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Where: 2012 location: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718. Previous location: 525 N. Bonita Avenue (near downtown!), Tucson, AZ 85745. Bonita is one street west of the Freeway underpass on St. Mary's. Turn south on Bonita, and you won't miss this colorful building.
What: [2008 review] A totally Swarovski show emphasizing classes and promoting a handful of Swarovski's suppliers; this is not a "cash and carry show." It's an informational and instructional show. If you have a bead shop or produce jewelry in large volume, then this is the show for you to learn more about buying Swarovksi. As a member of the public, this is the show if you want to learn more about making jewelry. For example, one class offered at $115 had the participants make an interchangeable silk purse." The only items this class required you to bring were a few basic tools. Other classes were less expensive; all included materials. In addition to classes, the show boasted an exhibit of last year's winners and finalists from Swarovski's 2007 Design Contest. The contest has three categories: professional, amateur, and student. This year, there was a black and clear crystal bead chess set (complete!), a red lobster, and a crystal-studded mirror frame. For more information about applying for 2008's design contest, and more information about the types of classes offered, check out www.create-your-style.com. It was Arizona Bead Dog's understanding that this is this show's 6th year in Tucson, and 4th year at the Omni.
(Inside and down a short ways to the right, this long hall displays some ideas to use Swarovski crystal -- it's not all jewelry!)
Inside or Out: Inside; the suppliers were located in hotel rooms, and access required walking outside. 2009: Arizona Bead Dog didn't visit the suppliers, but good signage will lead you to them in the back.
Tip: For a girl's day out, you can take a Swarovski class in the morning, and make a spa appointment for later, then eat a nice lunch, and return for more classes! 2009: You can still take some wonderful classes and go to a different local spa elsewhere.
Parking: Since the classes are limited in size and nicely staggered, parking shouldn't be a problem; there's paved parking directly in front of the main entrance. 2009: Ample, paved.
Food: 2009: There were many chairs to sit out and enjoy the great weather, but Arizona Bead Dog just didn't notice the food; it may have been there.
Rest rooms: In the hotel. 2009: In the building.
2012 show dates: Tuesday, January 31st through Thursday, February 2nd.
2011 show hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all days, except last day is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or according to the class schedule.
2009 Shuttle routes: Citrine/Tanzanite.
For additional information: www.create-your-style.com.
(Swarovski crystals form a turtle design -- on a laptop. Clever!)
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