About Us

The Bead Society of Victoria

Founded in 1994, the Bead Society of Victoria was formed by a small group of bead enthusiasts, who wanted to direct their passion for beads into founding an organization to include beadwork into the arts and craft movement in Australia. In the first years, bi-monthly meetings were held in Melbourne, but when the BSV grew larger in size, the frequency of meetings was increased to every month.

At these meetings, the members come together to bead and chat and, most importantly, help each other to develop their skills and exchange creative ideas.

Monthly meetings are held on the second Sunday in Melbourne at Carnegie (with the exception of November and January). Today, the BSV has members from all over Australia, UK and USA from all age groups. The society is very active in providing workshops by local tutors at the monthly meetings. Techniques including a range of bead weaving stitches are taught, and other complementary techniques like working with polymer clay, resin, fabric, or metal. The common passion for creating beautiful jewelry and non-jewelry pieces using a large variety of different media makes the BSV a successful and inclusive organization and the monthly meetings highly inspiring events. Each year in November the BSV runs the Melbourne Bead Expo which comprises a trading floor, where exhibitors display their beautiful bead wares. Workshops are offered by both local and international tutors.

The various exhibitions of beadwork held in conjunction with the Bead Expo each year provide an amazing array of high-quality beadwork in different categories, e.g. the “Bead Challenge”, and “Member’s Showcase” competitions. Entry in competitions is only open to members of the Bead Society with the exception of the Bead Challenge, which is open to all. In addition to this, the society runs other programs designed to suit the needs of the membership – such as retreats and day programs. These provide a longer form of activity and are well attended by the membership. Volunteers are always welcome, and we would be happy to hear from you if you are interested in helping, especially for events.

Bead Society Committee

The Bead Society is run on a voluntary basis and our Committee members are elected at the Annual General Meeting each year in August.

Dorothy Krajewski

President

Dorothy has been beading for 3 years, her favourite colours are blue and green and she no longer has a favourite beading stitch. She loves jumping in the deep end and picking difficult projects. She has a very high stack of UFOs.

Erika Romeike

Vice President

I joined the BSV in 2013. My favourite technique is Peyote at the moment. Love working on 3d projects. My favourite colour is Blue and so most of my work is in blue beads. Love all beads. 

Jeanette Downs

Secretary

My favourite stitch is RAW, in all it’s various forms.
This is my 3rd year serving on the committee as Secretary

Catriona Starpins

Treasurer

 

I absolutely love sparkle and beads are perfect for adding sparkle to everything I can. I love bead embroidery and bead weaving and try to bead a little each day. I have been beading for the past 20 years and joined the BSV not long after learning to make basic necklaces and earrings.

Dorothy Krajewski

Newsletter Coordinator

Belinda Wild

Membership Coordinator

Joanne Ivy

Website Coordinator

I love all bead beaving, but my shortlist of favourites are RAW, Peyote and Herringbone.

I joined the committee to help make the website a better experience for members and showcase the BSV to all beaders.

I’ve been a BSV member for over 20 years.

 

Margaret Mueller

Workshop Coordinator

Meg Thompson

Social Media Coordinator

My favourite stitches are bead embroidery, herringbone and RAW in all its forms. I love combining bead embroidery and bead weaving!
I joined the committee in 2023 because I’m passionate about sharing beading and the BSV with the wider community. 

Lavinia McEwan

General Committee Member

Janice Chan

General Committee Member

ABOUT US – Meetings

The society holds the following regular meetings:

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Wednesday nights at 7pm (AEST) – virtual

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second Sunday of the month (Carnegie, Vic)

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no meetings in January as we hold our annual Bead Retreat

Location of Bead Society meetings

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Carnegie Library – A member is at the ground floor Shepparson Avenue entrance to welcome people until 10.30am. Public library opens at 12pm.

CARNEGIE MEETING. 10am-3pm

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Monthly technique workshops. Samples are displayed the month before and shown in the newsletter. Members must book and pay online

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Traders are available to buy supplies from

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10.30am (approx.) – President’s Report. Members who are unable to attend in person can log in via Zoom and view it live

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10.45am-12.00pm. Access to our member library of beading related books and magazines.

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Tea, coffee, sugar and milk are provided. BYO mug

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Members either bring their own lunch or visit one of the many food places nearby.

Entry Fees
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Members: No charge

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Non members welcome to attend a meeting before joining

Always bring along your usual kit * to meetings if you are not sure what to work on.

* Usual kit comprises, beading needle, preferred beading thread, beading mat or board, scissors and anything else that helps you work.

Bring along your beading, work on any unfinished projects or get help from a fellow member if you are stuck on something.

NOT A MEMBER YET?

There are a range of benefits in being a member of the Bead Society of Victoria.

Join Now

Melbourne Bead Expo

Dates:
Friday 22 November – Sunday 24 November 2024

Location:
Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill, Victoria