The International Gem and Jewelry Show is in town. It’s been so long since I went last…I haven’t needed any more beads with all of the beads I have stock piled here (sound familiar?). However…. one of my sons will be making his First Communion this Spring and I realized I had better start looking for the right beads now. The last time I was shopping for rosary beads, I had fun looking for them in person at Bead Fest Wire.
So on the way to school Friday morning, I handed my son a Fire Mountain Gems catalogue to look over bead types and colors. I especially recommend this catalogue to beginners who are just learning the names of bead shapes and types of stones, as FMG is happy to send out a free 400+ page print catalogue – what a great reference (you can order one here). I told my son that if he saw anything he might like for his rosary, to fold down the corner of the page and put a big X on the picture. Later before I headed out to the bead show, I opened the catalogue to see what my son had chosen.
Let’s see, shiny green coin pearls were circled…
Carved carnelian beads…he did tell me he liked carnelian in the past.
I wasn’t surprised to see this. A few weeks ago he told me he was thinking of “limestone” beads because he likes limes. 🙂
Oh, okay. Horses! His Aunt would approve of these beads…..
But wait. Shark teeth?? Okay, he is a 7 year old boy.
Needless to say I left for the bead show not really sure what color or type of stone to look for. There’s still time to get to the bottom of it. I did have a blast at the show, taking my time persusing the beads. Usually I’m in such a rush, or it used to be that I had a baby in the Baby Bjorn with me (and they sure get heavy after a few hours!). I enjoyed spending time chatting with Tracy Statler while there. It is really neat when I get to visit with people from our online community in person!
Would you like to see what I brought home? Oh, and for the first time in bead show shopping history, I didn’t buy a single piece of sterling silver – not a single bead.
Both Tracy and I scooped up strands of natural turquoise.
Strands of natural Labradorite and with Aurora Borealis finish
Lots of brightly-colored accent beads
Thanks for coming along bead shopping with me!
– Cindy
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{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Cindy,
First communions were always a big thing in our family still are. The rosaries I have made for my family members were made using thier birthstones. I like the idea of letting him pick the stone he would like to have. A shark tooth rosary would be interesting and quite a conversation piece, just saying!
I’m drooling over your finds at the bead show they are all awesome especially the turquoise.
Therese
You picked up some wonderful finds and I have to admit I could not stop smiling as I imagined your little guy looking through the catalog.So Sweet for Sure!!Hugs,Cat
I love that your son picked out some stuff! I think that is a great thing. That catalog teaches about colors and shapes as well. Neat stuff! And I like what you picked out. I am in need of more turquoise beads and I love LOVE love labradorite!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Oh what fun! I am for the first time getting to visit a big bead show this June in Milwaukee…..I can’t wait!!!! I have been making lists of stones to see in person. Your turquoise is so beautiful….I will be looking forward to your new creations.
Good project, I did one in the carnelian type bead and it was beautiful. Smooth and round worked well. At least you have til spring to get this done. There are so many colors and shapes out there. The COLORS I love it. Have fun doing it. Tell everyone hi and I love them. I have to go to the grocery store and it has been pouring down rain all day. I dont like to go on sunny days much less in the rain. But I understand we were the lucky ones we got the rain instead of snow!
Those carved turquoise melon beads — I so would love those! I’m so irritated that I couldn’t go to the show. I don’t really NEED anything but I haven’t been in ages, it seems.
Oh rats … we were in Annapolis all weekend. I should have gone on Friday.
I know I don’t need one more bead or a single finding, but your photos make me twitchy all the same – especially all that natural turquoise.
Hi I am a new follower hopping from The 36th ave. I hope you follow me too.
Your son’s rosary sure is going to look cool & eclectic!
Teeth and a horse?! 🙂
I love the beads you got!!!
Thank you for sharing your shopping trip!
🙂
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Oooooh I love Laboradite! It’s always been one of my favorites with its shimmery grey irridescent tones. (Wish they had spell check on these comment boxes!) Anyway…looks like you picked some good ones! Thanks for visiting my blog!
Oh, that was way fun to see what your 7 year old chose as his favorite beads out of the catalog. And, all of your strands of beads really look scrumptious Cindy. It is really hard to narrow it down when shopping isn’t it? Looks like you made some great choices though…
Uhmmmm, gem shows…. I love it all – but those carved turquoise beads are my favorites… such a great haul, Cindy.
Hah, I’d love to see a rosary with shark teeth! Very Goth! It’s great that you’re letting your kids develop their own style and encouraging them to make design choices early in life. It all adds to the enjoyment of every day and teaches them that even the smallest details have significance. What a great mom!
Cindy, What a great tradition … to have your children pick out the beads for their rosary. That’s going to be one heckuva rosary … horses, sharks’ teeth, and limestone! LOL Love it!
I love making Rosaries – have made them for friends and family. I think it’s awesome you are letting him pick what he wants. Is he taught by Nuns? I am sure they would like the shark teeth ones!!! I didn’t know that there was a show up there this weekend or I would have gone. Guess I need to get on their mailing list. I love the beads you bought especially the turquoise – that’s always a fav of mine.
Ok- bead envy!!! LOVE the pumpkin kissed turquoise you found. Cindy, it looks like you restrained yourself this time!!! I can’t wait to see what work of art pours forth from your hands with these beads. Whatever rosary you end up making, I’m sure that it will be stunning.
I’m enjoying the week off and plan a run into the city tomorrow- 1st stop?
Tinsel Trading and the surrounding bead stores.
Hoping to go to Beadfest PA during easter break. You? Maybe we can meet up for a shot of java or cup of tea if you’re planning on going. LMK
Envious! I thought about trying to sneak away this weekend to go there, but just had too many other commitments…love that turquoise! Can’t wait to hear what your son decides on for his rosary!
Oooooh, I have severe bead envy…..great stones you got Cindy!
Treasure that first holy communion Cindy, and the beads he picked!
Great finds Cindy! I bought such uncharacteristic things for me this time because I feel like I have so many gemstones stockpiled and a few of the vendors I was hoping to see were not there. Last time I bought tons of labradorites and still need to use them- I love them too! I wish I had honed in on more yellow stones. That is one color I am lacking. It was fun to catch up with you!
Tracy
Gorgeous! I’m not usually one for turquoise, but those are stunning!!
Hi,
I am a new GFC follower. I found you on a blog hop. I would love for you to stop by my site and follow me as well. Also check out our giveaway for a $170 Technogel Pillow if you are interested. Thanks
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Oh all of these beads are so beautiful!!
As usual, your pictures have left me drooling for new beads (which I do not need)! I am seriously drawn to those turquoise stones…love the texture! I am only 16 miles from the Dulles Expo…..must get my butt in gear for the next one! Thank you for sharing!
Boy those are gorgeous beads you got! Love the bright colors especially. So what was the final decision for rosary beads. I think sharks’ teeth would make for some pretty sore hands! Cute idea though!
I love the natural turquoise! I’m lucky enough to have a couple gorgeous sqaush blossoms handed down to me, and I love them:) Please come and add your Etsy shop to our Handmade Market on Mommy LaDy Club…we’d love to have you! Nice to find you through grow your blog…
Courtney
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Teaming together for blog performance!
Thanks for stopping by everyone & especially to new visitors! 🙂
I have to say…I don’t plan to make a rosary from shark teeth….. the jury is still out, but I’ll be sure to show the finished piece in a few months when the big day is here.
lol…I can’t wait to see the finished rosary! OH my…bead shows are wonderful, aren’t they? You picked out some beautiful beads too…the turquoise is wonderful!!!
The first time I went to the Bead and Gem show, I completely shut down. LOL
It was like I wheel in (I was in a wheelchair at the time), look around, and it’s just. too. much! O.O
Next time, I’ll be better prepared! It sounds like you had a great time, though 🙂
What gorgeous gemstones! I missed that show. I feel like I have been under a rock as I try to finish setting up our new house and get my studio set up as well. Feel free to contact me if you ever want a shopping buddy for any bead shows! Oh, and I love what your son selected 🙂
*swoon* all those beautiful beads!!
As for the beads for the rosary you are making, I like quite a few of his bead selection. I can’t wait to see the finished design! It will be such a wonderful keepsake for your son to treasure!
I just love the turquoise beads. I didn’t realize they could be purchased in this manner. I have been blog hopping on the Grow you Blog Hop for two days and I am loving it. I have met so many amazing and talented people. I am following you and would love a follow back.
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Thanks, I enjoyed the visit.
Your son has quite eclectic tastes and I look forward to seeing what you make for his special day. My local gem show is next weekend and I’m going. It’s a fairly small show and not quite the selection as yours but fun all the same. (I’m not sure I could handle a bigger show. It would be overwhelming and I’d want it all!)
Stopping by from the Blog Hop, new GFC follower! I would love for you to stop by and check out my blog!
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Nikki
What wondeful finds! I wish I could have gone to the Intergem show, but was out of town. Looks like it was a good show.
I can’t wait to see the rosary! 🙂
Loved reading your post Cindy! Super cute how you let your son mark the FMG catalog. BTW, love all his choices. Have fun with the rosary and can’t wait to see pics of the final results.
oh so much fun! i am really excited to be your newest follower…i am stopping by from the grow your blog hop. i can’t wait to read more!
happy thursday!
xo.
Hi Cindy, I can’t wait to see the finished rosary as well, what an heirloom for your son to have and keep and maybe pass along someday! That’s a great idea to let the kids have the catalog to look at and mark favorites in, will have to remember that for future projects with my granddaughter!
As for the beads, LOVE the turquoise and it just makes me excited for Beadfest, not like I need A THING!
Beautiful bead acquisitions, Cindy. So nice you could meet up with Tracy at the bead show! Wish I lived closer to the two of you.
OH MY !!! I must have some of those turquoise pumpkins!!! They could make me faint lol and all the accent goodies SWOON WORTHY!!! Enjoy yourself Cindy!!!
Stopping by from the Blog Hop…hope you can come see me too! Best of Luck to you and your Blog 🙂
what a fun day – and treasure hunt!
the turquoise are really incredible…