This is a cast pendant I picked up for $4 at the Stay Tucson Show outside of the Ethnographic Room.
We went to the show at Casino del Sol and I discovered that there was very little available as collectibles. I did however find one dealer who had some loose beads available. I purchased this handful of loose milli's. The larger beads were $4 each while the small ones were $1 each. I combined them with some loose beads I had at home to come up with a completed strand.
Alas I didn't get much this year since bargains were few and far between but I did come up with a few. Here is a Ghana strand I got for $35 and a strand of "Hounds Tooth" beads (is that the right name for these?)
I also found this strand of wooden beads with metal inlay for $10 and a strand of glass "feathers" for $20. I have similar strands of feathers but this is the first time I found some blue ones.
I also found a stone pendant for $2 and a cast bronze face for $7.
The Kino Sports Park show this year lacked anybody who had any collectible beads. I did find one strand of Dogons at a dealer, but he was VERY proud of them and was asking way too much. As a result I ended up buying some random loose items and a bunch of those $1 to $3 strings of modern glass and stone beads. I also scored some Buffalo Nickels for $1 each.
I'll spare you all of the glass and stone strands that I purchase and just show some examples. I purchased the one strand simply because it was such an absurd color green. I discovered that the green portion glows outrageously in black light so that makes it fun.
Finally here is a look at this years haul that is about to get loaded into my display.
I can't afford to go to Tucson, and I can hardly afford to buy any more African collectible beads. So your "budget beads" and shopping expedition is most appreciated! Thank you for sharing. :-)
Fortunately, I bought tons when they were more affordable, and I think they will last me a lifetime. Or two, or twelve! :-D
but I am always eager to find out how you manage time after time to find interesting beads on a budget. Thank you for sharing!!!!