Where: South Sun | 8601 Aero Drive (enter at Sandrock Rd.) | San Diego, CA 92123
When: Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Click here to sign up

What’s a Bead Swap   
A Bead Swap is like a party where you bring your beads and trade them for different beads that other participants bring.  No money will exchange hands. Our Bead Swap is designed to renew your interest in beading.

Bring your tired, old, unloved beads and exchange them for fresh, new exciting beads! Your extras, leftovers, and "boring" beads may be just the inspiration someone else needs to start beading again! Whatever you saw in the beads is still there & might be exactly what someone else needs for their project.
We will also have some light refreshments (drinks and snacks) & plenty of time to socialize.

What kind of beads can I bring?  
You can bring most any kind of beads that you are willing to get rid of.  The better your selection of beads the better the Swap.  Most people are looking for unique and unusual beads, gemstones, pearls, pendants and of course lampwork beads.   Even individual beads can be great trades - someone may need it for a focal bead.  Most any type of bead will be fine. 

What type of beads should I refrain from bringing? 
Try not to bring plastic beads, children’s beads, dirty or broken beads.  Remember, you want another participant to trade with you, and the better your beads are the more fun you’ll have and the better your chances are of getting the beads you want.

How does it work? 
Bring your beads to the Swap in plastic zip-loc bags or see-through bags. Bring extra bags with you as you will want something to carry your new treasures home.  Bring a tray or large piece of cloth to display your beads & designate your area. When you arrive you will be given two name tags.  One name tag will go on your shirt so participants can find you and the other will go on your tray or cloth.  Then you will display your items in the area provided.

I’ve displayed my beads now what do I do?  At this point you can walk around and look at other beads/trays and pick out items of interest to you.  If you find something you like then you may either call out to find that person or, walk around and find them.  (It won’t be difficult).  Then, take that person to your area and see if there is anything they would like to swap with you.  Remember no money will change hands.  You may decide to stay with your tray, or you may decide to walk around, it’s completely up to you. 

What should I do if I don’t find any beads I want?  If someone wants to trade you for your beads and you don’t see anything you want from their tray, try to find a third party, who may have something off their tray.  Get creative and do a mini-swap party.  You may have them check back with you in 30min or so to see if you still have the item and then swap or you could opt to just give them the item (it could be you in their shoes).  Remember this is to be a good-hearted, fun event.