PotomacBeads
Bead Retreat 2025

Apr. 27-29, 2025

Hagerstown, Maryland

Overview

Experience the 3rd Annual PotomacBeads Retreat

Join PotomacBeads co-founder Allie Buchman for a 3-day bead retreat in the Appalachian foothills of Hagerstown Maryland. You will make a variety of amazing beaded projects while spending time with Allie and dozens of new friends!

Location: To Be Determined

Ballroom at the historic Maryland Theater

Bead Retreat 2024 Attendees

Make Friends

In the PotomacBeads Community

Jablonec

Beautiful Venue

2025 Location TBD

Liberec

Get Inspired

Make beautiful jewelry

What is Included

  • 4 different jewelry-making classes taught by Allie & team (pieces announced in 2025)
  • Materials, kits, & patterns for all projects.
  • Morning coffee and snacks
  • Opening dinner party & drinks
  • 2 lunches
  • Gift Bag ($200+ value, including a 11x17" BeadOnIt Board) -- Includes PotomacBeads tote, BOIB cover, beading trays, additional swag & new products)
  • PotomacBeads Warehouse Shopping Tour Opportunity: On Sunday April 27th, the warehouse will be available for shopping live in-person, exclusively for retreat guests.

What is not included

  • Transportation
  • Hotel accomodations
  • Dinner on 4/28 & 4/29
Women with beads

Sign up for this PotomacBeads event in 2025.  You will meet beaders from around the country and have 3 days of fun with Allie, Anna, Nathan & the rest of the PotomacBeads team.  

You will be invited to a private Facebook group for the event, where you can meet other attendees, ask questions, and make plans for your trip and bead tour!

$899 per guest

Classes, Kits, Tour, Gift Bag, Lunches & Party all Included

Overview

Experience the 3rd Annual PotomacBeads Retreat

Join PotomacBeads co-founder Allie Buchman for a 3-day bead retreat in the Appalachian foothills of Hagerstown Maryland. You will make a variety of amazing beaded projects while spending time with Allie and dozens of new friends!

Explore

Photos from Previous Retreats

Prague

Shopping

at PotomacBeads facility

Jablonec

Classes

in a beautiful venue

Liberec

Gift Bags

for each guest

Prague

Shifting Beauty Pendant

Jablonec

Hager Bracelet

Liberec

Spotlight Bead Embroidery Necklace

Customer Testimonials

  • DragonThread Review
    Stars

    "I loved being with people of different skill levels at our table. We learned from each other. Allie and Anna walk around the room and gave individual help with a project. Different kits using a different technique. The supplies were phenomenal and you didn’t have to bring anything. And best thing was a visit to the warehouse and shopping. Like being in a candy store!"

    - Vicki Howell
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "Encore! Encore! The details (behind the curtain) were well thought out and the pieces flowed seamlessly. There was a great stage crew to help while the 'conductor' was directing. Bravo!!’’

    - Chris Lewis-King
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "The retreat was so much fun. Potomac Beads did a great job putting it together and providing the supplies needed. It was the perfect way to meet other beaders and make new friends. Allie and Anna are such great teachers. It was great to be able to get help with the projects, not only by the staff but by other beaders as well. Loved being able to shop the warehouse and meet the staff. You see or hear their names so often, it's great to put faces to names. And the number of product is tremendous. It was a great experience and I'm sorry I won't be able to attend this year. But look out 2025, l'll be there!’’

    - Dee Peterson
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The Potomac Bead team was FABULOUS!!!! The supplies and tools we received were very generous. The "golden tickets" were fun!’’

    - Kris Huett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "I enjoy the retreat and meeting other beaders from all over the country. When I was having problems the other ladies at my table jumped right in to help me so that I could learn what we were being shown. All I can say is that beaders are the greatest!!!!’’

    - Mona Hellard
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "I have to say that the retreat was fantastic. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and more than willing to help. The staff were very courteous, willing to answer any questions and offered so much enthusiasm. I come from the corporate world and most of the time felt intimidated and uneasy with the higher up staff. Allie, Nathan and Anna were so down to earth to speak to even though they were the owners of the company. I would definitely recommend the retreat to any of my friends who wanted to attend.’

    - Patricia Jaccoud
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "This was my first beading event and I was truly impressed with all that we accomplished, even though I finished most projects at a later date, I feel we were taught the basics of each. Prior to this I mainly created bracelets, now I am making rings, Christmas ornaments and have developed an interest in wire wrapping. I would definitely return for another retreat!’’

    - Laurie Cammett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "You were generous with providing us with tools, plenty of material for each project and giving us two free beading boards. Lunches were healthy and there was plenty of drinks and fruits every day. What I value most was your heartfelt care showed throughout the retreat, providing help to the beaders where it was needed with many useful tips. The atmosphere was warm and friendly with lots of laughter. Each beader brought home a beautiful feeling of making friends and learning new techniques and improving the old ones. Thank you Potomac Beads Team, especially Nathan, Allie and Anna forlasting memories and hope to see you next year again."

    - Marta Cizmarik
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I loved the opportunity to tour the facilities. That was a huge draw for me! And again, I loved the opportunity to try different techniques that I never would have tried. I met some absolutely fabulous fellow beader’s and learned as much from hearing, watching, and conversing with them as from the planned presentations. My best educational moment and laugh was when one amazing woman showed me “how Beader’s greet each other!” . … a close examination of all the other Beader’s jewelry/accessories before even looking at their face to say hello!’’

    - Linda Masoero
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "I’ve been beading for a long time and consider myself an intermediate level beader. I was surprised and pleased to be challenged by the projects, to learn new techniques, and to try something new. You also shared lots of helpful suggestions for improving our skills. Thank you! I will also say that your warehouse operation is quite impressive, thanks for allowing us to tour it, and to shop!.’’

    - Maureen Gaudet
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The Sunday warehouse tour & dinner were great. The lunches at the theater were also very good. The temperature, lighting & space were excellent & everyone helping at the Retreat was fantastic!’’

    - Susan Bontly
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "The entire staff was so great, and the venue was fantastic. I’ll hope to return next year."

    - Pat Marvin
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The best part was joining a new community of wonderful people.’’

    - Deb Dorshimer
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "It was my first PB retreat and I loved it. It was very well organized, and the presentations were very professional. The bead on it board is beautiful- thank you for including it in our swag bag. Also, loved all the other goodies."

    - Jean Weems
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

$899 per guest

Classes, Kits, Tour, Gift Bag, Lunches & Party all Included

Itinerary

Sunday April 27

    • Afternoon 12-4pm - Warehouse Tours & Shopping Opportunity - Potomax Brands - 240 N. Prospect Street
    • Evening - 6-8pm - Opening Reception Drinks

Monday April 28

    • 9am - Class #1: Basic Beading Necklace Project
    • 11:45pm - Catered Lunch (Provided) 
    • 12:30pm - Class #2: Bead Embroidery Project
    • 5pm - Conclusion of the Day
    • Evening - Suggested Dinner Locations with discounts provided - group-up with new friends!

Tuesday April 29

    • 9am - Class #3: Bead weaving bracelet project
    • 12pm - Catered Lunch (Provided) 
    • 1pm - Class #4: Bead weaving pendant project
    • 4pm - Open Class Time - Get help on any of the projects
    • 5pm - Conclusion of the Day 
    • Evening - Suggested Dinner Locations with discounts provided -- enjoy the evening with new friends

Wednesday April 30

9am - 12pm - Optional second opportunity to shop the warehouse, if you weren't able to arrive for the Sunday tour & shopping experience

FAQ

Answers to Questions About the 2025 Bead Retreat

  • Is Everything Handicap Accessible?

    If you choose to attend the PotomacBeads Warehouse Shopping Tour, the warehouse is NOT handicap accessible.  The main floor has three steps up to it, though the manufacturing floor can be accessed by a wheelchair.  

  • Where Should I Stay?

    We're arranging a room block for retreat attendees at the Homewood Suites By Hilton Hagerstown. The hotel is located at 1650 Pullman Lane, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, US. This convenient location offers comfortable accommodations, and booking within our room block ensures you'll be close to all the retreat activities. More details on how to book will be provided soon.  

  • I'm Flying, What Airport?

    There are a variety of major Airports within a 75 minute drive from Hagerstown:
    - IAD (Washington Dulles International)
    - DCA (Washington Reagan National)
    - BWI (Baltimore Washington International)

    Hagerstown (HGR) also has a small airport, but with limited flights and airlines.

  • What kind of transportation do I need?

    You will likely want a car to get to Hagerstown, and back and forth from the hotel.  Fortunately, all locations for the event are within close proximity.  You can also make travel arrangements with other guests in the Facebook Event Group (accessible when ticket purchased).  

  • When will projects be announced?

    Projects for the retreat will be announced by Allie by the end of March. 

  • I have dietary restrictions

    No problem!  We will send a survey weeks prior to the retreat asking for any dietary restrictions, so that those can be accomodated.

  • What is the refund policy for the Bead Retreat?

    If you need to cancel your registration, you can do so for a full refund (minus credit card fees) before December 31, 2024. After this date, cancellations made up to a month prior to the retreat (March 27, 2025) will be eligible for a 50% refund (minus credit card fees). Unfortunately, no refunds will be offered for cancellations made after March 27, 2025. However, in lieu of a refund, participants will still receive the retreat kits and gift selection via mail, along with access to the video tutorials.