Wearable Art Exhibitors at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show

So now that I blogged about FOOD in Pasadena, maybe I should say something about some of the incredible people that I met there.

I loved being in the California Ballroom. I was surrounded by such high quality artists, it was incredibly inspiring. The whole show was hand-picked, high quality, but the California Ballroom seemed to have most of the nationally known names. Of course, I must say, I did not have alot of time to visit with artists in the other rooms and I am biased since that's the room I was in. That said, the California Ballroom ROCKED!

First of my new found friends was Kate from L. O'Neill Design. Check out their website here at www.loneilldesign.com.
Kate and her partner make the most amazing jackets and purses. The styles are distinctive and flattering, yet timeless. Kate's booth was directly in front of mine, and I watched many women trying the jackets on. It didn't seem to matter what body type a woman was, there was a jacket to make her look elegant and stylish. Many had matching purses too. I want one of the swing coats! Someday!


My neighbor on my right was Sharon Cipriano from Art Heaven. I've admired Sharon's work through magazines and other publications for years. The quality of her work in person is just stunning. Her handmade pendants are heirloom pieces. And the stones she uses on her necklaces are unlike any I've seen before. She has a great eye for using a strand of stones to pick up a detail in the pendant. It was a treat to meet her and she's such a sweet person. She really took me under her wing and gave some great advice and encouragment. I really appreciated that. I hope to see her again, somewhere down the beaded road.

The Inner Circle
Several of us exhibitors were situated so we formed an inner circle in the room.
Linda McCollister of Eye of the Beholder Jewelry Art and I really bonded. She is just one of those people who has a contagious excitement for beauty and art. I think everyone got a hug from Linda. Her metalwork and beaded necklaces are totally unique. She's out there breaking the rules and it is so fun to see and be inspired by it. I am sure you'll be hearing much more about her art in the years to come.


Linda's good friend Helen Cole of Helen Cole Jewelry Art was at the next booth. Helen has been making fine jewelry for years. She works in copper, silver and gold. Experienced jewelers were stopping in awe at Helen's display case. I especially loved the Amethyst Maker, shown here. Helen told me she primarily does custom work, which allows her to make pieces she knows will be treasured.

On my left was Mary Andreani of Andreani Studios and her friend, Marylu. (Yes, another Lu Marylu - we share all but a space in our names!) You may have seen Mary Andreani's beautiful beaded necklaces and bracelets in Ornament magazine advertisments. She does beautiful work and chooses the wonderful stones. I coveted a a big beaded turquoise necklace that looked like Sleeping Beauty mine turquoise.


There are many more exhibitors I'd like to post about. Maybe just a quick mention and a link will be enough for you to get a feel for the wonderful talent I was surrounded by. Teri from Teripelio Designs works with unique and bold beads and stones. Her incredible work is sold in many shops in California. Lucy Arnold showed one of a kind handcrafted jewelry. Her display is so earthy and elegant, with natural wood and green pebbles, it drew the shoppers to her booth. Gloria Askin had colorful creations that were laugh out loud fun. Gloria bought a pair of Girl with the Big Earrings earrings from me, so you know she's not afraid of funk. Sue Rutherford of Davis, CA showed her custom beadwork. She was so sweet and had such delicate macrame style necklaces, I just had to mention her. Seek her out at the next show. Kitty and her daughter at The Reckless Necklace had an amazing number of all out funky fun and chunky big creations.

Oh yeah, and there was me, Mary Lu from Amethyst Lobster. My Mystery Window Earrings, which are in the current issue of Ornament magazine, proved to be a big seller.

Coming soon - next blog - the 2008 collections finally get to the website!