Artisan shows with a long creative history

Our story

More than three decades of beads, jewelry, design, and craft

Since 1992, Bead & Design Shows have promoted a wide diversity of exhibitors, with thousands of artisans and tradespeople traveling from across the United States and around the world to exhibit their work.

The shows are built around direct connection. Visitors can meet the people behind the work, ask questions, learn about materials and techniques, and shop beads, jewelry, gemstones, textiles, artwear, findings, embellishments, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods.

A founder rooted in materials and making

Bead & Design grew from founder Anna Johnson’s lifelong interest in sacred textiles, mosaics, tapestries, rare kilims, embroideries, vintage and antique beads, and traditional handcraft. As a traveling merchant and self-taught glass beadmaker, she experienced the artisan world from the inside before turning her energy toward producing shows.

That background shaped a show culture focused on makers, materials, and authenticity. Bead & Design has always been more than a simple sales floor; it is a place to discover work directly from the source and to understand the stories, skills, and traditions behind it.

From Tucson roots to California marketplaces

The first major show grew in Tucson under the name To Bead True Blue, an invitation-based event that helped define an artisanal bead-show experience. Over time, related shows and marketplaces expanded the same spirit of direct-from-the-source discovery to additional locations and audiences.

Today, Garan-Beadagio, LLC produces Bead & Design Shows along with related creative marketplaces, including Colors of the Stone and Artazan events. Each event has its own identity, but they share a commitment to artists, designers, materials, craftsmanship, and visitors who want something distinctive.

What visitors can expect

• Artists, designers, beadmakers, jewelers, textile artists, and independent creative businesses.
• Beads, gemstones, jewelry, artwear, textiles, findings, embellishments, and artisan-made goods.
• Opportunities to meet exhibitors, learn about techniques, and shop directly from the people behind the work.
• Workshops and demonstrations when available for the individual show.
• A welcoming public event for collectors, makers, designers, students, and curious first-time visitors.