I attended the Bead and Button show for the third time this summer.  My first time, I experienced sensorial overload.  I was so dazzled that I didn’t budget my time well.  The third time is the charm!  I saw everything in the 2019 show.  I’ve learned that there’s an art and science to getting the most out of an expo or trade show.  Here are my top tips for maximizing your experience:
 
1. Dress comfortably!
You can’t enjoy the moment if your feet ache or you’re shivering.  Wear sensible shoes and dress in layers. 

2. Begin with a quick scan of all the vendors and exhibits.
Visit every booth and display in the show for 3 to 5 minutes.  You’ll get an idea of everything that’s available to you.  Mark your favorites on a map of the show and return to the exhibits and vendors for longer visits and some possible shopping!  You can prioritize what interests you the most and plan out the rest of your time at the show.  You’ll have no regrets!

3. Take plenty of notes and snap photos.
With so many amazing sights to take in, don’t count on your memory to serve you later.  Bring along a small notebook with a pocket.  You’ll need a place to stash business cards for vendors and artists.  Jot down names of techniques you would like to learn more about and contact information for people you would like to stay connected with.  Capture any ideas you get for color schemes or projects inspired by the creative people and beautiful work around you.  Take plenty of pictures for future reference.

4. Be true to your style and aware of your needs.
Being mindful of the colors, materials, and techniques that you prefer helps you steer clear of buyer’s remorse.  Also, keep in mind your time budget for the upcoming year.  If you decide to buy supplies for a new technique, treat yourself to a book, class, or other educational materials to help you master this new skill.
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5. Buy unique items!
Rather than purchasing something you could find at any craft store, buy one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find anywhere else.  Unique items fill the gap in your stash and give you a fresh take on how to use what you already have.  Don’t skip out on something incredible!

Here are photos from a few shows I've attended:

​What’s your favorite expo or trade show related to your hobbies?  Please share your story below.

Even though most of my incoming mail arrives in electronic form, it still seems like my life is overflowing with paper.  This project is a creative way to clean up your paper trail.  Get ready to begin by collecting glossy magazine photos, beautiful card stock, and pretty papers that inspire you.
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Here’s a list of what you need to make this project:

• A small stack of papers so lovely that you can’t bear to recycle them!
• Olive oil
• Bamboo skewers
• A paintbrush
• Modge Podge Matte Glue
• Modge Podge Matte Clear Acrylic Sealer

Here’s the process for making gorgeous, one-of-a kind beads:

1. Rub a few drops of olive oil on the surface of a bamboo skewer.  Olive oil keeps the beads you’ll make from sticking to the skewer.

2. Tear a very long, thin triangular strip of paper from a page you’ve chosen.  This step is crucial for making strong beads.  (Short strips of paper result in a bead that crushes like a toilet paper roll!)  

3. Wrap the strip around the skewer once or twice.  At this point, begin to add individual drops of Modge Podge Matte Glue to the paper as you wind it around the skewer to form a bead.

​4. Fill a skewer with multiple beads and let them dry overnight.

5. Brush a thin layer of Modge Podge Matte Glue over the surface of all the beads.  Let them dry for several hours.

6. Spray the beads with Modge Podge Matte Clear Acrylic Sealer and let them dry for an hour. 

​7. Remove the beads from the skewer.  You’re ready to make eco-chic jewelry!