Some to do with Fiber; Lots to do with Jewelry

For the last few days, I've been going around to parts of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows. It is the largest event of this kind in the country. And boy, do I believe it.

Not only are there literally acres of beads, pearls, and jewelry components, including lots of interesting ways to use buttons (see, it's sorta fiber related) but minerals, fossils, tools of all kinds for jewelry and stone work. Retail and wholesale venues with dealers are in locations mostly centered around the freeway in motels and hotels and exhibition halls. Or they are in villages of massive tents arrayed in open fields. There's even one place where people drive their motor homes into a big area and show their wares.

Along with the main focus of the shows, there are importers of silks, antique textiles, oriental carpets, art-to-wear clothing booths, just acres and acres of stuff. Glorious stuff.

I've tried to limit my scope to beads and tools. But it's hard. There is so much bling by the square foot it's overwhelming. Take a look at my other blog, www.jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com for the full effect.

Can I figure out a way to make buttons out of stone donuts?