Time to Catch my Breath!

OK I know this post is long overdue, but so much has happened so fast, I hardly know where to begin... I guess I will start by recapping a little...

January 2013
I was at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show for my second appearance  I had so much fun seeing everyone and I made so many new friends and connections. I can't wait until July to see you all again!


Two short weeks later I was off to Tucson in the beginning of February. I have wanted to go to Tucson for the last 15 years. I have friends that have gone, so I thought I knew what I was in for. I finally made it! I'm in Tucson! Apparently I hadn't a clue how busy it would be!

I met so many people from all of the country and in fact all over the world...Japan, Australia, Minnesota, Florida...you name the place, someone was there representing. I was ill prepared! I ran out of so many things on the 1st day!  A good problem, but needless to say a problem by then end of the six day show.  I always learn something at a show. Now I know what to expect for next year! I was amazed at how many people from opposite ends of the earth were drawn to the same aesthetic as me. There were several people I met that I felt like I had known them for years and yet we were meeting for the first time. I guess creativity and the love of things with a past was our bond. Towards the end of the week I met Shannon Rutt. Shannon and I hit it off right away. She owns a traveling bead store called "Beads on the Bus." If you are in Colorado look her up! She has converted a VW bus into a creative caravan! I love the look and just think it is the coolest idea! She travels around to outdoor markets and does private parties from her bus! It was nice to meet someone with a similar drive and love of jewelry making. I wish her the best of luck with her business! Please check out her Facebook or website if you get a chance and be on the lookout for Beads on the Bus!
or
Beads on the Bus - Highland Ranch, Colorado
I met so many kindred spirits that were taking classes in the same building. Most people came back and shopped a second time once their creative wheels began to turn! I think that is my favorite part of what I do. I love seeing it all click when the person realizes there are no rules! It's too cool!  I have to admit, I was a little star struck when Lisa Palvelka stopped by and shopped my table along with some of her students! Besides new customers, I continued growing bonds with my fellow vendors from the Pasadena Show. We all had so much fun! It is hard for me to believe that I get to make a living doing what I love. I had not anticipated that I would sell so much jewelry and art in Tucson and I was leaving for Northern CA in just a few days! I came home from Tucson and only had 10 days to create new inventory for Glitterfest which was rapidly approaching on March 9th as well as make some samples for Concord. I locked myself in my studio and created as fast as I could! 10 days later I was restocked, but ready for a nap needless to say :)

  By the time I got to Concord, CA, I felt like I was back at bead camp for the weekend! I couldn't wait to catch up with everyone! It makes working so fun to be constantly surrounded by creative people. We all feed off each other and then magic happens. We inspire people and get their creative juices flowing. Before you know it we are sending people across the ballroom to get chain from this person and a finding from another vendor and we create this synergy between the vendors that I just love! 

 I arrived home just in time for Glitterfest on March 9th, my favorite Art show of the year! I was so excited for the new venue! It was a fantastic show. I cannot wait for the Fall. The food trucks were amazing and the room was huge! 

It never ceases to take my breath away looking across that ballroom at all of the amazing creations. 


I met some new people and was very glad to see so many familiar faces! I was super happy I sold my new angel! I had be wanting to make another since the first one was kidnapped. Once again I forgot to take a good photo in all of the hustle and bustle, so this is what I caught with my phone before this one flew away.

One of my favorite customers that I met at the Pasadena show walked up and said he had to add this one to his collection. She took 2 days and a ton of solder to create her. I am super happy she is in good hands! Transformation has been sort of an undercurrent in my life for the last year :)

So now you are caught up! All this has been happening while I run to the post office to make sure everyone gets their treasures from my Etsy Shop as quickly as possible. It's been sooooo crazy but so much fun! I wouldn't trade it for anything! After Glitterfest I decided it may be a good idea to take a few weeks off from shows and get a chance to catch my breath, but not for long...
 My next event is on April 18th from 7pm-11pm. It's an art event taking place in Pomona, CA at the Luna Lounge on Temple Ave. I was contacted through my Etsy shop my one of the curators. I will be showing my art and jewelry designs. It's through a really cool organization called RAW Natural Born Artists. They feature all mediums including performance art, fashion, as well as the visual arts. There will be about 30 local Artists showcasing. Please come down and support us! Let me know if you can make it & I will put you on the guest list!
 
I have much more happening in May as well as some local bead store events that are in the works! Check out my calendar for where I will be next and check out what's new in my Etsy shop! Hope to see you soon!
Sparkle on!
Crystal
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