Some shots from this weekend's show.

(Don't forget the giveaway -- click here!)

Normally I exhibit at large juried craft shows, the sort of shows that last three days in a huge convention center.  They tire me out, but I've developed a wonderful following and between October and March, that's when I make the majority of my money.

However, this weekend I exhibited at the International Gem & Jewelry Show, a show that sells everything from cheap (very) imports to very, very expensive diamonds, and all the gemstones you could hope to have.  I've only seen one true lampwork artist ever at this show, and they've since given it the heave ho.  It's just not that kind of show.

To that end, it's risky for someone like ME to do the show as well.  First, it's scary-expensive.  Second, many of the people who come are there to make jewelry just like I do, and I haven't differentiated myself enough to make someone stop and buy anything.  However, I wanted to liquidate my stash of larimar rings and pendants that I can't show at certain craft shows, and fortunately, that's what most people purchased.

It's also what gets stolen the most, so that's where I put my new little "please don't steal" sign -- lousy lighting=lousy photo, but here you go:

A lot of the vendors (and customers!) thought that was great.
And nothing was stolen!

Then there were the buckets of Bead Soup...

The impulse buy $10 earring racks...

and the regular ol' regular ol'.

I was MORE than grateful for the beading friends who dropped by, many to sit and chat for a while, the pie, the cupcake, the typewriter charm, the book, the beads, but most of all, the love.  "Things" are lovely and so much fun, but hugs can't be bought, and I hoard those in my mind for years upon years.

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and writes the blog Pretty Things.  She's a contributor to Art Bead Scene and is also the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party.