Inspire
Learn
Connect
Founded over 30 years ago, in Maryland, the Baltimore Bead Society is a regional arts guild composed of bead enthusiasts, creative artists, and jewelry designers.
Through our monthly meetings and classes & workshops, our members share our common interests in all forms of beading, varied jewelry-making techniques, and in the history and culture of beading throughout the world.
We supply an inclusive, supportive and social environment for all of our programs.
Our monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, September through June, at 7:00 pm.
We are currently meeting virtually due to the Howard County Arts Council relocation to 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (see Latest News for details). Once we have secured a new physical meeting space, the hybrid virtual/in-person meetings will resume.
All visitors are welcome. If you are interested in attending a virtual meeting, please email the BBS Membership Chair at bbsmemberchair@gmail.com for the meeting link. After two meetings, we hope you will become a member.
We are a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Latest News
This past February marked our 2nd year at Hallowood Retreat and Conference Center. Thank you for making our annual Bead Society Member Retreat a success!
The March 10th virtual meeting features a tour of artist Betsy Youngquist’s studio. Contact bbsmemberchair@gmail.com to join us on zoom!
The Best Bead Show is coming to the Howard County Fairgrounds 28 – 29 March and 24-25 October 2026!
Outreach: The BBS is hosting a chainmaille class at the Elkridge Library on 18 April.
The January 2026 Bead Challenge entries and winners are available to view.
Here are the latest news releases regarding the Howard County Center of the Arts move. The new location is the historic courthouse building located at 8360 Court Avenue in Ellicott City, MD.
Meet Us at the Cap! HoCo Arts Heads to Historic Ellicott City’s Capitoline Center
Check the Howard County Arts Council Relocation Page for the most current information.