Elizabeth Rush
Secretary
30 years of bringing beaders together.
About BSV
Founded in 1994, the Bead Society of Victoria began with a small group of bead enthusiasts who wanted beadwork recognised within Australia’s arts and crafts movement. Today, our members are everywhere from Melbourne, all over Australia and Worldwide too
Beading, friendship, and a 30-year community.
Our story
In the early years the BSV held bi-monthly meetings in Melbourne. As the society grew, we moved to monthly meetings, now held on the second Sunday of each month at Carnegie Library, with the exception of October (Bead Expo) and January (Bead Retreat). Our members come together to bead, chat, and most importantly to help each other develop their skills and exchange creative ideas. Each October we run the Melbourne Bead Expo, a trading floor of beading suppliers plus workshops and exhibitions of beadwork.
Meet your committee
Volunteer-run
The Bead Society is run on a voluntary basis. Committee members are elected at the Annual General Meeting in August.
Emily Johnston
Treasurer
Jeanette Downs
President
Belinda Wild
Workshop Coordinator
Prue Barridge
Membership Coordinator
Joanne Ivy
Website Coordinator
Fiona McArthur
Bead Expo Coordinator
Meg Thompson
Social Media Coordinator
Lavina McEwan
General Committee
Margaret Mueller
Librarian
Bethany Williamson
Newsletter Coordinator
Where and when we meet
Meetings & location
Always bring your beading kit — needle, thread, mat or board, scissors, and whatever else helps you work. Bring a project, or get help on something you’re stuck on.
Regular meetings
- Wednesdays7pm AEST — Virtual Bead & Chat over Zoom, open to all members.
- 2nd Sunday10am–3pm monthly at Carnegie Library, Melbourne. No meeting in January or October.
- OctoberAnnual Melbourne Bead Expo — workshops, traders, exhibitions.
- JanuaryAnnual Bead Retreat at Melbourne University College.
Carnegie Sunday meeting
- WhereCarnegie Library, 7 Shepparson Ave, Carnegie VIC. Lifts available for wheelchair access.
- WelcomeA member is at the ground floor entrance until 10.30am. Public library opens at noon.
- President’s reportFrom around 10.30am.
- Library borrowing10.45am to noon.
- Tea & coffeeProvided. BYO mug.
- EntryMembers $5 (cash or card). Non-members welcome to attend one meeting before joining.