Jewels and Spools

Jewels and Spools

Who knew Milwaukee hosts the largest consumer bead show in the world? Expecting more than 14,000 attendees (98% women), this weekend the Bead&Button Show will showcase more than 370 vendors and offers 765 classes in 12,000 square feet of exhibition space – a mecca for local crafters and jewelry designers. Find one-of-a-kind finished jewelry plus precious gems, pearls, art beads, metals, and beading supplies for your own creations. Not sure where to start? Event manager Marlene Vail recommends taking two days to cover the marketplace. “All those beads, crystals, and stones radiating light – there are so many beautiful distractions.” The…

Who knew Milwaukee hosts the largest consumer bead show in the world? Expecting more than 14,000 attendees (98% women), this weekend the Bead&Button Show will showcase more than 370 vendors and offers 765 classes in 12,000 square feet of exhibition space – a mecca for local crafters and jewelry designers.

Find one-of-a-kind finished jewelry plus precious gems, pearls, art beads, metals, and beading supplies for your own creations. Not sure where to start? Event manager Marlene Vail recommends taking two days to cover the marketplace. “All those beads, crystals, and stones
radiating light – there are so many beautiful distractions.”

The show takes place June 1-10, but you can shop the marketplace for finished jewelry and supplies June 8 -10. Admission is $10 and children 12 and under attend for free.

Photos courtesy of the Bead&Button Show

Jenna Kashou is a writer, storyteller and journalist specializing in lifestyle and culture feature writing for print and web. She is a frequent contributor to Milwaukee Magazine, MKE Lifestyle Magazine, The Business Journal and more. She was chosen as the fifth writer in residence at the historic Pfister Hotel where she wrote about and photographed guests and events. A Milwaukee native, Kashou has lived abroad and visited far-flung locales like Greece, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Argentina. She has always had an enormous sense of pride for her hometown and spreads this Milwaukee love everywhere she goes.