My second trip to Bead Fest Santa Fe over the weekend was just as I had expected it to be. It's always nice to catch up with some of the vendors and bead artists that I deal with in my day-to-day job here at Jewelry Stringing. And who can resist the lure of that many spectacular beads and gems all under one roof? As usual, the expo and many of the classes were held at the beautiful convention center in the heart of Santa Fe.

Don't tell my boss, but I was looking forward to savoring the cuisine of Santa Fe just as much as ogling all of those jewels! Here, a few snapshots of the weekend's highlights:

With Assistant Editor, Chloe Chatenever, and 2011 Bead Star winner, Sara Rhoades

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The "Meet the Teachers" event on Thursday night

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Savoring some of the best food ever at the Blue Corn Cafe

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Inside the lobby of our home away from home, Hotel St. Francis

A visit to the Saint Francis Cathedral

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The fabulous Kristal Wick, with her pooped pooch, Sparkle

It was shop 'til you drop all day at the Exhibit Hall!

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The beautiful Saint Francis Cathedral at night

If you've never had the chance to visit any of Interweave's Bead Fests around the country (details on more Bead Fest's can be found here), I've found that they are certainly worth the drive, whether you're in a nearby town or in a bordering state! But even local bead shows can offer similar flavor on a smaller scale. Many cities host annual or semi-annual bead shows. I'd encourage all you bead lovers to get out there and experience one if you ever have the opportunity!

Happy Shopping!

Debbie Blair

Managing Editor