This coming weekend is Bead Fest. Every year since 2008, I have traveled to eastern Pennsylvania for this amazing bead show. But not this year. At 34 weeks pregnant, I realized I would not be able to endure the travel along with three days of shopping for beads, beads and more beads!
So I decided instead to go to the International Gem and Jewelry Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. It is only about twenty minutes from my house and I had a free admission pass! While it is nowhere near the magnitude of Bead Fest, it has a great selection of vendors. Jessica Stoops of Joyful Gems joined me for a bead shopping adventure!
These are some of the treasures that I returned home with...
From top:
crystal
agate
magnesite
agate
faceted smoky quartz
pyrite
lemon jade
citrine
gold and silver plated copper pendants
silver and gunmetal plated toggles
Aztec inspired gunmetal beads
silver plated circles and fish
silver plated butterflies
large gunmetal plated spacers
lapis
I also picked up some essentials that include pretty sterling silver chain, closed 6mm sterling silver jump rings, sterling silver leverback earrings and gold filled 4mm jump rings.
I will miss Bead Fest this year. Not just the amazing selection of artisan beads, gemstones and findings but mostly for the amazing people (beady peeps) that I have gotten to know over the years. They are what make this annual trip so special! I look forward to seeing all of you next year!
Love what you got. We will miss you too!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your pregnancy, Kathleen! Hoping that all goes well for the remainder of your time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful selection of beads! I noticed that you hadn't been online much lately, then reappeared recently. Very best wishes to you on your pregnancy! ~Sharyl
ReplyDeleteI sure miss the Inter-Gem show, that was one of the best things about living up in NoVA. Looks like you got some nice goodies.
ReplyDeletelove those pyrite nuggets!! awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood choices! I am crushing on the pyrite slabs! Hope that all is well with you. Rub your belly for me. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day.
Erin
I am missing it, too. Love your finds! I think I could shop in my hoard and be happy this year but look out, next year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful finds! Hang in there! My niece is expecting twins within the next 13 days...I have no kids (only nieces) and I cannot even imagine how the two of feel right about now!
ReplyDeleteYour necklace "Mystic" in the Fall Stringing issue is just simply stunning. I love its simplicity. Congrats!
ReplyDeletewhat beautiful finds! and the browns, agates and citrine are perfect for Fall!
ReplyDelete