OK, aol is having major n/g and mail problems today, and won't let me post on the B & B thread. Was able to meet Barb briefly at the show, which was really fun. Love your enthusiasm! This year (this is my third Bead & Button show), my time seemed to be really divided - classes ran long, I was there was DH and we had dinner plans, went to Chicago, and was able to see a lot of the city of Milwaukee as well, plus taking two classes, catching up with other glass beadmaking friends, etc. Missed seeing Carla and Maren, I guess their schedules may have changed a little, but we were in the Art Institute and I wouldn't have missed that for the world. It was incredible. And, DH has always wanted to see "Nighthawks" by William Hopper in person. As far as purchases, I bought a large, deep purple barrell-bicone bead, an orange heart bead, two organdy-gossamer ribbons, and some smaller beads from Andrea Land (Sandbloom Glass). Andrea makes wonderful lampwork beads and they are very well priced. I also bought some lampworked pink/green bracelet sized beads from Mavis Smith for a special order bracelet, along with some interesting Czech strands from her. Some Bali clasps from two dealers. Some branch coral in pink and orange shades, some purpleAB coin pearls, some of that impressionist purple stones which are dyed Chrysocolla, they look like Purple Turquoise, but are l/3 the price, some Czech shaped beads for memory wire bracelets, and a orange starfish bead from Karen Moyer, and two intricate purple beads from Jim Jones. As far as trends, it looks like smaller gemstone beads are coming back - some of my dealers in NYC have said that the big beads have never really caught on - intricate shapes and new, different stones. I learned a lot in the Enamel on Glass class I took from Carol Griffin. She's an excellent teacher, very hands on in demonstrating, makes everything very easy. Lots of tips about other applications for dichroic glass as well. I also took Stephanie Sersich's Spiny Knotted Bracelet class on Sunday A.M. It took me a little while to get the knot progression stitch down, it's more complicated than it looks (I never was good at macrame), but I mastered it, and I will be able to finish the bracelet. Milwaukee has some very interesting architecture (1880-1910) with gargoyles and decorated ironwork, so we took the cameras out to take pictures which was great fun. Also ate once at my favorite Thai restaurant and Lou went to Mader's, a famous German place. Both of us went to another German place, which was also very good and within walking distance of the Hyatt. One thing I'll never understand about Milwaukee is that there are so few people on the streets, hardly any traffic for a big city. But, it's easy to get around and there is a lot to see. Our flight was delayed due to storms so we didn't get home until 1AM, but it was all worth it! Can't wait for next time...
Patti