This weekend will mark two weeks since the 2012 Bead&Button Show closed. Since then, us editors have tumbled back into the business of making magazines (we're working on the October issue now as well as the fall issue of Wirework magazine). But as always, the events of the Show stick with us, move us, and motivate us to keep doing what we do for the people we love -- you! Here's my top three favorite memories from the Show:
- My number-one favorite memory actually happened toward the end of the Show. At the Bead Social on Saturday night, June 9, glass artist Kevin O'Grady brought us close to tears as he described breast cancer's destructive path through his family. But he reminded us of the hope we have, with new and better treatments becoming available even this summer, thanks in part to charitable donations, such as the $19,000 raised by Show-goers this year. "We're going to get this thing," he concluded. "And when we do, we'll move on to the next [disease]." Those sentiments have already informed my work here at Bead&Button as I design a pattern for next year's flower-themed Bead-It-Forward project. You'll find my pattern in the October issue.
My second favorite memory was meeting a 14-year-old fan of Bead&Button whose Show schedule included no less than 10 classes! Her mom informed me that these classes had served as her Christmas present last year. Now, I know there's a lot of cool stuff out there that could capture the imagination of a 14-year-old (an iPad comes to mind!), but Show classes? Clearly this tween was pleased as punch with her gift as she showed off a wire-wrapped bangle she had made and asked, "Doesn't it look just like fine jewelry?" You bet it does!- And finally, my third favorite memory was seeing the enthusiasm for this year's Bead-It-Forward bird-themed quilts, cards, and shadowboxes. I'll let you in on a little secret -- we weren't sure how Show-goers would respond to these smaller items in lieu of the larger quilts from years past. But our goal of making the Bead-It-Forward items more accessible to more people was definitely realized as dozens of beaders took home a piece of the project. And some of you are still waiting to participate online via eBay auctions. We're in the process of establishing those and will let you know as soon as we're ready!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Show in person and in spirit. Your enthusiasm for this art form makes our weekdays worth while, and we can't wait to see you again next year (just 342 more days!)!
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