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Yesterday was a day for any bead junkie to dream about, count down the days, and yes even salivate at the thought of it-another visit from the folks at Rings & Things! They come to town twice a year, with the last time being in the spring, which was my very first time attending a bead show. If you need to refresh your memory about how excited I was about it, just click here to read about my first show. Now that was back when I was a bead show virgin, this time there was a plan, a plan to power shop rather than stand there in awe for the first 1/2 hour:)
Amanda and I met well before the show started, so we were among the first to walk in. First thing I aimed for was the table of trade beads, something that I didn't even see at the last show until I was standing in line to check out. By that point, one more strand of beads would've been one more strand than I could carry in that tray. So how did I avoid the aching arm this time from toting all those beads around, you ask? I brought my husband along, a daring move, but armed with a roll of duct tape in my purse & blinders in my pocket, I was prepared for any objections on his part:) No, I'm kidding, he was a good sport about it all & didn't bat an eye, although I stil haven't told him the grand total yet-details!
Like last year, this show was well organized. I don't know how they do it, but they do & they do it well. Every single strand had a tag that identified the stones with the price on the back side of the tag, which eliminated having to track people down to figure out what was what. The staff never looked stressed for even a second, this calm demeanor of the staff seemed to set the tone for everyone shopping. Everyone there, both staff & shoppers seemed at ease and friendly-considering this was only a 4 hour event, that in itself was pretty impressive! So go check out their show schedule and treat yourself to a feast for the eyes, stock up on beads to keep you busy throughout the winter, and have some fun!
Here's my pile of goodies, yikes! One thing I've learned is if you find something that's just ok, leave it there & keep looking. If on the other hand, you find something that you can't live without, get a bunch because you may not find them again. Keep an eye out for new designs using these new beads, and as always, you can find my jewelry for sale at The Flying Pig in Algoma, and online at the new MMCA Marketplace. One more photo for tonight-while at the bead show, Gary did a little shopping himself, and I do mean a little! Here's all he walked out with-can't wait to see what he does with them!
Thank you Rings & Things for coming to town and helping everyone do their part to stimulate the economy by spending some money! Does that sound like a good justification for shopping? Yeah, I thought so:)
oh
i cannot WAIT to see
the treasures you will make!
:-)
i just know i will want them all...
{{ i am soooo greeeedy }}
Posted by: somepinkflowers | September 11, 2008 at 07:08 AM
oooooooooh. ooooooooooh. um, ooooh. Brave and lucky you! I just turned down a beading expedition and will continue to do so until I use up what I have (and I've said to self: Self, you will make at least 3 necklaces a day until these beads are all gone). Daughter, on the other hand, has already talked about going to Baltimore wholesale again next year (February) because she had such a grand time and Mommy will make something pretty from her choices. I fear she has already made this into a "tradition." (which is defined as anything she really like the first time which must continue forever after). Don't you feel rich? There's nothing like a pile of beads to run your hands through to make you feel like...maybe a pirate with a treasure chest (or something a bit more modest). Can't wait to see the end products!
Posted by: Tammy Vitale | September 11, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Sue,
Honestly we ought to hire you. :) You've managed to convey just about all the "selling points" we can think of for our bead shows! Thank you for letting people know about us...
--Dave
at Rings & Things
Posted by: Dave Robertson | September 11, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Ooooh! I'm jealous! I haven't gotten to go to a show like that for years! I used to order stuff from Rings n' Things years ago from the catalog, back before the internet got to be the thing. I can hardly control myself in places like that. What's that your husband got? Shell beads? Has an interesting look anyway.Will be fun to see what comes of it all.
Posted by: Pam | September 11, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Too bad I didn't know about this sooner! I will definitely catch it next year!
Posted by: sarahelizabeth | September 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Oh man! You know, I was able to resist the first time you dangled this in our faces, but this time...This time I had to go and request and invitation so I wouldn't forget about the spring show. I should start squirling away fundage now.
Can't wait to see what you make!
Posted by: cheesehead with sticks | September 11, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I've been to these show. They are marvelous. I still order from them from time to time.
Posted by: Kathy McElroy | September 11, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Your pictures look fabulous. Can't wait to see what they all become. Have to laugh at Tammy, she really hit it on the head. Yes, some of us to run the beads through our hands like we are Scrooge McDuck with his coins.Lol see ya in the am! amanda
Posted by: Amanda | September 11, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I can't wait to see what comes from those hands of yours and don't forget to share what Gary does with his findings too!
Posted by: Debbie Overton | September 14, 2008 at 03:32 PM