Local Bead Societies

If anyone had told me 10 years ago that I would be an active member of The Bead Society of San Diego County, I would have laughed them off.  Of course, that was before I ever picked up a bead or heard of Swarovski Elements (guess I'm just a late bloomer). 

I must admit, though, that I took 2 years to commit to membership.  Since joining around a year ago, though, I haven't missed a meeting.  While I don't usually join groups for the purely social aspects, and I do bead alone at all hours of the day or night, I really didn't see a reason to become a member...except....for the speakers.  Ah...here was a way for me to connect with and learn from bead artists from around the country!  Here I could meet some of the people who I saw in bead magazines and on the bookshelves of my favorite book stores.

Our Bead Society brings in a featured guest speaker every month.  So far I've seen Rachel Nelson-Smith, Teresa Meister, Teresa Sullivan, Melanie Doerman, Andrew Brown, Margie Deeb, Lana May...and I know I've forgotten a few!  Carol Perrenoud is speaking next and I can't wait to see what she brings and hear what she says.

Oh...and I was the guest speaker on August 21st.  I gave a talk on my absolute most favorite subject:  The Sparkling World of Swarovski!  What fun we all had, and thanks to the Create Your Style team (you know who I'm talking about Nicole!) I was able to give away a giant gift bag full of Swarovski goodies that I roughly valued at $250.00 (it was probably more). 

So...go check out your local Bead Society.  You might learn some things,  meet some great people, and come away with a prize! 

I'd love to hear about YOUR experiences with the local Bead Society...and if you want me to come and give my presentation in your hometown!

Sparkles and smiles....Diane