Posts Tagged ‘bead shows’

Making the Most of Your Time at a Bead Show

Posted in Bead Stringing on 06/24/2009 12:36 pm by Bead Stringing

If you are new to bead stringing, I recommend that after you get your sea legs and decide that you are truly addicted to the craft, you go to a bead show.

Beading is such a popular craft that there are probably some bead shows that should be easy to get to in your car.

I go to three to four shows a year and I really enjoy seeing all kinds of different bead types. It makes a big difference to see beads up close and personal rather than looking at them on a computer screen. Beads are still a “high touch” product.

If you head out to a show I’ve got some advice that may help you:

Buddy Up

When you go to the show, take some of your fellow beaders along with you. You can share the fuel cost if you have to drive a long distance! It’s also just fun to share your experience at the show with others. When I go, even if I don’t have beading buddies, I take my daughter along.

Pay Attention to Your Shoes

I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure you wear shoes that fit well and feel comfortable to you. I use walking shoes. The reason it’s important is because you will be walking and standing a lot more than you probably are used to. If your feet start hurting after just an hour of the show, you’ll want to leave even before you’ve seen all the good stuff.

Be Careful About Prices

Don’t assume that vendors at bead shows are offering the best prices. Sometimes online sources are more affordable. Also, many vendors at the show sell the same or very similar items so if you see something you like, walk around and see if another vendor is offering it cheaper before you commit to buy. Also, if you can get access to the vendor list before you attend the show visit their websites to see if they offer any promotions or discounts.

Don’t Forget to Take Home Vendor Information

Most vendors will have some kind of information for you to take home. Make sure you take those with you because I guarantee you will forget the names of some of the vendors you liked and you won’t be able to visit their sites for additional purchases.