The Great Bead Extravaganza has returned. The world's biggest online bead show was back for a second showing. This exciting live bead show was full of unique vendors and talented jewelry makers. If you are a little blue that COVID has delayed trade shows, like the Tucson Gem Show, the Great Bead Extravaganza is a great way to celebrate beading and jewelry making from the comfort of your couch. Let's walk the virtual halls and relive the excitement!
If you missed The Great Bead Extravaganza, this is your chance to soak it all in. We have all of the talented designers, all of the store links, all of the videos - all gathered in one place! This the easiest way to catch up. Don't miss these instructive beading videos. You just might learn a new beading technique. You might learn how work with a new jewelry medium. You might see a designer that speaks to you and your style of jewelry making. This is a place to lose yourself and learn something new. Let's make jewelry!
Make sure you save the date and join us live for the next scheduled event!
The Great Bead Extravaganza
This edition of the world's biggest virtual bead show landed on a time when people in the beading and hobby/craft industries would typically be in Tucson. COVID has delayed the fun for those of us that travel to bead shows. With the pandemic still an active threat, the shows we love have closed up shop for the time being. Many of us had lost hope that we would be able to visit any big trade shows this year. The Great Bead Extravaganza is almost as good as the real thing. The energy and excitement is just as vibrant. The sales and giveaways are just as epic. If you have ever wanted to go to a bead show, the Great Bead Extravaganza is your chance to take a virtual tour of a big beading event.
The second Great Bead Extravaganza was a great way to beat the Tucson blues. Tucson turns into one giant bead show during the months of January and February. The Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows attract exhibitors from all over the planet. Vendors gather in arenas, hotels, and convention centers to sell their products. Designers and local bead store owners come to shop the newest items and eye-catching beads. The coronavirus has left many, if not all, bead shows shuttered for the foreseeable future. The Great Bead Extravaganza was a unique opportunity to enjoy the fun of a bead show and support the small businesses that comprise these shows.
Note about videos: If you have any difficulty following a video link from this page, it is likely due to the new layout of Facebook. If you cannot view a video from this page, visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
February 5 (Pre-Show Tucson Desert Walk)
Brenda Schweder Desert Walk Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Brenda Schweder kicked the event off this time. She took us on a fun field trip before the show started. She took a trip to the Tohono Chul Park in Tucson. If you have ever wanted to visit Arizona, this park is one of many in Tucson that allows you to take in the beauty of the flora and fauna of the American Southwest. If you can't make the trip in person, this is an enjoyable video that lets you get the sense of what life is like in the American desert.
February 6 (Day One)
Allegory Gallery, Andrew Thornton & William Jones - AllegoryGallery.com
Andrew & William's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: beads, gemstones, Czech glass, pearls, original artworks & prints, laser-cut wooden pendants, luxury bead blends & inspiration kits, charms
From Andrew Thornton:
Join our Allegory Gallery Design Challenges Group here on Facebook! Want to join our Inspired by Reading Book Club? Hit the link to join the group! We've paused the club for COVID, but if you're in, you'll be ready when we start back up! Like Podcasts? Join our Allegory Gallery Interviews Podcast Page! We also paused this during COVID, but we'll be starting back up soon! See all of our latest projects on our website at www.allegorygallery.com!
Candie Cooper, Candie Cooper - CandieCooper.com
Candie Cooper's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: instruction, beads, charms & findings, African fabrics & beads
From Candie Cooper's site:
Hi, I’m Candie. I design jewelry and crafts, author books, teach classes and host television programs. I thrive on simple ideas that anyone can achieve. I also love projects made from unexpected materials that stand the test of time. Join me as I lead a creative life – check out my portfolio or blog.
Humblebeads, Heather Powers - Humblebeads.com
Heather Powers' Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: curated collection of Czech glass, metal pendants, charms and findings, artisan beads, beads, spacers & findings, metal pendants & charms, ‘Faux Tin’ copper components inspired by nature, instruction
From Heather Powers' bio:
My jewelry and beads have appeared in the pages of BeadStyle, Beadwork, Bead Trends, and Stringing Magazine. My work has also been displayed on HGTV and PBS’s “Beads, Baubles, and Jewels”. I'm the author of three books, Jewelry Inspired by Nature, Beautiful Elements and the Beadmaking Lab.
Whether through teaching, hosting events, writing, or making beads - it is my goal to give out as much inspiration as the world has gifted me! Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone’s creativity spark to life after using my beads, taking a class, or reading my book.
JillMacKay.com, Jill MacKay - JillMacKay.com
Jill MacKay's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: Jill MacKay designed & manufactured jewelry-making components, findings, leather shapes, high quality beads, kits & instruction, inspiration
From Jill MacKay:
It was such a pleasant surprise to find out how many people were so interested in connecting, and learning together online. Though we were virtual I really was amazed at how good if felt to connect with everyone, it felt so good. I have been isolating (like most everyone else) but needed this reminder of how wonderful our community is. I feel blessed to have gotten to participate! Wonderful! Thank you!
Soft Flex Company, Sara Oehler & Kristen Fagan - SoftFlexCompany.com
Sara Oehler & Kristen Fagan's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: beading wire, craft wire, tools & supplies, crimps, beads, kits
From Sara Oehler:
The bead, mineral and gem shows in Tucson are sorely missed this year. There was a time in my life, when I would spend at least 3 weeks straight in Tucson every year in the middle of a multicultural tent of businesses from around the world. If I did a full spin, I would see sellers from Germany, India, Afghanistan, Ghana, China, etc. Beading is a place where people from every part of the Earth can come together with a shared passion. Often in Tucson, we'd have a demonstration table, new product launches and really great deals. So when it came up as a possibility for The Great Bead Extravaganza to come together and create a virtual Tucson, we were all in. It wasn't quite the same, but it did fill my heart with love to see people from all over, once again, connecting over their shared passion of beading and jewelry making. We were excited to share our new 2021 Pantone Color of the Year Duo of Beading Wire. It is a great way to try out the fun color combo of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow. We are looking forward to the next Great Bead Extravaganza on March 19-21st.
From Kristen Fagan:
The Tucson Bead and Gem shows are something special. It's tough to describe the excitement, anticipation and sheer size of the event overall. There are so many venues, new product launches and promises of learning a variety of jewelry making techniques as well as connecting with new and old friends, Tucson is something special indeed. The Great Bead Extravaganza was a virtual celebration of Tucson. We pulled together to bring you a taste of that something special and had a wonderful time in the process! Our collective of small businesses supporting and helping one another behind the scenes made me proud to be a part of it. The variety of the products and techniques shared with all of you attending brought that Tucson magic online and was a delight to witness. I learned about new products and ideas and I imagine you did too! Can't wait to do it all over again in March!
SilverSilk, Nealay Patel - SilverSilkOnline.com
Nealay Patel's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Product: SilverSilk unique knitted wire jewelry chain, custom findings, instruction/kits
From Nealay Patel:
SilverSilk is easy, fun and flexible to use in jewelry design. In this tutorial, you can expect to learn exactly what SilverSilk is, and you can watch me put together a smart necklace using a custom kit curated specially to celebrate the Tucson bead show. You’re invited to join me and participate by asking questions as I’m live. To find this kit or supplies for my project, visit silversilkonline.com. You’re also invited to become a SilverSilk Silkie by joining our growing Facebook Group.
beadshop.com, Kate Richbourg - beadshop.com
Kate Richbourg's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: beads & gems, stringing materials, fabric & fiber, components & findings, tools & supplies, kits, mixes and collections, instruction
From Kate Richbourg:
It was an exciting event! A first for the bead world, really. Many of the participants have known each other in this business for years and years and it was like attending a show... only this time virtually via screens. We all pitched in and helped each other with questions, supported each other's projects and helped out when technology was a challenge. It was wonderful to see returning customers and new and welcome them into the fold of The Great Bead Extravaganza. Kudos to Sarah and Andrew and to all of us really, for creating such a wonderful and unique event. I can't wait to do it again... it really was GREAT!
Kellie’s Bead Boutique, Kellie Sutton - KelliesBeadBoutique.com
Kellie Sutton's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: beads: Czech glass, seed beads, wood, crystal, semi-precious, buttons, findings, charms & pendants, tools & supplies, kumihimo supplies, kits
From Kellie Sutton:
I was so honored to be included in with so many fabulously creative people. It was a super fun event and I hope we are able to do it again.
February 7 (Day Two)
The Bead Place, Abbi Berta - BeadPlace.net
Abbi Berta's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: yarns & fibers, beads & jewelry components, artisan components, TierraCast, kits & patterns
From Abbi's site:
Rhonda Berta and her daughter, Abbi were bitten by the bead bug years ago while vacationing with their family in West Palm Beach, FL. Abbi, (then 8 years old) noticed that a woman was wearing a very intricate and beautifully beaded necklace. This woman, pleased that her hand-beaded design was appreciated, was kind enough to take them to her favorite bead shop and the rest is history...
Dakota Stones, Kayla Braun-Waletzke - DakotaStones.com
Kayla Braun-Waletzke's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: stone beads and focal pieces, cabochons, wood beads, tools & supplies, leather cord
From Kayla Braun-Waletzke:
Dakota Stones has the only branded line of gemstones in the world. We take pride in creating and offering unique, high quality gemstone beads, pendants and cabs and work tirelessly to make sure you have a great customer experience when working with us. We also like to have fun and try not to take it all too seriously. We were really excited to join our beady friends for this one of a kind event. We had a great time watching industry experts share their art and distract us during these trying times.
We look forward to continue to educate and have fun in future events with this wonderful community.
At the heart of what we do is artists and the community that surrounds it. Dakota Stones strives to deliver badass products and offer service that hopefully makes you smile. Dakota Stones- For Designs & Designers that ROCK!
Goody Beads, Tory Vezina - GoodyBeads.com
Tory Vezina's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: large selection of beading supplies, kits, gemstones (Dakota Stones), leather & corresponding components, TierraCast items, unique components & findings, beadables, crystals, Czech Beads, Apoxie Sculpt & patinas
From Tory Vezina:
Once again, The Great Bead Extravaganza was a huge hit for everyone at GoodyBeads.com! We had so much fun collaborating with our friends from Dakota Stones and I’m so happy we are able to get together with the other presenters and participants virtually to collaborate, share and discuss what’s new and happening in the beading and jewelry world. We’re still making it happen and having a great time doing it. That’s something I love about this community and look forward to what we’ll get up to next!
Star’s Beads and Clasps, Kay Goss - StarsBeads.com
Kay Goss's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: handmade glass beads, high-end semi-precious, pearl, crystal, seed beads, specialty findings & chain, artisan clasps, essential oils, instruction
From Kay Goss:
It is so incredibly refreshing to see an amazing community come together to enjoy a common passion. I am grateful join industry leaders to push our passion into the next generation. The best things can come with change and although it may not be what we know, it is leading us to create a colorful path in the virtual world. This event is the most innovative of its time and I am proud to be a part of it! Continue to create. Thank you for all those that joined me! To pre order any of the kits please join our FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/starsbeadsspecialdestash.
Green Girl Studios, Cynthia Thornton - GreenGirlStudios.com
Cynthia's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: original artworks & prints, artisan-cast metal beads, pendants & charms, artisan articulated paper art
From Cynthia Thornton:
The Great Bead Extravaganza is a wonderful example of the creativity and generosity of the beading community. Sara and Andrew worked together to fill the void caused by canceled shows and retreats; gatherings that many of us find really inspiring - it’s a fantastic way to meet fellow makers and to learn new techniques. This event brought those things together in an accessible way, that was fun and easy!
Christi Friesen, Christi Friesen - ChristiFriesen-store.com
Christi's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: Swellegant metal coatings/patinas/dyes, unique tools & supplies, found objects, curious collections & special things, originals artwork, beads, focals & brooches
From Christi Friesen:
Oh what fun! The Great Bead Extravaganza was such a fun format to connect with so many folks and share some time chatting about creativity and then making something together! When's the next one? I'm in! and I hope you'll join us!
The Bead Gallery, Jamie Yoshida - TheBeadGallery.com
Jamie's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: Hawaiian themed beads, artisan glass beads, gemstone beads, beads: wood, glass, crystal and more, kits & mixes, supplies, findings & tools, instruction
From Jamie Yoshida:
Aloha everyone! We are so excited to get a part of this exciting extravaganza and we wanted to send you a warm welcome from Hawai’i!
Since it’s our first time to meet many of you, I wanted to introduce the three of us- that you will meet on our The Bead Gallery YouTube channel and The Bead Gallery, Honolulu Facebook Lives! You can also catch me making late night jewelry on IG!
We thought we’d bring a bit of Hawaii to you, with ALOHA themed projects featuring pineapples, pikake, and techniques we’ve been teaching for the past 24 years.
Now That’s A Hammer!, Brenda Schweder - John Bead
Brenda's Great Bead Extravaganza Video - Click Here!
Trouble seeing video? Try watching on their Facebook page or visit the Facebook group - The Great Bead Extravaganza - and watch the presentations there. You can find the videos in the topics on the sidebar on the right. Select Presentations.
Products: Now That’s a Jig!, Now That’s a Hammer! Projects: John Bead Corp. goods, Found Object jewelry, instruction
From Brenda Schweder:
What co-creators, Andrew Thornton [Allegory Gallery] and Sara Oehler [Soft Flex Company] manifested from an an innocent, but inspired conversation has become an amazing jewelry sharing wonderment. I am so excited and grateful for this resurgence in our making arena as it’s really an elixir to the soul—for our viewers, but also for us presenters! I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun!!
Join our Facebook group – VIB. Stay in the know. Stay up to date. From our bead shows to our video shows and sales, you can stay in touch with us. The community is full of artistic and helpful beaders and crafty people. Inspire and be inspired. Share your pictures and get the beading bug from others!
Visit the Soft Flex Company YouTube Channel!
Blog contributor Thomas Soles loves Jazz Age writers and crunchy french fries. His favorite gemstones are Lapis and Pietersite. His favorite hobby is day dreaming. And his favorite mustache is Freddie Mercury's. As you can see, he has a healthy (or possibly unhealthy) sense of humor. You can write to him at Thomas@SoftFlexCompany.com