Sondra’s Spontaneous Inspirations

If you have considered traveling to Bead Fest to take beading, metal working or jewelry making classes, I recommend the show traditionally held each Spring in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Downtown Santa Fe is the perfect setting!

Nearly everything you need is within easy walking distance and you have access to many quintessential New Mexico experiences:

Art galleries, museums, artifacts, history, culture, excellent food, and shopping.  Schedule extra time for day trips and activities.

I had a great time taking metal working classes, and learned many new tips and techniques (which I will share on the blog soon!).  A tip if you are traveling to take classes that require heavy tools:  Securely pack them in a box and check it as luggage.  The cost for a checked bag is now often less than the cost for shipping a box through the mail.

Beyond traditional sterling silver and turquoise jewelry designs, you can find design inspiration nearly everywhere you look.

A few words of caution: Santa Fe is expensive, so plan accordingly. Spring is the windy season, so expect strong winds. Juniper trees produce huge amounts of pollen, so if you suffer from seasonal allergies, Spring can be miserable. The high altitude of Santa Fe is very dry, so staying hydrated is important.

More images from my recent Santa Fe excursion can be found on Pinterest.  Enjoy your travels, wherever they take you!

Sondra