Thank you Austin Bead Society

We got back from exhibiting at the 19th Annual Austin Bead Society Jewelry and Bead Bazaar late last night. A little tired but so happy to have gone to this show. The Austin Bead Society simply rocks when it comes to putting on a bead show. This was so well organized and the quality of the jewelry and beads included in this show was fantastic. But best of all these women really know how to treat a vendor well. We felt so welcome and at home that it's a little sad to think that we won't see many of these people again until next year.

One of the highlights was getting to meet Carol Bradley who has followed this blog for some time. In fact she was set up on a table in the same little section as I was. She makes beautiful jewelry and her wire work is stunning. To top it all off she's a really nice person. And then there is Nancy and PKaye, and Jennifer, and Melissa, and Marsha....and ...... So many new friends and so nice to get out of the solitary nature of studio work and talk beads.

The show is held at the Palmer Event Center which is a stunning venue just along the river in down town Austin. It is set in beautiful park land with amazing views of the city center. I could have spent two days just wandering around looking at this building. I can't think of a better place to hold this show.

Thank you Austin Bead Society! We will definitely be back next year.

Back from SABOS Bead Bazaar

We got back late last night, I mean really really late, about 1 pm. Maybe that is not late for some of you, but it is for me. I generally turn into a pumpkin by 10:30 pm. As many of you know this was my first bead show. I am exhausted. I am ruminating on the meaning of life and bead shows. It had it's up's, it's downs, and it's lessons, and it's really truly great things. But to tell you the truth, I am just tooooo tired to talk about it any meaningful way. I'll get back to you all about the bead show on Wednesday on the Beads of Clay blog.

The dogs are ectastic to be home. Ms Alice has literally been twirling on her hind feet. At 60 pounds this is an awesome and somewhat frightening sight to behold. I am ectastic to be home. There is nothing like your own bed! I just need a few more hours in it.

Now some of you have asked about when I'll be listing again on the ole Etsy shop. Well, that was to be today. And I got side tracked. You see, I have been deprived of making anything for a week and all of a sudden an idea took hold. It had to be done and then it was 6 pm and nothing on the list was done and well.....tomorrow, there will be stuff in there again. I promise. After I finish helping my friend Carrie with a raku firing. Promise, really!

Meanwhile, have a look at those gorgeous wild flowers up there. That is Texas Hill Country in spring. That is what we drove through for several hours. I've in Texas for 5 years and never been out to see this beautiful country side. The roadsides were carpeted in their full glorious bloom. Makes me rethink my colour pallette entirely.

On my way to San Antonio

Well almost on my way. The bead sets are sorted. The pendants are packaged. I've been to Hobby Lobby for a few extra bits and pieces. Yay! They had a sale going on some things I needed (and some things I didn't). Miss Wiggle Bottom and Old Bob are booked into the doggie spa. OK, it's not really a spa but they do come home bathed and festooned in new bandanas. I am actually a day ahead of my list. I do not know how that happened. That never happens.

I'm off to do a little dress rehearsal with the beads. If you are in the San Antonio area this weekend stop in. I would love to put faces to names!