Bead Stampede S.E.X.

Every year during the weekend closest, if not on, July 4th there is a Bead Stampede at the North Idaho Fairgrounds. I don't usually get to go because of holiday plans, but this year I determined to go, and did. I wasn't sure how the sprained foot would do, but I figured if it was too much I'd quit and go home. Daughter Ruth came along with me. As it turned out, my foot did fine (I coddled it the whole time) and I spent way too much money. I was looking for both things I couldn't usually get at the local bead shops, and some really good deals. I was not disappointed. Here are the results of my beady S-tash E-nhancement X-perience.

The second booth I saw was chock full of ancient glass seed beads. The vendor said they ranged between 80 and 140 years old. Most of them were bought from various Indian reservations. I've been wanting to get my hands on a few of these. They were pretty pricey, so I could only afford a few strands.

My favorites are the striped ones.

Another booth had Czech firepolish crystals for $1 a strand, and some interestingly shaped glass pearls and beads for not much more too.

I picked up some delicas and these 4mm round Tiger Eye beads at another booth.

My daughter talked me into getting her this package of gears. She loves the Steam Punk jewelry that is in stores these days. I suppose I will need to turn them into something for her to wear now.

I have never seen daggers in these colors before. I just had to have them.

 I have plans for these crystal rondelles.

These scissors were just too cute! At 4 bucks each, I got one for me and Ruth.

These are lampwork beads with loops on them. Sort of a mutant drop bead. They're about half an inch across in size. They go very well with the gears above.

I was hoping I'd find some of these. I can't remember what they're called, but they sure are fun looking. I loved the unusual shade of dark yellow too.

These are called Mushroom beads. I can't imagine why. ;-) They are made of glass.

I couldn't live without this hand made metal Moose pendant either. So it came home with me.

I was hoping to find some of the new Tila beads, but no one had them. I'm beginning to think no one in this area intends to stock them.

All in all, we had a good time. We came home and I put my foot up for awhile. Later we went out to dinner with Dan and Sue and the kids and then we went and saw the new Transformers movie, in 3-D. I enjoyed it immensely. Kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time. I was a little disturbed to hear Spocks (Leonard Nimoy) voice coming out of one of the bad robot guys though. I have a hard time associating that voice with evilness.

This evening we're getting together with family for a barbeque potluck affair. I've got a potato dish in the oven for it, and I made a strawberry pie for dessert.

Wishing everyone a great holiday.

Live long and prosper. \\//