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

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 10^th and 17^th 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!