The plan was to let my grands have them for crafting, but when I saw Just. How. Many. Beads. there were, I moved to plan B.
Send some of the beads to grands (with a note of apology to their parents if need be) and then figure out what to do with the rest. That box above is what I sent Pony Pals Cambria and Titan.
I kept the skeins of beads, thinking I might let kids bead at my booth during the Feast, but I am too busy selling to supervise that activity.
I will contact Brooke and see if the person who runs the bead-working booth for kids at the Feast can use them. Fingers crossed; I'd like to pass them on and see them used.
See that plastic bag on top of the bead case? Those are special beads that I found mixed in among those millions of beads, beads that I knew were valuable. I decided to contact some friends who made and sold beaded items at living history events.
I sent pictures of what I wanted to give them, and they were happy to take it all.
Real glass wampum, not an imitation. That is a 1980s price tag. In 2026 money, that glass wampum would be priced at $6.83/ounce. Or $109.28/pound. (I triple checked my math on that price - I could not believe how valuable glass wampum is.)
These are an unusual bead called "greasy yellows." I think that's a nickname, and they certainly are not greasy. They are from the 1980s and my understanding is that now they can be hard to find.
Shells drilled for stringing, bells, flat shell discs, and tube beads probably made from bone or horn.
Jingle cones and some ear wires. All sterling silver.
Of course, I have to post the Women's Jingle from the 2019 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow.
An assortment of beading needles.
Brandon and Jessie are dropping by during Friday night's set up to say hello, and I'll pass these things on to them then.
Gem Show vibes!! Part of the Tucson Gem Show is Bead shows, and this post strongly reminds me of them. I thank BreyerFest for acquainting me with the mindset necessary to survive what can only be described as overexposure and "buffers full." Too many beads indeed. I am glad you are finding homes for them.
The beads are very interesting but that amount is overwhelming. Glad you found a place for them to be used and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWOW, that's a lot of beads! The artists in me loves looking at the stringed beads in the cabinet drawers with all the color variations.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting that video. The bead work on their regalia is incredible!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure trove of beads!
ReplyDeleteGem Show vibes!! Part of the Tucson Gem Show is Bead shows, and this post strongly reminds me of them. I thank BreyerFest for acquainting me with the mindset necessary to survive what can only be described as overexposure and "buffers full." Too many beads indeed. I am glad you are finding homes for them.
ReplyDelete