I wanted to share with you some of the treasures that I brought home from Beadfest. As I may have mentioned – I am thrilled to be a part of this creative community, and found the environment of Beadfest invigorating. I came home with materials, artist beads, and ideas to last me a good while. I do have a tendency to live with the new materials for a while before incorporating them into new pieces. The artist beads and focals are handcrafted by colleagues, fellow artists; I want to share their information here – we all support each other with marketing, blogging, social media… wherever we can. And although I have unplugged these last two days in an effort to feel restored before I dive back into the studio – I am inspired to create with:
Cabochons – S&S lapidary
Gems – Shivam imports. (Labradorite, citrine, garnet, labradorite, spiniel)
Dakota stones – onyx, ?, dragons blood jasper, moss agate, apatite,?, amazonite.
Gorgeous enameled components from Carol Myers of Carol DeeZigns. Carol is the FIRST certified “Painting with Fire” instructor!
Lampwork Strands ( top to bottom) SueBeads, HMB Studios, Gardanne beads.
Lampwork “stone” – Kerry Bogert of Kab’s Concepts.
Polymer Buddha – Barbara Bechtel of Second Surf
Matte finish lampwork beads – JoAnne Zekowski of Z Designs in Glass
Moon/ocean lampwork focal – Jan Onipenco of Molten Mayhem
Left: Ceramic components by Mary Hubbard of White Clover Kiln
Bottom: Bronze pieces by Staci Smith of Staci Louise Originals.
Right: Ceramic and raku pieces by Diana Ptaszynski of Suburban Girl Studio
Andrew Thornton sculptural bronze components and focals. Andrew was one of my Bead Swap partners…
And – one of the highlights of Beadfest is the BEAD SWAP organized by Diana P. of Suburban Girls Studios. My lovely partner this year was Sandy Miller – and she showered me with goodness! Interesting that it was the ceramic artists I knew, and the lampwork artists that I am thrilled to be introduced to… I was tempted to unwrap one wee parcel each hour Saturday afternoon, but I quickly lost that will power and dove in:
From top left to bottom right: Studio by the Forest, Nancy Schindler at Round Rabbit, Chinook ceramics, Outwest glass, Lori Lochner, and Lava Lampwork
Thank you to all my artist friends for doing what you do, sharing it with the world, and pursuing the (not always easy) path or a self-supporting artist! Until next year…
Jenny Davies-Reazor 
What a haul! Makes me drool! I haven’t even unloaded mine, yet. Can’t wait to find my little goddess. She is so very, very wonderful!
Loved seeing you. And can’t wait for the next hug!
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She will be right there for you whenever you need her! Great to see you – and trade!
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So great meeting you and seeing all your fantastic beads. You picked up quite the selection!!! See you at ArtBliss.
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Looking forward to it! I am almost. No, I am looking forward to the weekend more than the classes!
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I would say that is quite a treasure trove! Very cool!
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And I did get some sparkly black onyx. Now to create your belated birthday necklace!
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Ooh, what a nice assortment of beads & goodies!
From everyone’s blog posts, it looks like everyone had a fabulous time 🙂
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Love everything!!! Want everything! I must find the time to attend next year! I.Must.
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Honestly Patti – it was such a big show – you could also consider Beadfest Spring. Its smaller, I like to shop that one!
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Oh you definitely brought some yummy goodies home! I can’t wait to see what you create with these treasures!
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