Another successful buying trip at the Tucson Gem Show
Julie Franczek
Well, another trip under my belt, no pun intended.
If anyone who has been lucky enough to visit this show, you understand the overload of all of the miles, and miles of treasures you are exposed to. For first timers, it can be a little overwhelming, to say the least. This was my 12th year visiting Tucson for the annual Gem Show, the 5th year since I've been making my buckle creations, so I've got my hit-list of what to buy down to a science.
Just one of thousands of vendors selling their treasures.
The most amazing thing to think about when you're at the show is the hard work for all of the vendors, who travel from all over the world to sell their goods. Not to mention all the shipping that must arrive into the city for them to set up and sell! When I go, we focus on one or two locations and spend three solid days visiting the vendors I know, looking for new stuff and finding amazing deals on beads and jewelry.
I would say it's hard work, but it's also very fun. And who can complain when I get to leave the Michigan winter and spend a week in the desert! The hard work begins when I get home and start pulling out all of my treasures and putting together new designs.
I'm very thankful for the "if it fits, it ships" because this bundle was not fitting in my carry-on.
This is my first creation from this year's finds. I was obsessed with the little plastic flowers, so I had to incorporate one some how.