Here are some snapshots from Tucson at the Best Bead Show and the Swarovski Party. I'll update captions later as time permits.



























Sak and Liz of Saki Silver dropped by the booth. Aren't they adorable? I think they are just the cutest couple ever! Did you also happen to check out their new bronze line? It's killer.
Another friendly face emerged at the show: Lisa Kan, author of Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs
You know, over the years, Julie Young of TierraCast has become a lovely friend. Most people would think that we wouldn't get along, since they are also makers and manufactures of pewter components, but that's totally NOT true and we get along like peas and carrots. They are all lovely people! (They even featured us in their catalogue!)
Fellow housemate, Jeannette Cook (a seed bead tour de force) poses next to the lovely and enchanting Marlene Blessing.
Sunyoung Park and her sister of Ezel Bezel strike a pose for the camera. I love their colorful laser-cut filigree, bezel wire, and CZ studded goodies! Sun was set up next to us at a show in New York and became fast friends with Azalea.
Is it possible for anyone to look more regal each time you see them? Well, every time I see Marcia DeCoaster, author of Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence: Elegant Jewelry Projects with Right Angle Weave (Lark Books Beadweaving Master Class)
Christan Humphries and Marilyn Koponen of Interweave always look so lovely. It's a treat to see them, because like many of the other people at the party, I only see them once or twice a year.
The West Coast represented at the party with Kate Richbourg of Beaducation and Jess Imports. (I know that Jess has a real name, but I can't help calling her "Jess Imports".) The next time I'm in San Francisco, I'm totally going to try and hit up Jess Imports' wine bar and art gallery, the Hotel Biron.
Sporting a Swarovski Steampunk necklace, author, editor, and designer extraordinaire, Jean Campbell looks absolutely adorable. She's one of the most prolific and busy people I know. You might know her from her new book, Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings
Another of the housemates and a wonderful person and bead-maker, Joyce Rooks always looks so pretty. Not only does she make amazing beads, but she is also an incredible musician. I can't wait to hear some of her new work.
The evening would not be complete without seeing the Fusion Girls of Fusion Beads. They are so much fun and I am utterly and completely smitten with them. I said that they were tattooed on my heart. They really are a great company that supports artists and beaders.
Notice how the background is not as populated with people. We closed down the party with co-authors of Mixed Metals: Creating Contemporary Jewelry with Silver, Gold, Copper, Brass, and More
The new editor of Beading Daily, Leslie Rogalski, stopped by as well. It was nice to see her and learn about her new DoodleBeads DVD.
Ask Sara of Soft Flex Company swung by the booth. Sara is an absolute gem and is just the sweetest thing! She told me all about the new colors of Soft Flex that are coming out and how they'll correspond with the seasons. That's so clever! (She also gave me the scoop on finding really awesome succulents while I'm in town.)
I was fortunate enough to participate in a "jewelry redux" assignment that will appear in the next issue of Stringing Magazine. The article was penned by Michelle Mach. CLICK HERE to check out her Beading Daily post, where she reveals seven tips for redesigning jewelry.
I was asked, what does "Not Without" mean. In essence, this double-negative means that you are always loved. You are not without love. In making this piece I used 8mm Swarovski crystal rounds, 12mm Swarovski crystal margarita sequins, 6mm Siam Swarovski crystal margarita sequins, an elongated heart-shaped copper-plated bezel, copper chain, natural brass filigree, gunmetal chain, and a sweet heart lobster clasp.
I wanted the piece to have a lot of movement, so I made a bunch of copper headpins and used those to create wire-wrapped dangles with the Swarovski crystal sequins. The crystals were perfect to add sparkle and bright, ruby red color. These were attached to various links of chain. I think the dark gray-black of the gunmetal chain gives this heart piece a little bit of an edge to it. 

A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who participated in my little giveaway to generate support for my friend and fellow artist, Iviva Olenick. She makes the most beautiful work and I wish her the very best of luck in the competition.
Above are a couple different images of the piece. I think it's whimsical and fun, but still is pretty elegant and sophisticated.
Speaking of Basha Beads, I've updated the shop with restocked items AND I listed eight new shapes and colors. I love all the different colors and their luminous ability to seemingly shine throug CLICK HERE to drop by the shop and take a look at all these goodies!
Time for some good news... 
This is not as solitary as it may sound. Being connected to the internet enables me to keep in touch with nearly everyone I need to. I've also gotten some goodies in the mail.