The Bead Society of the Palm Beaches
Presents Our 2021 Retreat!!
October 21, 2021 to October 24, 2021
Club Med Sandpiper Bay
The beautiful Club Med Sandpiper Bay is located along the Saint Lucie River, amid wonderfully lush vegetation. It’s a family resort with tons to do, but if you want to recharge in the adults only infinity pool it’ll be quiet and relaxing. You might even want to make time for a luxurious spa treatment (additional charge) and really indulge yourself.
Deposit is $149 to reserve your spot.

Teachers and Projects
Marcia Balonis
She has worked with beads since her hippie years, a very long time ago. She has taught a variety of bead pieces at national, regional, and local levels for over 20 years while travelling for work as a financial manager. After retirement from the financial world in 2008, Marcia says she changed from being a “bean” counter to a “bead” counter.
Her publications include numerous articles in many bead and mixed medial publications including Bead and Button, Beadwork, Jewelry Crafts, Perlen Posie, Bead Jewellery Magazine (UK), Expressions, and Belle Armoire. Marcia taught at various national conventions including Art Continuum, Celebrate Art, Bead Fest, and at The Bead and Button Show every year from 2005-2019. Her book, Lush and Layered Beadweaving was published in 2018. She loves to share her passion for bead work with her students.
Designing with beads and creating patterns has led to opening an Etsy shop where she primarily sells patterns and kits. Her talent for bead pattern construction led to several years as a Starman Trendsetter.
Now living in Florida, she enjoys teaching jewelry at local bead stores, at retreats, regional conventions.


Pamela Garbig

Julie Isaacs Haymaker
Julie the founder of Shrinkets, mixed media maven and teacher.


