Fraser Valley Bead Show
A lifetime ago, my wife and I made glass lampwork beads, as a hobby. We got proficient enough that it eventually evolved into a diversionary side business. We had a booth at many local craft shows and it was a life, outside our regular lives.
I’m not sure exactly when it started… But a flood of craft stores like Michaels and Crafts Canada, and stores such as HomeSense and Winners that sold inexpensive seasonal decorations… gave Local Craft Shows a tough time, and many shows folded their tents.
I was delighted to hear, this weekend, that a local Bead Show has overcome the odds, and expanded to add a Spring Show to their already successful Fall Show !
The Fraser Valley Bead Show is starting today, March 12th, and runs through Sunday March 14th. It is being held in the Conference Centre at the Executive Inn, at 405 North Road in Coquitlam.
At the show, you’ll find over 30 vendors, some local, some far flung, and all having a beautiful variety and array of wares. Tools, seed beads, lampwork beads, art glass, findings, chains and booklets. Starter kits and lessons. Many, many, MANY beads for Pandora and Troll bracelets.
Already assembled earrings, necklaces, rings and brooches, sit next to the loose beads.
As a former bead-maker, I was more drawn to the lampwork beads, and there were some stunning examples of those… Which, sadly, the photos never catch the full essence of their beauty… (Especially when I forget my camera, and only have my BlackBerry.)
If you have a hankering for beads of any kind, or just to have a look, I would heartily suggest heading to Coquitlam, ponying up your $7 admission charge, and wallow in the goodness and camaraderie of fellow bead lovers.
Thanks to: Fire Design Beads, Caliente Art Glass, & Bella Vista Glass Art for letting me take pictures that sadly do NO justice to their stunning products and creations. Thanks also to the artist who didn’t have business cards, and whose name I wrote down and subsequently lost the slip of paper, but who had a most beautiful booth.