Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Too much fun in Tucson

So, originally I had planned to blog each day from Tucson, so I could keep my posts short.  Oops, didn't happen.  Tucson was a nonstop whirlwind for me this year, the best yet!

Everthing I do in Tucson centers around the Create Your Style in Tucson event sponsored by CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements which is held at the Tucson YWCA on North Bonita Ave.  This year I taught 2 Workshops and held 1 Demonstration, attended 1 Workshop, the CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Ambassador meeting, and of course, THE party.  This is a great venue for Swarovski, and they graciously add a $5,000 donation to Your Sister's Closet;  the Y's used clothing program for women re-entering the workforce.


Swarovski's show is different from all the others in Tucson because it is based on sharing knowledge, not on selling products. 10 workshops are held daily for 4 days, and this year there was even one in the evening.  Various designers and application experts come in from around the country to teach. Swarovski sponsors the workshops, which keeps the cost low; often well below what one would pay for the elements alone.  The event is very well attended, and classes fill up quickly. 



Additionally, designers conduct free demonstrations showing easy or new techniques and examples of the various ways CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements can be used.


Spectacular pieces from the Inspiration books and Design Competitions are on display.


Crystallized Swarovski Elements are available to look at (and drool over) in the main showroom and a beautiful crystal curtain provides a sparkling backdrop for all the activity. Everywhere you turn, light and color bounce off the walls....everything is Crystallized!
   
There is a wonderful courtyard in the center area where you can sit and enjoy the Tucson sun, have a sandwich or salad, sip a soda and gab with your friends. In the showroom you can see see Swarovski's new Innovations and colors, this release is really fantastic, watch your local bead store for the ceramic beads, the new designer pendants and the gorgeous new Fern Green color.
And watch here for parts 2 and 3....Classes & Shopping
Sparkles and smiles,  Diane