This was my first bead show, so I can't really make comparisons.  There was an overwhelmingly large number of vendors, but only a few whose stuff I found really interesting.   I actually had MORE trouble sorting out what was what than I do buying on the internet! 

I did take two great classes.  Robert Liu of Ornament magazine taught a photography class.  From his handouts, I was expecting a fire-breathing dragon, but he turned out to be a really nice person and, of course, enormously talented.  Hardly anyone in the class had a camera that would sync properly with the studio equipment her brought, but I got a lot out of the class anyway, and have a much better idea of what kind of setup I'd like to have.

My second class was a polymer clay class with Christi Friesen, which was a real blast!  I wrote up a little more on the PC forum.  I'd definitely recommed taking a class with her.  It was a nice stretch for me as her style and mine are REALLY different, and I feel that I got a lot of mileage out of a short class.  Do drink your coffee before you go, LOL.  She is VERY energetic.  And super-nice.  

 I have to say that in general jewelry seems a lot easier on the ego than science!  LOL.

I went earlier this year to the Pasadena Bead and Design Show and if you thought that show had an overwhelming number of sellers - don't go to Gem Faire or Intergem...and never go to Tucson! lol

LOL!  I actually hope to get to Tucson this year.  Pasadena's local, so I figured I couldn't miss it. I suppose I ought to think about hotel reservations for Tucson now, although with a lot of luck my day job might send me in the right time frame...  I get there a couple times a year typically.

Next time I consider buying stuff at one of these things, I'm going to want a shopping list.  And some idea of who the really good vendors are.  I was surprised that some people seemed to get bent out of shape if I asked where stuff came from or if some of the stone beads were color treated.  I assumed that wasn't a good sign and politely moved on -- surely this isn't an ettiquette violation, I thought that was the point of buying in person, to be able to talk about the materials!???

 did you buy anything? did you see anything really intruiging? would you go back? we have Gem Faire at the end of August. there are almost no artists, it's mainly gemstones and pearls but you can get some excellent deals. maybe you want to meet me there...?

It's just a strange show...I wouldn't worry about researching the vendors there, since most of the gemstone dealers also do the either or both of the shows that loopy mentioned...Intergem and/or Gemfaire. You'll get better deals at the gem shows and most of the vendors are regulars. At Pasadena Bead and Design, you can't be sure the vendor will be there---they don't update their exhibitor list and I know a number of vendors who haven't returned but their names are still on the list. 

I went to the first two PB&D shows, the first as an attendee and the second as a demonstrator, and it's just too disorganized for my taste, though some of the textile work is spectacular. As a bead show, I would rate it as mediocre. As a craft show, I would rate it as fair. I drive an hour to go to Gemfaire, but I don't think the 15 minutes is worth it for the PB&D show. Just my opinion FWIW.

Christi Friesen is a hoot, though. If I worked in PC, I'd most likely take classes with her.

sparklebee:

did you buy anything?

 I bought some tools and modeling compound and a book from Christi, I bought a bunch of Wirelace which was expensive even at wholesale rates, but has promise as mane material, and a few gemstone strands, and some really tiny pliers.  I would have liked to buy a lot more gemstone, but I just wasn't whelmed.

Did you see anything really intruiging? would you go back?

Intriquing.  I was intriqued with the Wirelace, but I just hadn't really seen it before.  There was a woman who does pre-Columbian replicas in gold who had some REALLY nice stuff!  I was intriqued by the way the vendors selling jewelry cleaner got a load of "tarnish" of my gold and white gold ring, hmmm...

I might go back, for the right workshops.  It *is* in my backyard.  I would not travel any distance for it, though.

Gem Faire sounds like a plan!!!  I'll see if it works with my schedule. (Speaking of which, I should be working on one...right now...)

Betc, are you a Pasadena area local?

 wonderful! do you work on Fridays? I go on Friday because they let resellers in free and I think we have the floor to ourselves for 2 hours. once they let everyone in it's much more crowded. if you can't go on Friday, I would go on Saturday or Sunday. We are talking 8/28-8/30. I am going to bring my children this time because they want to buy cool stones/geodes, etc. Jill and I often go together so maybe she can meet us too.

 I try to keep Fridays a meeting free day, and unless somethng comes up I can usually take a vacation day with no problem.  So that's a tentative plan!  I'll have to confirm a bit closer to the date as sometimes meetings crop up I can't wiggle out of, but I'll try to keep that day free. 

dressagewoman:

Betc, are you a Pasadena area local?

I'm in the East San Fernando Valley, but I spend a bit of time in Pasadena.

Just in case Gemfaire doesn't work out for you...Intergem has two up-coming shows in Santa Monica. 9/25-27 is International Gem and Jewelry Show, and 10/9-11 is the Intergem Bead Show.

 Betc - are you a MASSC member?

loopy:

 Betc - are you a MASSC member?

Yes, I'm a member and was a demonstrator at Demo Day this year.

 I wanted to go to Demo Day this year but was unable. Loopy is so nice to post it every year. Maybe I can come next time, it sounds so fun.

 Lori, if you're back from your vacation on the 15th MASSC is having a meet and greet in Irvine.  I have a show, but I'd love to be there.  I've even thought about sending my daughter to my show and I go to Irvine - I don't think that would work....lol

 won't be back... hey, I saw you from across the room at the bead bazaar but you never made it over to our table. was that you???

Lori, not sure I'll make GemFaire.  Boo hoo!  Our car is in a big car show that weekend, I completely forgot!  May still be able to sneak out Friday though.  Will have to consult with husband. 

Thanks, I didn't know about MASSC!  Gooogled it and glad to know!

 Hi Lori, Yes, me and my crazy hair were there - when I went by your table you had customers and I didn't want to interupt...I meant to go back and just ran out of time talking to Jan Petek (hungry husband waiting in lobby - he drove me so we could stop for Chinese food on the way home).