Join BSV
Join BSV

A community for the love of beading.

Founded 1994 · Melbourne

Bead Society of Victoria is where beaders come together to learn, share and create. Monthly meetings in Carnegie, weekly Zoom sessions, and members from all over Australia, and Worldwide too

Become a memberSee events
Frozen Heart — Bead Challenge entry

Three ways to bead with us

How we gather

In person, on Zoom, or away on retreat — there’s a place for every beader, whether you’re starting out or experienced

  • Weekly Zoom

    Wednesdays · 7pm AEST

    Bead and chat from your home. Show what you’re working on, ask for help, see what everyone else is making.

    • Monthly meetings

      Second Sunday · Carnegie · 10am–3pm

      Workshops, traders, library access, and a room full of beaders ready to help. Members $5 at the door.

      • Annual retreat

        7th to 10th January 2027 · Melbourne University College

        Four days, ensuite rooms, all meals provided. Several workshops, traders on site, and time to just bead with friends.

        30 years of beaders, beading.

        About BSV

        Founded in 1994 by a small group of bead enthusiasts who wanted beadwork recognised in Australia’s wider arts and crafts movement. Today the BSV has members across the country and overseas.

        Read our story
        BSV Bead Challenge entries — group display
        Coming up

        Workshops & events

        Open for booking now. Member pricing applies — non-members welcome at some events.

        Melbourne Bead Expo 2026

        Melbourne Bead Expo 2026 – Lanterns with Meg Thompson Friday 9th October 2026 1pm to 4pm

        Bookings Open Members Friday 7th August at 7pm Non-Members Friday 14th August at 7pm   Lanterns Description: Create these gorgeous lantern beaded beads using…

        $75.00 Book workshop

        Melbourne Bead Expo 2026

        Melbourne Bead Expo 2026 – Christmas Tree Decoration with Emily Johnston (taught under official licence) Friday 9th October 2026 1pm to 4pm

        Bookings Open Members Friday 7th August at 7pm Non-Members Friday 14th August at 7pm   Christmas Tree Decoration / Proudly taught under an official…

        $75.00 Book workshop

        Melbourne Bead Expo 2026

        Melbourne Bead Expo 2026 – Basic Kumihimo braiding with Elizabeth Rush – Friday 9th October 2026 9am to 12pm

        Bookings Open Members Friday 7th August at 7pm Non-Members Friday 14th August at 7pm   Basic Kumihimo Braiding Description: Learn to make ropes with…

        $75.00 Book workshop
        See all workshops
        2025 Member Showcase

        From the most recent Bead Expo

        Winners and entries from the 2025 Showcase & Bead Challenge at the Melbourne Bead Expo.

        Christine Mole — Purple Fascination

        Christine Mole

        Members Original Jewellery 2025

        Purple Fascination

        Meg Thompson — Coastal Twilight

        Meg Thompson

        Bead Challenge 2025

        Coastal Twilight

        Aletha Sbizziri — Coastal Twilight

        Aletha Sbizziri

        Bead Challenge 2025

        Coastal Twilight

        Elizabeth Rush — Bead Challenge 2025

        Elizabeth Rush

        Bead Challenge 2025

        Coastal Twilight

        Browse the full Gallery

        What members say

        From our members

        • Default avatar — thinner stroke, editorial feel
          Four days at Melbourne University College with beaders from across the country, all meals taken care of, ensuite rooms. I plan my year around it. You leave with new techniques, new friends, and a finished project.

          Jo

          BSV member since 2003

        • Default avatar — thinner stroke, editorial feel
          I have made some lovely friends at the Bead Society and even though I don't live in Victoria I enjoy joining the Wednesday evening zoom sessions. My favourite thing to do is meet up with these friends and make new ones every year at the summer bead retreat. Four wonderful days of socialising and beading.

          Jeanette

          BSV member since 2018

        • Default avatar — thinner stroke, editorial feel
          I joined BSV after attending a Bead Expo. The welcome was so genuine, and the level of skill in the room is something else. I love chatting as well as the beading

          Jane

          BSV member since 2019

        Ready to find your beading people?

        Join us

        Membership is $61 a year (plus a one-off $15 joining fee). Welcome pack included. Try a meeting for free first if you’d like.

        Become a memberLearn more about BSV