OK - this is a string question - i.e. the answer is as long as a piece of....

As a jewellery making novice with not enough time to spare due to a revoltingly busy job (which I love really) I've only ever been to a couple of Bead Fairs and got thoroughly overwhelmed! I'm off to Newmarket on 22 June so....

Useful tips? Advice on where to start? What to look for? Do you use them to find new stuff? Bargain deals on regular purchases? Making contacts and meeting friends? All, any or none of the above!?

Or does everyone wander round all excited, drink too much coffee and buy randomly like I did - last time I got home with some fab stuff and not a clue what to do with any of it or if any of it was a bargain! (I did have a great time though)

I'd love to know how you all get on at these events....

LOL, I usually do exactly what you do, except that I don't have time to drink the coffee!
This year I have been very organized and made a shopping list for my upcoming annual bead binge at the W of England fair - I will be setting a budget too, but I suspect I'll get tempted by all sorts of stuff that isn't on the list and the budget will go out the window!
It's worth checking prices online for stuff you know you might want to buy, so you have an idea of whether you're getting a good deal or not. I like to pick up bargains like bags of sweepings and seconds, and I also look for fabulous top of the range things that I know I can't get anywhere else. Plus it's a great chance to meet other beaders IRL and chat!
Hope you have fun, my advice for survival is to wear steel toecaps and elbow guards and take a big heavy bag to clout everyone else out the way in front of the lampie stalls!

... and if you need a rest, or somewhere to stash your bags, come see me

I lurve bead fairs but I don't get to visit them now that I've started selling at them myself - probably not such a bad thing for my purse though!

I'd recommend making a list of what you're looking for, and maybe another list of things that you think you might like and then set a little budget for spur of the moment treats. And don't buy anything first time round!

Take a notepad and pen and write down the beads you like the price and the name of the stall first time round. Then go back round again and get the best ones.
I would take the opportunity to match any beads you have already. String one of each bead together and wear as a bracelet or carry in your bag then you can check the colours as you go round. Try and buy matching small / spacer beads if you can along with the bigger beads so you know you can make something as soon as you get back.
Don't buy beads with bead release in the middle as they are very likely to break in half when you try and clean them. Beware of crackle beads that have been coated with colour - it rubs off very easily - look carefully at the stringing thread to see if it is stained the same colour as the beads.
If you are on a strict budget take cash with you and leave the credit cards at home - as it is very easy to overspend with a card or only use the card as an emergency if you simply cannot do without something.

Above all though, have fun

Melanie

I will have a stand at this show. I don't do the luscious lampwork beads I keep seeing here, but mostly staple items like head pins, eye pins, jump rings misc other findings, clasps, metal spacer beads and the like. I have found that few of the retailers bring these staple items but people do like to stock up a bit as it saves n the long run on numerous postage costs throughout the year!

I do reccomend a shopping list and samples of beads you want to match. If you want more of something bring a sample along. it makes it easier if you can say I want some of these: rather than I want these little things with loops and... Pictures work too. I actually keep a pen an paper handy so we can revert to drawing if necessary!!!

Also, take your cheque book as well as the card. Some smaller suppliers like me can only take cards through pay pal so at shows with no internet access, it's cash and cheques with a card only. Usually the cash machines at these places are not in service or empty very quickly. However, if you want stuff and run out of cash don't be afraid to ask the stall holder to send stuff onto you. I often do that for customers. they send me a cheque ( or I send a pay pal invoice) when we get home and then post thier stuff on.

Since I started I have been refining what I stock so I have been having a tidy-up/ clear out of odd bits and pieces that I have lying around. so I have about three large boxes full of mixed packs of new beads, findings and other treasures for you to rummage through!

As for survival tricks, bring yourself a screw top botle of drink and a chochy bar. Great for a quick refreashing boost. the food and drink at these places can be pricy so just those couple of items can save you some money ( and time queuing!) for more beady enjoyment and shopping!

Looking forward to meeting you, so stop by and say hi. My Mum will on the till "playing shop" as she calls it so I will be working the stall and available to answer questions or help you fnd stuff.

best Wishes
becks
FBL QUilting and Crafts

Thanks all - great tips - this forum is so helpful.

So - if you're at Newmarket I can be spotted by the various beads attached to all limbs, steel toecaps, sharp elbows, lists, notebooks, chocolate, cheque book, cash, credit cards, bemused but happy expression and a distinct lack of willpower!!!

I can't wait...........

Thanks again!