This past weekend the editors of FaveCrafts and AllFreeJewelryMaking had a blast touring the Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee, collected a new list of hot trends, and met some amazing designers we can’t wait to introduce you to! From the crazy color combinations to cute little animal beads to fabulous new products, The Bead and Button Show opened our eyes to what’s hot and happening this summer.

 

If you have never heard of the Bead&Button Show you’re in for a treat, and possibly a new annual tradition! Located up North in Milwaukee, WI, the Bead and Button Show is the largest jewelry and bead show in the world, hosting over 300 talented designers and companies that are dedicated to the crafty world of beading (and buttoning)! These designers and companies each have their own booths that display and sell their patterns, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and products–plus, some of the companies even hosted “Make and Takes!” The show will also hosts over 700 bead and jewelry classes. It doesn’t get more fun for beaders like us than being able to walk through a conference dedicate to tiny, shiny, beads and buttons!

 

Color Trends

This year, bright colors are all the rage. From shades of sky blue and teal to fuchsia and coral, this summer, the bolder the better. We noticed a great focus on blue, teal, and turquoise which was complemented by an assortment of corals, reds, and oranges. That being said, this summer the focus should clearly be on cheerful beads that add a POP of color to your outfit!

 

Bead Trends

This year at Bead&Button, we noticed a hot selection of seed beads, rhinestones, and seas glass. These top trends are great jewelry projects for beaders to work on during the summer–especially when it comes to sea glass! Using these different types of beads to create large statement necklaces was spotted at the show, which is another fun option for summer beaders.

 

 

Trends from New Friends

We met a lot of talented designers during our stay at Bead&Button, and no one knows the beading world like a designer! Take it from an expert like Hannah Rosner, spikes and skulls are back IN! Also, those amazing double-holed seed beads are in high demand. Another really cool beading trend we saw was the increased popularity of dichroic glass beads, and Karen Bruns’ Designs had an amazing display of them. These glass beads undergoe a color change in certain lighting conditions, which is super-cool!

 

  

What’s your favorite trend from the 2014 Bead&Button Show?