Have you been a beader since 1994? If you are, chances are you were one of the original subscribers to Bead&Button.

The first issue featured a Native American inspired choker, a necklace using a single focal bead, a story about how to make polymer clay canes, a bracelet embroidered with buttons, a purse fashioned from beads and a scarf, a profile about bead artist Virginia Blakelock, a gallery of Your Work projects, and reviews of books and products. Sounds very much like what an issue looks like today.

Other issues published during 1994 contained an eclectic mix of stories focused on beadwork stitches, buttons, bead stringing, bead knitting, loomwork, lampworked beads, bead embroidery, spiral tubes, amulet bags, projects using pearls and gemstones, and step-by-step instructions for making earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and much more.

It seems Bead&Button found its subject niche right from the start, and has kept improving the magazine ever since. It’s hard to believe that next year will mark our 15th anniversary. We’ve already started to get ready to celebrate the event. What do you remember best about Bead&Button’s first 15 years? What was your favorite project?

Happy Bead&Button memories,

Lynne