her friend Gaea and I couldn't resist this carved heart tube bead that looks like bark!}

{Miss Lisa Peters is located right across the aisle. Danger! I cannot stop myself from pouring over her trays. I love her flowers with the hole in the center, and there were several wee ones carded together by color. No orphan goes unloved with me! She also had some great cardinal bird heads, each one different. I am on the hunt for cardinals as that is our h.s. mascot and I plan to make jewelry for their upcoming fundraiser.}

{I cannot help but smile every time I am around Diane Hawkey. She is just so fun, and her beads speak to me...literally! The word beads she does are my favorite. And she had these cute little hearts with words I couldn't pass up. Plus I bought all the rest of her teeny tiny houses. And some birds with branches. But I really love the new iridescent raku style that she is working on. I called these 'grungies'; she calls them 'relics.' Those little moon and star connecters are so sweet! And the little purple star bead is reversible to a moon!}

{I always stop by Holy & Pure Gemstones. Like a million other booths, they have an interesting assortment of just about everything. This year I found some faux sea glass small rondelle beads with a sort of peacock AB finish on them.}

{Another find from Holy & Pure Gemstones... rhinestone encrusted saucer shaped beads with bling on both sides. I am thinking earrings, or pendants. For their size, they are heavy. I think they will be a special touch here and there.}

{Teeny-tinies! Crystals and glass pearls in 2mm will make great spacers!}

{Peanut beads and some really cool fringe type beads in tubes!}

{Of course, my week would not be complete without adding to my Humblebeads stash! It really is quite embarrassing how many of Heather's beads that I own. I really must make something with them! Her new bracelet connectors and pendants are so soft and ethereal... a couple of cardinals to add to my newest collection, and will you look at the colors on those shimmery leaves!? Real gold leaf is added for that amazing depth of color.}

Doh! I just realized that there is a picture missing! I got some great glass headpins from Nikki Thornberg and some ceramic ones from Marsha Neal Studio. If I can find the picture, I will add that to this post. But know that they are pretty marvelous treasures!

{Last, but not least, I stopped by the Beads Direct Online booth. I first found them last year and was amazed at the colors their finishes add to the gems. I brought so many people back to their booth and this time, while I was talking to owner Leslie D'Souza and his wife Mary, I could have sold the necklace I was wearing that featured their beads in it a dozen times over! People were literally walking across the aisle to touch it. This year I picked out the following treasures: chrysocolla onion briolettes, lapis AB rondelles and cushion-cut squares, natural aquamarine AB with a gorgeous sandy color, pink opalite AB (I think...), labradorite AB, onyx and green hematite AB tiny rondelles, hessionite garnet AB, natural aquamarine AB cushion-cut cubes, hessionite garnet AB nuggets and the last two strands they had of a titanium coated garnet in rough cut. This was the big splurge of the year. But I do think it was worth it!}
I have been so absent of late on this place that I love. I am trying to get back to it. (Did anyone notice that I didn't do the Challenge of Literature in May?) I am spending nearly every single night (except for Mondays) at a ballpark for my two kids teams, five between the two of them: league baseball, league softball, travel baseball (my husband coaches all three) and new this year travel softball and the Junior Legion traveling team. It is a good thing I like diamonds (of the ballpark variety) and I am happy not to have to cook until August! I want to be present for these moments as they will not be going on forever. Beading and ballparks don't seem to mix very well, at least not for me. And I am working nearly every day on a new venture that I am excited to release that will allow me to do fundraising for causes I am connected to as well as making a little income on the side (more on that at a later date). I am hoping to work back into the swing of things and get back to the Challenge of Travel in August. I have already been thinking of the concept. I hope you will consider joining me.

As promised, I would like to have a little giveaway. It has been awhile since I did one.

Since I am a hoarder of the highest degree, I have treasures that I have yet to break into from the last THREE Bead & Button shows. I know! Criminal! But cutting into them will surely get me to start using them. I will pick out a lovely assortment of goodies from my past stashes, as well as my current spoils to gift to one lucky winner. All you need to do is answer the following question:

If you were to go to Bead & Button,
would you spend your money on classes or beads?
What classes? What beads?

I will pick a random winner from all comments on this post on Monday, June 24th. 


27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why yes, Miss Erin, I did notice the missing challenge! I figured you were working on that balance thing! As for B & B, I so wish I could go! Maybe one day I will be able to wing a trip to the US at the right time for one of the big 2 bead shows! We have nothing on the scale of them here in Australia, and I drool whenever I see pics like yours. I think if I went I would have to take at least one class, but I'd also be shopping, shopping, shopping! In the mean time, pick me please!!!

Unknown said...

Though I would love to take a class, if I was to go it would be touching, and buy art beads! Would love to start (hoarding) using art beads in my designs.

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time at Bead and Button! I am living vicariously through you by seeing all of the lovely bead treasures-makes me feel like (and wish) I was there! ;) Love the new Green Girl pieces and the Lisa Peters pendants and the Humblebeads...

I do plan to attend Bead and Button one of these years and definitely plan to shop! I would probably take a class or two as well, most likely in metal work or polymer clay.

I am so happy that you are attending ArtBLISS and so bummed that I am missing it! I had such a wonderful time last year! I will definitely be there in 2014!

Thanks for sharing your bead treasures!

sandi m said...

You scored a great stash this year, Erin!! Even though I shopped for three days, I was good ~ maybe because I have goodies from my first B&B 10 years ago!
As far as beads or classes, it's always going to be beads, beads, beads. I've taken classes; and Kim St. Jean's brand new casting pewter class this year was awesome. So many possibilities for creating your own designs.
Thanks for sharing your goodies. And good luck to all the Teams this summer!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my gosh, you have so many beautiful beads! If I had that many new beads, I would sit around for at least a day, just looking at them and mixing them around. Oh, If I want to that show, I would spend my money on BEADS! One can Never have too many beads It sound like you had so much fun!

Cynthia said...

You bought some pretty gorgeous stuff there, Miss Erin! I think we are all eaqually guilty as you, with the hoarding. It's a shame to hoard beautiful artbeads, but on the other hand...they're MINE (insert evil laughing here)!!!
Some day I hope to get to Bead and Button. WHEN I go, I hope to take a class, but I will really be there for the beads!! I love buying beads in person, especially artbeads. You get to fondle them all, and gush to the artist! It's way better than etsy and paypal!!
Thanks for the bead porn, and the chance to win some!!

peacockfairy said...

Wow Erin, what a haul! I am so bummed I missed the show this year. I cannot even remember a year that I didn't go. Since I have never taken a class there, I would spend my money on one next time I go. I am going to have to check out the website for those gorgeous AB finished stones! Love those!

Roxanne Mendoza said...

Wow, love the beads you brought back! I think if I were to attend I would 'have' to buy beads. I don't think I could resist being around all those beads. ;)

If I took a class it would probably be something quick (like an hour or 2 tops)...don't know if I'd want to use up most of the day. Not sure what class I would take but I'm always in awe of those of you that make your own beads and components!!!

Have a great day!

Mellisa said...

Wow, you really did come home with a haul! Of course all the artist beads are fantabulous (those lampwork lovelies from Blue Frog are to die for!) but the piggy beads are quite a nifty find too.

If I were to make the trek to B&B (which sadly doesn't seem likely) it would be solely for shopping and meeting...I'd really want at least one bead from each artist whose name I know but haven't had the opportunity to meet in person!

Unknown said...

You have amazing taste Erin, I love the stash that you picked up at Bead & Button. What would I do if I was able to go to Bead & Button, I think I would be crazy because it would be my first time, I would probably be euphoric, and wouldn't know what to do first. I think I would want lots of funds so that I could splurge. I would love to meet lots of people that I have only had the opportunity to read their blogs and see there lovely work in magazines, also anyone I have had the opportunity to buy beads from would be high on my priority list to meet. Being surrounded my people that have my same love I believe would have be on cloud nine.

Marie Cramp said...

The torture!! I am just dying for all of those treasures!! OMGosh!! They all look amazing!! You better not wait until next year to use these ones ;) Just sayin' I may end up raiding your stash if that's the case! lol

Shai Williams said...

While I would tell my hubby that I would be going to take some classes, it would be all about socializing with people I only know online and to fondle the beads. And well if some of the beads came home with me, who could blame me. After all, I am just supporting small businesses.

Steph L. said...

I'm seriously trying to contain my jealousy over those lovely Humblebeads. If I were to make it to Bead and Button (and I am promising myself that I WILL make it one year) I would spend all of my money on beads. Don't think I could resist. Can't wait to see what you do with all those treasures!

Wendy D. said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful selections -- they're definitely "treasures found"! I love to talk with artists about their work -- so time to browse and buy beads is always a priority for me. I'd also choose one or two classes just for fun -- something that I don't have access to learn locally, or a class taught by an artist whose work I admire. It's fun to think about! :-)

Alice said...

Oh goodness what a treasure of wonderful beads you brought home! I know you will make some beautiful pieces.

I've never been to one of these big bead shows and maybe it's a good thing as I thing I would break the bank. But if I did get to go I would take at least one class and definately purchase some beads too.
I hope things slow down for you soon!!!!

A Polymer Penchant said...

Well I did notice but it wouldn't be right to go pointing that out. I mean we all know you aren't just vegging out day and night. Since I was lucky winner last year I probably should leave this for someone else... Strike through font needed! Forget that, we are talking bead fabulousness here! Classes would be a great temptation and I would surely check and see if there was one not to be missed. But my instinct would be all haul! Love all your treasures

Ann Schroeder said...

Thanks for this post. Always love seeing lovely beads and hearing about a bead show. I would definitely buy beads! My skills are not such that I think I could benefit from the classes. They seem so far out of my realm. Maybe someday in the future. Thanks for the chance to win!

Maplegirl said...

Oh, I would have to take a couple of classes. I am still a newbie and I want to try so many new techniques - mostly metal/wire. But the beads would be calling to me too, and of course I would love to meet some of you artists that I have only 'met' online. Aren't you sweet to share your stash. Andrea

Lorelei Eurto said...

drooling over your beads!!! I am so jealous! I really missed not going to that show this year. Maybe next year I can swing it!! Can't wait to check out some of these places online, like nirvana beads!!

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to go to Bead & Button and I would definitely spend my money on classes. (Well, and maybe some beads!) I would love to take a class with Joan Babcock because she's the micro macrame genius!

Malin de Koning said...

What a lovely lot you got there Miss Erin! Drool!

IF I would go to Bead&Button I would like to take at least one class, or more probably two if it's possible to take one a day. I would pick ones with an instructor that I admire and am particularly interested in meeting. I would make sure to spend lots of money on beads. It would be a mixture not too unlike your one Erin. A lot of art beads, many gemstones, and things I have not yet seen before, or that I believe I will have difficulties finding online. I believe I would mainly look for things not yet familiar to me. But I also think I will be extremely drawn to the stands of my own favorite bead artists. How on earth would I cope with all that I wish to be able to do whilst there? I would also really love to meet so many people that I so far only know online.

Dawn Doucette said...

First, I LOVE your stash you picked up from beads direct online. I love the AB finish on the gemstones... I'm officially drooling~

Would I spend money on beads or a class... hmmm, do I have to choose? I'd make darn sure I'd have the funds for both! :)

I think learning a new technique or skill from one of the definitive experts in invaluable.

I also know darn well there'd be no way I could walk out without buying beads... so there, I'd do both! :)

{Hugs!}

Maneki said...

What a fab loot -- I'm just drooling over here! And being reminded that I need to buy more piggy beads -- that's what happen when just buying a few to try as you don't have any ideas about what to do, but then you fall in love and kick yourself for not buying more than 30 pcs.

Gorgeous, gorgeous loot! Spot things that have been on my wish list for ages, but also things that will need to be added now. :D

There's nothing quite like B&B Show over here. I'd be fab to attend something like it, though of cause it's just a dream as it'd be way too expensive for me. And that's even before being seduced by the beads and other supplies offered by the sellers there!

And to answer the question: how to choose? Normally I'd say beads (plus other supplies and tool) as a beadaholic and someone used to being self-taught. But recently I've found that there are things I want to try without having to buy the required tools and stuff (because it's expensive to get all the basic things to set up and/or it won't be used more than perhaps once or twice). Perhaps just dabble with that one time or so, e.g. dyeing, working with hot glass, ceramics, tooling leather, using a rolling mill, stuff like that. But the question is: save classes for something smaller on home turf and spend the time on a big show just browsing and buying. Yeah, I'd probably prefer the latter unless it was a short class. Depends on what classes was offered of cause -- some things would just be too hard to resist (and you can always shop online at home too).

thecolorofdreams said...

What a great bead haul. I do not know what your budget was, but you got a lot of beads for it.
I am hoping to be able to go to the show next year. I would take some classes and do a lot of shopping. I am interested in polymer clay classes and maybe some PMC classes. My husband plans to go with me and find some pubs in Milwaukee while I shop!

Unknown said...

I have been waiting to see what you ended up with and I'm so glad you didn't hold back too much! If I was to go to B&B i would have to follow you around because everything you picked I absolutely LOVE!! I would buy lots of art beads like Lisa Peters and those glass disks you got from Angi Graham, OMG! I would love to meet all the people I talk to online too. I would have to shop the whole time because I wouldn't be able to concentrate on a class with all those beads so close by!

Anonymous said...

I have never been to the Bead & Button show before. I would shop for pearls, abalone, sterling silver...anything that looks beachy so I could incorporate the glass art beads I make into the jewelry design. It would be fun to take a class. Maybe something to do with metal/silversmithing?

Unknown said...

I know I missed the giveaway but I have to tell you that I would most surely buy beads. I would love classes but I could never ever pick just one. So beads, beads and more beads for me. I am so happy you had fun!

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