Bead Fest Philly 2012

Bead Fest; where students, jewelry designers, and jewelry vendors of all types gather for several days of classes, meeting up with friends and of course, shopping! I have been attending the semi-annual Bead Fests hosted by Interweave for 4 years as a student, and this year as an instructor. I also do my share of shopping, and judging by the crowds this year, there should be a noticeable uptick in the economic indicators.....

It's been a tradition for my Dad to attend the show with me. It's a great way for us to spend time together, and as an artist himself, he appreciates the passion inspired by a dynamic community of jewelry designers. He does get a little impatient that it takes me so long to move from booth to booth but he's a pretty good sport when a pretty lady asks to take his picture. Thanks Brenda S!

Here are some of my jewelry artist friends, 

always a treat to see you all!!!!

And BTW, I'm officially a member of the Creative Bead Chat group, I know the secret handshake and everything, thanks Melinda! ;-)

I also taught 2 classes; Textured Copper Cuffs and Crystal Cornucopia. Here are pix of my student projects. Fabulous work by every one!!!!

 
Before heading home Sunday, we had lunch with "Gran", my sisters MIL, another Philly tradition.

 

See y'all back in oHIo!!! :-)

Philly Bead Fest

I've been attending the Philly Bead Fest for 6 years now; as student, a vendor, an instructor and of coarse, always a shopper! My best find this year? THE most comprehensive book on jewelry making I think I've ever seen; in addition to covering the basics (soldering, riveting, texturing, etc.) it provides info you might not find outside a college level fine arts program. Want to know about marrying metals? It's in there. Reticulation? In there. Electroforming? Well, you get the idea. Seriously, the best $40 I spent all weekend.

This was also the first year I taught classes. I had 5 students for "Scribble Cuffs and Doodle Rings" and 10 for "Textured Copper Cuffs". Both went smoothly, I didn't forget any required tools or materials (being an obsessive list maker has it's upside), and all the students left on time and with finished projects. Whew....

Earlier this year I hooked up with Gina Galli of the Jewelry Making Professor and arranged to shoot some videos at their studio in Philly. This is me, on the set. And yes, I am a jewelry nerd......

And the icing on the cake? I got to spend some time with my Dad! :-)