Creative inspiration can be found in many places. However sometimes we can become so distracted by everyday life that we aren’t aware when our creativity is trying to inspire us. I know there are many people who claim they aren’t creative, but I believe that being creative is a combination of talent and skill — something that can be fostered if one is patient and willing to practice and to try something new.  

Gem Faire San Diego | June 26 – 28, 2015. Photo Credits: Krista. Collage created with PhotoGrid iPhone app.

I recently took some time to check out the Gem Faire that travels to San Diego several times a year. According to their website, the Gem Faire is one of the largest gem, bead, and jewelry shows in the United States. In San Diego it is held at the Scottish Rite Event Center in Mission Valley. Every time it’s in town I say to myself, “I should check out that Gem Faire.” Finally when it was in town in June I took the time to attend. Previously I had signed up on their website for announcements and was able to get a free admission pass to the event. There were so many vendors it was a bit overwhelming at first. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for exactly, but I had a feeling I would know it when I saw it.

After wandering up and down the rows of booths and looking at all of the beads and gems, I spotted some beads that I decided to make into a bracelet. I chose some ladybug beads and some small black beads with white flowers. At a second booth, I found another piece for a necklace. There were a few more supplies I needed to make my new jewelry, which I was able to get at the Jo-Ann Fabrics in my neighborhood.  

Basic Supplies: beads, bead board, how-to book, stretch cord, spring bead stops. Photo credits: Krista. Collage created with PhotoGrid iPhone app.

First I confirmed what size bracelet I would need for my wrist. The how-to book I got said that bracelets are commonly 6” to 8”. After measuring the stretch cord I added 3” so I would have enough cord to make the finishing knots. Using a bead board and some spring bead stops was also very helpful. I put a spring bead stop at about 1.5” up from the end of the stretch cord and then started stringing my beads in the pattern I had decided to use. I continued the pattern until my bracelet was 7” long and then put on another spring bead stop. Next I checked the bracelet size on my wrist to make sure it was the right length. I knotted the ends of the stretch cord and then tucked the excess cord back into the beads to secure the ends. The necklace was even simpler to create. For the necklace I used some dark brown cord that I bought at the Gem Faire. The finished products turned out just as I had hoped and I look forward to wearing them soon and often. If you have an opportunity to check out a Gem Faire near you, hopefully you’ll be inspired to create something also. Explore. Imagine. Create.

Ladybugs bracelet and necklace created by Krista. Photo credits: Krista. PhotoGrid collage app.

Gem Faire Schedule – Check here for when it will be in San Diego County.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Post updated: July 2017