By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer

Meg Fillmore, co-owner of Bead My Love, wearing a necklace which she made. Picture/courtesy of Meg Fillmore
Marlborough – The Innovative Beads Expo is underway at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 123 Boston Post Rd. West. Open Friday, Jan. 13, and Saturday, Jan.14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the expo features beads from 29 vendors. Coined “Your favorite bead show in the Northeast,” the expo offers beading classes conducted by well-known experts on Saturday and Sunday.
Debra Huber, of the online bead store Clever Treasures, has been selling her beads at the Bead Expo for many years.
“We sell ceramic beads, large-hole beads, and leather-and-magnet clasps,” she said.
Huber is pleased with the venue and the attendees.
“Marlborough folks are the best!” she said.
Meg Fillmore and her mother, of online store Bead My Love, are a daughter/mother team who have “turned a fun hobby into a dream job.”
“My mom, Moggie Moyer, and I have been coming to Marlborough with the Innovative Bead Expo for about five years,” said Fillmore. “I will say this about the expo in Marlborough – it is my favorite show. I love the hotel, the vendors are wonderful, and the customers are the best.”
The Innovative Beads Expo is primarily a retail show, but it is open to the general public looking to buy beads. Designers, bead shops and establishments seeking to purchase wholesale are also welcome. To buy wholesale, one must have a valid Re-sale Tax ID certificate from one's state.
For free admission to the show, visit http://www.innovativebeadsexpo.com/coupon.php?id=192.To receive $10 off beading classes visit, http://www.innovativebeadsexpo.com/workshopforms/Workshop%20Reg%20Form_MB_Jan12.pdf.
Note: No baby strollers will be permitted in the exhibit area.