Bead Fest 2014

I’m pretty lucky that Bead Fest, “the largest bead and jewelry-making event on the east coast” is about an hour and ten minutes away from where I live. Mom and I head out every year and I spend too much money.

I don’t take any classes, because they are so very pricey. I can’t fathom spending over around $200 for a class and still having to bring my own supplies. I know the classes are hours long and the instructors are top-notch and there is a kit included. But that money hurdle seems really high when you add it to the money I’d spend anyway on beads in the Expo Hall.

This year Mom and I went on Saturday, August 23rd and here’s my haul!

These are either going to make an amazing bracelet or a bunch of amazing earrings. Or if I could make brooches, these would be great to sell in November and donate the proceeds to Wounded Warriors! Someone buy these beads from Bead Haven and do that!

I make sure to visit Veni Vidi Beadi’s booth each year. The beads in the tube are pewter spacer beads — the beads that go in between your flashier beads. I liked the fallish colors of the strings of beads you see, and I’m a stupid sucker for grab bag mixes.

I have seen Suburban Girl Studio‘s face beads in a bunch of jewelry magazines, and I couldn’t wait to see them in person. The seashells will become earrings, and the little ceramic flowers are telling me they want to be tiny pendants.

Some wire so I can make my own earwires and clasps. I also do some wrapping. ParaWire is my go-to brand for all of that. It’s non-tarnish, something I wish I knew about when I started. Some of my old pieces I wear are getting very cruddy looking. I’m not a fan of patinas – I like my jewelry to shine.

And you can’t make pretties without the rings, pins, and findings to do so! I liked BuyBead’s table because it was nothing but findings. No nonsense. Those filigree cones though – I have great plans for them. You’ll have to wait ’til early October to see them.