(Image compliments of Craft Optics)

Passionate beaders from around the country flock to the annual Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, where they discover numerous fun activities, take classes to learn new techniques, and be awestruck by stunning jewelry designs. Best of all, friends, colleagues and beading buddies can make the most of each other’s company while enjoying some of their favorite things in life…..Beads!

More than 9,000 beading fans attending 577 classes at this years’ Bead & Button Show scooped up their favorite goodies from 234 exhibitors. The annual jewelry artistry competition is one of the most anticipated events of the show. This years’ contest theme was entitled “Bad Dreams”. Designers from around the world were faced with steep competition, highlighting an exceptional level of beadwork. This made for an intense discussion among the jury members, whose job was tougher than ever this year.

Luckily, a decision was made and we can all breath easy. Drum role please…..Here are the Big Winners!

“Bad Dreams”

2017 Bead & Button Show Design Contest Winners

1st Place Winner

First Place went to Svetlana Kossman of Pennsylvania for her opulent bib necklace entitled;

The Last Day of Pompeii

Svetlana happily accepted a whopping $450.00 worth of Swarovski Crystals as her prize!

“The Last Day of Pompeii” was praised for its intricate and sophisticated use of beads. All agreed that the fiery intensity of molten lava flowing from an erupting volcano was spectacularly represented, creating a showstopper.

Her use of the new Crystal Royal Red Lacquer effect in the various Fancy Stone Styles, was stunning. That captivating coating paired beautifully with the Crystal Iridescent Red Pearl. This unique Swarovski Crystal necklace was balanced out with highlights of Crystal Silver Night, Topaz, and Fire Opal beads, for one remarkable statement piece!

2nd Place Winner

Second Place went to Kaori Nakakohji of Japan for her brilliant display of distinctive floral and figure eight patterns entitled;

Gloria

This radiant necklace design, features a color pallet of gold and blue hues, offset by lighter and darker tones. Her gorgeous necklace took the second prize of Swarovski Crystals worth $200.00.

The variety of Sapphire and Crystal Metallic Sunshine Fancy Stones pair beautifully together and the 4731 Kite Fancy Stones in Crystal Golden Shadow adds dimension and movement to floral the configurations. Crystal Iridescent Light Blue Pearls and Crystal Iridescent Dark Blue Pearls were superbly sprinkled throughout the necklace, creating an balanced look by bringing in a blend of matte and shimmer facade.

3rd Place Winner

Third place went to Nadezda Gerber from Germany for her graceful swan necklace entitled;

Under the Tuscan Sun

This whimsical necklace design emphasizes two graceful swans coming together accentuated by delicate features within a mixed media form. Assorted soft grey Swarovski Crystal beads mingle with Air Blue Opal highlights, as lovely heart pendants dance about.

Swarovski’s Create Your Style Make & Take workshops, were also a big success. Participants learned new skills by creating unique projects and their donations raised a total of $3,086 for the Waukesha Women’s Shelter. Whoot-Whoot!! Amazing work beaders!!

Shine Bright Sparkle Tribe!