Vivi Magoo Presents

Well! 

So much has been happening these past few weeks; 

I don’t know where to begin!

First of all ~ I traveled down to Tucson in early February to see what was happening at all of the gem and bead shows.

I was beside myself with glee over all of the pearls and stones and tools and findings that were plentiful and inexpensive! 

I was on the hunt for baroque pearls ~ 

and not just any baroque pearls ~

I wanted HUGE ones with a lot of character!

 I’m obsessed with making chunky pearl chokers and necklaces and NEEDED CRAVED gigantic (30 mm) 

irregular-shaped chunky-but-pretty baroque pearls. 

This is one of my chokers using fabulous chunky baroque pearls

The first tent I went in to was at the Gem Mall, and the first booth I saw was a pearl booth with JUST what I was looking for! I was crazy with anticipation ~ until I asked the price....

I couldn’t afford hundreds of dollars per strand of pearls.... 

So, I moved on....(sigh....)        

This is my VERY sad face!

I wandered around, drooling over all of the pretties until I spotted Lucky Gems

~ Alas ~

My wishes all came true!

They had scads of baroque pearls luring me into their booth - and their prices were reasonable!

Needless to say, I purchased more than I needed....

~ Hey ~

What’s a girl to do?!?

Tucson only happens once a year!

I needed enough stash to last 365 days!

Lucky Gems

If you go, plan to spend several days ~ there are so many vendors, and they are spread out all over the city! Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of money (credit cards worked just fine), attend some of the jewelry design classes offered, and, above all, practice restrain! You can go crazy with everything offered! I came home with a smile on my face a few days later ~ lots of pretty beads and pearls and tools and charms!

This is my VERY happy face!

Next: I’ll tell you about my trip to Coronado! 

(Hint ~ I found a perfect spot for Art Retreat by the Beach!)