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! Please contact BBSmemberchair@gmail for Cash and Check payment in advance of filling out the Member Information form.
Monthly Meetings
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Location Update: Our monthly Program meeting will be in the Charlestown Retirement Community (Charlestown Square Building, Fireside Gallery at 715 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228). Arrive by 6:30pm to connect and share in a light potluck. The Program meeting starts promptly at 7:00pm. Please contact bbsmemberchair@gmail.com to join us online!
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 are in person and are possibly offered online.
Semi-Annual Bead Challenges
Twice a year, members are presented with a bead challenge to create something within certain guidelines. Members vote, and prizes are awarded.
Spring 2026 Bead Challenge Announced: Glass! Judging will take place during our Tuesday, June 9 Program Meeting.
Education
June 2026 Update: We are offering Saturday workshops at Elkridge Library on June 13 and June 20. Registration is required with the Library.
Classes are offered September through May and are usually taught by BBS members with a particular expertise.
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.
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 physical library is currently undergoing maintenance until further notice. However, our online catalog is viewable to peruse the titles to hundreds of books on beading, lapidary, metal working, wiring, paper beads, Kumihimo, and other related media used in jewelry making. Once our physical library returns, members may request a password from the librarian to place a hold on books. Everyone is welcome to browse our library online.
