Show Stop: April 27, 2008: Los Angeles Bead Society Spring Bazaar

Another show completed and this time it was a one day event at the Los Angeles Bead Society Spring Bazaar. The LABS bi-annual bazaar holds many memories for me. It was the first major show that I exhibited at, while I was a young up 'n coming glass artisan, still working full-time, as a quality assurance engineer.

Can you find my name on this list?

That first year, Fall 2004, they placed me on the STAGE. Here I thought I was "extra special" but then I found out that newbies always got placed on the stage because it was generally the least desirable location. Haha! No one really liked being under all the stage lights as it can get rather hot. Imagine glass beads under stage lights! Ouch!

You see, the bazaar is held at the Culver City Veteran's Memorial Auditorium (shown above. Notice the beautiful movie reel sculpture? This is the movie industry (as a matter of fact, Sony Pictures is just down the street) and you can't really escape Hollywood when you are in L.A. I was in the main room with a stage (aka the auditorium). I was just glad to have gotten a space at the show, since I was a new member of the society. So I was placed right smacked at center stage right in front of the mobile stairs. I was afraid that people would hurt themselves coming up to the stage to visit the "lucky" vendors placed there.

The Main Room aka Auditorium
(the stage is way in the back under the lights)

Now reflecting back, it was a pretty good darn first show for me. I consider any show where I make new connections and friends, a good show. Of course making money is good, but it's not the prime objective in my business. I think if one focuses and makes beautiful work, the money will follow. So for me it's all about the connections and re-connections, the links and friendships. I was under the limelight and I met a lot of people being at center stage. One of my future friends was none other than Karen Lewis (KLEW) who traded with me one of her beads for one of my earlier Le Fiore Vive florals. I didn't care how much or how little I sold that day, but the fact that KLEW wanted to trade with ME? Wow that was somethin' else.

Since then, I have been exhibiting at every show except one (Spring 2007.) I exhibit at this show to support the bead society and I enjoy my time spent talking to all the beaders. Couldn't you tell Sunday for those that couldn't escape my chatter? (smile) Not many photos to share at this venue but I did manage to break in the Canon, finally. Woohoo. There is more to Sunday in the next post. What next post, you ask? Be patient.

I want to thank all the customers who came to visit my booth, to thumb through Bead Romantique, to buy the book and then listened to me speak about the Japanese PPT kit. It was a fun time and I look forward to October when I see you all again! See you then, but don't drift too far, because I wanted to share with you what Nick and I love to do AFTER the LABS show. I am ready to come clean, divulge a well hidden secret and a weakness. Yes, we all have weaknesses, even ME! (smile) I'm not ashamed of it and I'm ready to tell the WORLD!

Okay, now the real truth comes out. I really only exhibit at the Los Angeles Bead Society Bazaar bi-annually because we love going to CARNEY's after the show. You twisted my arm and now I have to show you why we love Carney's so much in the next post. Don't blame me if you end up at Carney's next time you are in Studio City! I DID warn you. (smirk)

YUMMY, YUMMY for my TUMMY
Lisa

Show Stop: April 11-13, 2008: Bead Fest Miami

(click any photo for an enlarged view)

This year I am keeping to my promise of capturing my travels to share with you all. Not everyone can attend the big shows but you can be there through my camera.

Step into my third Show Stop this year, as I take you on a visual tour of Bead Fest Miami, held for the second time at the Convention Center adjacent to the Miami Sheraton Mart Hotel. This is my SECOND time in the beautiful city of Miami. Last year, I stayed at the hotel during most of the show. I don't know why I did that since I always have a rental car every show I exhibit.

This year was a different story. I flew American Airlines early non-stop flight at 6 a.m. so I could arrive in Miami early to do some exploring with my camera. This was the FIRST time I flew American Airlines but fortunately after a few chaotic running around finding the right line to do this and that, I made my way to the gate in time. The flight was also on time. Lucky for me considering all the horrid stories regarding this airline in recent weeks!

I have so many wonderful photos to share from this trip that I'll break them up into several posts by subjects. You will be flooded with visual stimuli and after my photos, you too will want to visit Miami on your next vacation! What a beautiful city with beautiful sites, beautiful people, beautiful (and delicious) food - simply put, one word BEAUTIFUL! I was inspired by many elements this city offered.

It is always a challenged to haul many luggages on these trips but remember I am training for my Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure, (I know you've heard me ask before but please donate to my walk. I am $1800 from my initial goal but by far not even close to raising $10,000 between my three team members. My birthday is coming up so I hope you will donate to support me in lieu of birthday cards, presents, or material items to me. I don't need anything but I DO NEED your support to show the world what bead people can do. Thanks in advance. My birthday is May 4th and I would so love to see your name on my donor list!!) so I went to pick up my car from Budget. Guess what I got? I got this little red Chevrolet. I tell you, my guardian angel is watching over me this year. So many signs of "RED" in my life that it is surely a sign of good fortune, good luck, and good prosperity. This is THE year that I get lots done. As in Portland, this trip revealed many signs that I am moving in the right direction and making fabulous connections! More to follow on this.

So after I checked into the Sheraton Miami, I was familiar with the neighborhood from last year's trip, so I strolled down to Publix to get necessities like water, snacks, carrots and some bananas. I don't eat during the show and so one banana each day keeps me going until the show ends - then I have a fabulous dinner! I like to eat HEALTHY if I can but I could not resist the Taro, Plantain, Cassava and Sweet Potato chips I found at Publix. So yes, I bent some rules and splurged a bit on these tasty treats but as a lover of all things food (within reason, not like Bizarre Foods by Andrew Zimmer but more like Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations! - visit Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan, New York!). In the end, I didn't eat all the chips and bought most of the bags back home to extend my enjoyment of these wonderful snacks in future days and to remember my Miami trip! YUM! In order to fit the chips in my check in luggage, I went to the USPS to ship back excess inventory at the end of the show. Anything to make room for good food (and snacks!)

After I dropped off the snacks at the hotel, I found directions to SOUTH BEACH. I will have to designate several posts to photos I captured in South Beach, so let's go to Bead Fest Miami together, shall we?


As you walk into the doors, you are met with the fabulous Team Interweave of Bead Expo and Bead Fest. (Pictured above is Kristen Gibson and Bryan Stathopoulos) The setup in Miami was smaller than in Portland, so the Interweave booth only showcase recently published magazines. Because I knew this in advance, I could not NOT have my book, Bead Romantique, there and disappoint Miami patrons, so I prepared a case of 36 books to the hotel in advance. I later found that my friend Jane Overman, of Jane's Fibers and Beads (the photo of Jane's amazing booth did not come out!! Shucks!), also thought along the same lines and had an extra TWO cases of books to the show for her booth. I am happy to announce that I SOLD OUT of my case of books before the end of the show on Saturday! Yay! THANK YOU everyone who came to my booth for a chit-chat and provide me your feedback on my book. Your overwhelming response and appreciation brings great joy to me that I continue to work hard to build "a beading world". Get cracking at those Bead Romantique projects and next time I am in Miami I hope to see some of you visit my booth with finished designs! Most importantly, just have FUN with the creative process.

My Booth

My booth configuration in Miami was smaller than Portland but I packed as many goodies as I could while keeping with a nice flow of design. I am so picky and particular on how my work is displayed that it takes me DOUBLE the time to setup than most people because every angle has to line up properly. Each dish and display must be spaced just right (the engineer in me!). I think the presentation of one's work is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the quality of the work.

Can you see the beautiful Japanese Professional Precision Tools and the 15" Digital Frame. Oh! I love tools and electronic gadgets. And of course the camera I used in Miami was THAT Kodak from Nick but I can't complain too much as it did it's job. I will make time to break in my Canon Powershot G9 for the next Show Stop. No excuses and I'm dying to see what the hand stabilizer will do to my indoor photography. For some reason the Kodak does not take excellent indoor photos. Oh well, maybe that is why this is NOT my camera. I love teasing Nick about his traveling camera (he has two Kodaks!) I better be nice because he may not loan the Kodak to me in the future. Actually, he is slowly being converted to the Canon and has been looking at MY camera with desire! No one touches MY TOYS! No one. I will share most things but not my toys. Ahaha!

Meet Some of My Exhibit Neighbors

Beyond Beads LLC - New York

Meet Rajeev, owner of Beyond Beads LLC from New York. What can I say about Rajeev that will not make him blush? Or maybe I will make him blush as he just started reading this blog. Having been a show shopper as well as exhibitor, I thought I met most of the exhibitors already. I often like to walk around while setting up (Okay, so the truth is out that I only take twice as long to setup because I am socializing with my neighbors. I admit I like to talk to people to know who my neighbors are. It's amazing what connections you make during these spurts of conversation!!) to see who is there. I don't talk to everyone during setup because everyone is SO busy, but there are some folks that just "tell me" I have to open my BIG mouth.

Being the curious one I spotted some lovely gemstones at Rajeev's booth. Rajeev was there with two friends, Paul and Deepak. I couldn't help but look and of course, started getting these wild design ideas on the fancy shaped gemstones I saw. My wide big eyes were sparkling and already spending lots of money. Kaching. Kaching. I'll let you know that I have self-control. It was DIFFICULT because Rajeev had many beauties! but I overcame my sparkling gemstone desires (until Phoenix where I'll have more time to BUY!) You MUST restrain yourself, if you exhibit in so many shows, to NOT sink into spending spending spending. Besides, I generally try not to buy too much when I fly because I have to pay excess weight (enough to fly another person with me to each show! I hand carry EVERYTHING in 3-4 70lb suitcases!) At Bead Expo Phoenix, I've already made appointments with several new friends, to make some hefty purchases. I can't remain good too long and will just have to succumb to my gemstone wishes! I have many ideas for future projects so will "need" these components. Or at least that is what I tell Nick. (wink, it's our little secret, okay?)

Actually where was I going with this? Oh yeah! I meet a LOT of people at shows and I enjoy talking to everyone. There are rare moments when you come across people that you feel as though you have known them for longer than a few minutes. At least that's in my case. The moment I started speaking with Rajeev, who entertained my questions on his gemstones, I KNEW that he was going to be my friend. Rajeev is a rarity in the bead world, who has such a warm inviting personality for which I discovered in our many discussions during and after the show. I look forward to our future conversations. I can out talk most people and kept the poor guy up past 11:30 p.m. on several occasions. Ooops. Shut me up, will you? I never get exhausted from or shy away from good conversation.

I would have to say that Rajeev's friends Deepak and Paul were equally entertaining to be with. I will protect the innocent and won't divulge what Paul did to Deepak at the Waldorf Tower Hotel where we all had dinner Saturday. I had a fun time with the Indian version of the Three Stooges. The food was delicious as I had the Miami Mahi for dinner but the company was even better.

Susan K. Nestor Studios - Michigan

Nearly every show I have exhibited, I am fortunate to be next to some fantastic people. Susan Nestor is no different and actually a wild little girl (I can say this because I am taller than Susan. I normally don't find people shorter than me so I live it up when I do. Just kidding, Susan) She is a bundle of energy and kept me alert for the show since I was battling a cold (which finally caught up to me when I flew back. Better late than during the show! Yikes!) Thanks Susan!

Susan makes these wonderful message and picture beads from mostly resin but also wood. I love the stories that could be told through her work and I hope to collaborate with Susan in the future. I didn't have a chance to capture Susan beautiful self so I will do MUCH better in Phoenix and take a photo of Susan to share with you all. If you are coming to Bead Expo Phoenix, don't forget to check out Susan's lovely designs.

White Cloud Inc. - New York

White Cloud Inc has a plethora of silver, vermeil and findings to help you tie that design together. It is the finishing touches that add to the complete design. Veeneta, Ahmed and Mr. V (his name is too long to pronounce so I called him "Mr. V") of White Cloud are such wonderful people. Veeneta shared some of her homemade Indian bread with me on Sunday during breakdown and it was oh so delicious with curry flavors. YUM. I love Indian food. What am I saying, I LOVE FOOD in general and enjoy the flavors each culture has to offer. Thank you Veeneta! You have good hard-working boys helping you! (Ahmed and Mr. V was eyeing my 15" digital frame for their bedroom to watch movies! ahahah) See you at the next show or in Santa Monica!

So these were just some highlights of Bead Fest Miami. I had many more photos but they didn't come out good enough to share and I want to stop embarrassing the Kodak camera "for now". My other booth neighbors were Bokamo Designs, Singaraja Imports, and Multi-Creations NJ.

More photos and stories from Miami in the next few posts

Show Stop: March 27-30, 2008: Bead Expo Portland

(click on any photos for an enlarged view)

Aaaah! I am up early this morning, recovering from a cold, yes, but energized nonetheless full of ideas and new opportunities of which I shall share with you folks soon. I like to keep the mystery up of what I am up to but all is well. Aren't surprises fun?

If I had more hours in the day I would be posting more frequently on this blog. I so enjoy writing and sharing part of my life with my fellow beaders and artists. Magic is happening in the background and this year you will see the fruits of my labor!! I'm rebuilding old connections and making new ones, loving every moment of this busy life I lead!

Travel back in time with me to the second Show Stop of this year, Bead Expo Portland, through my camera lens. I tried to take as many photos as I could in Portland to share with you all but I was using THAT Kodak camera "for now" since I haven't had time to play with the new Canon Powershot G9. (The Nikon 995 stays home safe! I have SO many toys!) My new "baby" and toy is feeling sad these days because when it arrived a MONTH ago, I just opened it up to make sure it could power on. YES! I have been THAT busy. You know me, I can never help myself to those electronic gadgets but it's been a bit crazy launching the book and new Japanese tools (more on the new tool kit in another post, after the upcoming Miami trip, as it is an engineer's dream and a wire artist's friend!). I have so much news to share with you all that I am bursting with excitement. I must pace myself and post on the blog periodically so I may focus on the many projects running in parallel.



Team Interweave in their 2008 signature BLUE T-shirts welcomes you as you register for your show passes or sign up for classes. The big case to the left of this photo showcases some of the featured classes that were offered in Portland by internationally known instructors. Interweave is MY publisher for Bead Romantique. I have not met anyone "yet" at Interweave that was not sociable and nice to 'hang out' with. I am NOT saying this only because they are my publishers but everyone is on TOP of their game there. It takes a lot to impress me and I would not say this about ANYONE unless it was true.

Portland was my book launch! This was the first weekend that Bead Romantique was available to beaders. The book has been on Amazon and other book clubs, on pre-order status since mid November 2007. I "finally" had the opportunity to show this book to everyone. In Tucson earlier this year, I only had a mockup of the cover. Everyone kept on picking up the display thinking it was a book. We had to SURPRISE you for Bead Expo Portland. It was so very exciting to launch the book in Portland.

There were many firsts for me on this trip. It was my first time in Portland, my first time launching my first book, my first time showing my new gadget - a 15" digital picture frame, my first time launching an innovative and exclusive Japanese tool kit, my first time meeting my new PUBLISHER, Mr. Stephen Koenig (a very nice guy I enjoyed teasing because he didn't bring enough books to Portland and we SOLD OUT 72 books by Saturday. Sorry my fellow beaders on late Saturday and Sunday! but you can order your copy from Amazon or through me too! This is the FIRST time in Interweave history that a newly launched book has SOLD OUT at their show! Woohoo, I'm dancing in my seat. I am simply THRILLED and thank all of you for your kind words regarding my first book. Enjoy the book, the history and projects! Okay, Steve if you are reading this... "hi" and THANK YOU to Team Interweave! See you in September!!), my first time conducting demos "every" day etc. Lots of firsts that will go down in my life as memorable from this trip. I am a very sentimental person. Without the good folks at Interweave, I would have been just any designer and/or writer without a book to share my design sensibilities and love of the craft with beaders worldwide. Interweave ROCKS!! I love teaching through my writing because I can reach more people than in a classroom setting. Come with me as I discover, learn, grow and thrive in my future endeavors. Come learn with me through Bead Romantique.

In front of Hall A, where we exhibited was this HUGE golden pendulum. With my vivid imagination, I can see the below photo as a possible Thursday Tease photo. Can you see the the photo translated into bead, glass or metal? I CAN. I'll have a nice Thursday Tease to share early as I'll be flying off to Miami Wednesday! With my crazy imagination, I considered what would happen if the HUGE (humongous!) sphere would suddenly break free. Notice I am shooting the photo at a distance and using my telephoto lens. Hey with this vivid imagination do you think I would want to stand RIGHT under the pendulum. Ouch! Anyhow back to Bead Expo Portland.

Every morning I walked from the hotel to the convention center. Remember I am training for my Susan G. Komen walk in November (DON'T forget to support my fundraising efforts, if you can!) so I was walking everywhere and hauling 70lb luggage. One of the luggages going to Portland was 82 LBS! It's funny that the Budget rental car attendants offered to help me load and unload my car but I told them "hey I may be a small Chinese girl, but I need my workout". They stood back and watched me lift all four luggages into the SUV. I took the opportunity to tell them I was a beadmaker and writer as I love sharing my adventures in the bead world, with anyone who has an eager ear. (Can't run away from me now! I love to talk and talk and TALK (as well as write!) about creativity and BEADS!)

By November, I will be so much stronger and hopefully back to the fit/healthy self I once was. YES! I parked my rental SUV (yes I had FOUR huge luggages for my corner booth!) at the convention center and left it there ALL week. It was good exercise even walking in the light rain that is synonymous to the Pacific Northwest. The air was so fresh and cleansing compared to "smoggy" Southern California. I love the Pacific Northwest for it's natural beauty but this California girl was missing the sunshine. I'm such a wimp but was prepared with a long jacket, wool scarf, umbrella and even HAT!

Guess what? All the photos with that darn Kodak inside the exhibit did not come out well. I was so busy (not that I didn't remember) with the show that I didn't even snap a photo of my booth with the cool digital frame. I will do much better at the next show. I spent my free time in the mornings before the show, pre-signing THE book.



Every day 12-1p.m. I did demos on the Pearl Mesh bracelet at my booth with Vintaj, Italian Mesh, Artistic Wire, My $5 pearls and the NEW fantabulous Japanese Plier kit!! (on pre-order status and the FIRST large shipment will be at the Los Angeles port mid to end of May!) Some attendees were able to snatch up the first 18 kits. I shall share the technical details of these lovely and BEAUTIFUL pliers with you after Miami. So much to share with you all. YES these pliers are BEAUTIFUL if pliers can be beautiful. They are in the signature Lisa Kan "black and red". No the factory did not design these pliers in my booth's color schemes. As "luck" (color red) would have it, these pliers found me - I didn't look for them. The last thing on my mind was to become a tool distributor. But I HAD TO SHARE THIS great product with you all. So I am learning how to import and wire transfer money to Japan, learning about how far I can take the falling US dollar versus the Yen, learning about how to package and market an innovative tool, learning about the technology of the Japanese stainless steel standard AISI 420 aka SUS420J2 and MUCH MORE. I LOVE IT, learning new things, especially if it is technical info. I'm a nerd and a geek at heart still. I'll probably get a bit too technical next, so I'll end the Japanese plier topic here for the meantime and focus on the tools exclusively later in a future post.

The pliers DESERVE to have it's own post. The product is "PPT" Professional Precision Tools Made in Japan. I am the EXCLUSIVE US Distributor. I thought of calling it "PPP" Professional Precision Pliers but there is a wonderful flush cutter in the kit, so "PPT" it is! I know good tools when I feel them in my hands. Tools are an extension of our hands. If you can find a better and finer set of tools in the market TODAY for the detailed wire artist, I challenge you. I will GIVE you a free bead if you win! I am confident that you have never seen these in the jewelry industry because these tools are used for integrated circuit (IC) and surface mount technology (SMT) prototyping. AHA! Yes, going to engineering school at Cal Poly Pomona has not been lost in my new life as a bead artist! These tools are designed by engineers for engineers and as an EX-engineer I'm loving it that I can bring them to you at an AFFORDABLE price! I'll tell a story later about the "plier challenge" in Portland later. All I will say now is that I won the plier challenge (Hi "El Jean" yes I am talking about YOU and the plier challenge! Your plier kit is on the way!)

The next post, if I have time later today, will be photos of Portland. I was able to fly in early on Wednesday March 26th and drove around downtown a bit to find snacks for the show before setting up the booth. I love Trader Joe's and seek out one if the city I'm visiting has one! It was BEAUTIFUL even in the rain. I also spotted some interesting architecture and nature to capture. Even with that Kodak, the photos came out beautifully. When you have such inspiration before you, it is evident in the pictures!! I will return to Portland NEXT year September! See you then Portland!

I can't wait and no rain will STOP this SoCal girl from enjoying the city!


Until next time... thank you for joining me on my SECOND Show Stop this fabulous year, 2008! More photos of Portland soon.

The Historical Manning House Mansion

Welcome to the Manning House Mansion: (click any photo for a larger view) Photos were shot on the last day of the show, Feb 10th, before all the customers arrived to capture the true beauty of this landmark.

Transportation and Parking:

Manning House Parking - Main FREE parking lot that leads you right to the Silverbell Gallery (where my booth is... how convenient!)

Alternate City Parking - If there's no parking spaces available, this lot is right next door. If you stay until we close, after 6 p.m., your parking is FREE! And you do need an entire day to see all the wonderful vendors. Whoopee.)

Free Shuttle Service (Every 15 minutes pickup from the front of the Manning House for your shopping convenience)

Manning House Mansion (exterior shots around the landmark):

A new friend Nick met while shooting photos. This little doggie was so energetic and had fun running around Nick while he shot his photos. She wanted to be in some of them too!)

Our friend posing #1

Our friend posing #2

Various exterior shots of the Manning House:





Onsite Cafe and Rotunda:

Cafe to dine and sip a nice cool drink between shopping. How luxurious the setting!

Rotunda outside #1 Another beautiful area to take a load off your feet during your shopping spree.

Rotunda outside #2 Closeup

The Silverbell Gallery:


Entrance from parking to Silverbell Gallery and Ballroom

Gorgeous restroom with carved wood trimmed mirrors. None of that convention bathroom stalls for you baby!

Kelly Russell of Beadfuddled busy shopping and as usual, not at her booth (ha!) One of my best buddies and her polymer work is featured in a project in Bead Romantique.

Before the show opened on last day

Before the show opened on last day

Lisa Kan Designs (Geez, I need a haircut soon. Thanks Nick for taking a photo of the booth BEFORE it was setup. I'll have to add a nicer one on the next Show Stop: Portland)

T-Beads an original exhibitor from day one just like me and Marsha Neal Studio. Tammy makes the cutest sculptural and frog beads! Many of her themes are reflective of her Florida home.)

Marsha Neal Studi0 one of my best buddies and ceramic artist extraordinaire. Just look at the array of color on her table. How does she do it all?
Nikki Thornburg another one of my best show buddies who makes the cutest sculptural frog beads (everyone loves frogs!) as well as organic beads. Nikki also has an energetic and vibrant personality. I love being around her.

The Silverbell Ballroom:

Before the show on last day. This is how things look like before everything becomes pretty!

Vendors cleaning up before the anxious shoppers show up. We had people waiting by the door nearly every day, 1/2 hour before we opened.

Vendors setting up before the crowds arrive.

Vintaj, one my best buddies has a HUGE presence. There are three projects in my Bead Romantique book utilizing Vintaj. I'll also have a number of magazine articles featuring their findings in 2008. More news on this later, gotta keep the mystery up until the articles are published.


Morning Star Room:

Specialty Beads #1. If you look carefully you will see an alternate version of a project from the book on the table near my postcard! Jannell Botto and Specialty Beads is MY source for beautiful Italian wire mesh for all my projects. This is the SAME product as Wire Lace but sold as "wire mesh". The only difference is the copyrighted name.

Speciality Beads #2 Jannell has an excellent selection of Murano glass beads and pendants, which she brings directly from her trips to Italy.

Speciality Beads #3 Other accoutrement like ribbons and findings for your creations

Atrium:


Redondo Pavilion (this tent will be removed for the 2009 MHBS to add additional onsite parking for your shopping convenience!)


Various Interesting Architectural Details:



I hope you enjoyed taking a tour with me through the Manning House and Nick's camera lens. Join me in 2009 as I return to this beautiful venue. The 2009 show will be managed by The Manning House Mansion, themselves, with exciting new changes and improvements to an already beautiful show. Mark your calenders from February 3-8, 2009 and I'll see you there. More news about the new Manning House Beadshow will be posted on their site soon.