The Bead Society of Victoria, Inc. (BSV) was founded in 1994 by a small group of bead enthusiasts who decided to direct their passion for beads into founding an organisation 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.

BSV monthly meetings are held on the second Sunday in Melbourne at Carnegie except for November when the Expo is on, or in January.

Today the BSV still has members all over Australia from all age groups. In past years the members' magazine “Connect” has been a communication link to those members unable to attend the monthly meetings, providing projects and galleries of members’ work.

However, due to rising publishing and postage costs this has been discontinued. We now have an increased emphasis on providing more digital information. 

The BSV is very active in providing workshops by local tutors at the monthly meetings. Besides bead weaving, other techniques are also taught, for example working with polymer clay, resin, fabric or metal. 

The common passion for creating beautiful jewellery and non-jewellery 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 trade floor, where exhibitors display their beautiful bead wares. 

Workshops are offered by both by local tutors and usually every second year an invited International Tutor provides added inspiration to all.

The various exhibitions of beadwork held in conjunction with the Bead Expo each year provide an amazing array of high quality bead work in different categories, e.g. the “Bead Challenge”, “Member’s Showcase”, including the “Handmade Bead” competition.

Only BSV members may enter the Showcase sections. See the Members' Exhibition 2018 competition details. 

In addition to this, the BSV runs an annual Bead Retreat in January, where a number of classes are offered by local tutors. Members have the unique opportunity to spend three days of shared, creative heaven.

They can learn new techniques, expand on their skills, socialize and network with fellow artists. They also have the added luxury of having meals provided with no housework to do.

Please let us know if you are interested in helping. We appreciate any support and will often call for specific event volunteers too.