Bead Show Goodies

The International Gem and Jewelry show is in town and once again I had a need to feed my addiction - my addiction to beads and all things colorful.  The show is a smorgasbord of natural stones and silver, copper and brass findings.  There is so many beads that I almost go into shock each time I go to one of these shows.  I can't imagine what it would be like to go to one of the really big shows like in Tucson or the Bead and Button in Milwaukee.  I have always wanted to go to one of these shows but feared that my budget just couldn't afford it.  I thought I would share some of my goodies with you today.  Please ignore the bad photos.  It was just too cold to go outside for the photos and the sunlight through my kitchen window leaves a bit of a shadow.  

Some of the things that I picked up:  Mookite, jade, jasper, Columbian amber, howlite, some really interesting carved wood beads and probably one of my favorites is the large chunky turquoise and brown colored bead that I have no idea what it is.  I'm sure that I asked before I purchased it but my memory being what it is, I forgot by the time I got home.  I also picked up some interesting copper bead caps and copper chain.  The pendant that you see is Red Creek Jasper from a vendor in Texas. 


I'm not sure yet what I am going to make with these wonderful beads.  I probably will wait until my daughter gets home on spring break next week from Savannah College of Art and Design and we can play together.  Beading with my girl is one of my favorite things to do.  I find that while she is away my inspiration is not quite what I would like it to be.  We bounce designs off of each other and just having her to share it with makes it so much better.  Any suggestions as to what you would do with some of these lovelies.