Bead&Button April 2020

Fling open your windows and breathe in the fresh, spring air. The sun is out, buds are waking, and a cool breeze is wafting. Spring delights us as a season of new beginnings and, of course, a time for cleaning. Spring cleaning isn’t just a time-honored ritual — there’s a psychological need driving this physical labor. Research shows that clutter-free countertops eliminate stress and lighten our mood. It can make us feel better about ourselves and more productive. I don’t know about you, but these benefits make me think about how good I feel after a day of beading. To help brighten your outlook, this issue of Bead&Button features spring-inspired designs. Zsuzsanna Erdei’s “Forever young pendant” (p. 24) showcases two layered pendants with multiple, springtime colorways. Make a half dozen…

BEADING TRENDS, TIPS, NEWS, REVIEWS, PROJECTS, AND MORE! Reignite! In April, glass beadmakers from around the world meet in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a mission to innovate, the annual International Society of Glass Beadmakers gathering hosts workshops, receptions, and bead swapping — and that’s just the first day! You’ll find a torch event, silent- and live-auctions, workshops, special exhibits, and a bead bazaar. Plus, commercial and technical vendors are on hand for guidance and shopping opportunities. This event is a great place to hone your skills and advance your craft. For details, visit isgbgathering.org. COZY GET-TOGETHER Society Spotlight The clever beaders at the Alaska Bead Society (ABS) have a wonderful event planned for their members. At the end of March, before spring unfolds, the ABS holds a Bead Retreat. Members…

TEXAS STATE BUTTON SOCIETY SHOW & CONVENTION Richardson, Texas March 12–15, 2020 texasstatebuttonsociety.com Ahoy Texas button collectors! Gather for “Buttons in and around the sea.” INTERGALACTIC BEAD & JEWELRY SHOW JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville, Florida April 3–4, 2020 beadshows.com Showcasing gems, beads, unique findings, vintage beads, and more! INNOVATIVE BEADS EXPO Oaks, Pennsylvania April 3–5, 2020 springibexpo.com Don’t miss the Designer’s Dugout with free demos. THE COLORADO STATE BUTTON SOCIETY Denver, Colorado April 4–5, 2020 coloradobuttons.com The annual show offers competitive trays, judging awards, workshops, and shopping. NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUTTON SHOW Waynesville, North Carolina April 25, 2020 ncbuttonsociety.wordpress.com Come for the button displays, vintage clothing exhibits, and button dealers. If you have beading news, tips, or events, send emails to editor@beadandbutton.com, and put “Bead Soup” in the subject line. Psst: we…

beads, pendants, and charms findings products…

MINIMAL METAL JEWELRY By Kieu Pham Gray Minimal metal jewelry Modern designs using wire & jump rings This book is a great introduction to simple metalwork using only two easy-to-find materials: wire and jump rings. Readers will learn many torchwork techniques from an experienced and popular teacher, Kieu Pham Gray. You’ll choose from 20+ modern, incredibly wearable earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets. Most projects include design alternatives in different metals or styles, and a bonus section of handmade clasps rounds out this collection. 978-1-62700-694-1 Kalmbach Media CREATING WOODEN JEWELRY By Sarah King In this new book, author Sarah King combines 24 skill-building projects with inspiration and examples. Following her step-by-step photos, readers can create different statement pins, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Chapters are divided by approach, and include basics, shaping,…

View them all on >> FacetJewelry.com MICHELLE SEPANSKI Patterns Reader Choice Winner • “Festive Chevron” • This beaded kumihimo necklace features a chevron design in the rope and a front focal with textured geometric shape. CLIFF SWAIN-SALOMON Patterns Winner • “Downton Deco” • Inspired by jewelry from the recent Downton Abbey film, this necklace features Swarovski-encrusted V-shaped darts to form crisp lines indicative of the Art Deco period. It uses a combination of CRAW, PRAW, RAW, and peyote stitches. ROSEMARY HOLLAND Shimmer & Shine Winner • “Butterflies in Time” • This necklace showcases a beautiful beaded embroidery collection, highlighting a glass cabochon and Swarovski rhinestones and rivoli. GABRIELLA JASZ Shimmer & Shine Winner • “Midnight” • This striking soutache and embroidered necklace was inspired by the glittering of snow on…