Tucson Gem Show - Jan 28, 29, 30, 31 and Feb 1.

January 28 and 29 we just relaxed around camp, BBQ'd, slept, met new friends, explored the lapidary shop and pottery shop on site. This campground is amazing! Besides the 2 shops I just mentioned, there is also a sewing shop, stained glass shop, woodworking shop, lapidary shop, library, coffee room with free coffee and tea, 2 swimming pools, 2 hot tubs, shuffle boat, laundry room, 3 halls for bingo, ballroom dancing and other events, and probably more. There is an amazing outdoor railroad set up for the toy train enthusiasts. The list goes on.

In the afternoon we drive around town and scope out other shows that are already open for business or still setting up but customers are milling around trying to scoop up early sales. Fun.

The sunset that evening was very nice.

Then on Jan 30 and 31 we began setting up our booth at the Gem Mall, along with everyone else. Trucks, cars, trailers everywhere, all trying to get as close to their door into the tent as possible. Dollies, push carts, forklifts all wizzing around loaded with tubs, boxes, pallets of beads. People from China, India, The States (all 50 of them), Indonesia, Africa, Australia, everywhere.... milling around, talking, shouting, greeting old friends, giving orders to workers and husbands, spilling boxes on the ground and then madly picking up the contents. Uniformed police security walking around watching, customers sneaking in for early buying opportunities, workers going booth to booth looking for jobs. Madness, excitement, adrenaline pumping, chaos and organization all mixed into one. Back breaking work. More than once hearing and saying "I'm getting too old for this!"

 Two guys we used as muscle helpers to unload!! 

But by 7pm on the 31st we close up our booth and head home to the RV for dinner and last minute sign making, etc... the show opens in the morning! The reason we are all here.


Feb 1- day one of the show!! It was jamming and humming with so many people. They lined up to get signed in for their badges and all of a sudden, just 20 minutes before opening- the rain just pored down! People ran for cover, had books over their heads and some went to sit back in their cars.
As quickly as it started, the rain stopped. Customers came flooding in to go shopping!

Guy getting those last minutes items to put out on the tables.

We will be selling Paula Radke's beads at our booth!!!

Some of our amazing high end stone beads!

Guy Showing off our lovely American Turquoise. 

The day went by wonderfully fast. Many people found beads, buttons, baskets and more at our booth. We made some very happy people today!