Gathering Highlights

This is where I spent much of my money.....glass, tools, etc....Not many vendors were at our Gathering but that didn't stop the shopping!

This was our class with Kirsten. A small group of us but that was actually GREAT! We got lots of attention and a wealth of information. I love small classes!

This made me laugh. Kate, who is from Australia, was beading AND texting! Maybe Oprah should start a campaign against this form of distracted engagement!! To funny.

Brad and I stop for a quick picture while shopping. I took his class prior to the Gathering and learned lots. Next week I take a class with Melanie Moertel (may have spelled her last name wrong) and look forward to that too!

Now please go over to my Etsy Shop and shop! I will have a few beads up later today.

Its Almost Time!

The Gathering is almost here!! Everyone I speak with (bead people of course)  is excited for all that will be happening this week. The Gathering is our International Society of Glass Beadmakers conference. People will be here from all over.......very cool that its all happening in Rochester too!

I've been busy as you might guess, preparing for this big event as well as getting ready for upcoming shows. I thought I'd post just a few items here to show you what will be available at my Bead Bazaar table on Saturday.........

Toggles.........I use these in my jewelry and will have a few for sale on Saturday. I think I'll put them up in my Etsy shop til then.

I'm crazy about capping my beads!! AND about Double Helix glass. Its such a mystery as to what these little beauties will look like once out of the kiln. They look one way in the torch and then another once out from the kiln.

This one was my first of the week......looks like the world. Every view is a bit different.

Glass can be yummy. This glass does all the work for the most part. There is some coaxing you must do and its really capturing it just at the right moment.

There is something about red and orange that I just adore. 

I hope to see you Saturday or.......check out my Etsy shop later today (I must make more beads right now) to snag a few of these!

What to to While Visiting Rochester!

For the next weeks leading up to our International Bead Society Convention I will be posting things to do while you visit. I think Rochester is a great place to live and has tons to offer. Yes, we get snow in the Winter but we enjoy all 4 seasons as they should be, Summer sun, Fall color changes, Winter snow, and Spring blooming. I hope you enjoy visiting & get a chance to see some of these "off beat trail" sorta spots.

Here are my first 5 things to do:

1.  Visit Wegmans our beloved grocery store and learn why Alec Baldwins mom won't be moving to California! You should go to a big Wegmans like Pittsford to really get the full feel. Wegmans Rocks!

2.  Go to Nick Tahoe's on Main Street in the city and experience a Garbage Plate. Others have tried to create their own version but Nick Tahoe's is the original.  Nick's use to be a real interesting place to see all sorts of people but it has mellowed over the years. Located in a rough part of town but worth it.

3.  Ride the Carousel at Charlotte Beach. The Dentzel Menagerie Carousel was hand carved by the Dentzel Co. in Pennsylvania and installed at the beach in 1905.

4. Walk along this "secret" sidewalk on Beach Avenue to see a beautiful view of the lake and see some gorgeous homes! Looks like you in the Hamptons but your in Rochester!!! This is a public sidewalk but you wouldn't know about it just passing by. Park near Clemetes Street and look for the walkway towards the lake....looks like your going on private property but you should see the side indicating public walk.

5. Stop for a drink or dinner at Pier 45. The outdoor seating is awesome and you can look across the water & see the Yacht Club....boaters and sailers always floating by.