Beads on the Kennebec

Beads on the Kennebec, located in Augusta, Maine is a premier beading store, conventiently located, offering a huge variety of beads, beading supplies, and classes for the beginning, as well as advanced, beader.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Big Sale November 10th through November 14th!!!

Hello to all of my wonderful customers. I can’t thank you enough for your loyalty and support over the past three years since I’ve owned the shop. You are why I am here doing what I do, and by continuing your support and patronage, you are the reason I will continue to be able to provide quality product and services to the beading community. The current economy has exerted pressures on local brick and mortar stores, over and above the usual day to day demands on our creativity and pocket books. Those of you who (like me) are of an age to subscribe to AARP, may have seen a recent article about how buying locally can help support your local economy and ensure that our cities and towns maintain their uniqueness. The article, “Livin’ La Vida Local” states in part, “We're finally getting the point across that if you spend $100 at a local business, $45 stays within the community," says Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher with the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance. "Spend $100 at a national chain and only about $14 recirculates." Buying local is also about trading superstore sterility — and packed parking lots — for something more unique”. "……. it's all about the experience," says Mitchell. "You enjoy walking to the bookstore during the day and to a restaurant in the evening. It's about choosing the quality of the experience over the cheapest option." (Click here for full article.)


I’m happy to be one of those small shops who provide a unique experience. Many customers have told me that this shop is charming, cozy and relaxing to spend time in. And, those who comparison shop, have commented that the merchandise is top quality, the selection is outstanding and the pricing on most items is much lower than many other shops. As for service, if I don’t have what you need in stock, I’ll do my best to find it for you. I’ve expanded the inventory to include more pearls, strands, tools, kits, wire supplies and crystal. So, if you haven’t been in for a while, stop in and check out all the new goodies. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you’ve been missing.


To thank all of my loyal customers, welcome back those who have been away for a while and really kickoff the “creating and crafting for the holidays” season, I’m offering BIG SAVINGS on many items in stock. This week starting Wednesday, November 10th thru Saturday, November 13th, take 25% off the already low prices for CZECH and CHINESE CRYSTAL STRANDS, reg. $2-$8.10, now $1.50-$6.08


40% off all SWAROVSKI PENDANTS (An easy gift with magnificent bling, just add a jump ring or bail and a cord or chain. Done), Reg. $1.5-$21.25, now .90-$12.75


40% off all MIYUKI BEADING KITS (make them up yourself or pop them into a stocking),


Reg. $7.95-$25.60, now $4.77-$15.35
40% off all POLYMER CLAY BEADS- Including Butterfly Strands (light weight and one of a kind), Reg. .50-$32.50, now .30-$19.50


and 50% off all LAMPWORK BEADS and all PANDORA STYLE  BEADS AND BRACELETS in stock.  (Choose from crystal, stone, Murano glass, cat’s eye, Mille Flore, venetian and more) Reg. $5.50-$30.00, Now: $2.75-$15.00
Don’t miss this first ever 4 day event! 


There are still a few seats available in the classes scheduled for this week.



THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH from 6-8 PM, CUBES AND PEARLS BRACELET will be a hit with your BFFs when they receive one this holiday season and with you when you see how easy they are to make. And they’re oh, so comfortable to wear. Skill Level: Beginner. Fee: $25


MIG IS BACK this Saturday, November 13th with more wonderful wire projects for you and for holiday giving.  The morning class starting at 10:30 is for the “CAGED PENDANT”.  This is such a striking piece that you’ll receive raves where ever you wear it. It will be the favorite gift of anyone lucky enough to receive one.  Call to register today.  This class won’t be offered again until spring.  Skill Level: Novice (some wire experience recommended)  Fee: $65


Back by popular demand, the ARROWS BRACELET class will be reprised Saturday afternoon from 1-3 PM.  This intriguing little bracelet always gets a lot of attention.  Do it up in sterling silver or copper with your choice of 3mm accent beads.  A wonderful way to express yourself.  A great gift idea, too.  Skill level: Intermediate.  Fee: $65.


Don’t miss the opportunity to learn to create the fabulous VICTORIAN CRYSTAL HEIRLOOM ORNAMENT in time for this holiday season.  They are deceptively simple to create yet so stunningly beautiful.  They amaze anyone who receives one and will be a treasured keepsake for generations to come.  This is a two part class.  Part One, on Thursday, November18th, will get you started on the basic netting for the body of the piece.  Part Two on Tuesday, November 23rd, will show you how to  secure the netting over the orb and begin embellishing with crystal drops.  These ornaments are one of my favorite pieces to make.  I always get an olde fashioned holiday feeling while working on one.  Start your family tradition by reserving your seat today!  Skill Level: Beginner.  Fee: $45 (includes both classes)


The shop is also stocked with everything you need to create fabulous jewelry fashions and gifts for the holiday season.  Supplies are in for all of your favorite holiday earrings (Crystal trees, snowmen, angels, etc.), charms to create necklaces and bracelets or dangle off a special bookmark, snowflake forms to create your own special ornaments and much more.  Stop in today.  We have everything you need to make your holidays “sparkle”.

On behalf of myself and my fellow Downtown Merchants, THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY! (Be sure to check out the other wonderful shops in town for items you won’t be making yourself. You’ll be amazed at what they have in store!)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Bead Bucks!

The weather may have been damp the past couple of days, but the foliage is still breathtaking! And lasting far longer than usual. The next time you are in the shop, take a look out the classroom window (but do it soon). The trees along the river and around the band stand are amazing! Bring a coffee (or I’ll make you a cup of tea) and relax and take in the beauty for a while. The rush of preparing for the holidays will soon be upon us. So, take a few moments to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. One of my favorite sayings came to mind as I was taking in the view yesterday. I should make it my mantra and say it every day to remind me of what is really important. You’ve probably heard it, but it’s worth repeating. It goes, “Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.” Enjoy this beautiful season while we have it. It will give you stamina for the rush ahead.

When you stop in to enjoy the foliage, don’t forget to bring in and redeem the Bead Bucks you earned during the trunk show a couple of weeks ago! The walls and bins are full of beautiful new stones, crystal and more to give you inspiration for holiday jewelry, gifts and décor.

Check out the class schedule on line and delight in learning a new trick or two, or, stop in to pick up a flyer. Speaking of classes there’s a new one in the lineup. We’ve had a high demand to repeat the awesome ARROWS BRACELET class. So, don’t wait to reserve your seat for Saturday, November 13th, from 1-3 PM, with Mig.