Post ISGB "Gathering"

I am sorry I have been less than consistent at posting! I was preparing for and then attending the International Society for Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) big conference called the "Gathering." It was the most amazing event I have ever attended. I have realized that glass bead makers are probably the nicest group of artists ever. From day one people were welcoming me as a newcomer and making me feel like part of the group.
I helped set up on Sunday, then TA-ed for a class on Tuesday and Wednesday, took some business based classes on Thursday as well as staying for open torch and then attended Friday through Sunday. I have to say I spent way too much money and I am not sure how I will recover from that one. I bought some different kinds of glass such as ODD lots of Italian soft glass, some Creation is Messy colors, and some Satake and Kinari which are both Japanese and have a very different look. I have been drooling over Satake ever since I started looking at lampwork! I bought a few tools (mostly graphite), the set of brand new enamel pens from Thompson Enamel as well as their luster powders, gold stone to make my own stringers, the list goes on... I also indulged myself by buying some amazing beads!!!!!
I love Japanese lampwork so I bought two beautiful Tonbo-Dama, and one beaded ring from a Japanese lampworker, I just wish I could speak Japanese. I bought a ton of other beads which I will post pictures of as soon as I take them :) On the last night I also got some amazing trades from some wonderful and kind artists. It was interesting watching people trade, especially as a newbie. Some people were willing to trade with anyone regardless of skill level while some would walk around the tables looking at everyone's beads and only trading with those they felt were "worthy enough" to trade with them. This was definitely something I want to keep in mind for when I am no longer new so that I don't ever make people feel that way. Everyone was new once, right?
The best part of the whole thing was the friends I met... I got to know some of the members of the local ISGB chapter, Star of the North Glassworkers, much better which was fun, especially since most of my friends from school have moved away. I also met a few people from out of town which will make the next Gathering even more exciting. Hopefully, my next post will have lots of cool photos of stuff ;)
I hope everyone is staying cool! It has been 90+ degree days here... in Minnesota of all places!