The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show: We Had A Blast!

Gemstones!

The Beadaholique crew just arrived back from Tucson and we had an absolute blast!  We were there almost a week yet still it did not feel like enough time. From morning until night we were busy talking, shopping, hugging friends, and meeting with suppliers. Our feet were tired by the end of each night but it was well worth it.

Julie and Esther digging through bead

Each  morning we started our day with a BIG breakfast so that we would be able to go for hours without stopping. Esther and I both agree that we ate more potatoes in the last week than probably in the last year, but they were so very tasty! After breakfast we would hit the shows and pour over the incalculable amount of beads, findings, and gems. At every turn there was something new and interesting, be it a $1.00 strand of fun shaped plastic beads or a $300 strand of gorgeous rubies. A lot of the vendors had worked their new supplies into inspiration projects, which was great to see and gave me lots of ideas for projects I want to do in the coming months.  We also saw lots of offbeat items like giant fossils and hand embroidered jackets. Repeatedly we would say "oh, that is weird.....but cool!" At times I think our giggles could be heard across the giant showrooms. 

Julie teaching at Swarovski Event

On Wednesday we had a full day spent with the good folks at Swarovski. I taught a demo showcasing a faux chain maille technique and how it could be worked into a crystal laden bracelet. We titled the piece "Urban Gauntlet Bracelet" and will have a video and instructions ready shortly. We also attended a private  presentation by Swarovski North America showcasing their new Spring/Summer 2013 launch. All I can say at this point is "wow" - the new colors, shapes, and effects are so pretty. I will have more details to share about this launch in the coming days.

Nunn Designs

Speaking of more details coming soon, we were in Tucson to shop and boy did we shop! We picked up a lot of the new designs debuted by TierraCast, Nunn Design, Ezel, Beadalon, DeCoRe, and more. But we also found some vendors who we had not seen before and picked up their lines as well (so excited!). A couple of my personal favorites are Lillypilly Designs' aluminum and copper sheets; some super cute lampwork beads; and one of our last-minute finds--gorgeous gemstone chains.  As soon as our orders arrive here we will get to work photographing the new items and putting them up on the Beadaholique site.

As we wandered through the shows and parties we were able to speak with some of our favorite designers and artists including Krystal Wick, Leslie Rogalski, Bob Burkett, Fernando DaSilva, Wyatt White, Katie Hacker, Becky Nunn, Andrew Thornton, Greg Ogden from Green Girl, and many others. If you are not familiar with their work, definitely check them out. Their creativity is inspiring.

Julie from Tierracast and Sarah sharing ideas

Speaking of dinner parties, I particularly enjoyed our dinners with Swarovski, Tierracast, and Interweave. It was fun to share ideas and talk about our plans for 2012 and beyond. I can honestly say that "bead" people are some of the nicest people out there. Everyone is passionate about what they do and really enjoy doing it.

We have many more photos from Tucson to share than the few featured here. I will try to put an album together soon :)

Happy Beading Everyone - Julie