Tips For Bead Shopping in Tucson

I have the bead show blues - I'm feeling a little sad that I'm yet again missing the party at Tucson this year! 

In case you don't know the Tucson Bead Shows are the holy grail of bead shopping in America.  With over 43 shows happening during January 26 - February 13.  There are beads and shows to cater to everyone from the hobbyist jewelry designer to retail dealers to those who buy and sell diamonds.

If you are one of the lucky ones already making your plans, here are a few resources to help you plan your shopping, tips on how to survive a major bead show and a few places your favorite art bead makers will be hanging out.

For the rest of us, we'll just have to dream and live vicariously through those who will be going. 

Shows:

Complete show details and planning tips from the Jewelry Show Guide.

Best Bead Show, Feb. 2-6 - This would be the one I wouldn't miss! Awesome line up of some of my favorite beadmakers.

To Bead True Blue, Jan. 30 - Feb. 4 - Check out the classes offered during this show and lots of art beads to be found.

Whole Bead Show, Feb. 2-7 - Bello Modo will have Humblebeads at this show. There are other bead artists like Gail Crossman Moore, Hip Chick Beads and Springall Adventures and more.

Bead Shopping Tips:

Advice from the New Mexico Bead Society on surviving Tucson.

5 shopping tips from Beading Daily.

(Photo credit: cobalt123 via Flickr's creative commons)