There are hobbies and crafts and there are hobbies and crafts. Whether flying remote control planes, laying out model trains, or rebuilding collectible automobiles, few hobbyists seem to have the intense fervor for their passion as do those crafties who love beads.
It’s an attraction that goes back to ancient times, says Casey Kennerson, show manager for the 2022 Pasadena Bead and Design show, which opens on Friday, January 7, at the Pasadena Hilton.
And, says Kennerson, “The exciting news is that we’re back at full size this year. We were a little bit smaller at our first show back in July, but we’re back to our full regular schedule, and we are sold out on booths!”
A number of new artisans will be making their debuts at the show, as well as longtime artists and exhibitors, said Kennerson. A list of exhibitors is available here.
Kennerson also pointed to a number of longtime exhibitors who will be in attendance, including MountainRobbins. “They’re always popular,” she said.
This year, new workshops in jewelry making techniques and skills, such as wire work, collage, painting, art decor, art clay, chainmaille and more are offered throughout the show. Attendees can also try jewelry making and chemistry in the Copper Electroforming, a new workshop offered at the January show.
And Kennerson understands her loyal audience.
“We originally started our following with beads, but now we call it the Bead and Design Show, because we’re everywhere, we’ve introduced everything. Basically, it’s all types of affordable personal adornments, and wearable art.
“We have clothing, we have jewelry” she said. “So, pretty much everything that you can think of that you can wear. And people just like to come and shop, and it’s really a great time.”
Added Kenneson, “I know that some people are like, “Oh, but it’s after Christmas.’ But this time when you come by, you can shop for yourself.”
It’s also a great opportunity for artists, said Kenneson.
“Everyone that’s been making and selling things over the weekends, or over the holidays, for their craft shows, can come here and stock up on all their supplies for the springtime because we have all the beads and the gems they might need.”
As for the eternal appeal of beads, Kennerson noted that “If you go back in time, some of the oldest artifacts that have ever been found have been beads that are thousands and thousands of years old. It’s that ancient tradition of adorning yourself and taking something that is personal to you.
“The decorative aspect holds such meaning,” she continued, “so I think that that’s a big part of it, and then there is also the long tradition of trading. Shopping for beads just goes back such a long way. And also, even in a digital world, people still like to just sit down and make something for themselves.”
Pasadena Bead and Design Show, Sunday, January 9. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hilton Pasadena, 168 South Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. For more visit www.beadanddesign.com.
