Hi All!

Another beautiful day here in Vacationland!  It’s been great weather to be outdoors for yard clean up, or just taking a walk.  The rail trail is nearby and a great place to take a stroll, breathe the sweet spring air while watching nature come alive once more.  While you’re close by, you can stop in and see what is shiny and new for spring right here in the shop.  Spring reminds me of the beauty of nature.  And you can express your love of nature beautifully with Vintaj antiqued metal components.  Take a couple of copper blanks and add a filigree leaf or bird and voila!  You have earrings that will be the talk of the office.  We’ve had fun with Mig doming, punching and fastening metal shapes into fabulous jewelry.  It’s easy with the right tools.  They are here, easy to use and affordable.  There are plenty of new books to inspire you, too. 

Blanks and tools      

I made these punched blank and enameled penny earrings in under five minutes!  (Enameled Pennies by Maureen Connolly.  New colors are on their way!)

There is a restock of Swarovski Crystal Pearls including a cool new “Bronze”.  Rich looking against a summer tan.  Of course there are plenty of the traditional white, cream and the beautiful Rosaline pink!

Classes this week include:

ONCE UPON A PROM by Bead Artist Katie Hacker
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 6:00-8:00 P.M.

This beautiful Prom, Wedding or Just Because I want Bling bracelet is a design by artist Katie Hacker and first appeared in the October/November 2006 issue of Beadwork Magazine. The color of the crystals used in her original piece inspired the name. The crystals were the color of a favorite prom dress. But this lovely piece is stunning in any color of crystal to match any outfit. Using colored beading wire and 6mm bicone crystals, this is an easy piece to create with basic stringing knowledge. Make this bracelet to match your “STARRY NIGHT NECKLACE” from two weeks ago!  Katie Hacker is an author of numerous beading books and has conducted beading classes for "Beads, Baubles and Jewels" on PBS. The bracelet was first taught here in April of 2010 with Katie's permission.

Want to make Mom a special something to show how much you care?  You can make a beautiful Mother’s or Family Bracelet  in our BEADING BASICS CLASS, SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012 10:30-2:30.  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

A little more advanced version, but still doable in class.  Use letter beads to name family members.

Next week, learn Basic Peyote Stitch and Basic Loom Bead Weaving.  Stop in to see samples or check out the schedule online at http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com/   for details.

A new trunk show will be arriving soon so keep an eye on the emails.  Enjoy the weather, have a wonder day and, 

Happy Beading,

Linda

New Beads and Class Reminders

The Netted Rope Bracelet class has been so popular that it has booked to capacity each time it has been offered.   A class date has opened up on Saturday, March 24 for anyone on the waiting list or anyone who couldn’t make prior Netted Rope classes, to be able to learn this lovely technique.  This will replace the RUSSIAN LEAVES class which will be offered again next quarter. Call as soon as possible to reserve a seat in the March 24^th Netted Rope class.  The class will run from 10:30-12:30.  Class fee is $25 and will be taught by Odin.  Call or check the class schedule on the website: http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com  for more details on the project.

The GOTHIC ARCHES CHOKER  and BEADING BASICS classes this week are booked.  Watch for these classes on future schedules. 

There is still room in next week’s WIRE AND CYRSTAL CUFF BRACELET class.  WIRE AND CRYSTAL CUFF on THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 6:00-8:00 P.M.

Whether you're using hues of pinks, purples or blues, harvest colors or metallic, this captivating cuff draws attention wherever you go. Its style is so classic yet organic combining the movement of pounded metal, sparkling crystals and freshwater pearls. It's a real show stopper and makes a fabulous special gift that will be appreciated year round. Much easier than it looks, and so much fun. If you don't have a stash of leftover pearls, crystals and spacers, the Swarovski Trend Mix Tubes (a color blended combo of pearls and crystals in a mix of sizes) give you an economical option. You can also use two-hole gemstone sliders for an earthier look. Skill Level: Beginner, Tuition $25.00, W/ Linda.

The second quarter class schedule will be out shortly.  Watch for it and book early.  Classes have been filling quickly and you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun and inspiration these classes offer.

New Items in house:  Rebecca Conry was here last Saturday with some of her new, and wonderful Dichroic Glass Cabs.  Photos do not do justice to these wonderful works of art. So, stop in for an up close and personal look at these beautiful reflections of nature.

New Gemstones in house:

Fossil Crinoids, turquoise skulls, faceted Brazilian Rhodonite

12mm Labradorite, 6mm tourmaline rounds, 8mm Amethyst rounds, 6mm Amazonite and Rainbow Snowflake Jasper ovals

Onyx ovals, 10mm Matte onyx rounds, Amazonite ovals and faceted rounds (high quality), 8mm Lapis rounds, 12mm Red Tiger Eye, Wood Agate Barrels

Black Stone irregular shapes (great for wire wrapping), Sardonyx Chrysocolla, green grass agate.

For those who have been waiting for the Doming Blocks for hammered metal work, they arrived today. 

And more arriving daily for spring!  See you soon and,

Happy Beading,

Linda

New Items in the Shop

Hi All,


I just want to remind you that there are a few seats left in some great classes this week.

First, Christina Niet’s ICE BRACELET, this Thursday evening from 6-8 P.M. This bracelet is the ultimate Bling Bracelet and the one you'll want to wear to all your special holiday parties. Once your friends see it, they'll all want one for themselves. Be ready to surprise them with one you made yourself (It’s easy enough for a beginner). Christina Niet of Good Quill Hunting designed this gorgeous piece, but since she's moved to Colorado, she's left it to me to show you how to create it. New to hand weaving? This is a great starter piece, too. Just a couple of seats left. Call today to reserve yours. Tuition $25.00


This Saturday, Mig is back from Fryeburg Fair and anxious to show you some wonderful wire and metal techniques.

This Saturday, October 15th from 10-12:30, be here for BORDER WRAP. If you loved the Wire Sculpting class with Mig, you'll love Border Wrap. The second in our WIREWORKS series, this class teaches you how to showcase a cabochon or other flat backed stone by incasing the edges in a bound bezel. You'll learn to create exquisite sterling or gold filled border wrapped slides and pendants. Bring your own stones or pick from our beautiful selections. (This is a standalone class. You do not need to have taken Wire Sculpting to accomplish this technique). SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER. Tuition $65.00

Saturday, October 15th from 1-3 P.M. join Mig for HAMMERED COPPER CUFF AND EARRINGS. It’s easy, it’s fun and you get to pound metal! Mig will show you how simple it can be to beginning your journey into metalwork. Start by fashioning this simple bracelet and earrings set from affordable copper forms. You'll learn to shape and texturize the metal by the proper application of some simple, basic metalwork tools. This class will open the door to working with metals. Future classes could lead to stamping and embellishing your metal pieces. Skill Level: Beginner. Tuition $65.00

Now for some NEW STUFF!!

Blister Pearls

Gorgeous crystal rondells in an amber fall mix, black and gold, black and white and metallic blues and clear. (Must see in person to truly appreciate)

Faceted Black Onyx

Etched Ironstone, very interesting

Carved Jade Focals

If you loved the spotted mushrooms, they’re back in a mini variety.

Large Calsilica in green, purple and black and white, and Christmas Calsilica!

Peacock Jasper in assorted shapes and sizes

PEARLS, PEARLS, PEARLS.

This is just a small sample of 4mms in scrumptious colors for holiday dressing. There are more colors and all sizes waiting for you.



Stop in, browse around and see what’s new. See you soon and,

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

"Loose Change" Contest Deadline; Upcoming Classes and New Arrivals

Get your glitter on and let it shine!  We finally have some SUN!! 

Don’t forget to get your entries in for the “LOOSE CHANGE” Challenge with a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate.  Deadline is this Friday, May 27^th, at 5:00 P.M., with judging to take place on Saturday.  Winner will be announced next Tuesday, via email and posted in the shop.  Visit the the website for contest rules. 

Get your summer beading off to a great start this Saturday, May 28^th, from 10:30-12:30 where Marie Jacques will guide you through “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.

Sample of Basic Beading by Debbie Potter

Here’s a heads up for next week’s very special classes.  Both favorites and back by popular demand.

WISTERIA EARRINGS THURSDAY, JUNE 2,2011 6:00-8:00PM Many folks visiting the shop have been asking for a class on these pretty little earrings. Hand weave a vine of flowers in Swarovski crystals and seed beads. This is an easy project for a spring evening. You'll want to make several to match all your spring and summer dresses. Skill Level: Novice (Some hand weaving recommended)

BEADED CABOCHONS
SATURDAY, JUNE 4,2011 10:30-2:30

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 making your own beaded cabs. You'll be turning them out for winning gifts in no time. I also find beading “Cabs” a relaxing project for a summer afternoon or evening on the porch or at camp.  Schedule early, this class fills fast. SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE (Some hand weaving recommended).

beaded cabochon picture by Robin Stuart

 Bring your own cabochon or  choose from our selection of stunning cabs!

Don’t forget to register for BEADER’S NIGHT OUT!  It’s a FREE evening of beading with old and new friends.  Work your current project with the shop stock at your disposal and commune with other beaders. There is no charge for this time, but seating is limited, so reserve your seat today!

There is a great selection of summery beads and focals and more arrive weekly.  Stop in often and see what’s new.

Spring Colors and Classes!

Even though the temps are still frigid outside, spring is starting to POP here in the shop.  New beads and items arrive weekly and many are the sweet, juicy colors of new grass and early flowers.  Check out these:

Cats Eye Rounds

Mother of Pearl Diamonds

Cat’s Eye 6mm STARS and HEARTS (back in stock)

Blue Sardonyx

Green Opal

Rhyolite

These wonderful primroses are sure to make your spring wardrobe POP!  Necklace, bracelet, wire up a pretty little ring and you’ll be set for spring!

And there are colorful little Mushrooms in purple, red and blue for you whimsical side.  Great fun as earrings, lanyards, or bracelets.

New books are here to get you started on your beading journey

If you missed the Beaded Crochet Rope class and would like to give it a try,  this book and DVD may be just what you’re looking for.

JUST ARRIVED!  A restock of the HOBBIT HOLE, FAIRY DOORS!  Get them while they last.  (You can create your own fairy ring with the mushrooms)

I’m meeting with one of my favorite suppliers this week, so there will be many more springy new items to play with.  What a great way to get past the winter blahs.  So, stop in often and see what’s new.

Another great way to get out of the doldrums is to learn something new.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24^TH, learn VIKING KNIT with the new (and very easy to use) LAZEE DAIZEE VIKING KNIT WIRE WEAVING TOOL.  Using this tool makes Viking Knit easier than ever.  It’s a fascinating technique and makes a beautiful and interesting woven chain.  Skill Level: Beginner, Fee: $15 with purchase of knitter and drawplate.  Already have tools?  Talk to me.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26^TH, BEADING BASICS with MARIE JACQUES.  Get started stringing your own necklaces and bracelets with professional results.  It’s all in choosing the right components, using the right tool for the job and a little practice.  Whether you’re brand new or just want to brush up on skills that have become rusty, reserve your seat today.  You’ll be welcoming Spring in your own style!  Skill Level: Beginner, Fee: $25  Sample below, by Debbie Potter.

Don’t miss BEADER’S NIGHT OUT next TUESDAY, MARCH 1^st, from 6-8 P.M.. Bring a project that you’ve been wanting to start, complete or at least make some progress on, and join other beaders and have a few laughs in the process.  Even when I feel tired at the end of the day, I always feel energized after one of these sessions.   No Fee, just call and let me know you would like to join in.

The Ides of March are upon us and St. Patrick’s day isn’t far behind.  Create and carry a little luck with you on SATURDAY, MARCH 5^TH,  for JAPANESE WEAVING as we learn to make this awesome SHAMROCK!  Odin will take you through the easy steps to fashion one from 4mm bicone crystals.  Skill Level: Novice (Some hand weaving recommended) Fee: $25

So get out of your winter funk and come in and look at pretty shiny things, make something new or take a class. It’s all good and good for you. See you soon, and

Happy Beading,

Linda

Please check out our website for more wonderful class offerings!

http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com/