Here are Sara and I are ready to demonstrate using Soft Flex Beading Wire at The 2014 Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This marks my 5th or 6th year working the show with Soft Flex Company. I’m not entirely sure because, the years tend to blur together and I took a few years off after having my second child so, I haven’t worked them all in a row. For those in the beading industry this is one of the largest trade shows of the year. It is full of inspiration with hundreds of classes, free make it take it’s and demos, design challenges on display and large selection of beading vendors and art bead makers.

It is one of two trade shows a year I work in Soft Flex’s booth. It really nice to get out from behind my desk, spend time with my co-workers I rarely see and interact with our customers face to face. I did a lot of demoing on how to crimp as well as using Soft Flex wire to knit and macrame.

I played around with knitting 28G Soft Flex Craft Wire during the show. I had a customer stop by having a tough time getting the final shape to look good so, I created a design that day and asked him to come back the next day and I would discuss how it went. We realized that he didn’t have a draw plate. This tool is necessary to work harden and even out the wire strand after knitting Craft Wire.

Creating a macrame design with Soft Flex Wire. I loved this mini macrame board that Sara found on Amazon so much, I bought it from her to take home with me! It holds Soft Flex beading wire perfectly. So much easier then using tape – I find that the wire slips out of the tape too easily.

My beading haul from the Bead&Button Show! Although I don’t NEED any more beading supplies I can’t help but shop a little when I’m at a show. It’s wonderful to see items in person, see design ideas and buy directly from artists and small businesses.

1. Soft Flex Beading Wire  in Colors Peridot, Green Turquoise, Citrine, Red Jasper, Chrysoprase and Antique Brass Color.
2. Wanderlust Pennants by Tesori Trovati Jewelry
3. Crane Bead, If Love was a Bead and Tiger Bead from Beads of Courage
4. Bokamo Bracelet Supplies
5. Ceramic Beads by Golem Studio
6. Shell Donut Pendants by Lillypilly Designs 
7. Brass Bead Strand from Hands of the Hills

Super random, I posted on Facebook that I was at the Milwaukee Public Market (cool place!) and my Phoenix friend Tosca saw it and and said she’ll be in Milwaukee that week too! She stopped by the show on Saturday night and we grabbed a bite to eat. It was great getting to know her better. We met during the Phoenix Art Mural Project in December and haven’t gotten together since. Social media at it’s finest when spontaneous meeting occur!

We at Soft Flex Company had so much fun sharing our love of beading at the Bead&Button Show this year through demonstrations in our booth, free make-it-take-its, sponsoring Bead Dreams, sponsoring the ISGB exhibit and sponsoring the Beads of Courage Design Challenge. Looking forward to what’s in store for next year! Until then, I need to get my bead on.