International Beading Week (IBW) 2026 is just around the corner - Saturday 25th July to Sunday 2nd August.
If you are looking to take part in everything IBW 2026 has to offer, then look no further! If you are looking plan your events diary for the week or hoping to bag a special offer or too, this is where you will find everything you need. N.B. The information will be changing daily as we near the event and during IBW itself, so please keep checking for updates.
If you are planning a special IBW event or have a special offer you would like to share, we would love to hear from you by clicking here. This FREE service is brought to you by The Beadworkers Guild, to bring buyers and sellers together during IBW 2026.
For more information on how you can take part in this year's event, please email us.
Events
IBW Year-long Rainbow Project
The Beadworkers Guild invite you to take part in our IBW Year-long Rainbow Challenge.
Anybody can take part, from beginner to advanced, non-designer to professional - it's just a fun to do event via Facebook to keep your beading fingers busy during the year.
How does it work?
Each month from the end of July to mid-July the following year, we encourage beaders from all around the world to bead either a single component or part of a continuous piece, using the twelve colours of the IBW logo, and post a progress picture on our IBW Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/internationalbeadingweek/. You can choose to let people know what you are making or reveal all at the end of the year, the choice is yours.
At the end of the year we publish all the finished projects on our IBW Year-long Project Gallery to showcase your work and to encourage other beaders to take part the following year.
To download a copy of the event guidelines click here!
Happy beading!
Beadworkers Guild Special Offer
Event: IBW '3 for 2'
Date: Until 11.59pm Sunday August 2nd (BST)
Until midnight, Sunday August 2nd, we are offering a '3 for 2' on our digital Meet, Mingle & Make booklets!
The booklets are a collection of themed projects from past online Meet, Mingle & Make events, and all patterns have been kindly donated by a group of talented designers.
Visit our shop, add two booklets of choice to your basket and the third will automatically be added to your order. N.B.Our booklets are not immediate downloads, but we shall endeavour to send all orders out no later than Tuesday 4th August.
To place your order click here.
Happy beading!
Saturday 1st August 2026
The Beadworkers Guild FREE IBW Online Drop-In (AM)
Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon (BST)
Cost: FREE
Level: All levels welcome
You don't need to be a member of The Beadworkers Guild to enjoy this event, just an enthusiastic beader, so why not invite a friend to join you? Bookings must be made 48 hours (UK time) prior to this event to ensure you receive your log on details in time. To make your booking please click here.
For any booking enquiries, please contact: enquiries@beadworkersguild.com
Halfpenney's Beads
Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm (BST)
Venue: 26 Melbourne Street, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington, UK, BB5 5LS
Cost: £15.00
The Beadworkers Guild FREE IBW Online Drop-In (PM)
Time: 5.00 to 7.00pm (BST)
Cost: FREE
Level: All levels welcome
You don't need to be a member of The Beadworkers Guild to enjoy this event, just an enthusiastic beader, so why not invite a friend to join you? Bookings must be made 48 hours (UK time) prior to this event to ensure you receive your log on details in time. To make your booking please click here.
For any booking enquiries, please contact: enquiries@beadworkersguild.com
Sunday 2nd August 2026
The Beadworkers Guild FREE IBW Online Drop-In (AM)
Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon (BST)
Cost: FREE
Level: All levels welcome
You don't need to be a member of The Beadworkers Guild to enjoy this event, just an enthusiastic beader, so why not invite a friend to join you? Bookings must be made 48 hours (UK time) prior to this event to ensure you receive your log on details in time. To make your booking please click here.
For any booking enquiries, please contact: enquiries@beadworkersguild.com
The Beadworkers Guild FREE IBW Online Drop-In (PM)
Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm (BST)
Cost: FREE
Level: All levels welcome
A final IBW 2026 farewell!
For the final session of our fantastic week of beady celebrations, we will be joined by two of our Ambassadors. Teresa Shelton will be giving a live presentation about beading on the go (especially when travelling), and we will also be sharing a pre-recorded presentation by Floor Kaspers.
And last, but by no means least, we will be announcing all of our prize winners, but don't worry if you're unable to attend, we will contact you via email to let you know if you are one of the lucky ones!
You don't need to be a member of The Beadworkers Guild to enjoy this last IBW event of 2026, just an enthusiastic beader, so why not invite a friend to join you? Bookings must be made 48 hours (UK time) prior to this event to ensure you receive your log on details in time. To make your booking please click here.
For any booking enquiries, please contact: enquiries@beadworkersguild.com
Special Offers
A Beaded World
Event: 10% OFF
Date: Until 11.59pm Sunday August 2nd (AEST)
Australian designer Meg Thompson is sharing the IBW love this summer with a 10% discount on everything her gorgeous website has to offer.
To enjoy this offer, just add the following code when checking out: ibw26
www: https://abeadedworld.com.au/
Beadingschool
Event: Strong Together Special Offers
Date: Until 11.59 Sunday August 2nd (CET)
Beadingschool are offering not one, but two, special offers for IBW 2026.
Offer 1. Strong Together Special Offer
Receive €10 OFF the Strong Together product by using the code IBW 2026 at checkout.
https://beadingschool.com/strongtogether/
In addition, with every order requiring shipping, you will receive one free gift (one gift per person).
Offer 2. Free Tutorials by Veronika
Download these tutorials free of charge:
Metamorphosis Tutorial
https://beadingschool.com/product/metamorphosis-beading-tutorial/
Quadrature Tutorial
https://beadingschool.com/product/quadrature-beading-tutorial/
Website: https://beadingschool.com/
www: https://beadingschool.com/
Cath Thomas Designs
Event: IBW26 Special Gift
Time: Until 12.00am Monday 3rd August (BST)
Enjoy 25% off each of my patterns with coupon code: IBW2026.
In addition, the pattern for the Tiny Tulip emblem of the Netherlands, will be included for FREE with each order (Not valid on free orders, also not valid on workshops or kits).
Email: cath@parure.ch
Catriona Starpins Studio
Event: 20% OFF all beads, beading supplies, and tutorials, on orders over $50.00
Date: Until 12.00pm Sunday August 2nd (AEST)
Australian designer Catriona Starpins is offering a whopping 20% off all beads, beading supplies, and tutorials, on all orders placed during IBW 2026. All you have to do is add the following discount code: IBW2026
Included in the discount: Catriona's Tutorials, Preciosa Glass Beads, Czech Glass Beads, Crystals and Stones, Hand Decorated Cabochons, Vintage Buttons, Soutache, Cup Chain and Gimp/Bullion/French Wire, Glass Picture Cabochons, Resin and Acrylic Cabochons.
This offer excludes all kits.
www: catrionastarpins.com
Creative Beadcraft
Event: IBW 2026 Disciounts!
Date: Until Sunday August 2nd (BST)
We’re celebrating International Beading Week with a series of great offers throughout the week including:
25% off Les Perles par Puca
25% off Cabochons par Puca
20% off Preciosa Crystal bicone mixes
20% off Czech Fire-polished Beads
20% off Toho Seed Beads
20% off Matubo Seed Beads
These offers also apply to items in our Sale, but cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.
We also have lots of lovely free patterns for you!
Visit: www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk for more information
Email: beads@creativebeadcraft.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1494 778818
Diana Balogh
Event: IBW 2026 Discounts!
Date: Until Sunday 2nd August 23:59 CET
For the duration of IBW 2026, Diana Balogh is also offering a 20% discount on tutorials.
Visit: dianabalogh.com
Etsy: diasjewelryshop.etsy.com
Halfpenney's Beads
Event: 20% Discount
Date: Until 11.59pm Sunday August 2nd (BST)
In celebration of Gordon's 80th birthday, we offering a 20% discount until the end of IBW 2026, which includes patterns, kits, Miyuki beads, IBW Rainbow bead bundles, plus sales and clearance lines.
The code can be used more than once and there is no maximum order value, however, it cannot be used with any other coupon code, for workshops or gift vouchers.
To bag yourself a bargain or two, visit www.halfpenneys.co.uk and use code HAPPY80
Helen At Beads
Event: 20% Discount
Date: Until Sunday, 16th August (BST)
Designer Helen McIntyre is celebrating IBW 2026 with a 20% off everything in her Etsy shop.
To take advantage of this fab offer click here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HelenAtBeads
Hookin' to the Beat
Event: 60% Discount
Time: Until 11.59pm Tuesday 11th August (BST)
For IBW 2026, Hookin' to the Beat are offering a whopping 60% off everything on their Etsy shop!
To make the most of this fantastic offer, head to https://hookintothebeat.etsy.com
Happy IBW!
Off the Beaded Path
Event: 50% discount
Date: Until 11.59pm Sunday August 2nd (BST)
Old Bicycle Shop
Event: FREE give away!
Date: Until 11.59pm Sunday August 2nd (BST)
To celebrate IBW 2026, the Old Bicycle Shop are celebrating by giving away free kits to make a colourful ring when you spend over £30. If you don't wear beaded rings, they can also be made into a pendant, or several of them can be made into a necklace or bracelet.
There will be a different colourway each day, so keep an eye on their website or Facebook page to see which colour will be sent to you. There are a limited number of each colourway, so order early to make sure you get the colour you want.
On A String
Event: FREE Gift!
Date: Until Sunday 2nd August (AEST)
Get a free BEAD SORTER with any beading board purchased from the On A String Etsy Store, which ships worldwide.
Only at our Etsy Store - https://onastringau.etsy.com
Spellbound Bead Company
Event: IBW Sale
Date: Until Sunday August 2nd (BST)
This year we are celebrating with our biggest ever Beading Week Sale with over two and a half thousand discounted beautiful beads and beading patterns to choose from!
We are also launching three brand new patterns inspired by the workshop Julie ran with the Guild this Spring, and they, along with all our other pattern downloads, will be discounted for the whole of beading week.
Beady discounts are online at www.spellboundbead.co.uk and at our shop in Staffordshire (open 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday).
Julie will also be demonstrating a brand new design on the Beading Week FREE Zoom session on Saturday August 1st at 5.00pm UK time, head to the booking page. For more info visit: https://members.beadworkersguild.com/shop/events/index/11
Tanzee Designs
Event: Free Gift
Date: Until Sunday 2nd August (BST)
To celebrate International Beading Week and thank our many customers around the world, we have once again collaborated with Les Perles par Puca to offer a discount on many of the products in their extensive range of beads, just visit the website for details.
We have also created kits in a variety of colourways from one of Puca's most recent patterns which we are including in all purchases of £30 or more (excluding workshops and postage costs).
For further enquiries contact: Tanzeedesigns@aol.com
Violetta Pretorius Beadwork
Event: IBW 26 Discounts
Date: Until Sunday 2nd August (BST)
To celebrate IBW 2026, designer Violetta Pretorius is offering a 20% discount on all her patterns, plus a 10% discount on all her pre-made beaded jewellery.
For further information contact: violettapretorius@gmail.com
The Wandering Bull, LLC
Event: Bead20
Date: Until 11.59 Monday 3rd August (EST)
Special offer on Beads!
Celebrate beads this IBW, with a thrilling 20% off at WanderingBull.com!
Use Coupon Code BEAD20* at checkout for 20% off the regular price of in stock beads! Don't miss our amazing selection of Bead Lots, Seed Beads, Crow Beads, Metal Beads, Wampum Beads, and MORE at WanderingBull.com!
Coupon Code valid until 11:59 PM EST Tuesday, August 3, 2026
For further information contact: sales@wanderingbull.com
Saturday 22nd August 2026
The Beadworkers Guild - Meet, Mingle & Make - Chatelaines
Date: Saturday 22nd August
Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00 - 7.00pm (UK Time)
Price: £20.00
The Beadworkers Guild beady fun doesn't stop at IBW.
If you enjoyed your week and would like to join us for some more online beading, we are hosting a Meet, Mingle & Make event, Saturday 22nd August to make beaded chatelaine items.
Our fun packed day includes a booklet of varied designs kindly donated to the Guild by a group of talented designers from the UK, that cover all beading levels. A list of requirements will be sent ahead of the event via email outlining the type of beads you will need for the day. Your instruction booklet (which includes 6 designs) and Zoom link will be sent to you via email the evening prior to our day of beady fun and not before.
N.B. Email messages from ‘btinternet’ addresses bounce back, so it’s best to use an alternative if you have one, if not please email: sylviafairhurst@beadworkersguild.com
This event is just £20.00 per person and you don't need to be a member of the Guild to join in the fun. There are two time slots to choose from and bookings close at noon on Monday 17th August. Whether you are a member of the Guild or a guest you are welcome, so don't be shy, make your booking today by clicking here!
For further information about this event please contact: events@beadworkersguild.com
The Beadworkers Guild - Meet, Mingle & Make - Xmas Gifts
Date: Sunday 8th November & Saturday 5th December
Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00 - 7.00pm (UK Time)
Price: £20.00
Beading celebrations run throughout the whole year with The Beadworkers Guild, but we are quite partial to a bit of Christmas gift making.
We are hosting four online Zoom sessions over two days, Sunday 8th November for those of you who want to start your gift making early and on Saturday 5th December, for those looking to make some last minute stocking fillers!
Our fun packed day includes a booklet of varied designs kindly donated to the Guild by a group of talented designers from the UK, that cover all beading levels. A list of requirements will be sent ahead of the event via email outlining the type of beads you will need for the day. Your instruction booklet (which includes 6 designs) and Zoom link will be sent to you via email the evening prior to our day of beady fun and not before.
N.B. Email messages from ‘btinternet’ addresses bounce back, so it’s best to use an alternative if you have one, if not please email: sylviafairhurst@beadworkersguild.com
This event is just £20.00 per person and you don't need to be a member of the Guild to join in the fun. There are two time slots to choose from and bookings close at 12.00 noon before each event. Whether you are a member of the Guild or a guest you are welcome - bookings will open from September in the Guild shop, so save the date!
For further information about this event please contact: events@beadworkersguild.com
2027
The Beadworkers Guild - Great British Bead Show
Date: Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th May 2027
Venue: Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, Daventry Road, Daventry, NN11 6JT
Join us for a fun packed few days of beading, guest speakers and retail therapy at the Great British Bead Show 2027.
The show begins on Thursday 6th with a stunning Masterclass for those who like a challenge, alongside which, there is a fabulous selection of additional workshops. Whilst the workshops are in progress the members’ Annual Challenge competition is judged followed by socialising starts and pre-dinner drinks where you can meet and mingle with friends new and old, then enjoy more of the same after dinner.
The excitement builds on Friday 7th with more people arriving to enjoy our amazing workshops, the chance to catch up with friends, then after dinner enjoy an evening of entertainment with our invited guest speaker, followed by a drink or two at the bar.
There will be yet more fantastic workshops and socialising to enjoy on Saturday 8th, leading up to the Guilds’ AGM (which is more entertaining than you might think!), followed by presentations to the winners of our Annual Challenge competition and a nightcap or bed if we’ve worn you out.
The BWG Bead Bazaar rounds off our event nicely. You can start your day by feasting your eyes on our amazing display of members’ work and be inspired by the exhibition of our Challenge competition entries, before purchasing your raffle tickets for a chance to win some fabulous beady prizes.
The Bead Bazaar is open to the public, with free entry for BWG members (by showing your current membership card). This is your opportunity to shop until you drop with traders from the UK and Europe, to stock up on beads, crystals, kits and other must have essentials!
The workshop itinerary will be available in the October 2026 Journal and Guild member priority bookings will be available at the same time. Bookings for non Guild members will be released early 2027.
For more information about this event, please contact: events@beadworkersguild.com
IBW 2027 - save the date!
Saturday 24th July to Sunday 1st August
Until the next time... happy beading!
