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Do you belong to a bead society?



It seems that we've become a society of people who shy away from joining groups.  Why do you think that is?  Is it because we're really so terribly busy?  Or is it because the internet offers us the illusion of the group without having to venture out into the cold?  I'm not sure what the exact answer is...I'm just asking what you think.

I have several groups of friends that I get together with from time to time, my gym buds, two book groups, and a cadre of artists.  I wish I had a local foodie group too!  I'm not much for formal organization, but I do love my groups.  I'm wondering if I should add a more focused jewelry-making or beading group to my life.  Sara Hardin helpfully posted a list of many bead societies that would be a good place for you to start it you think you might want to get together with other fans of small shiny things :-)

So, do you or don't you?  Do you think you should?



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Comments

LissC said…
I like groups. I joined the Bead Journal online and also joined one locally. I love hanging with other beaders and exchanging ideas and knowledge.
Roberta Warshaw said…
I'd love to but there are none in my area. Too bad. It would be fun.
SaraBeth said…
No, I don't belong to a bead society. Actually, I'm not even sure if there any available in my area. I'm already heavily involved in a belly dance troupe and Mommyhood, so even if there are I simply don't have the time.


But *sigh* I do dream about being in a bead society someday when I have more time.
Unknown said…
I often think about creating a meetup group here in Phoenix. I participate in a volunteer meetup frequently that I love and know that there isn't really anything for jewelry making in my area. Meetup.com allows for just about anyone to see your group and join. So you could meet all sorts of people with a common interest. http://www.meetup.com/
Cyndi L said…
Liss, I do the BJP too, and it definitely fills a need :-) Sara, thanks for suggesting meetup.com and for the fabulous list you posted!
Genevieve said…
I really enjoy belonging to groups, in person or online. When I lived in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada), I belonged to the Ottawa Bead Society, and I really enjoyed the monthly meetings. Now I belong to the Toronto Bead Society, but Toronto is two hours away so I don't often go to meetings, and I really miss that.

The Bead Journal Project was the first project-oriented online group I belonged to, and it was a great experience. Now I'm doing the Sketchbook Challenge as well as the Weekly Zentangle Challenge. They're wonderful because they force me outside of my comfort zone. I'm also in several Flickr pools.
Unknown said…
You are welcome. I think that bead societies are so nice. I've always been a big fan of clubs, societies, meetups, groups. It is a nice chance to flutter my social butterfly wings. :)
Cyndi L said…
Kay Crichton wrote to me about the Portland Oregon Bead Society. Thanks Kay!:

I belong to the Portland (OR) Bead Society. We are a very large, very active group, with nationally known members and very inspiring meetings. It is wonderful to find such support for your art, no matter if you are a stringer, a wire worker, an off-loom weaver or a bead embroiderer. It is a very inclusive group and I look forward to the meetings each month.
I would love to belong to a bead society,but don't know of any on Long Island. NYC is too far for the Bead Society of Greater NY.
Unknown said…
I love the idea of a group for beads, but in my town (Tulsa OK) it is strictly a bead weaving group. I stringbeads, twist wire, assemblage metalsmith w/ zero interest in bead weaving so it isn't the option I wanted it to be :(
Caren said…
There's none in my city so I'm starting a bead study group in my Weaver's Guild. Our first meeting is February 12th. We'll do a show and tell and talk about what the group should be and do. I'm looking around the web to get ideas on how other bead groups work.
Cyndi L said…
That's *fabulous* Caren! I hope it goes very well...we'd love to hear a report on your meeting :-)
Shai Williams said…
I would love to join a beading group however there just aren't any close by and well as busy as I am, I don't have time to commute.
Unknown said…
I live in Tucson, and would love to connect with beaders who just like to get together informally to share ideas and learn from each other--maybe go to each others' homes for a monthly meeting ??

If interested, please email me at aarankin@cox.net
Kelly said…
Hello everyone, Does any one know of a bead society/group/guild in the southern part of the state of Maine? Thank you!
Cyndi L said…
Hi Kelly,
I found a listing for this jewelry artisan group:
http://bnb.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/groups.aspx?page=info&groupid=170

Unfortunately, it's an old listing, but perhaps the contact person could point you in a helpful direction. We've got a few groups down here in MA, but that's quite a distance for you.