Beads take center stage at Midwest Airlines Center

THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST consumer bead show returns to the Midwest Airliens Center May 21-23, bringing nealy 300 vendors with beads and jewelry from around the world.

The Bead&Button Show, produced by Kalmbach Publishing Company of Waukesha and its Bead&Button magazine, also offers 300 classes and workshops in beading, jewelry-making, wirework, metalwork, silver clay, polymer clay and glass bead making. The classes range from beginning to advanced skill levels and start May 16.

“Right now, beads are a key fashion item and beading is one of the hottest hobbies around,” according to Mindy Brooks, editor of Bead&Button. “People love knowing that they can create a fabulous piece of jewelry with just a few simple techniques and a strand of gemstones, pearls or crystals. And, as in past years, this show will offer more beads and supplies than most people can even imagine.”

Throughout the show, attendees can view Bead Dreams 2004, a juried exhibit of art glass beads, jewelry and sculptural items. In its fifth year, Bead Dreams attracts entries from artists in this country and abroad.

Admission is $8 for adults, with no charge for children under 12. The show is open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, May 21; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 22 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 23. For more information, call 800-554-0197 or visit beadandbuttonshow.com.

Two Cedarburg stores among exhibitors

Giralte Gems and Beads and The Gem Shop, two popular stores in Historic Cedarburg, will be among exhibitors at the Bead&Button Show.

Giralte, one of the most popular bead retailers in the area, is located at N66 W6354 Cleveland Street, just half a block north of Cedarburg’s main street, Washington Avenue. The Gem Shop at W64 N723 Washington Ave., is the Midwest’s largest rock shop, located at the north end of Historic Cedarburg’s downtown business district.