So, did anyone around this area make it to the Gem Faire in CM?  Other than Ontario last March, this was only my second time attending and it was far bigger. I was mesmorized and overwhelmed and for a bit somewhat frustrated, but I kept circling and adding up pricing and figuring out who had the best prices and came away with more knowledge and a better shopper.

I'd like to again today, but have a party I have to attend.  I know the prices will be better at close out, so next year, I will go on Sunday instead. 

 If you were there share your thoughts?  What did you think? See? Hear?

I'd like to have taken a class, but for the money you pay it's too noisy. They need a separate room to do that, really.  I found it too distracting when I walked by and looked for a minute.

Just seeing the thousands of dollars in gemstones and everything laid out was so amazing to me.   

 Yes, I did attend.  It is one of my favorites since it is close to home and you can't beat the free parking!  There will be another one there in October and one right before Christmas I believe.  I went to the Santa Monica one in July and parking was $8!  They hardly had anything that was different. 

These shows can be very overwhelming.   I always try to take a list and pretty much stick to it.

I have my regular vendors that I go to.  Where in the OC are you located and what type of classes are you interested in??? 

Oh, I'm glad you mentioned that there's another in October.  I will be waiting!  I like the ones that are close to home as well.  I am especially interested in learning wire wrap of cabochans as in making cages and other types of wire wrap. I'm a newbie to it and a bit intimidated.  I'm located in the Westminster/Ftn. Vley/Huntington Beach area. 

I also went for the first time with a few other people and was a little overwhelmed. But, we but went with our class instructor. She walked us around and showed us the lowest priced vendors for different items and best quality.

 I went back on Sunday by myself with a list and purchased the things I wanted. Most things were lower priced than on Saturday.

I got a free ticket out of the OC Weekly and it was good for the weekend and also the show coming up the weekend of Sept. 8 in Ontario.  www.gemfaire.com is the website and you can see the schedule and print a free ticket.

I'm also in the HB/FV area and like events at the fair grounds as they are close and easily accessible.

 The city of Irvine has a Fine Arts Center where I am currently taking a silversmithing class.

The also have wire wrapping and many other jewelry classes. Here is a link in case you want to check it out!  http://www.cityofirvine.org/depts/cs/finearts/ 

I had no idea.  Thanks for the link!  Let me know if you ever want to meet up. I've met with one other person out here.  It's alway fun to meet fellow beaders and I'm looking for someone who'd like to bead together once in a while and bouce ideas off each other....

Can you reveal privately who the best priced vendors are at the shows?  I'm curious about that.

Sure! Would like to meet up. I'm also interested in meeting with others to share ideas and tips. I'm currently in a class and am hoping to set up a monthly meet with the ladies in my class once we are done.

I'd be happy to share the info .. I'm new to this site, so not sure how to post a private message.

 J.