It's been a great week here in Bellevue, Washington at the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) conference. Bill and I are pictured here at the conference banquet and auction with some of our fellow Virginia Firebird chapter members from back home. The conference has been jam-packed with classes and presentations from the best in the business. We went on a gallery tour yesterday for some shows curated for our group. Today, more of the best bead makers in the business had pieces for sale at the conference's annual bead show that was also open to the public. I am a lucky girl and scored an exquisite bead and silver ring from Kristina Logan. Tomorrow is another full day of educational presentations. This was our first show and we are impressed with the quality of the teachers and lectures. We can't wait to get home and try out some of our new tools, mandrels and silver glass purchased from the vendors who came to entice us with the latest and greatest items for our glass habit. We are already looking forward to next year's show in Rochester, New York!

We often like to take vacations with and arty element. Recently we drove up to northwestern Massachusettes to Snow Farm, a rustic arts facility near Northampton. What a great time! We took lampworking class from the fabulous Heather Trimlett. Other 3-day intensive classes while we were there included basket making (these were incredible, not grandma's baskets), wood block printing, metalsmithing, glass blowing and welding. Great food too. Really a fun time. Most folks stayed in the dorms, but me being admittedly high maintenance, REALLY wanted my own bathroom. So we stayed in town. Northampton is a great town. Good food and great shops. We look forward to going back some day.