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2012 Tucson Show Update: Week 2

By on February 3, 2012
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photos by Heather Dean; written by Rose Marion, Wire-Sculpture.com

This week I was mainly at the TEP Gem & Mineral Show, one of Tucson’s very best shows and it’s what should be in the dictionary under the definition of “eclectic.” TEP, at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, is my very favorite show thanks to the range of jewelry and other products, as well as the inestimable people we meet there, both buyers and vendors. Please enjoy these pictures! I’ll be traveling to different shows the next two weeks, so stay tuned for those updates!

One of the guys putting up our big JewelryTools.com blimp, so people can find us for classes & tools easily: it's a big blimp!

Unique quartz geode egg

They look like pebbles at a glance, but they're highly polished freeform labradorite cabs by the handful!

Streams of beads line the tables inside some tents.

This fantastic Predator sculpture was made from car parts, wrenches, and other mechanical things. Its price tag: $7500! (and already sold)

There may be no such thing as a rock too big to wire wrap.... but you're going to need a lot of wire for these ones!

Choose from gemstone slaps as dinosaurs roam the tables...

Did someone say triceratops?

Not all the beads at the show are little glittery things- plenty of gemstone beads to be had, too!

Choose polished and rough stones surrounded by eclectic artwork.

Brenda Schweder, steel wire maven, works on a piece with a student at the JewelryTools Tent, ES14

Eva Sherman demonstrates tools and jewelry making at the JewelryTools.com Tent

Irina Wilson demonstrates her intricate beading work at the JewelryTools.com Tent.

Jackie Trudy and a student complete a project at the JewelryTools.com Tent.

These gemstone obelisk shapes ranged in size from pendant to bookend in a variety of stones.

Shopping is lots of fun at TEP Gem & Mineral Show!

14 Comments

  1. avatar

    Lillian Mahoney

    February 4, 2012 at 9:35 am

    you must have had so much fun. I plan on going to one this year.

  2. avatar

    Rachel Ison

    February 4, 2012 at 10:22 am

    Great pictures!!

  3. avatar

    Susannah St. Clair

    February 4, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Oh boy… does that look like the most fun EVER!!! All those wonderful stones, critters and sunshine! I am so jealous .. I will have to make that my next vacation destination.
    Enjoy!
    Susannah
    Whimsy Ware

  4. avatar

    Jody Blackwell

    February 4, 2012 at 11:27 am

    I am *in love* with the obelisk gemstones! If they were not in your tent… do you recall which vendor had them, and how I might get a hold of them; since I am no where near Tuscon. I really wish I were there, in Tuscon!! Thank you!!

  5. avatar

    sue beebe

    February 4, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Wow, those obelisks are gorgeous! Sure wish I could be there! Thanks for sharing your photos.

    Sue

  6. avatar

    rose brooks

    February 4, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    i WILL BE THERE ON THIS COMING MON. I LIVE IN MARICOPA SO AM NOT TO FAR AWAY. LOOKING FORWARD TO FINDING YOU AND SEEING IT ALL.

    • avatar

      rose brooks

      February 6, 2012 at 7:39 pm

      I went and saw you today. i enjoyed all the booths and gems and all the rest. even got to use one of your chairs this afternoon. so much to look at and so little time. thank you.

      • avatar

        dalecgr

        February 12, 2012 at 10:39 am

        Yeah Rose!!

  7. avatar

    Moraima Annandsingh

    February 4, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Wow! it is so exiting to see all these pictures, thank you for them, it is so nice to see the amount of things, although it is by picture, but these give me an idea of the fun you all are having.
    Thank you

    Moraima

  8. avatar

    Margaret Lakas

    February 4, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing. Everyone looks like they’re having a wonderful time. I can only imagine what it’s like to stand next to some of the gigantic rocks and gems. It’s also nice to put faces to names I’m familiar with. I’ll be watching for more. Have fun, stay safe.

  9. avatar

    elizabeth g. shelton

    February 4, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    Thanks – loved viewing the photos, but the very notion of being there viewing, making choices and decisions on what to buy scares me silly. regards, elizabeth

  10. avatar

    M T

    February 4, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    Thanks for sending the all those pictures, I really enjoyed them.

  11. avatar

    Sharla J. di Varmo

    February 5, 2012 at 1:47 am

    You’ve got to get some of those awesome obelisks! I’ve always loved them. Are they really pricey? Hopefully better than museum shop prices!

  12. avatar

    Jan

    February 7, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    At your tables, is there a cost for the student in these one-on-one photos. Looks like a lot of fun. Jan