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.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Class Updates, New Stuff and Holiday Schedule

Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful summer weather. Here is a quick up date of some super classes from now to the end of the month and some cool new stuff.


Now, if you want to begin your beading journey with the knowledge and skill to create professional looking pieces from the start, then be here this SATURDAY, (August 20, 2011) for BEADING BASICS with Marie Jacques. This class will give you the experience in basic stringing techniques that will propel you into the world of beading with confidence. Start now and there is plenty of time to create fabulous fall fashion pieces, gifts for all the gals on your gift list and maybe sell a few to coworkers and earn a little extra for holiday shopping. Who knows where it could lead you. In class you will string a bracelet or necklace and learn to make basic stacked earrings. There are a few seats available, so call and reserve your seat today. Class starts at 10:30 till 12:30 (approx..).






GET READY FOR FALL FASHIONS, NOW!


The SPARKLING GARDEN BRACELET was so popular when offered in May, that the class filled up almost overnight.  If you missed it then or have just discovered this beautiful piece, there are just a couple of seats left in the class next THURSDAY, August 25th.  This is one of those must have pieces. This beautiful design by Joetta Payne first appeared in the June 2003 Bead & Button magazine. This triangular variation of Right-angle weave is not for the beginning bead weaver, but if you have some hand weaving experience, particularly with right-angle weave, you will do just fine. Those of you who have become fans of Japanese Weaving will love the progression of this bracelet. The photo doesn't do justice to the piece. Do stop in and see it in person. If you are a "crow" like me, you'll just have to have one.




SATURDAY, AUGUST 27,2011 12:00-2:30, Sue Daigle will be on hand to instruct you in the ancient art of Japanese Braiding or "Kumihimo". This technique dates back to around 8000 BC, yet fits into our contemporary society quite well. Meaning a "Gathering of Threads", Kumihimo braids were used as personal adornment such as obi-jime ties, ropes to bind ancient scrolls, and were presented by emperors to heroes and others who earned high honors. Today they lend themselves well to belts, trims, handbag straps and, of course, jewelry. This relaxing form of beaded braiding works up quite quickly and makes beautiful, affordable and very unique gifts. This class always fill quickly so reserve your seat early. Ask for a materials list as a small amount of prep work is necessary prior to the class.






Please keep in mind that the shop will be closed for a long LABOR DAY WEEKEND from Friday, September 2nd through Monday, September 5th. Please plan your shopping accordingly.


NEW ITEMS: 

These are a few teasers. I’ll have more to show you next week! These are all about interesting shapes and textures.



These beautiful flower two-hole sliders arrived for last week’s crystal cuff class. I had to try one out. This is a real WOW piece. Stop in and see it in person. (I’ll try to keep it here in the shop).


Bronzite Coins:



Goldstone Ovals:

       



Picture Jasper Drops:



Large Calsilica Shapes:



Mother of Pearl Nuggets:


Stop in and visit. There is always something new to see and touch. See you soon and,




Happy Beading,
Linda

Thursday, August 11, 2011

It's Wire Week!

Hi Everyone,


This is the week of WIRE!


The WIRE AND CRYSTAL CUFF this evening is full. But look for it on the fall schedule if you missed it this time. It’s a fun piece to make, wear or give. With the new silver filled wire available, it’s very affordable to make.

SATURDAY, Mig Lemire is here all day with two exciting wire projects.  In the morning from 10:30-12:30 it’s PRONGS.  This is the third class in the Basic WIREWORKS Series.  Mig will expertly guide you through the process of making a “Pronged” setting for a faceted stone.  This is a piece that always gets compliments and people are floored when you say "I made it myself". This can be done with any size or shape of faceted stone but Mig suggests a rectangular stone for your first project. A selection of CZs and Swarovski stones ideal for this project are in stock and quite affordable. NOTE*: This is the last time this class will be offered, this year.  SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE. 

In the afternoon from 1-3 p.m., learn to fashion these fantastic TEARDROP EARRINGS.  You'll want to wear these beautiful earrings everywhere! Mig will show you how to fashion a teardrop, basket weave setting to cradle 12-14mm flat backed cabochons or Swarovski Rivolis. On line or in a jewelry store, these would cost a small fortune, but, you can make them yourself for a fraction of the cost of store bought. They'll make a wonderful extra special gift, too. Skill Level: Intermediate (Pre-requisite: Wire Sculpting or Border Wrap)

Hot new items in stock:


ROSE QUARTZ NUGGETS, Highly polished. Beautiful.

SPIDER STONE IN PINK AND BLUE and several shapes and sizes.

GREEN AVENTURINE in 20mm rounds and large teardrops

Mother of Pearl nuggets in a serene sky blue

If you liked the PEACOCK VISTA JASPER cabochons and pendants, you’ll love the beads in rondells, ovals and 20mm coins.  See them in person to truly appreciate their unique beauty.

New items arrive weekly, so stop in often and see what’s new.
Happy Beading,

Linda