Bead and Button

I love attending the Bead and Button show each year in Milwaukee.
I had the pleasure of helping out my local bead store, BeadFX, at the show way back in 2002 and 2003.  I was thrilled to be there - I worked hard, had next to no money to shop but had a blast.

I started returning in 2008.  I took a wonderful two day class with Akihiro Okama.  The next year I took an even better Master Class with Kristina Logan.  Then I started to teach at Bead and Button. 

My first year teaching was in 2010 - that makes this year the fourth in a row I have taught!  The class was held early in the week, so it was quite small.  All the students had a good time and it is wonderful to get to know them and have so much time with each person.

I also  had really big news to share.  A few months ago I received the most wonderful email - inviting me to be the 2014 Commemorative Bead Artist for the Bead and Button Show Commemorative Bead!  I nearly fell off my chair.

I have been making beads for months, keeping track of all the colours, sorting, trying new things.  I think I rejected many more beads than I actually offered Bead and Button to choose from.

I wanted the beads to be presented as something special.

I found this adorable box.

I carefully strung each bead and gently wrapped them all in tissue.

I gleefully gave the Box to Marlene Vail, the show organizer. 

Now I wait.  Which one will they choose?  I will let everyone know, just as soon as they announce the official bead for the 2014 Bead and Button Show.

I am honoured to have received this wonderful opportunity.  Wish me luck on making them all - initial order is 200 beads - yes 200 identical beads.  And if they are well received they may order more!

April 2013

Funny how time goes.  I have been gearing up for April for months and months.  It loomed large in the horizon for so long and now, poof, it is over.

I truly had the most amazing April this year.  I squashed so much fun and beadmaking into this past month. 

First off my daughter accompanied me to the Glass Craft and Bead Expo in Las Vegas.  She brought a friend with her - Horse (with no name) as we were going to the desert!

Horse has accompanied me all month.  He is my new official mascot.

One of the highlights of the trip to Vegas was a charity demo.  I actually felt a bit nervous the entire time, but Sam Hibler was great to make beads with and she kept me and the onlookers very entertained. 

We were able to stay an extra day in Las Vegas and had a chance to visit the Valley of Fire state park.  OH MY!  What a beautiful place.  If you ever are in the Vegas area, don't miss the opportunity to spend a day in the park.  And, remember to pack a lunch - there is NOTHING around - I really mean it NOTHING.

Next stop in my April Whirlwind was Corning.  The Corning Glass Museum is one of my favourite places.  They just updated their Chihuly - it received a cleaning and now has green and yellow bits.

My class was full class at The Studio at Corning.  I had the best students.  It is such a wonderful feeling for me to see the light in people's eyes as they get as excited about melting glass as I do.

Before I even had a chance to catch my breath after Corning I was headed out west to the Whistler Molten Experience Bead Retreat.  I was invited as their guest artist.  Talk about an honour.

This is the view from the Edgewater Lodge where we stayed.  That is Whistler - they were still skiing up there! 

I did a few demos and watched a few more.  I met so many wonderful people.  I ate the most amazing sushi in Steveston on the way home too!

The retreat was fantastic.  It was very special to be selected as the guest artist.  I was happy to share my techniques and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains. 

The skunk cabbage was in bloom - seems a pretty nasty name for something that looks so lovely.  Apparently it can give off quite the odour!

In the background you can see the gazebo where the demos were held.

So, that was my April.  Life should be fairly quiet for a bit.  May I will be in Dallas, June is my annual trip to Bead and Button and then a bit of home time before Gathering in Rochester.