Without jewelry, pearls would be nothing but oyster gallstones and treasure chests would contain nothing but dirty back issues of the Economist. Embrace the power of bling with today’s Groupon for the Santa Fe Interweave Bead Fest 2011 running from Thursday, March 10–Sunday, March 13 at two bazaar locations—the Santa Fe Convention Center (Friday–Sunday) and the Hilton Sante Fe Historic Plaza (Thursday–Sunday). Choose between two options:
- $7 for one four-day pass (an $18 value)
- $10 for two four-day passes (a $36 value)
At Santa Fe Interweave Bead Fest, 130 booths of jewel craftsmen from across the nation converge to show and sell shiny stringables and ornately painted pieces. Complimentary shuttle service whisks guests between the bazaars to see pieces like the African-inspired Kazuri-bead neck- and wrist-nuzzlers from Antelope Beads of Colorado, or Pennsylvania’s Kabela Design, animating metal into vintage-inspired charms, cuffs, and gear-shaped trimmings.
Sonoran Beads of Arizona will show off body adorners forged from vibrantly colored glass and porcelain, avoiding impractical donut-hole stringing techniques of old. Besides browsing wares, visitors can take in demos and book signings throughout each day and catch up on breaking jewelry-industry rumors inexplicably left out of newsstand gossip rags.
Those inspired to delve into the world of jewel-smithing or looking to fashion unwanted car parts into stylish collarbone covers, can choose to sign up for one of more than 90 workshops led by experts in crafting body baubles from metals, silks, and resins.
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Bead Fest Santa Fe
Bead Fest Santa Fe unites do-it-yourselfers and arts-and-crafters during a four-day celebration of beads, jewelry—and for good measure—some more beads. More than 150 booths and tables set up shop for the event, each ready to restock repertoires with gems, stones, and a hodgepodge of other supplies.
In between exploring the sea of exhibitors, attendees learn about the latest techniques, tricks, and tools at nearly 100 all-inclusive workshops (not included with the price of admission). There, artists from around the country provide education on specific topics in classes such as Intro to Metalsmithing and Wire Weaving, where guests learn the craftiest way to escape prison. Free demonstrations, book signings, and other attractions round out the fest's collection of creative attractions.