The conference in KZN was, as anticipated, wonderful. In fact, it was even better than I expected. Not only was it a chance to discuss, learn, discover and debate about beadwork with some of the foremost minds in the field, it turns out they are utterly lovely people too!

Before I headed up to Pietermaritzburg for the conference though, I stopped off in Durban to buy beads and visit the much lauded Phansi Museum.

I went to Phutumani Bazaar and N D Patels, and found, to my joy, lots of new colours and finishes of seed beads.

Max at the Phansi Museum was very welcoming, and it was so nice to see him the next day in Pietermaritzburg when he opened the beading conference and the UKZN Centre for Visual Art’s beadwork exhibition.

The conference itself was, as I said, wonderful. At some point I will sit down and write a more detailed reflection, though that said, a small publication will be made containing all our papers in the new year, and I’ll be sure to tell you about it when it comes out.

(here Professor Sandra Klopper, wearing a newly acquired piece of Beloved Beadwork, looks amused at Professor Juliet Armstrong as she sports a 2010 themed hat from the Phansi Museum collection)

What was particularly gratifying for me was seeing people’s reactions to our work. For most there, it was the first time they had come across Beloved Beadwork, and many expressed real excitement and interest in our work.

If I am honest, I was sad it was all over so quickly. But so glad that I went. What a treat!

I am so super excited I barely know what to do with myself!

I’m off to Pietermaritzburg for a two day beadwork conference at the University of KwaZulu Natal Centre for Visual Arts. Yes, I said a two day beadwork conference. In KZN. I am almost melting with anticipation. This is, believe it or not, the first time I’ve travelled alone in South Africa, and I’m really very excited.

I’m flying tomorrow to Durban, staying the night in Morningside, then going on a bead hunt! Three bead suppliers, the Phansi Museum, and the African Art Centre. If there’s time I may even try to make it to the BAT Centre. Then on the bus up to Pietermaritzburg. I’m even giving a half hour talk about our business on Thursday. Then Durban for the night, and an early morning flight in time to join in the festivities of the FIFA  final draw. Ooooh yeay, what a great week.

In other news, big, BIG thank yous to Brandie of Out and About Africa for her lovely post about Beloved Beadwork. What kind words. I hope we can live up to your expectations Brandie!