Bead Sale and some Class Pictures

BLACK AND ORANGE SALE: With Halloween just around the corner, we’re having a BLACK AND ORANGE SALE!! This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 21st-23rd, ALL BLACK AND ORANGE BEADS WILL BE 25% OFF AND ALL HALLOWEEN KITS WILL BE 40% OFF.

I just wanted to share some of the fun we’ve had lately. These two beautiful necklaces are first time projects from our last BEADING BASICS class with Marie Alexander. This set is a design by Debbie Fischer done in Wood Jasper chips and red malachite focal pieces.

The set below is by Laura Gill in Mother of Pearl chips, beach glass donut beads and furnace glass. Great Job, first timers!! (next Beading Basics class is scheduled for Saturday, December 18 10:30-12:30 - just in time to create a last minute Christmas gift)

Happy Beading,

Linda

Keith O'Connor Trunk Show October 9th - and NEW BEADS!!!

REMEMBER: KEITH O’CONNOR will be here this Saturday, October 9^th starting at 10:30, with trays and trays of beautiful and unique Raku (an ancient Japanese technique), Porcelain and Pottery Beads.  Each bead is lovingly shaped, fired and glazed by hand.   Keith will be happy to chat with you about the process and his wife Laurie is a font of ideas on how to use the beads.  She will be glad to demonstrate techniques for stringing and finishing jewelry pieces using these wonderful works of art.  Don’t miss out on fun, food and fabulous handmade beads and a chat with the artist himself.  Pictured below are samples of Keith’s work.

The days and nights are getting cooler (and darker) and the new stock in house has me really wanting to spend my evenings beading up holiday goodies.  Check out the uber bling below.  You must see  them in person.  The photos do not do them justice.

These are 8X10 mm faceted rondells in the most amazing and rich multi-colors.  Pictured are plum/gold, royal blue/plum, aqua/plum/gold.  (Not pictured gold, bronze and silver).  These come 25 beads per strand for UNDER $5.  Get ‘em while they’re hot!

Again, seeing in person is everything, but these 6mm rondell crystals are gorgeous.  They come in royal, aqua, (perfect holiday) red and green, champagne and topaz.

Pearls, pearls, pearls, in addition to the glass pearls that I showed you last week, there are fresh water pearls in many sizes, shapes and colors, from tiny seed pearls to keshi. 

FIRE AGATE is back in stock in new colors, sizes and shapes. This is just a sample.

BEAD BUCKS ARE BACK!!  Come in this Saturday, October 9^th, and earn BEAD BUCKS.  For every $25 spent on merchandise, you will receive a $5 BEAD BUCK coupon to redeem at a later date.  So, stock up on Keith’s beads and get a jump on your holiday beading supplies and have FREE MONEY to spend later.  (Promotion does not include classes, gift certificates, books and magazines).

Happy Beading,

Linda

New Items in Stock!!!!

The arrival of Fall makes me want to reorganize..........my space, my time, my beading projects. I sort through my bead tray(s), find the UFOs (unfinished objects), separate them into baggies and number them according to how involved they are to finish or fix. “Easy” being, this item needs a clasp or a jump ring. “Involved” meaning, this needs to be completely reworked or started over. Then when I have a little time I finish up one or two of the UFOs before I begin an exciting new project. BEADER’S NIGHT OUT is an excellent time to tackle those UFOs. The first Tuesday of each month (next Tuesday, October 5th for this month), is when we meet. There is NO FEE for the time. Just come on in and bring whatever project you are working on. If you need a certain finding, you have the shop stock right here to find what you are looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to meet and commune with other beaders, see what they are working on and maybe share or pick up a new trick. Call and let me know you will be coming as seating is limited.



TRUNK SHOW: Pottery artist KEITH O’CONNOR will be here next Saturday, October 9th, with a trunk full of his amazing RAKU, PORCELAIN and POTTERY BEADS. Keith’s beads have been featured in national beading magazines, including the popular “STRINGING” magazine. You will be able to see what’s new and shop his wonderful selection at a special “show price” for that day. This will be our THIRD ANNUAL Show with Keith and his wife Laurie who will be on hand to demonstrate some techniques for stringing the beads and creating closures from waxed linen and other materials. There will be munchies to pick on, great conversation, new tricks to learn, and of course, beautiful beads! Don’t miss it!


NEW STUFF:


Here are a few items that have arrived this week. Stop in frequently as new beads and things arrive daily.

Beautiful Mother of Pearl Chips......................................................and look what you can do with these creamy chips and the NEW Beach Glass pendant and earring DONUTS!

Looking for something different?  These HELIX crystals are Chinese made but have all of the shimmer of the “famous” brand at a fraction of the price.  Must see in person to really appreciate their beauty and unique shape. 

Rich Ruby jade and royal blue quartz:

Glass pearls in wonderful colors for fall, (super luster):

Dragon Blood Jasper in all sizes and shapes:

And for HALLOWEEN: Skeletons carved in real bone.  Spooky.

Don’t forget, we have beading KITS now available in ghosts, witches, bats and other fun Halloween themes.


Happy Beading,


Linda

Trunk Show Saturday August 14!!!!

On this Saturday, August 14th, world renown Maine wire artist, Mig Lemire, will be presenting her first ever Trunk Show here at Beads on the Kennebec. Many of you who have taken her classes here at the shop are already familiar with her work and know what a talented artist and teacher she is. Now is your chance to see the full scope of her work up close and personal. And for those of you who have admired the photos of her class projects, but haven’t yet mustered the courage (or found the time) to attempt one of her classes, this is your chance to purchase one of her unique wire wrapped creations. She’ll have a full sampling of her work with an emphasis on beach glass harvested here on the coast of Maine. The show will run from 10:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. This is just a sampling of some of Mig’s creations in beach glass and vintage Swarovski:

The other event going on this Saturday, takes place down the street at Stacy’s Hallmark Store. Stacy’s is one of only16 Hallmark Gold Crown stores in the country to have been awarded a prestigious Signing Event this year. For those of you who are collectors of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, the name Tammy Haddix may be familiar to you. Ms. Haddix is one of the most beloved members of the Hallmark Ornament community and she will be signing ornaments at Stacy’s this Saturday, August 14th. This event is expected to draw a large number of Hallmark Ornament fans from all over the country. If you would like to know more about this event, please contact Stacy’s Hallmark Gold Crown Store at 623-3781 or go to http://www.stacyshallmark.com/

In honor of this special event, Beads on the Kennebec will be offering a 25% off sale on hand beaded ornaments. For those of you who haven’t been able to take the ornament classes, (or hand beading is not your forte), this is your chance own a very special beaded ornament at a very special price. Also, receive a free PhotoBead from the Netherlands with a purchase of $40 or more.

 

Other merchants here on Water Street will be offering specials and events of their own. Chase Farm Bakery in the Old Federal Building will be offering a trunk show of their own by local artisans. Visage and Downtown Gifts and Crafts will also be offering specials. So, plan to make a day of it. Tour the street, stop for coffee and something sweet (find a lovely spot on the river to sit and enjoy it), and see what your talented neighbors are up to.

The Cinderella Project

Perhaps you've heard about it already, but, I've just become aware of "The Cinderella Project". It's a wonderful program where formal dresses and accessories are collected and made available to young women across the state to make their prom night, "a night to remember".
Prom time can be a wonderful experience for teens, but, it can also be wrought with feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt. Prom attire can be costly and many families, feeling the economic pinch of these times, can barely afford necessities let alone formal attire for one night.

The Cinderella Project allows us to be "Fairy Godmothers" to teens who may not be able to afford the transforming feeling of belonging as an equal, on one very special night of their young lives.

This is the 4th year of the project here in Maine. Gowns and other attire will be given away to any young lady from the State of Maine with the one stipulation that the girl must do a good deed for someone else.

This year's event will be held from 10am-6pm at Reny's Plaza in Belfast, Maine on Saturday, April 10th, 2010. It is first come, first served.

Sought after items include: "Gently" used Gowns or Dresses, Accessories, Jewelry (of course), Shoes, and unopened Make-up.

Many of you have commented to me that you love beading so much that you have a surplus of finished jewelry and don't know what to do with it all. Well, here's a chance to put it to good use and make a young lady feel like a fairy princess for one night. (And you'll feel so good that your own glow will outshine the bling that you bring).

I have volunteered to be the drop spot for the Central Maine area. Items need to be dropped off here at the shop, no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 8th. If you wish to make the trip to Belfast yourself, donations will even be taken at the door on the day of the event. If you wish to volunteer, you may contact: Mandie Sawyer at: mailto:msawyer@waldocap.org .

Here are some other links for additional information: http://cinderellaprojectmaine.webs.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/cinderellaprojectmaine .

Thank you in advance to any of you who are willing to "Wave Your Magic Wands" (dig in yours or your daughter's closets) and help create a magical evening for a budding princess.

Come on fellow Godmother's, I know we can do it!

Thank You,

Linda

Non-fat Donuts - and New Items in Stock

The skies have been brilliant blue the past couple of days. Enjoy it while you can, this weekend will not be quite as nice. What ever the weather outside, you can create your own Dazzling Day by coming in and creating some beautiful bling with Mig Lemire. Our own wire guru is back this Saturday, March 13th, with two amazing classes. Starting at 10:30 in the morning, you will learn Border Wrapping on flat backed stones. This is a technique you'll use over and over again. This is one of the Basic Wire classes so even if you've never worked with wire before, you'll come away with an amazing piece and a new skill to add to your repertoire.

            

Over the past several months I've had a number of people comment on "Donut Beads". They have been featured in a number of beading magazines lately. The unusual round flat gemstone beads with a hole in the center are intriguing, but not many people have a clear vision of what to do with them. I've been asked to have a class to show what you can do with these beautiful gems. Here again, Mig is truly amazing. Ask her to create a design for "Donut" beads and you'll get not one, but three amazing designs. "Gemstone Donuts" will be held Saturday, March 13th at 1:00 P.M.. Bring Donuts you already have or choose from the selection here in shop. Either way, learn what beauty you can create with donuts. Don'(u)t delay! Call and reserve your seat for either of these great classes, today!

This is certainly the week for wire. The newest Step by Step Wire magazine just came in and is chock full of lovely new designs. And, Don't miss the special edition of Wirework. This is a one time publication and won't be out for long. Get it while it lasts.

With spring approaching, crosses are in demand whether you're making a rosary, or a necklace for Easter, First Communion, Confirmation or Wedding. There is a new selection of crosses and rosary center in stock in both sterling silver, pewter and plate and more coming in. Check back frequently.

WIRE RESTOCK!! The Artistic Wire has been restocked. There is plenty on hand.

Mig and I hope to see you all this weekend.

Till then, Happy Beading!

Cabin Fever 2010 Contest

Over the past couple of week, I've heard customers saying things such as, "I'm so over winter, I can't wait for spring". And, "I have no energy, I need someting to motivate me". Well, thanks to the inspiration of Basics Instructor, Marie Alexander, I am please to announce THE FIRST EVER:

CABIN FEVER 2010 CONTEST

Winter in Maine. What does that make you think of?
a.. Skiing?
b.. Snowmobiling?
c.. Admiring the sparkling white beauty of our State?
d.. Crocus peeking out of the snow?
e.. Maybe it's hopping a plane and flying off to a tropical paradise!

Beat those winter doldrums by participating in BOTKs Cabin Fever 2010 Contest!

CONTEST RULES:

1.. Deadline to submit designs: Wednesday, March 31, 2010, by close of store.
2.. All designs must be submitted with complete entry form (see Linda)
3.. Designs must be original and must fall into one of the following wearable categories - Necklace, bracelet, brooch or earrings.
4.. Entries must be submitted with complete materials list. 80% of materials must come from BOTK.
5.. Designs may be by a single person or a collaboration.
6.. All designs will be returned to their owners on or around April 30, 2010.

PRIZES:

Grand Prize: Best of Show will receive a Gift Certificate for $100.00 to Beads on the Kennebec
First Runner up will receive a Gift Certificate for $50.00 to Beads on the Kennebec
Second Runner up will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Beads on the Kennebec

So, think about what winter in Maine means to you. Here's a look at some inspiration from Marie entitled "Ice Forming on a Maine Pond".

Call or stop in if you have any questions. Just, HAVE FUN!