I have the bead show blues – I’m feeling a little sad that I’m yet again missing the party at Tucson this year!
In case you don’t know the Tucson Bead Shows are the holy grail of bead shopping in America. With over 43 shows happening during January 26 – February 13. There are beads and shows to cater to everyone from the hobbyist jewelry designer to retail dealers to those who buy and sell diamonds.
If you are one of the lucky ones already making your plans, here are a few resources to help you plan your shopping, tips on how to survive a major bead show and a few places your favorite art bead makers will be hanging out.
For the rest of us, we’ll just have to dream and live vicariously through those who will be going.
Shows:
Complete show details and planning tips from the Jewelry Show Guide.
Best Bead Show, Feb. 2-6 – This would be the one I wouldn’t miss! Awesome line up of some of my favorite beadmakers.
To Bead True Blue, Jan. 30 – Feb. 4 – Check out the classes offered during this show and lots of art beads to be found.
Whole Bead Show, Feb. 2-7 – Bello Modo will have Humblebeads at this show. There are other bead artists like Gail Crossman Moore, Hip Chick Beads and Springall Adventures and more.
Bead Shopping Tips:
(Photo credit: cobalt123 via Flickr’s creative commons)
Miss Val's Creations
January 27, 2011 at 5:08 pmI wish I live in the Tucson area!!! There are only 2 bead shows a year that I am aware of in my area! ~Val
TesoriTrovati
January 27, 2011 at 5:26 pmI hear ya, Heather! I am just happy that I get to go to Bead & Button and I am trying to find a way to squeeze in a trip someplace to get my beading on. Still waiting on the confirmation of the timing with the family. One day I will get to Tucson. So fun to live vicariously through those there.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
moonlitfantaseas
January 27, 2011 at 11:18 pmI would love to go to a big bead show some day, I had a chance the first year of Bead and Button, it was in Portland that year…….but a family thing came up and I had to miss it.Maybe some day…..
pam
January 28, 2011 at 3:42 amHi Heather! I will be at the Whole Bead Show and will have your beads with me.
Pam Maxfield
Bello Modo
Barbara Lewis
January 28, 2011 at 9:04 amIt's 4 am and I'm leaving for National airport. It's been quite the endeavor trying to get ready!