Well I did it, I went to the Big Bead Show on Saturday, my first bead show in 8 years. It was the same and yet different, the same crush of bead mad ladies, but different because there was less variety of stalls, I couldn’t see any metal clay or silver jewellery suppliers, basically it was wall to wall beads and that was fine by me. My old friends Rebecca from Let Fire Inspire and Sarah Downton were there with their beautiful lampwork beads. As were Martin and Teresa from Tuffnell glass, sadly I didn’t manage to speak to Teresa because she was SO busy but I said hello to Martin, which was nice. It was lovely to catch up with everyone.

As predicted I made a beeline for the gemstone beads! I was actually quite restrained and managed to just buy what was on my shopping list (more or less!) I was also restrained on how much glass I bought from Martin. My studio is pretty much full to bursting already and she canna take anymore captain!

I know that beaders are often compared  to Magpies because we are so drawn to sparkly beads in pretty colours but why?  What is it that fascinates us about beads, be they lampwork glass, gemstones, pearls, or other? What is it that captures our hearts and imaginations so completely.

Answers on a postcard please, I’ll be busy playing with my latest treasures.