Intergalactic has been bringing beads and jewelry to the Pompano Beach area for almost 16 years. Our shows offer an incredible selection of beads and beading supplies in one easy, convenient shopping location. The IBJS exhibitors come from around the US to exhibit at the shows so customers have a wider selection than they find in the local area. The show constantly has new and favorite exhibitors selling unique beads. This year we are fortunate to have a new exhibitor who helps others by selling earth friendly beads.
Eco Chic Jewelry features jewelry that represents four different organizations. The beaders, who create the beads, are refugees from Jinja, Kitgum, and Acholi Uganda. Eco Chic supports these beaders through: marketing their paper beads, vocational training assistance, English and literacy classes, Business, computer, and leadership and development training. They also offer tutoring and scholarship programs for the beaders children Business start up grants, and revolving loan funds Income- generated projects For each beaded necklace sold, the woman who makes the necklace receives 40% of the profits. The beading group receives another 30%. This is better than fair trade prices! Currently group members are involved in businesses such as grocery kiosks in their neighborhoods, reselling of produce, candle making, sewing school uniforms and other clothing products.
Along with Eco Chic we have two new lampwork artists Raida Disbrow of Havana Beads and Starleen Colon of Starleen’s Studio. Visitors to the show will also find beads in every size and shape imaginable, including semi-precious and precious gemstone beads, seed beads, handmade artisan glass beads, and exotic ethnic beads made from natural materials such as bone and wood. Our exhibitors are constantly updating their inventory to keep up with current trends.
Customers at the show trust the quality and value they find at our shows since Intergalactic has been promoting bead and jewelry shows for over 16 years with more than 40 shows a year. People love the shows! Our attendance has increased over 25% since 2008. Another reason attendance has increased is beading thrives during recessions. When vacations and even movies are too expensive people stay home more and look for other things to do. Beaders turn to creating their own jewelry to save money and give beautiful gifts.
Beading has been around for thousands of years. It has been popular since the moment an ancient human found a shell or stone and wore it around their neck. Since then beading has been popular in one form or another. Back in 2004, Interweave Press did a survey and found there are more than five hundred fifty thousand active beaders in the US who spent an average of $850 on supplies each year. In a 2008 IBJS survey we found 45% of beaders surveyed said they prefer buying their supplies at bead shows versus other sources such as online.
Beaders come to the show so they can see the color, style and quality before they buy. They can hold the beads in their hand and see how it would fit into their next design. At the show they can find an extraordinary array of beads, stones, and findings that will be a perfect addition for their jewelry.
Attendees to the show also enjoy meeting and learning from the friendly exhibitors. The exhibitors offer advice on the types of beads, styles and what’s hot in today’s market. One of IBJS’s favorite exhibitors is Susan Barnes, Fire Goddess, Marietta, GA. Susan designs and creates beautiful handcrafted glass lampworked beads. Another long time favorite is Oriental Treasure of TN one of the best bead suppliers in the Southeast US carrying a large variety of gem stone beads, coral beads, pearls, turquoise, lamp work glass beads and silver findings.
We are excited to have this opportunity to bring beads from across the nation to bead lovers in Pompano Beach. Visitors to the show should stop by and Eco Chic Jewelry and see what’s new in beading!
