On Saturday afternoon, we all met up at the concessions area at the convention center and threw our names in the bag. Diana drew the partners. My art bead swap partner was Linda Landig. Linda came all the way from Washington state to meet us! I'm so glad she wanted to make that connection and join our group. It was such a wonderful pleasure to meet her and make a new friend in the beading world. Linda sure was generous with her box of beads. Here is my treasure trove of art beads from Linda:
Later on, Diana drew our names, again for some door prizes. I won this gorgeous polymer clay heart pendant from Staci Louise Smith. I love the color and I already have an idea for a necklace! Staci was also there at the show and she joined us for our art bead swap. It was so great to meet her. She is really a friendly and super FUN girl. I'm looking forward to seeing her again next time!
The best part of attending the Bead Fest show by far, is getting together with beady friends and socializing. Here is a photo of us all at the show (aka the East Coast Bead Mafia):
Picture from Cindy Wimmer
Standing: Me, Lorelei Eurto, Jan Onipenco, Nancy Schindler, Cindy Wimmer, Diana Ptaszynski, Vanessa Gilkes.
Sitting: Melinda Orr, Staci Smith, Linda Landig, Linda Hanes.
Sitting: Melinda Orr, Staci Smith, Linda Landig, Linda Hanes.
It's so nice to meet these ladies in person and make a solid, real-life connection. Isn't that what we are all looking for in the end? A connection. I tend to think so. I had a blast with each and every one of these ladies here. They are all truly a joy to be around! I walked away 100% satisfied with my trip to Philadelphia. I'm looking forward to next time already. And speaking of next time, please join us! Consider attending Bead Fest Summer in August! If you'd like to join the art bead swap, just contact our host, Diana and let her know you are coming. See you there!
Erin Siegel is a jewelry designer, beading instructor and co-author of the forth-coming jewelry book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords. To find out more, visit her blog, Erin Siegel Jewelry.
14 comments:
It was a wonderful weekend! I'm so glad you came down...I wish we all lived closer. BTW, you got some GREAT beads! I was trying so hard to keep things moving along I never got to see what everyone swapped, lol! Can't wait til August!
Erin, I'm glad I could be your swap partner and that we had some time to visit on Saturday before the others arrived. You captured my feelings exactly--it IS about connection! I am grateful to be connected to you and the others that were at Bead Fest.
Looks so fun! I will be there in Aug!
My swap partner was Melinda Orr, and her beads will cause me to stretch and grow. I had so much fun with the ladies.
My swap partner for Beadfest was Melinda Orr, her beads will cause me to stretch and grow. I had so much fun with thease lovely ladies.
I'm so jealous of all the fun y'all had this past weekend. As I traverse the blogs I'm seeing so many pretties and even more wonderful friendships being formed.
I'm desperately trying to convince the hubs that I need to come this summer, but Philly's a little bit of a hike from Alabama. Shoot. . .everything's a hike from Alabama!! ;)
Hello!
Beautiful beads and beautiful mafia. Christina
http://www.fauxbilicious.blogspot.com
awesome post.thanks for sharing!
I had a great time even if it was only for a few hours! It was terrific meeting you and the other ladies. Your bead swap beads are gorgeous. I cant wait for the new book!
A good time was had by all that is obvious! I'm so tickled Linda included one of my components for you, I can't wait to see what you create with it!
How fun! You sure know how to bead party. I love the name of the group East Coast Bead Mafia :) Great post Erin!
Erin, I sure enjoyed reliving the weekend by reading this post! You are so right...it's not just about the beads, it's about the friendships that go along with them. There's nothing like meeting our online friends in person! It was such a treat to finally meet you and all of the ladies pictured. The swap was great - enjoyed having Lorelei as a partner. Unfortunately I'll miss you guys in August (big deadline that week, *wink*wink*)....but I'll see you in September at ArtBLISS!
So where were all the guys??? Its time men got more into beading....
I agree Paul - guys if you are out there, say hello. Beads unite all! Start a blog - join in the challenges and facebook group Creative Bead Chat.
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