Upcoming Chicago Area Bead and Jewelry Shows and Events 2008~

May 1, 20081 - 5
Rings & Things Wholesale Bead Tour Comfort Suites O'Hare Airport 4200 N. River Rd., Schiller Park, IL 60176. Rings & Things BeadTour is a wholesale only bead show. You must have a resale license to get in or have recieved an invitation which you may request at http://www.rings-things.com/SECURE/invitation.html. For more information call (800) 366-2156 or check out their website: http://www.rings-things.com/ Note: The show will also be held on Apr 30 in Milwaukee, WI at the Clarion Hotel Airport and in Grand Rapids, MI on May 3 at the Grand Inn & Conference Center.

May 22-25, 2007 Fri 12-7 Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
International Gem and Jewelry Show Stephens Expo Center 5555 River Rd., Rosemont. The largest retail and wholesale show in Chicago. It is held three times a year around Memorial Day and Labour Day weekends and two weeks before Christmas.

Jun 1-8, 2008
Bead & Button 2008 Midwest Airlines Center 400 W. Wisconson Ave.Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Classes are Jun 1 through Jun 4, "Meet the Teachers" is Wednesday evening, shopping for registrants and wholesale begins Thursday evening and the regular shopping will be Friday-Sunday. On-line registration begins in January 2007 - http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/.
Jun 28 - 29, 200810 - 5

2008 FESTIVAL of FINE CRAFT in HIGHLAND PARK, ILThe Art Center in Highland Park 1957 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park. Our 11th Annual juried weekend-long event Saturday & Sunday. Mark your calendars! See the finest work in contemporary American Crafts, enjoy our selection of summertime food and beverages, craft demonstrations, and special family activities including a Kids' Crafts Area. For more info. call 847-432-1888 or visit http://www.theartcenterhp.org/.

Aug 22-24, 2008
AMERICAN CRAFT EXPOSITION The Henry Crown Sports Pavilion Lincoln St. at the Lakefront, Evanston IL. This is along with SOFA are the two best craft shows of the year held in Chicago. It behooves anyone interested in crafts to plan their vacations so as not to miss either show. http://www.americancraftexpo.org/

Aug 22-24, 2008 Fri 12-7 Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
International Gem and Jewelry Show Stephens Expo Center 5555 River Rd., Rosemont. The largest retail and wholesale show in Chicago. It is held three times a year around Memorial Day and Labour Day weekends and two weeks before Christmas.

Sep 11, 2008 12 - 4
Rings & Things Wholesale Bead Tour Comfort Suites O'Hare Airport 4200 N. River Rd., Schiller Park, IL 60176. Rings & Things BeadTour is a wholesale only bead show. You must have a resale license to get in or have recieved an invitation which you may request at http://www.rings-things.com/SECURE/invitation.html. For more information call (800) 366-2156 or check out their website: http://www.rings-things.comNote: The show will also be held on Sep 10 in Milwaukee, WI at the Clarion Hotel Airport and in Grand Rapids, MI on September 13 at The DeltaPlex.

Nov 7-9, 2008
SOFA CHICAGO 2007 Navy Pier 600 East Grand Ave, Chicago. This is THE most stunning craft show of the year held in Chicago. Think of SOFA as a museum experience. The pieces are so expensive that you might not buy anything other than the catalogue. Run! Don't miss it. Go! For more information check out http://www.sofaexpo.com/

Nov 9, 200810 - 5
Ayla's Wonderful World of Beads Hilton Garden Inn1818 Maple Ave, Evanston. For more info call 847-328-4040

Dec 12-14, 2008 Fri 12-7 Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
International Gem and Jewelry Show Stephens Expo Center 5555 River Rd., Rosemont. The largest retail and wholesale show in Chicago. It is held three times a year around Memorial Day and Labour Day weekends and two weeks before Christmas.