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.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Upcoming Classes and Some New Beads

We have some great classes coming up this week and next and there are still a few seats left.


DIAGONAL RIGHT-ANGLE WEAVE or (RAW on the side) as I like to call it. THURSDAY, MARCH 17TH, 6-8 P.M.. Right-angle weave is a favorite stitch of beaders everywhere. You will see it often in beading books and magazines and done in a variety of ways. This piece designed by Beth Stone and first published in the August 2006 Bead and Button, turns right-angle weave on its side to produce a soft and flexible necklace. Done in seed beads you can embellish it can be embellished with pearls or crystals. You will also learn to create a beaded toggle to keep it secure. This is a pretty piece with an interesting “slant” on a popular stitch. SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE (prior work in right angle weave helpful).


BEADING BASICS: SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH, 10:30-12:30, w/ MARIE JACQUES.
New to beading and would like to put a more professional finish on your pieces?
Been too busy to bead lately and have gotten a little rusty? This class is a must for the beginning bead enthusiast or for anyone interested in brushing up their beading skills. Learn how to use the tools and materials available to create and finish your own wearable art. Some attention will also be given to color, shape and balance. These techniques will spring you forth into the world of beading with the confidence it takes to create your own designs! SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER.




DAISY CHAIN RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH.  If you wanted to take the DAISY CHAIN class that was offered last Thursday and were unable to register in time, you can still take it next Thursday, March 24th 6:00-8:00PM.  The class was rescheduled due to uncertain weather, so give a call and reserve your seat.  The daisy is such a simple, sweet flower. And that is just the way I’d describe this variation on a daisy chain. Vines and flowers are both size 11 seed beads although, you could use any size or colors to change the look and make it truly your own. This is a very easy project for first time hand weavers. But, even the more experienced can have a lot of fun with it. So, if you’ve wanted to try your hand at working with seed beads, or just want a simple little pattern to stitch, you’ll have fun with this one. This is a piece the all women, from granddaughters to grandmothers, will love to own. SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER



BEADED CABOCHONS: SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH, 10:30-12:30, W/ROBIN STUART
Beaded cabochons are so striking; they almost take your breath away. But, are they as daunting to make as they look? NO! Robin will lead you through the process and you’ll be turning out your own beautiful Beaded Cabs for winning gifts in no time. This is a wonderful technique for turning all those beautiful cabs you’ve picked up at gem shows into fabulous jewelry. Schedule early, this class fills fast. SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE (some hand weaving experience)


Pretty new beads: More AQUA TERRA JASPER in nuggets, diamonds and coins in bright, springy shapes


Show and Tell:


Take a look at what Barry MacMillan has created with her new found knowledge of VIKING KNIT.  Barry took the class and learned how to do this ancient technique using the newfangled Viking Knit tool.  She found that the size of the knitted tube was just perfect for the large hole “Pandora Style” beads.  Another great idea for displaying your favorite big hole beads.  Nice work Barry!


The pretty fancy “Basic” pieces (pictured below) were created by the mother/daughter team of Linda and Emily Novak.


Preview of Upcoming Class!


OOH, AHH!  This is a preview of Mig Lemire’s next wire bracelet class.  This design by Eni Oken is coming up April 9th.  Stay tuned for more details (or call now to pre-register, seats ).



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Daisy Chains and Summer Stones

Ok Folks, despite the white stuff still hanging around outside, Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday night, and the first day of SPRING is just 11 days away!  So hang in there, it’s coming!  In the meantime, create your own spring this Thursday evening, March 10, from 6-8 PM with the DAISY CHAIN necklace.  This sweet little chain is easy enough for beginners and it’s a fun project for the more experienced hand weaver.  Do it up in size 11 seed beads for a very delicate look or 8s for a more stand out piece.  Either way, this is a chain that ladies from 8 to 80 years young will love. See the website for more details!



 More new bling!  Aqua Terra Jasper in long and short barrels.  Super spring into summer stones.

Fantastic Feldspar in several sizes of coin shape.  The leopard like markings are a great look for your summer wardrobe.

More bling in super coat finishes.  The leaf shapes are quite unique.  The twisted coin and oval shapes mimic the higher priced Austrian crystals at a fraction of the price.

Looking for a great stone for a different wedding/prom look.  Look no further.  These faceted opalite stones in coin, oval, rectangle, briolette and drop are stunning!  See them in person.  Their beauty is difficult to capture on film.


New stuff out every day. Stop in often and see what’s new.


Happy Beading,






Linda