It’s just two weeks until the Big Bead Show at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey on April 2nd which means its all systems go go go! I love bead fairs – there’s just something about them that gets my heart racing. I’ve been to almost every Big Bead Show and I have to say (although I am slightly biased now) it’s always been my favourite. There’s just soos much to look at and so many stalls, I always come home with a buzz having met new people, learnt something new, bought beady treats and had a generally tiring but exciting day!
It was a novelty at the October show last year, as it was the first time that I was there having not done a four hour plus drive all the way from Nottingham, nor did I have to do a hefty amount of lifting and carrying to set up a beady stall full of goodies. (My arms were always impressively toned for about two days after a bead fair – sadly it never lasted). However that’s not to say all I did was sit and feel smug whilst all the exhibitors were setting up – I spent all of the Friday with show organisers Maria and Elizabeth ensuring the tables were in the right place for when the exhibitors arrived, measuring and marking out spots and getting all the last minute details sorted.
It was great to see the other side of the show and I can safely say to all those beaders out there planning to visit the show – it is no mean feat! It is incredible just how much that goes in to organising a show like this, so that everything is perfect. Whether this is scheduling demonstrators for the Bead stand, making sure exhibitors have the space they require, sending out tickets, or on the other side of it ensuring you have enough stock to sell, that it fits in your van or car (!), enough double sided tape, signs for everything, directions, snacks!
The list is endless and preparation can take a lot of time and planning, Bead spends months getting everything perfect and exhibitors spend a lot of time too making sure they can cater to your every beady need. There’s nothing worse than getting to a show and someone asking for the one thing you didn’t bring! If you are coming to the show with something particular in mind to buy and know where you want to get it from – my advice would be to call the shop ahead of time and ask them to set it aside for you. That way you can ensure you won’t get there and have this happen. (It is physically impossible for most shops to bring every range they stock to a show!)
This year we have some fabulous free demonstrations at the Bead Stand. These are an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques or discover a different material. These proved so popular when we introduced them at the October show that we now have more artists and are working on ways to make them even better for you! This time joining Jennifer Airs, Helen O’Neill and Linda Jones is Katie Dean. Katie won best in show at the Bead Awards in October and will be demonstrating French Beaded Flowers. For the full timetable visit the website.
Tickets are still available for the show so to take advantage of special pre-event prices book now by calling 01903 884988 or by visiting www.thebigbeadshow.co.uk where you'll also find directions and pricing details.
See you there!
x Chloe x
Beads as far as the eye can see!
Linda Jones will be there demonstrating designs from her lovely new book!
