One of my favorite Tucson traditions has been to meet up with Marsha of Amazing Porcelain and Vlad of Golem Design Studio for dinner…this is always a fun time…and it makes me go to at least one bead show!
It features some of the finest Glass Artists in and out of the country…from glass artists like the fun and funky recycled glass pieces of Bronwen Heilman at Ghost Cow to the exquisite glass cuffs and unbelievably refined and elegant hand carved glass bangles of Kevin O’Grady all alongside the most innovative glass suppliers like Gaffer Glass USA.
In another tent the unique – hand cut beads of Africa John – this man finds some of the most unique gems and then personally cut beads from them – you can’t get much more ethically sourced than that! I look for Africa John at every show (Tucson & Quartzsite) just to see what new stones he has brought with him…who else would think “hmmm, gorgeous chunk of Ametrine – let’s cut a bead!”
In another room I found Avian Oasis an Australian Gemstone Bead Company and boy did they have some stunners…of course I walked up to the most expense strand in the room!
Great findings from the likes of Green Girl Studio, Hand Fast Designs by Kim Fox and Bead Inspirations…focals from the hands of the amazing Holly Gage of Gage Designs.
Robyn Hawk
