The Bead Society of Southeastern Virginia

ABOUT US

The Bead Society of Southeastern Virginia was formed in 1998 by twelve area bead enthusiasts. Today there are nearly 100 members from all over the region, from Richmond to Chesapeake. Members range from professional jewelry designers, to lampwork and fused glass bead makers, to bead historians, to amateur beaders ranging from beginner to expert.

From the beginning, the organization stressed the sharing of beading expertise and techniques, and a portion of every meeting is devoted to showing members' current work. In addition, members hear guest lecturers, participate in workshops, have an annual design contest, and participate in community service.

Each year in June we hold a Bead Challenge based on a specific theme for our members: 'Celebrating the Earring' in 2003 and 'Mixed Media' in 2004. In previous years our members used a work of art to inspire their project or created a variety of pieces with similar batches of ugly beads. All the entries and winning pieces are usually on display at a local library during the month following the contest. We also held a Collaborative Bracelet Project in 2003 & 2004 where one member makes a plain bracelet blank and puts it in a grab bag for another member to draw from and take home to embellish. The original creator receives their bracelet back later in the year and everyone gets to share their stories about the process of creation. We also hold a member's bead sale during the August meeting and a holiday gift exchange at the December meeting.

THE BSSV FRANCES WRIGHT BEAD PROJECT
In 2003, the Bead Society began a community outreach program called "Frances’s Beads." Frances Wright was a much-loved founding member of our group, and the membership wanted to honor her when she passed away. The Bead Society purchased her stock of beads and began meeting every April to use those supplies (and other donated beads and materials,) to create simple jewelry sets. This jewelry was donated to the free clothing program run by the local Food Bank for women who were returning to the workforce and lacked proper office attire.

This year we are expanding “Frances’s Beads” into the BSSV Frances Wright Bead Project. Instead of only meeting once a year to make sets of jewelry for the Food Bank program, we plan to be making simple jewelry sets on a continuing basis for this program and for other outreach programs in the community where such items could enrich the lives of women in need.

How can you help the BSSV Frances Wright Bead Project? You could volunteer to serve on a new committee being formed to handle this outreach. You could donate materials including beads, findings, stringing materials or tools. Throughout the year you can make simple sets of jewelry either at home, in your Beading Buddies group, or in the after-program time from 4pm – 6pm on any scheduled meeting day, and then donate them to this outreach program. Please give any donations of materials or jewelry to an Officer of the club at a meeting or (hopefully) to an FWBP committee member. Keep in mind that these jewelry items are primarily for work attire, so plan your designs and colors accordingly. Finally, all members are encouraged to alert President Sandy Westbrook with ideas for community programs for women that we could support with this continuing outreach effort.

We’re hoping that BSSV can make a difference in many more lives in this area than it has ever done before. We encourage you to enjoy the good feeling of knowing that you are helping others with your joy for beads and beading. We look forward to seeing and applauding your donations beginning at the March meeting!

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Show your membership card when you buy beads - you may be eligible for special rates and discounts. Attend workshops or programs that aren't available elsewhere or would cost a lot of money - like our wonderful Febuary polymer clay instruction by Joanie Croyder!

MEMBERSHIP
The Bead Society of Southeastern Virginia is open to all interested persons. Annual dues are $24.00 per year. If a new member joins between July and December the cost will be $12.00. Send membership application and check or money order payable to "Bead Society of Southeastern Virginia" to BSSV, c/o Gerry Bryant, 277 Colony Rd, Newport News, VA 23602.