Membership
Membership benefits
We are a group of interesting, talented, artistic and dynamic artisans who share a passion for making beautiful jewelry. Renew your membership, or become a new member for only $40 per year and share in ALL the benefits below!
If you’re not sure, or would rather offer support without joining, consider making a donation.
Monthly Meetings
We have ten meetings each year (September to June) with:
– talented speakers who speak on current topics of interest;
– make-and-take sessions where members create a small project or learn a new skill or technique;
– a freecycle table where members share excess jewelry supplies;
– an opportunity to show and talk about your work to others at the meeting; and
– members also have a hybrid option to attend the business and speaker portions of the meetings over Zoom. Hands on activities must be done in person.
Education
Classes are offered September through May and are usually taught by BBS members with a particular expertise. There may be two or three different classes during the day.
Workshops are day-long experiences, giving students extended time to work on a project or skill. Occasional weekend workshops featuring a nationally known bead artist are offered.
Classes and workshops are held in person at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, Maryland.
Monthly Zoom Happy Hour
We have ten happy hour Zoom calls each year (September to June) giving members the opportunity to:
– Share what they have been working on;
– See what others have been working on;
– Ask for advice when stuck
– Get to know other BBS members.
The Happy Hour is at 7:00 pm on the third Monday of the Month.
– An invitation with the Happy Hour Zoom link is sent in advance to all members
– The Zoom link is also in the Calendar invitation you can save to your calendar
– Attendees may submit pictures to share their work
– Submit Happy Hour pictures to to the same email the Zoom invitation came from
– Attendees wishing to submit pictures must do so no later than the third Sunday of the month
Lending Library
Our library includes hundreds of books and magazines on beading, lapidary, metal working, wiring, paper beads, Kumihimo, and other related media used in jewelry making. Everyone can browse titles, but a password is required to reserve or check out books. Members may request the password from the librarian.
Semi-Annual Bead Challenges
Twice a year, members are presented with a challenge to create something within certain guidelines. Members vote, and prizes are awarded.
Annual Artisan Marketplace
This is an annual event held in the Fall. Baltimore Bead Society Members may reserve a table for a low fee, and sell their handcrafted items.
Location: Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21043
Date/Time: The 2025 Artisan Market is Saturday, October 25th from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Click here for a calendar invite to save!
Registration is now open!
To apply, please complete the online application at BBS 2025 Artisan Marketplace and follow the instructions for payment.
Local Study Groups
The First Saturday Study Group is a dynamic group of members who want to learn in a structured environment. We share our experience and knowledge as we progress through a collectively selected project, specific design, or technique. Each person makes their own color and bead choices and works at their own pace. Currently there is a waiting list to join this group, as space is limited.
If anyone wants to start a study group, Susann Schemm has kindly offered to help get one established.