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.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

It's All Happening Here on Water Street!!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the past year and contemplate the things we are most grateful for.  As I sit down on Thursday for a wonderful meal with my family, I’ll be thinking of all of you.  Several people have told me lately that they are so glad that this little shop is here.  It goes both ways.  I am so grateful for all of you, your friendship and your patronage.  I am here, and will continue to be here only because of you and your support of this small business.  As the year draws to a close, I’ll be thinking and planning 2012’s classes and events.  I would love to hear your thoughts, too.  What kind of merchandise, classes, or special events would you like to see here at the shop?  Let me know.  I may not be able to do it all, but I will take it all into consideration.  In the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!


THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, there are all kinds of things happening here on Water Street in downtown Augusta and here in the shop. 

First, there are still a couple of seats left for BEADING BASICS with Marie Jacques from 10:30-12:30.  If you have been wanting to get started beading, this is the class to do it.  You will learn basic stringing, using tools, find out about wires and findings, design and composition, and how to put it all together.  It’s easy if you know how and after Saturday, you’ll know how! 

The other big happening on the street is the annual “City of Augusta Riverfront Holiday Tree Lighting Tradition”.  It’s a day of activities and events all leading up to the Tree Lighting at Waterfront Park and FIREWORKS!!  I’ve attached a flyer (above) with a schedule of the events.  Come on down and spend the day, stroll the street, see the sights, meet the merchants and have a holiday blast with your neighbors.

Specials here at the shop include:
·        30% off handmade finished jewelry pieces.
Dads can bring the youngsters in for a special gift for Mom.  Special Holiday earrings will be offered under $10.
 20% off all Swarovski Crystals for all of my special customers.  (that includes the beautiful, big stones to wire wrap or bead around)
Don’t forget the DAISY CHAIN NECKLACE on Thursday, December 1st,  Check the website for details.
Saturday, December 3rd, Lori Holt is here all day with two of her wonderful pieces.  From 10:30-12:30 it’s her SHIMMERING SNOWFLAKE and from 1-3 be here for the CANDY CANE BRACELET in herringbone stitch. 
Click here to go to the website for details      http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com/

And, don’t forget to redeem your BEAD BUCKS this Friday and Saturday!

If for some reason I don’t see you, (you’ve lost your car keys, your hands are tied, or you’re away for the holiday, eek!)  HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING WITH THOSE YOU HOLD DEAR!  See you soon and,

Happy Beading,          
Linda

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Calling all Knitters! We need your leftover yarn!

Hi Everyone,
At this time of the year, we tend to think more of those in need and try to find ways to lend a helping hand.  For those of you who knit or do crafts with yarn, this will be an easy fit.

Friends at Kennebec Behavioral Health are seeking donations of yarn for a family in need.  This family wishes to create knitwear and crafts to sell at local craft fairs, to generate income to purchase essentials to carry them through the coming winter months.   They want to do the work themselves, they just need help getting the materials to create sellable items.

If you have left over yarn or yarn from a project you never got around to and have now lost interest in, you can either drop it off here at Beads on the Kennebec, 333 Water Street in downtown Augusta, or, at Kennebec Behavioral Health at 66 Stone Street, Augusta to the attention of Melissa Winchester.

Please bring your donated yarn during working hours starting Monday, November 14th (Tuesday here at the shop) through Saturday, November 26th.

Thank you in advance for your open hearts and generosity.

Linda

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Pearl SALE, Victorian Ornament and Wonderful Wire!

It’s been a busy week here at the shop with new items coming in to be tagged and put out and smart crafters getting an early start on their holiday gift making.  I now have a REALLY FULL wall of glass pearls in sizes from 3mm to 10mm in a full spectrum of colors. (and ranging in price from $2.85-$6.50 per strand) Check out the cranberry and spruce green.  Both perfect for holiday jewelry making.    There are pearl drops and rondells, too.  And don’t forget freshwater pearls in wide array of colors and shapes as well.  This week get your PEARLS ON, with 25% off ALL PEARLS/ALL WEEK LONG!
While you are in the shop, check out the “NEW” tags everywhere! If you haven’t stopped in for a while, come on in and see what you are missing.



DID YOU KNOW: Beads on the Kennebec carries a great selection of all the major beading magazines to keep you up to date on the latest trends and patterns. Pick up your favorite while you are here.

The ornament classes have been big hits, as usual.  If you missed taking the ‘VICTORIAN CRYSTAL HEIRLOOM ORNAMENT” during Christmas in July, you have another chance at this two part class this week and next week, Thursday, November 10th and 17th from 6-8 P.M..  People can't get enough of these gorgeous ornaments. The piece is so beautiful it will take your breath away. This is one ornament that will be handed down for generations, gaining value (sentimental and monetary) with each passing year. In the first class, we'll begin making the netted cover. The second class we'll secure the net over the glass ball and systematically add the crystal drops. Done in Czech fire polished crystals, this piece is not as complicated as it looks. It is basic netting with embellishments and ideal for a beader who is new to hand weaving. And, they are fun to do!  Start now and you will have enough to cover your tree or complete your gift list by holiday time. Making one of these magnificent orbs always gives me an Olde Fashioned Holiday feeling.
Want to display your very special ornament in a very special way?  Ornament stands are now in stock in silver and gold to enhance your fabulous creations.  Just $6.50 for a beautiful sturdy stand with a finish that will last.  This week only, take 25% off.

Mig is back this Saturday, November 12th, with two of her most popular classes. The CAGED PENDANT and the ARROWS BRACELET are always sought after pieces. Each is intriguing in its own way.
CAGED PENDANT: From 10:30-12:30. For all of you Wired Up Fans of Mig, this technique will thrill you. you will take a cabochon stone (flat backed, domed face) and trap it in a “caged” border. It's a stunning effect and easy to learn with a basic wire wrapping background. Do you have a beautiful cabochon that you found at a gem show? This is the perfect way to get it out of the jewelry box and worn with pride! Reserve your seat early. Mig's classes fill fast! SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE (Some wire wrapping experience recommended)

ARROWS BRACELET: From 1-3 P.M..  WOW is the first word that came to my mind when I first saw this fabulous bracelet.  It is sure to become a staple in your jewelry wardrobe and WOW everyone who sees it. Weave this in your choice of wire, and metal, glass or seed beads. However you dress it up this unique and comfortable piece is sure to garner compliments every time you wear it. Sterling silver, or gold and silver filled wires are available.  Skill Level: Intermediate (some experience in wire techniques recommended)
****Sign up for either (or all) of this week’s fabulous classes and get %10 off your class supplies.  (This week only!  For these classes only!)****  (If you have pre-registered and purchased materials, see me).

Did you know: Beads on the Kennebec has a full selection of ear wires and findings in Sterling, gold and silver filled, copper, and antique plates that are nickel and lead free?  There are French wires in several styles, lever backs, kidney wires and more!  Here’s the latest addition: 2” kidney wires in gold or silver plate.





Did you know: We also have a great selection of Pandora Style bracelets in a silver tone and a huge assortment of large hole beads? Here’s the newest addition. Leather braided bracelets in black and white. Come in and check them out! Great fun for teens, and moms like them, too, for casual styling. Super stocking stuffers!


Did you know: there are TEN fabulous colors of TILA BEADS now in stock.  Get em’ while they’re HERE!! (Just a small sample below: White Frosted Mist, Rose Gold and Antiqued Metallic Green)
So many beads, so little time. So stop in soon, see what’s new and “BEad, all that you can BEad!



First look at Lori Holt’s Candy Cane Bracelet:
CANDY CANE BRACELET: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 1-3 p.m., W/LORI HOLT, FEE: $35

Whimsical, fun and a great way to learn a new technique. Make this sweetly striped bracelet in tubular herringbone stitch to show your holiday spirit or as a charming gift for a special gal. It will, of course, make up well in any combination of colors. It has the look of a crocheted rope, but easier. A great opportunity to learn something new. Call to reserve your seat, today! Skill Level: Novice (some hand weaving experience recommended)

See you soon and,
Happy Beading!