The 7th Bead Soup Blog Party® is On!

It's that fantastic time again -- time for Lori Anderson's grand gala event for jewelry artists of the world -- it's time for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party®! 

The annual Bead Soup Blog Party® began when Anderson decided to act upon an idea that inspired her: she gathered friends for a bead swap through the mail, partnering jewelry artists whose challenge was to exchange bead mixes -- or " bead soups" -- and then create with whatever beads they received. 

It would become a phenomena throughout the jewelry arts community, growing in popularity and participants. Today, Anderson is graciously hosting an  international party of more than half a thousand beaders in Bead Soup Blog Party 7 !! 

So, how does it work? 

Each participant sends their partner a Beady Party Pack, something nice they would give a best friend or wish they themselves would receive. The bead soups include:

::  A focal  ::

::  Some coordinating spacers or beads  ::

::  A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)  ::

There is then a a traditional "sneek peek" of bead soups while treasures travel through the mail. Guessing what might or might not be coming your way is fun! 

Once both partners receive their bead soup party packs, the beads are revealed and the creating begins. 

Jewelry for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party will be shown in three reveals (see photo above). Exploring the many designs, techniques, and styles of bead mixes and handcrafted jewelry  on an international level is an inspiration for the jewelry artist. Coming together, across the world, to share in the love of jewelry making is an experience to cherish. 

Enjoy Bead Soup Blog Party Favors at the BSBP Shop :)

You'll find cool ways to commemorate the Bead Soup Blog Party at Anderson's Bead Soup shop, which offers fun items such as BSBP journals and totes, coffee mugs and aprons. 

You'll also enjoy the Bead Soup Blog Hop party fun on Facebook at the "Bead Soup Cafe" -- a group offering monthly design challenges, community, art bead connections and a great way to hangout with bead lovers.

The Bead Soup Cafe on Facebook

To follow the events of the Bead Soup Party, Anderson has created a special area on her Pretty Things blog where one can find updates, information on the Bead Soup Party 7 Pinterest board, a listing of participants and their blogs, and examples of bead soups. And this year, Anderson has included participants on Facebook, so artists without blogs may also join in the fun! You'll find it all here, at Lori Anderson Bead Soup Blog Party.   



Toltec Jewels is an author by day, jewelry maker by night. Her literary work is housed by the San Fransisco MOMA and is published internationally in popular magazines, literary quarterlies, and university publications. She has won a number of awards for literary and jewelry arts. She is happiest making handcrafted jewelry with her entire family, snuggling with her doggies and grandkids, sewing, singing, reading, and learning jewelry techniques. She is the host of Jewel School Friends, a community of expert and emerging artisans taking inspiration from each other and Jewel School. Join her on Facebook for networking, fundraising for Beads of Courage, jewelry making challenges, contests, give-a-ways and of course, cool beads and jewelry!