BeadStyle : Bead&Button Show

The Bead&Button Show - it's closer than you think!

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:18:00 GMT

This week, in addition to taking one last look at the pages of BeadStyle's January issue before it heads to the printer, I start editing the 2010 Bead&Button Show class catalog. "But the Bead&Button Show is months away," you say. Is it, or is it right around the corner? Here are some upcoming dates to keep in mind:

- Now: Preorder your Bead&Button Show class catalog. The catalogs are expected to ship December 18.

- January 12, 2010: Online class registration opens.

- April 5, 2010: Deadline for submitting Bead Dreams entries. Check out the new wirework category!

If the economy is a big consideration for next summer's plans, now is the time to start making plans and budgeting for the 2010 Bead&Button Show. Go to BeadAndButtonShow.com for more info!

New Xilion bead

Cathy Jakicic — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Though there’s been buzz about this for awhile, the official press release arrived this week about the new Crystallized – Swarovski Elements Xilion bead.

Called an enhancement of the popular bicone shape (5301), the Xilion (5328) has more facets and a hole with rounded edges to “amplify sparkle” and protect threads.

According to the release, the Xilion’s “harmonious design and dimensions make possible beautiful combinations with its predecessor, the bi-cone bead 5301.”
Good news for bicone fans, especially those with a stash. More good news – you can call your bicones ”vintage” soon. That makes a sexier label for the jewelry designs you sell!

The Xilion,which will be phased in gradually, will be available in 66 colors, 20 effects, and in sizes from 3 mm to 10 mm. The 2.5 mm bicone will still be available.

Master class mastered!

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:49:00 GMT

These picture are from the master class I took at this year's Bead&Button Show and the resulting graduation ceremony. I took Valerie Hector's Chinese bead weaving class. It was wonderful!! I though after three day my brains and all urge to bead-weave would just leak out of my ears when I went to bed, but I was completely energized by the experience and can't wait to do more.

Most of the credit for this goes to Valerie. She's a remarkable teacher. Intelligent, funny, patient, prepared, and very encouraging.

And her knowledge and curiousty in the area of Chinese bead weaving and culture was really impressive. I also have to give a lot of credit to my classmates.

As anyone who takes (or teaches) a lot of classes can tell you, the students are always the big wild card. I'm happy to say that every single person in the master class was delightful - creative, generous, and fun.

For those of you at the show - what was your favorite class?

Dancing the night away in the world of jewelry

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:47:00 GMT

Hi. I'm Linda and I am a swing dancer. Whew, I feel better getting that off my chest! During daytime hours, I work on the Web sites and behind the scenes on our three jewelry titles--BeadStyleMag.com, BeadAndButton.com, and ArtJewelryMag.com. And in the course of my day, I run across various projects in print and on the Web site and very often have that "Oh yeah, I was going to make that" moment. Well, this is one of those moments, so I thought I'd share it with you.

As a swing dancer, this Tiny Dancer piece called out to me when it was published in August 2007 in Bead&Button magazine. "Make this for Christmas gifts for your dancing friends," it said. Of course, I didn't do that at the time, but with the Bead&Button Show coming up in just a few months, I'm going to keep an eye out for good flat, rectangular beads for this purpose.

Much more timely than Christmas gifts, with this being the season for Spring dance recitals, the ballerina figures also included in this article would make a great gift for your little one's dance teacher. There are even square dancers to honor that special do-si-do-ing duo you know. If you've got the August 2007 issue of Bead&Button, the project is on page 66. If you don't, you can order a copy or purchase a pdf of the project. I know I've got this issue at home. Now I just have to find it and get out the pliers and some wire and get busy!

The reason I'm sharing this project with you BeadStyle readers to see this easy wirework project and start thinking about expanding your wirework skills. Of course, BeadStyle has a bunch of great wirework projects available too; check out these wire projects from BeadStyle magazine! Let me know what wirework projects you've loved or that you try from the site--I want to know what you're creating.

Check out our video interview with beadmaker and jewelry designer Melissa Cable

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:39:00 GMT

Check out the video section for an interview with jewelry designer Melissa Cable. Click on "Video," and you'll find Melissa under "Interviews."

Melissa's riverstone-inspired beads and the resulting necklace are featured on page 124 of the September 2008 issue of BeadStyle magazine. Linda Augsburg caught up with Melissa at the Bead&Button Show for a chat about creating lampworked beads; her bead store, Beadclub; how she got started beading; and how she got published in BeadStyle. Come back for interviews with Kerri Fuhr and Stacy Frost, who are both referenced in the sidebar in Melissa's "Inspired by riverstones" article. They will be posted later this month.

June 27th jewelry gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:27:00 GMT

Where has June gone? Between the Bead&Button Show and jury duty, it seems I've spent almost as much time out of the office as in. I'm sure all of you are just as busy. So reward yourself by taking a break from the busy and go see what my blogging friends are up to this week.

About.com Jewelry Making
Think outside the jewelry box and consider other crafting techniques for making jewelry! Crochet is just one example.

Art Bead Scene
Polyester Makes a Comeback in a surprising new way!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reflects and gives thanks to everyone who helped her out at the Bead & Button Show

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Eye Candy, a few new designs from Jennifer Jangles

Jewelry & Beading
Just having returned from Italy, Cyndi was inspired by all the suppliers of beautiful Murano beads.

Katie's Beading Blog
Multiple strand necklaces are always in style. Read Katie's blog for tips.

Savvy Crafter
Rockin' Riveted Ring over on Candie's blog!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean interviews the fabulous Margot Potter for Art Bead Scene!

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses beautiful presentation boxes made from origami

And speaking of the Bead&Button Show, check out the necklace I made from one of my Show finds!

Did you survive the Bead&Button Show?

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:44:00 GMT

Last week was my first time attending the Bead&Button Show, and what an experience! It was fantastic to meet so many creative people and world-famous teachers and designers. And of course I had a blast shopping.

On that note, I made a number of rookie mistakes that I thought I would pass on to any of you planning to attend next year:

1) I turned my back on a strand of beads I was thinking of buying. I wanted to make sure I was committed to the purchase, and since you can’t carry around your “maybe buys” like you can in a store, I simply continued my shopping without making a note of the booth the beads were at. Never saw them again. Lesson learned: Always write down the number of the booth or circle it in your show program, even if you think you'll remember the approximate location.

2) I didn’t bring enough cash. Most of the show vendors take major credit cards, but only if your purchase totals more than $20. Since I was just picking up a strand here and a strand there, I often had to pay in hard currency, which quickly dried up. Lesson learned: Hit the ATM before shopping.

3) I carried around my class supplies, including a task lamp, in a tote bag while shopping. My shoulder quickly became tired, and I swear I am still walking a little lopsided today. Lesson learned: Store your supplies in a locker, your car, or your hotel room while shopping, but leave enough time to retrieve them before your class.

4) I wore fashionable rather than comfortable shoes. Not only were my feet sore while I was shopping, but standing around booths and teachers during demonstrations quickly became painful. Lesson learned: Your show shoes should be comfy and supportive.

Finally, a shout out to all the students of Lisa Niven Kelly’s ShaBangles class Saturday, 2:00-5:00 pm. Thanks for being such good sports about the weather and helping to keep panic-stricken tornado-phobes (that would be me!) calm. It was wonderful meeting all of you! How did your bracelets turn out?

Creative stretching

Jane Konkel — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Next week most of us here at BeadStyle, Bead&Button, and Art Jewelry will be at the Bead&Button show. It's a crazy-busy week, but a great opportunity for us to meet our readers, share our skills, teach and take classes. In addition to my other duties, I will be taking two classes this year. The first one is Using Microfold Textures in Jewelry taught by Jack Berry, the second is Kim St. Jean's Time to Say It. These classes are a little removed from most of what we do at BeadStyle, but that's as good a reason as any to take these classes. I have found that taking classes at the Bead&Button show is an opportunity to stretch myself creatively. I enjoy working with the instructors almost as much as with the other students in the class. Everyone is so willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I'm sure most of the classes are full and have waiting lists, but if there are any openings they will be posted near registration. If you plan on coming to the show this year, and still want to take a class, by all means check out those lists.
If you see me at the show, please, please, please stop and introduce yourself. Or, come sit a spell with me at the demonstration table located next to the magazines' booth (#401) on the show floor. I will be there on Sunday 11:00–12:00.

Fair Trade Connections

Jane Konkel — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:38:00 GMT

This weekend in my neighborhood is the Westside Artwalk. I am honored to be displaying some of my tagua bead jewelry at Four Corners of the World. The jewelry is made with beads similar to the tagua sliced used in the necklace on the March cover of BeadStyle.

Four Corners of the World carries a variety of Fair Trade products, including: coffee, tea, chocolate bars, table cloths, gifty item for kids, finger puppets, musical instruments, carved animals, clothing, baskets, Putumayo World Music, purses, scented soaps and lots of beautiful jewelry.

Approximately 2.7 billion people in the world exist on less than $2 a day. Fifteen thousand children between the ages of 9 and 12 have been sold into forced labor on conventional cotton, coffee and cocoa plantations.
Fair trade is a system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership with people internationally through fair wages, public accountability, consumer education, cultural identity, and financial and technical support. Shopping at places like Four Corner of the World is a unique experience. The purchase of fair trade items is money ethically spent.

If you live in the Milwaukee area, or if you have plans to travel to Milwaukee for the Bead&Button Show (June 1st–8th). Stop and shop at Four Corners of the World.

Bead-show buzz

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:12:00 GMT

Last week, staff from both BeadStyle and Bead&Button returned from the Tucson gem and mineral shows. Though I didn’t get to go, all the sharing of stories and purchases has gotten me excited for the Bead&Button Show, June 1–8, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

You may have read the “Bead&Button Show guide” in our March 2008 issue, which includes a show schedule and survival checklist. For even more information (and we’re talking lots and LOTS of information), check out the show Web site, www.beadandbuttonshow.com. In addition to registering for classes, the Web site allows you to do some pretty awesome things:

1)    Look up pictures and bios of your teachers, including our very own Naomi Fujimoto
2)    Preorder souvenirs (they go fast, so we really do recommend you preorder!)
3)    Plan which restaurants you want to eat at while you’re in town
4)    Make a beeline for your favorite vendor (if you know their booth number) by viewing the 2008 floor plan

Now, an admission: This year will be my first time at the Bead&Button Show, or any bead show for that matter. In light of that, I’d love to hear stories and advice from anyone who has attended! What should I (and other beaders) know before going to the show?