MrBead Shop: https://mrbeadshop.com. For all shows this year, click Bead Fairs 2026
Content:
Upcoming Bead Fairs
Making Beaded Spiders
Bead Fair Reports
Making Autumn Jewellery
Halloween Jewellery
Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon
2026 Bead Fairs
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key CAMBRIDGE at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 23rd October 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
Norwich Bead Fair – Sunday 25th October
At the George Best Western Hotel, off Newmarket Road, Norwich NR2 2DA. The latest semi precious Norwich Bead Fairbeads & pearls by MrBead & ready-made jewellery designed by The Bead Queen (great for Christmas presents!). Free entry & refreshments! Limited parking at hotel, but just 10-mins walk from City Centre. Combine with a day out in the fine City of Norwich (all shops open Sunday). If hotel full, use ECP Parking, Bignold School NR2 2SP – and walk back along Newmarket Road. For full details Click Here.
Windsor Bead Fair - Sunday 1st November
At Old Windsor Memorial Hall, Straight Road, Old Windsor SL4 2RN. Close to M25 Exit 13 (follow signs to A30 to Egham) & M4 Exit 6 (towards Windsor). Free parking. Visit us, then combine with a day out around Windsor, the Castle & an early-evening meal there. Or enjoy a carvery at the Toby, right opposite the hall. Free admission and free refreshments to early visitors! Loads of free parking.For full details click Here.
Why spiders?
Spiders aren’t obvious for beading – but from a jewellery maker’s point of view, they’re perfect. Eight legs give you eight opportunities to use beads, while the body provides a focal point for a large feature bead. Add some wire, bead caps, crystals and spacers – and suddenly ordinary beads become little creature. The beauty is there’s no single correct way to make one. A spider can be tiny enough for a pendant or brooch, or large enough to hang as a decoration. Plus, because the design is based around separate legs, it lends itself well to using different beads from your existing stash.
From simple craft to spectacular jewellery
The basic technique is very accessible. Wire forms the structure, while beads create the legs and body. Different gauges of wire can be used for the structure and finer decorative work.
A typical design might combine:
The bigger the imagination, the better
One reason these spiders are so addictive is that they’re incredibly customisable. Experiment with different gemstone bodies, unusual colour combinations and different leg shapes. Spiders made with tiger’s-eye, agate, amethyst, lava stone and other gemstones.
It doesn’t stop at spiders either. Once you’ve worked out how to construct an eight-legged creature – the same basic idea can be adapted into scorpions, insects, beetles and other creepy-crawlies!
A trend with history
Interestingly, beaded spiders aren’t new. Beaders have been making them for years. Spiders have always ben associated with Christmas, Halloween or gothic jewellery. What’s different now is the visibility of the idea, expanded through social media.
Why beads are particularly good for spiders
For bead lovers, perhaps the best thing about this trend is the opportunity it gives you to mix materials.
Imagine a spider with:
The age of the beaded spider may just be beginning!
London Luton Bead Fair
This was a bumper Luton show! As usual, many visitors ventured up the M1 from London. One interesting visitor who follows us on social media, especially flew to London to see us. Tamba, (pictured with MiMi) from The Gambia, West Africa. A beautiful lady particularly interested in unpolished semi-precious stones. Tamba just loves big beads and wants to make a book with her original designed jewellery. Maybe in the future we’ll visit her in Gambia.
Autumn Jasper
Popular for its swirling patterns in browns, greens, oranges, and tan shades—perfect mirror of fall foliage. Click to see our Jasper Beads.
Banded Agate
Features earthy stripes in brown tones. Often dyed to enhance autumnal appeal. Click to see all our Agate Beads
Smoky Quartz
Offers subtle taupe-brown tones with golden highlights—durable, versatile, and sophisticated. Click to see our Smoky Quartz beads
Citrine
Radiant and bright, this golden-yellow gem brings warmth and sparkle—great for statement pieces. Click to see our Citrine Beads
Fire Agate
Flaming oranges and reds bring vibrant flair and are trending for Autumn 2025 design. Best used in protected settings due to moderate hardness. Click to see our Fire Agate Beads
Peridot
Olive-green sparkle with a golden touch—soft yet eye-catching, ideal for autumn palettes. Click to see our Peridot Beads
Green Quartz
Green Quartz: Lighter, fresh luminous green—balances neutrals beautifully. Click to see our Quartz Beads
Tourmaline
Tourmaline: Rich reddish-browns and earthy greens for energy and depth. Click to see our Tourmaline Beads
Amethyst – Mulberry Hue
Amethyst: Regal purple adds drama and pairs well with sparkling accents. Click to see our Amethyst Beads
Amber
Fossil resin with golden warmth and organic inclusions—iconic and timeless fall gem. Click to see our Amber Beads
For All Our Stones Click Semi Precious Beads
Design Ideas
Crafting Steps
Skull Beads Skull beads are ideal for Halloween, and students have been hanging them on their rucksacks all year. Skulls remind that we all have to die. Skulls show that life is not permanent and are a symbol that we are all flirting with death.
Click To See Our Many Skull Beads
Click For Bookings So Far: 2026 Bead Fairs
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key CAMBRIDGE at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 23rd October 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
To join our beady newsletter for free click MrBead Newsletter
To see all old newsletters click here
 | Powered by YMLP.com | |
| | ||