BeadFest Philadelphia...

Our day started dark and early. Through the mist and fog, we made our way across the state to Oaks. We were actually surprised with how quickly we managed to make our way out there. Becki (my mother-in-law) and I squeezed into the packed lobby and made our way into the new location. I noticed how much bigger the venue seemed and felt really excited entering the show. It's an odd sensation, being on the other side of the table. This is the first time that I've been to a show as just a shopper!

The experience really was a blur and I was talking pretty non-stop. Below are some pictures of the lovely people at the show (from left to right):

Diana of Suburban Girl Beads. Marsha Neal and Jenny Davies-Reazor. Marg of BeadFX.

Michelle McCarthy of Firefly Design Studio and her mom. Kelly Russell of Beadfuddled. Jane from Jane's Fibers and Beads.

Yvonne of My Elements. Elaine Ray from Ornamentea. Joan Miller of Joan Miller Porcelain.

Erin Siegel. Nancy Schindler of Round Rabbit. Anne Lichtenstein of Gardanne Beads.

Bronwen Heilman. Cynthia Deis of Ornamentea. Carol Wingfield Myers.

Diane Hawkey and her new ceramic houses.

Jess Prill and Cathy Collison of Glass Garden Beads.

Greg of Green Girl Studios. Bob Burkett. Kelly Angeley.

Aisha, Lisa Niven Kelly and Colin Mahler of Beaducation.

Kate Richbourg of Beaducation. Lorelei Eurto. Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio.

No it's not an ad for a car commercial – it's just Meredith Roddy! We ran into her in the parking lot on our way out.

Afterwards we met up with Erica Cessna of Reed's Beads for a vendor meeting and then we drove back home. It was a long day and by the end of it I had lost my voice, but had a great time. Next year, we'll have to plan to go for the full weekend. I didn't get to see everyone that I wanted to and am sad that I didn't get to talk with many of my dear friends from the show, but am glad to have had the opportunity to see the ones that I did. It was a very full day and one that I enjoyed immensely!