Day 2

Today started off with a tour of the last remaining button pressing hut in Jablonec.  We were also allowed to work the cutting machine which is the second step after the Button has been pressed and cooled down, and the glass slag is cut away from the Button then ground smooth.

After we all saw production at the button hut we moved over to the painting and showroom where we saw the buttons being finished, packed for shipping orders and overruns stored for shop sales, which was where we came in. Buying. Which we did - lots of it. I’m pretty certain we all had fun.

Before we knew it, it was time for lunch. We found a nice restaurant and ordered beer, juice, salads, pizza and other sundry food items before rushing off to another bead pressing factory. We were late because our GPS was lost and I hate it. I should have relied on my own experience and knowledge of the area.




Found the factory, we all bought lots of beads and immediately rushed off to another bead factory where we bought more beads.

We knew the day was successful because of the oohs and ahhs coming from everyone and also all the smiles. The large packages of beads we all bought was another indication.

A quick stop at a jewelry making showroom using seed beads was squeezed in, and personal purchases were made by a couple of people.

But the day wasn’t over as we made one final stop at a small home run factory involving vintage black glass jewelry using nailheads circa 1880. Museum quality items were available for purchase while the owners wife provided us with apple strudel, coffee and tea while we sat in her garden in the shade and relaxed from all the bead buying. The wife even gave J-Me a bouquet of lilacs which she grew in her lovely garden. They smelled so heavenly.

And here are a few patterns of beadwork which we saw at a few of the bead factories:

Then back to our hotel and the day was done! Phew - bead overload.
Every one was on their own for finding what they wanted for dinner or not, some of us had leftovers and much needed rest.