JHB Booth during a rare lull. Most of the show Joint was Jumpin'!
What another great year at the amazing Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! A great big thanks to the over 100 students who took my Soldering Made Simple, Layered Resin Techniques, Crystal Columns, and Venetian Splendor Beads classes.
Meet the teachers was a highlight as usual. Friends Lisa and Barbara allowed me to walk the floor a bit, but there's not enough time to see everyone's tables.
Eriko Page's Polymer Clay Beads (click on link to her Esty site below for details)
I only had a little time to shop which is probably a good thing. My friends at Fire Mountain Gems had a rockin' booth with great demos and goodies for all. One particularly wonderful discovery was in the making of a new friend and an amazingly talented polymer clay artist: Eriko Page. Her work was simply perfection! It was her first show and in addition to some beads I purchased, she was generous in gifting me with some other of her bead creations. I predict you'll be hearing more about this amazing lady. Another cool discovery was Katie Hacker's new channel bezels with Beadalon.
The rest of my time was spent demoing (with our slick new demo/display table) in the JHB booth where their buttons, my product line and Kristal Wick's line were available. The big news in this year's booth was the launch of my dear friend and fellow CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements Ambassador - Laura "Timmy" Timmons launched her kit line; Hooray!!! Also, the debut of my new Steampunk Texture Stamps (more on my next blog) and new pendant/earring bezels.
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At the IPCA booth with volunteers Laura Fesser (left), Me, and Penny Ellen "Sweet Pea" Adams (right)
I was honored to once again demo at the International Polymer Clay Association's booth on Saturday and see some "clady" friends working the booth and watching me "clay around." Each year I vow to spend more time with folks I don't get to see but a few times a year, but best laid plans...
Laura Timmons (second from right) and my guests: Barbara Barr (left) and Lisa Lambright (second from left) at the Ambassador's Party (Photo by Ambassador Jamie North)
Most nights were filled with fun with friend at social gatherings including the terrific Ambassador party sponsored by CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements, and hosted by organizers/Ambassadors Debbi Simon and Brenda Schweder. Laura Timmons also organized a fun "get to know your fellow Ambassadors" ice breaker. Wonderful sponsors (including our hosts plus: Amate Studios, CG Chain, E. H. Ashley, EK Success/Jolee's Jewels, JHB International, Merchants Overseas, Tierracast, Vintaj) gave products in a goodie swag bag to rival those from the Oscars! Okay, maybe not quite as swag, but for a "Slave to the Sparkle" like myself and my fellow Ambassadors, it was the ultimate gift! I hope I didn't forget anyone. I broke up my bag of goodies for consolidated packing for my return trip home.
(Left) Fernando DeSilva, Me, Wyatt White (who just celebrated a special B-day), and Laura Timmons at the John Bead Party
(Right) Lisa Lambright and Laura Timmons caught in the act - Ding-Dong Ditching our John Bead neighbors. Too bad they weren't in their room at the time. Regardless, hilarity ensues!
Wonderful friends and good times were found at the Tierra Cast and John Bead parties. Sadly, I wasn't able to take many pictures this year because my camera was MIA for most of the week. Thanks to Lisa "Slammy" Lambright, it was recovered. Next year's Bead & Button will be here before you know it. I'm already working up my class proposals. This is a not-to-be-missed show!
Finally, it's time to head back home. Love this sign at the end of the TSA security checkpoint in Milwaukee's airport. In all of my travels, I've never seen these elsewhere. You got to laugh.
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