It’s Show Time!

Two weeks ago today I was recovering from the excitement of the Big Bead Show at Sandown park. I taught a workshop, did a book signing session and spent the day meeting up with lots of beady friends. I also made some new friends – sort of…my workshop was followed by a Soutache taster session run by the very lovely Patty McCourt. Patty and I have been Facebook friends for a while and I’ve been interested to hear about her experiences teaching in the US and Germany, so it was wonderful to finally get to meet Patty in person!

This time next week, I’m going to be at the Beads up North Bead Festival at Haydock Park. I was first asked if I would like to attend this event back in October last year and at that time it seemed like ages away. I can’t believe it’s almost here. I’m really excited because, apart from more book signings, the chance to share more of my kits and patterns and to meet even more beading friends, I hear that there is going to be a display of beadwork inspired by the projects in Sweet Treats. I can’t begin to express how honoured I feel that my book has become the inspiration for a beading challenge. I think that’s just amazing and I’m quite overwhelmed. I’ve seen from the website and heard from Kathryn (one of the organisers) that there are some really lovely pieces, so I’m very excited to see them all in the flesh. I will try and remember to take some photos and be sure to report back on here! The other reason I’m going to be there is to promote the classes that I will be teaching at the Bead Festival on 27th July, so I’m looking forward to meeting some of the people that I will later end up teaching.

Apart from shows, I mentioned in my last blog that it was almost time for Battle of the Beadsmith 2014. Well, halfway through April and I am in full battle mode. As usual, the piece that is emerging looks nothing like the design sketch that I put together in March, but I am quite pleased with the results so far. I’m just trying to work out how to create the next stage, so there will be a few experiments taking place over the next week. I am also in the slightly frustrating position of having run out of beads for a section that I had started and, being the bank holiday, I have to wait until Tuesday before I can get some more! Still, beading is all about patience and it does mean I’ve had a bit of time to work on the flowers I’m making for my brother’s wedding. For anyone who is curious about my battle entry this year, there is a very big clue on my Pinterest board….that’s all I’m saying for now!