Pearls, Clasps and Strawberries!

The weather doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, so, I guess we’ll have to just keep Spring in our heads and hearts until it decides to arrive. Until it does, stop in and surround yourself with wonderful colors and textures. A new shipment of top drilled pearls have arrived in time for Mig Lemire’s Spring Fever Bracelet next month.

And in anticipation of all the wonderful bracelet classes coming up, there are many new clasps to try.  Box clasps, Swarovski hinged clasps, toggle clasps, clasps in beautiful and lasting plates and precious metals to fit any budget. 

There is still room in the PEYOTE BOOKMARK class tomorrow, Thursday, April 21^st, from 6-8 p.m..  If you only learn one hand weaving stitch, Peyote stitch is the one to learn. A popular form of hand weaving that produces a brick pattern, Peyote is used to create bracelets, necklaces, encase cabochons, and in the more advanced forms, beaded boxes and sculptures. The feel of the finished piece is like fabric. Thumbing through beading magazines and books you will generally see one or more projects that incorporate peyote stitch. In this class we will create a Flat Even Count Peyote band which may be finished as either a bracelet or bookmark. Once you know how to get them started, Peyote is a very easy and relaxing stitch. The simple bookmark or bracelet make great gifts, too.



If you hunger for a taste of summer, be here this Saturday, April 23^rd for ODIN’S sweet STRAWBERRY EARRINGS.  Not to be confused with Japanese Braiding, this is another wonderful technique out of Japan. Odin is our resident expert on JAPANESE WEAVING. She has mastered the art and so many of the published patterns that she has come up with many of her own. Using monofiliment line and Swarovski Crystals you'll learn to create these whimsical strawberries to use as earrings, pendant or just to dangle from your cell phone, purse or keychain. (You have to see them in person to appreciate how really sweet they are). Once you master the technique, there are other patterns in the shop by Odin to entice you to get weaving Japanese style. This is a popular class so, reserve early.

Next week, WIRE CROCHET is back by popular demand.  Crocheting with wire is far simpler than it looks and the results are spectacular. This necklace always gets oohs and aahs. Simple to create and stunning no matter what type of bead you select. Use seed beads, gemstone chips, round, square, large, small or a combination of all of the above to create a truly unique look. The same technique delivers completely different results depending on your choice of beads, and colors. It's such fun to combine beads for incredible results. Skill Level: Beginner to Beading, (please have basic knowledge of crochet slip stitch).  Call to reserve your seat Thursday, April 28^th.  Class starts at 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

If you’ve been wanting to start beading or just want to brush up your skills.  Join Marie Jacques next Saturday, April 30^th from 10:30-12:30 for BEADING BASICS.  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! Focus will be on single strand necklace or bracelet and basic drop earrings.

Mother’s Day is not far away.  What will you do to show Mom you think she’s special?  How about a Mother’s bracelet?  She’ll wear her heart on her sleeve every day.  Stop in to see other inspiring samples.