Ready For Autumn, How Shapes Elevate Jewellery & Bead Fairs

To see the web version of this newsletter with photos click https://www.beadnewsletter.co.uk/mid-september-2025

See us Sunday at the New Forest Bead Fair, Brockenhurst Village Hall, SO42 7RY. Give way to animals!

MrBead Shop: https://mrbeadshop.com. For 2025 bead fairs, click Bead Fairs 2025.

Content:
Latest Bead Fairs
Beads Up North
Get Ready For Autumn
How Shapes Elevate Jewellery
Mr & Mrs Bead’s China Trip
Bead Fair Report
Next Bead Fairs
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Latest Bead Fairs

New Forest Bead Fair
This Sunday we’re in Brockenhurst at the New Forest Bead Fair, Brokenhurst Village Hall, SO42 7RY. New semi precious beads imported into the UK last week from MrBead, seed beads & findings by Southampton Bead Shop, dramatic crystals & rocks by Avida Brazil Gemstones and more. Free entry & refreshments! Combine with a day out around the beautiful New Forest.

Beads Up North – Haydock Racecourse, Sun 21st Sept

Sunday 21st September we’re at Haydock Racecourse for Beads Up North. The largest gathering of beaders in the UK, with jewellery-making workshops and full refreshments. Order discounted tickets online now at: Beads Up North Tickets.

Don’t miss the big show at Haydock Racecourse Sunday 21st September – just off the M6 between Manchester and Liverpool. We have many exhibitors trading beads, jewellery & other crafts – in two halls, along with beading jewellery-making workshops & refreshments. A bumper show, not to be missed!

This time the beading workshop is to make a beautiful Kumihimo Braclet. The first workshop at 11am is only available to those who book first on the day – just £5.00 towards the materials. One & half hours of beading fun! It’s not all about beads. The show also caters for other crafts – along with ready-made jewellery and other goodies.

It’s a great day out for all the family. We find children are increasingly becoming interested in beading – and at Beads Up North, under 16s enter free! On the door adults are just £5 and over 66s £4. Or order discounted tickets online now at: Beads Up North Tickets. For Full Details Click: BeadsUpNorth.co.uk

Get Ready For Autumn

Autumn in the UK officially starts Monday 22nd September. Jewellery makers need to change their style to the season. Click for more on the transition from summer to autumn beads at our previous newsletter.

How Different Bead Shapes Elevate Jewellery Designs

When creating unique jewellery, the shape of semi-precious beads is just as important as their colour or type. A mix of shapes adds texture, depth, and visual intrigue, while expanding your design possibilities. Allowing your creativity to shine. A variety of bead shapes in jewellery design brings individuality, harmony, and artistic flair to your work.

Adds Depth and Dimension
Round beads may be classic, but when you mix in oval, square, faceted, or irregular shapes, your design gains an extra level of depth. Different contours catch light in unique ways, bringing a piece to life. Faceted beads sparkle; smooth nuggets feel natural and earthy, while angular cubes give a modern, structured edge.

Highlights Natural Beauty Semi-precious stones often have inclusions, colour shifts, or natural patterns. Unusual shapes like chips or tumbled stones can showcase these natural details. Irregular shapes make each piece one-of-a-kind and celebrate the beauty of nature rather than hiding it.

Creates Flow and Movement Elongated beads like rice or teardrops, help guide the eye through a piece of jewellery. Adding a sense of direction and movement. Ideal for statement necklaces or flowing earrings. They also create rhythm and balance with smaller beads.

Boosts Versatility in Design
Different shapes offer more flexibility in designing for various styles. Rondelles or heishi beads are excellent for stacking or layering. Briolettes are perfect for dangles and drops. Flat beads can sit flush against the skin, great for bracelets or chokers. A mix of shapes gives you the tools to design for any occasion.

Tells a Story Through Texture
Jewellery is tactile as well as visual. A mix of smooth, rough, shiny, and matte surfaces, achieved through different bead shapes – makes each piece more engaging to wear and touch. Especially appealing in handmade jewellery where the customer is looking for something with personality.

Click To Choose Beads By Shape

Mr & Mrs Beads China Trip

See the online version of this newsletter for pictures. We only had a few days in China between Glasgow and Windsor bead fairs, but we managed to ship 239kms back, 14 boxes. Each day in Chin, we buy from 11am to 6pm, then have a shower (it’s 33c outside) and look for seafood! We do have some unusual different beads. Some we carried will be at our shows now, others online early 2026. All bottom pictures are in Hong Kong, where we used to live and still have many friends.

Bead Fair Reports

See the online newsletter for pictures of the shows.

Windsor Bead Fair
This was a very busy brilliant show at a great location. Many visitors from London & Reading, and all good spenders. Also, large car park and easy access. We’ll be back (maybe twice) in 2026.

Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon!

Bead shows are great fun. You’ll love them! Bring a trolley, as beads get heavy. Take some cash, as a few venues have a weak signal for card payments. Talk to the vendors and other visitors to inspire new design ideas. Make a note of what you paid for beads, and keep exhibitors’ business cards and leaflets.

Next Bead Fairs

Sunday 14th September: New Forest Bead Fair, Brockenhurst Village Hall, Brockenhurst SO42 7RY
Sunday 21st September: Beads Up North, Haydock Racecourse, Newton-Le-Willows WA12 0HG
Sunday 28th September: Essex Bead Fair, Marks Tey Village Hall, Old London Road, Marks Tey CO6 1EJ.
Sun 5th October: Cambridge Bead Fair, Harston Village Hall, Harston CB22 7PX
Sun 12th October: Norwich Bead Fair, The George Best Western Hotel, Arlington Lane, Norwich NR2 2DA
Saturday 18th October: London Luton Bead Fair, Stockwood Hotel, Castle Street, Luton LU1 3SS
Sun 19th Oct: Swindon Bead Fair, Purton Village Hall, Station Road, Swindon SN5 4AJ

New venues at North Yorkshire, Penrith, Windsor, Swindon & Forest Row.
For the shows booked so far, click: 2025 Bead Fairs
.

15% Off All From MrBead

Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £40. International shipping from US$12.50.

Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key FOREST at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 19th September 2025. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.

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