04.22.2008 | Posted by Hazel Wheaton

Win free tickets to the 2008 Bead&Button Show!

Spring is just around the corner, which in our office building, means one thing — it's nearly time for the Big Show! I'm talking about the Bead&Button Show, which hits like clockwork every June (this year, it's June 1-8). A full year's worth of work by our Events Marketing staff is reaching something like fever pitch, as the dedicated team enters the final stretch of preparations. Here at Art Jewelry, we want to do our part. Various members of the staff will be taking classes, teaching classes, or both; plus, we'll be on the show floor giving demonstrations of jewelry-making techniques and taking questions from our readers. 

The thing to remember is that despite the name, the Bead&Button Show encompasses a whole lot more than beads and buttons. The show has diversified and grown past its early years, and the fastest-growing segment of classes is in wire- and metal-working. If you work with wire, metal, or metal clay, you'll find lots on offer.

Whether you’ve attended the show before or not, we want to make it easier for you to come and check out the gems and beads and jewelry-making tools. Post a response to this blog entry, and your username will be entered in a drawing for two free tickets to the Show. If you’re a registered user to our site, you don’t need to supply your contact information — if you’ve won, we’ll ping you with a private message. If you're not a registered user — well, we'd like to you register, but you don't have to. Just be sure to include your e-mail address so that we can contact you. The contest will be open for two weeks, meaning that on Tuesday, May 6, we'll select the lucky winner. Good luck, and I hope to see you at the show!

[UPDATE]: We've gotten a great flood of responses already! I did receive a couple of e-mails that required clarification, however, so I wanted to make it clear that the offer is for free admission tickets to the show itself. We aren't offering airfare or hotel accommodations. I dearly wish we could!  

Comments

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:29 PM
    Bre said...

    My mom and I are feeling remorse as we are not attending the B&BShow this year-- our husbands would like to ban us from the show as we always say we are going to stay on budget, but with all those pretty little things, it is really hard! I think I mostly miss the buzz at the airport, the excited faces ready to learn something new, and meeting people from all over with an interest in jewelry. So much fun and I'm so jealous of everyone going this year!!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:37 PM
    JMD said...

    I've attended the Bead and Button Show for the last two years. I'm new to jewelry making and I come away with loads of inspiration (not to mention loads of new goodies to play with!) Hoping to win the tickets, but I'll be there either way!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:37 PM
    leibea said...

    I hope I win.....

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:39 PM
    snodancers said...

    I think that the one to be your guest to Bead & Button will be surprised at what is there. I have never been but hope to one year..So Thank You for giving someone this beautiful gift.

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:43 PM
    jhendel said...

    I would love to go to the show.  I am hoping that I can win the tickets.  I also am looking for an agent who would do the work of arranging for my jewelry to be in galleries, boutiques, etc.  Anyone know how to do this?

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:49 PM
    ac studio said...

    Hi Hazel!

    Art Jewelry is my #1 favorite magazine - how's that for a comment? Now If I win, I would be more than happy to sit around and autograph copies of my new book:

    Metal Clay Beyond the Basics!

    Best,

    Carol

  • April 22, 2008 @ 3:52 PM
    lucy2 said...

    The Bead and Button was my first 'big' show, and big it was!  I was able to attend in 06 and had a blast, made lasting friends and learned invaluable tips and techniques.  Anyone that has time and money, please try to fit this into your plans!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 4:02 PM

    Of course I want to win a free tickets to the show!!   It would be the first time for me, and would be great to meet talented bead and wire artists.  I have been pleased and impressed with Art Jewelry magazine - beautiful photos and the best how-tos.  I definitely look forward to every issue!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 4:03 PM
    jewel54 said...

    I am sure I don't have to tell you how lucky you are that you get to have so much fun learning and teaching the art of making jewelry. I would love love love to have your job. Lots to do, see and learn how cool is that!!!

    Just to see all of the beads would be so mesmerizing!!!!!!!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 4:06 PM
    marya said...

    Drool!   Drool!    I would love to go ... even better if it were free!!!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 4:26 PM
    imabeadin said...

    I have never had the opportunity to go to any bead shows because of where I live.  I live in Arkansas and everything is just so far away and I'm on a really tight budget.  I would love to win tickets, maybe then I could finally go.  Thanks for the opportunity.  

  • April 22, 2008 @ 4:34 PM
    DoBeJo said...

    My neighbor has attended the Bead Show several times and says my hubby and I should attend.  If I should be so lucky to win the tickets, I'll bet he'd say, "Let's go!"

  • April 22, 2008 @ 5:19 PM
    sistert said...

    The show always sounds so wonderful. I'd love to FINALLY get to go. *crossing fingers and toes*

  • April 22, 2008 @ 5:34 PM
    Mary7117 said...

    I went to the show two years ago and met a wonderful woman from England who has become a dear friend and "bead buddy".  The show is not only the most remarkable place to find every jewelry component you can imagine (and many you can't) but it's the opportunity of a lifetime to meet and learn from gifted and generous teachers and make friends with people from all over the world.  What better way to bring peace to the world than for everyone to sit together and bead!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 6:49 PM
    VAharoni said...

    The only way I'm going is if I win. So here is my 'qualifying' comment. And my fingers are crossed along with everyone elses. Good luck!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 7:01 PM
    ERB said...

    I'm retired now....and beading will be my new focus.

    I live in the Milwaukee area and have never attended

    the show.  I would really love to win those tickets.  My

    fingers are crossed!  

  • April 22, 2008 @ 7:11 PM
    zianumber1 said...

    i would love to be able to go (sigh).  thanks for the chance!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 8:03 PM

    I have heard the show is fabulous but could not afford to attend without winning the tickets.  Thanks for keeping the dream alive.

  • April 22, 2008 @ 8:25 PM
    Rebarr said...

    I am new to jewelry making and would love to attend the show! I'm a self-proclaimed "craftaholic" and would be very willing to support the exhibitors at the show.

  • April 22, 2008 @ 8:29 PM
    bogate said...

    maybe if I win free admission to the show, I can then talk my husband into me spending the money for airfare and hotel.... good idea!

    Living in a rural area, I always have to travel for classes and I love taking them and learning new things.

  • April 22, 2008 @ 8:59 PM
    obe199 said...

    Hello from Miami. Wow, Milwaukee, WI. Never been, would love to go and attend for the first time. Good Luck Everyone !!!!

    Pick me plz !!!!

    mu@@@@ thanks !

  • April 22, 2008 @ 11:01 PM
    lapidarygal said...

    If I would win free admission to the show, I will have even more to spend on the overwhelming array of "wonderful things."  I also hope your staff will be demonstrating the Metal Clay origami from this month's issue!

  • April 22, 2008 @ 11:37 PM
    pirate_wench said...

    Ahoy there!

    I've never been to the Bead & Button show before...sounds like fun!

    *huggles and love*

    -Sarah ^_^

  • April 23, 2008 @ 12:02 AM

    Love Art Jewelry Magazine, love B&B.  I actually grew up in Milwaukee.

    Nice of you to offer.

    Peace and Reason

    Donna Lewis

  • April 23, 2008 @ 12:42 AM
    VMOriginals said...

    I too have never been to Bead & Button; but I used to work for Lady Bug Beads here in Webster Groves MO and had to drool over all the wonderous beauties as they came in after our owner Susan Rabbitt started sending them home for us to start pricing and stocking the shelves!!!.  Needless to say I never took home a paycheck!!.  FREE TICKETS?? Where do I sign up....!

  • April 23, 2008 @ 3:23 AM

    Now all I'd need would be to win airline tickets to Milwaukee...maybe I'll be able to afford them next year!

  • April 23, 2008 @ 8:09 AM
    shanarai said...

    The Bead and Button show was a great place for my mom and I to get together and spend a fabulous week together! She lives on the west coast and I am on the east coast. What a special time. Hope we can create new memories again this year!

  • April 23, 2008 @ 8:45 AM
    NoLikey said...

    I have never been to the show so I thought I'd leave my comment here in hopes of having the chance!

  • April 23, 2008 @ 9:13 AM
    TZDEWY said...

    I have attended the show before and would like to attend this year.  Economy is crappy in Michigan so I don't know if I can afford to make it, however, winning tickets would make a little easier.  Great show and buying beads in person is sooooo much better.

  • April 23, 2008 @ 9:50 AM

    Sounds delicious.  The annual Bead & Button Show.  WOW!  I'd love to go.  Hope I get to this year.  

  • April 23, 2008 @ 11:14 AM

    I am truly a novice, with very few objects I have created using jewelry items.  However I would like to win these tickets as I am interested in the use of other crafts (eg.crochet and knitting) being used in expertly created jewelry items. Thank you :)

  • April 23, 2008 @ 11:53 AM

    I have always wanted to go, but could never afford it.  So here's to hoping.

  • April 23, 2008 @ 12:06 PM
    jcompeau said...

    I would love to win tickets to this. I'm planning on driving up to do shopping, but attending a class would be fantastic.

    Jane

  • April 23, 2008 @ 12:22 PM
    spike2020 said...

    The show is fun, inspiring, overwhelming, cost effective (depending on how you look at it!)  I recommend it to anyone for the sheer awesome size and product available

  • April 24, 2008 @ 12:37 AM
    jpsg said...

    Dream-of-a-lifetime attend this Show! So many artists to learn from, so many creations to view, so many awesome collections to be inspired by & buy -- all compacted at this Show!

  • April 24, 2008 @ 7:59 AM
    LRPDesigns said...

    I would absolutely love to go to the Bead and Button Show.  I have never been before and would be thrilled if I won the tickets.  Art Jewelry is a FANTASTIC magazine.  I have learned so much from reading it and hope to start my own jewelry business soon.  Keep up the good work!

  • April 24, 2008 @ 11:44 AM
    luvs2create2 said...

    I'm a mixed media artist/instructor. I attended the show for the first time last year. It was a fun time, but a bit overwhelming. I'm not a "purest" beader---I mostly use metal and wire in my work, but I found lots to interest me. I look forward to attending again and free tickets would be a bonus!!!

  • April 25, 2008 @ 2:48 AM
    BH-Deb said...

    I hope I am doing this right; I am hoping to register to win show tickets for the B&B Show.  Debra Long

  • April 26, 2008 @ 5:10 PM
    AppleTurkey said...

    It would be awesome to win!!  

  • April 27, 2008 @ 2:33 PM

    Yes, please! Enter me! I'd love to come

  • April 30, 2008 @ 5:18 PM
    cindy30549 said...

    After seeing the catalog from last year I'd love a chance to be there in person.

  • May 1, 2008 @ 6:44 PM
    beadnhappy said...

    I'm new to making jewelry and I really love it. I've never heard of a Bead and Button Show. Sounds fantastic!

  • May 2, 2008 @ 6:55 AM
    CC Creations said...

    I just attended my first show EVER.  I attended the Wire Jewelry Fest.  I LOVE working with wire and metal and came away with great guideance and inspiration.  I'm a new subscriber to Art Jewelry.   I really like the variety of jewelry you report on.  It was interesting to me that you said that it has grown in the metal and wire segment.  Do you think there is more or as much as the Wire Festival?  My intentions would be to attend one of these types of show per year for the instructions.  I think maybe next year, it will be the Bead & Button show.  It is a longer venue and could afford more opportunity for classes.  I'm from Texas and its a long way and a long stay.  But I thoroughly enjoyed going to PA for the wire fest!  I will have to work really hard this year to sell more so that I can attend a show of this magnitude!!

  • May 2, 2008 @ 9:44 AM
    Addie Kidd said...

    Hello "CC Creations" and everyone else who's expressed curiosity,

    The Bead&Button show in Milwaukee, WI is the largest consumer bead show in the world!  It's definitely worth the trip in from wherever you live.

    And we've got over 500 classes, with PLENTY of wire and metal and glass and metal clay to keep all you non-beaders happy and creating. I'm taking three classes myself.

    You can search the class list by instructor or media via this web link. beadandbuttonshow.stores.yahoo.net/classes.html

    Hope to see you there!

    ~Addie Kidd~

    Associate Editor, Art Jewelry magazine

  • May 5, 2008 @ 10:38 PM
    susanna said...

    in love with beading, but never attended the famous B&B Show. I'd love to go this year; so here's hoping for those two free tickets to come  my way!

  • May 20, 2008 @ 6:31 PM
    Lee said...

    I was just looking at all the great classes being offered and regretting how I've never been to Bead & Button's Show. It would be so wonderful to meet all the talented teachers and other beadaholics like myself and maybe learn a few new techniques in the bargain.

About Hazel Wheaton

Hazel Wheaton has been the Editor of Art Jewelry since October of 2005. She lives on the East Side of Milwaukee with two cats, Marilyn and Gracie, and tons of as-yet-unpacked boxes of books.

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