As the Bead&Button Show entered full swing in Milwaukee, the editorial staff met with a small group of longtime subscribers.  We are pleased that this group of readers likes our photos of jewelry and considers Bead&Button a favorite "read."  We also learned that readers love seeing the photos of our Bead Dreams competition finalists' pieces in print — and the more space devoted to these the better!  In addition, subscribers would like to know more about international beadwork.  They also gave us some good suggestions about Bead&Button project illustrations.  More information about design would be a plus, they added, as well as more in-depth information for more advanced beaders.  

Our conversation with subscribers was just one of the many opportunities to meet and greet people at the start of the Bead&Button Show. We had a wonderful evening at a special dinner for master class instructors and students, and then spent the next evening talking to all the show teachers and seeing their work at the Teachers Reception. Next up are the Flame Off on Friday night and the Bead Social on Saturday night!

Shopping is, off course, the main event for the rest of the week and weekend. Plus, we have  beading demonstrations, exhibits of beadwork, and a chance to see what our readers are making.  What's so fun is knowing that the week just keeps getting better and better!