Drawing almost 14,000 attendees from all across the globe, the week-long 2008 Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, WI offered a wealth of classes in a variety of mediums. Polymer/Mixed Media artists including Gwen Bernecker, Robert Dancik , Grant Diffendaffer, Celie Fago , Marla Frankenberg, Christi Friesen, Patti Kimle, 

For those more inclined, the marketplace was filled with a treasure-trove of booths that contained beads of every imaginable medium, finished jewelry, findings, tools, supplies and more.  Polymer artists with booths included Barbara McGuire, Janet Pitcher, Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg and Pam Wynn.

With the help of the Metro Milwaukee Polymer Clay Guild (MMPCG) and other friends, the NPCG was well represented at the show.  Staffing a booth outside the marketplace, volunteers displayed artwork, handed out brochures, directed interested people to the polymer booths, and publicized the schedule of polymer classes.  In addition to giving hands-on demos herself, Beth Ackley, founder of the MMPCG, was instrumental in organizing additional demos by polymer artists including Gwen Bernecker, Jill Erickson, Christi Freisen, Patti Kimle, Barbara McGuire, Erin Metzger, Lisa Pavelka, Julie Picarello, Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg and Amanda Valley. The demos were a great hit among show attendees. As Beth says "I can't tell you how fabulous the teachers were and how appreciative I am for the demos.  I personally learned so many new tips and have made so many new friends!"

Someone else who made new friends at the show is Diarmad, one of the herd of Highland "Wee Cows" created by Scottish polymer artist Chris Pellow and owned by Beth Ackley.  Chris posts charming anecdotes in her blog about the adventures of the cows as they travel the world over, and her latest post includes hilarious photos of Diarmad at the B&B show.

Many thanks to Beth Ackley and all of the volunteers who helped make the NPCG Booth at the 2008 Bead & Button a source of inspiration and education for show attendees!

Last but not least, B&B attendees were also able to ogle the glass display cases filled with Bead Dreams competition finalists.  Twelve finalists were selected in the polymer category, with ribbons and cash prizes awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place.  Unfortunately, the on-the-spot photos of the entries did not all turn out, but those that did are shown below.  Congratulations to all twelve artists on their artistic accomplishments!

1st Place - Carol Simmons - Korean Embroidery Series
2nd Place - Julie Picarello - Cityscape
3rd Place - Louise Fischer Cozzi - Symmetry Denise Necklace
Judy Dunn - Ocean Pod Necklace
Barbara Fajardo - Inkblot Flora
Camilla Frager - Rose Garden Cami Purse
Mami Kelly - Chocolate Feast
Barbara McGuire - Festive Faces
Kaaren Poole - McGregor's Garden
Jana Roberts Benzon - Drum Beat: Faux Hand Painted Leather Bead Set
Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg - Asian Lantern Pendant Bead Set
Christy Sherman - Flying Squirrel