Checking Out the Bead Mercantile Show

Over this past weekend I drove to Pittsburgh for the Bead Mercantile Show (and to spend time with Kathy’s family, of course). Kathy, her mother-in-law, Anna and I made the 30-minute drive to the Show location. I was so glad to not have to worry about getting to the show…Kathy knew exactly how to get there!

I had no idea what the show would involve but I was hoping to find a few beads for my bracelets. Turns out, beads were just part of the offerings!

The location was in a ballroom of a Comfort Inn & Suites south of the city. I believe the next show will be in the fall. There were at least 15-20 venders with everything a bead-lover could need.

At the registration table, the woman collecting the $3 entrance fee was also a vendor. We got to see amazing works of art made with beads before we even got inside! The display was definitely inspiring!

Entering the large room, I was overwhelmed by the choices! Luckily, I had a list of the specific beads I was looking for.

My first encounter was an assortment of large beads…very unusual and interesting, but I had my best friend Toni in mind. She uses beads like this and could not make it to this show. I wanted to pick up some for her. Here are some of the beads I had to choose from:

These are the beads I picked up for Toni…a total of $12.00!

Unfortunately, the beads I was interested in were more expensive, of course! My strings of beads were $8 to $30 each.

I was also able to pick up some tiny spacer beads in gold and silver plated…the three tubes of beads shown here were $30!

I’ve been saying this hobby of making beaded bracelets was expensive…now I’m convinced that I’d better find places to sell them! I certainly can’t wear them all!

With all the supplies available at Jo-Ann’s, Michaels Craft Stores, Amazon and other online companies, it is a very satisfying hobby. I would recommend giving it a try if you’d like to make them yourself.

Please email me directly if you’d like me to write tutorial piece on how to make them (marykisner@comcast.net). If there is enough interest, I’ll put that together. Enjoy!