Are you attending the 2009 Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?? It's happening May 31–June 7.
If so, you're in for a treat. It's the largest consumer bead show in the world! Jewelry-makers and beaders come from all 50 states and 40 countries to attend this show. Wow!
There are also over 550 classes – you can learn about all sorts of jewelry-making techniques, not just about beads. There's metal, wire, enamel, metal clay, fiber, polymer clay, etc.
I'm taking a lampworking class, myself. (Lampworking's a technique that I really enjoy, but also one area where I'm still definitely a novice!) And I'll also be assisting at Alan Revere's Master Class. I can't wait!!
Even if you haven't signed up for a class, you can still learn some new jewelry-making techniques, for free!
I'll be doing free demonstrations for Art Jewelry magazine on the Marketplace floor. At right is a photo of Jill and me doing some demos back at the 2007 show.
(Hey, we know it's tougher than ever for most people right now. And with free demos, you can spend your money on new pliers and stones and still learn a new trick or two to add to your arsenal. Not a bad deal, huh?)
Here's the Art Jewelry magazine Demonstration schedule:
Friday, June 5
- 2–3pm Filing & Sanding: Learn how to shape and clean up your metal.
- 5–6pm Novice Torch Techniques: Learn about fusing (it’s simple) and how to ball up wire.
Saturday, June 6
- 12–1pm Make Your Own Findings: It’s easy to make clasps, ear wires, and even pin backs.
- 3–4pm Texture & Shape Your Metal: Learn low-tech ways to instantly texture your metal using hammers and dapping tools.
Sunday, June 7
- 11–12pm Easy Riveting: Learn how to quickly join two pieces of metal without a torch.
- 2–3pm Color Your Metal: We’ll show you how to use your torch or chemical patinas to enhance your jewelry.
So stop by and visit me at booth #401 – it's just inside the main Marketplace entrance, at the door by the Loose Bead Society package check and information table. (click here for a map of the show floor plan)
Look for the pretty new jeweler's bench,
shown at right. It was donated by
Rio Grande, and will be auctioned off at the
Bead Social
on June 6. All proceeds from the auction go toward Breast Cancer
Research... not a bad way to get a great deal on a new bench (and all sorts of other auction tools and goodies), if you ask
me.
Hope to see you at the show!
~Addie~
P.S. To save you even more money, you can click here to get a coupon for $2 off admission.
P.P.S. If you can't wait, check out our Video Section for free jewelry-making demos that you can watch instantly!