Showing Off !!!

We recently had a class for the Victorian Crystal Heirloom Ornament.  It is always fun to see the colors and combinations that people come up with to create this beautiful piece.  Well the prize for most unusual goes to Annette Barrows of Manchester.  Annette has a grandson that love Halloween.  It’s his favorite holiday.  So, she created one of these ornaments using a black glass ornament, orange seed beads and bone skeleton skulls for the drops.  Bravo Annette, for your creativity.  There are just so many possibilities with beads.  Stop in, browse, and let your creativity soar!

More new stuff out next week. See you soon and,

Happy Beading,

Linda

Holiday Hours and 3 Day Sale!

Well if this weather holds we’ll have a spectacular 4th of July! We’ll keep our fingers crossed. REMINDER: THE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED THIS FRIDAY, JULY 1ST AND SATURDAY JULY 2ND, FOR A LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

Between now and then, come in and take advantage of a huge 3DAY SALE!!!! There are new items and lines that I’d like to get in, but I’ve no place to put them. So, I need to clean house. For the next three days, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 28th, 29th and 30th,

ALL SWAROVSKI PENDANTS, FOCALS AND SPECIALTY PIECES ARE 60% OFF!
ALL PANDORA STYLE BEADS ARE 50% OFF,
ALL GEMSTONE BEADS AND CHIPS ARE 25% OFF,
AND ALL SEED BEADS ARE 10% OFF.

This is a great way to stock up on your vacation beading supplies, so don’t miss out. Once the items are gone, they may never return and especially at these prices! So, don’t wait, come in get ‘em while they’re HOT!

The Swarovski samples below are just a few of the fabulous pieces on sale. Others include Starfish, Cosmic Pendants, Aqualine Pendants, 2-hole spacer bar settings, hearts, cosmic squares and more.

“Pandora Beads” abound in crystal, Murano, stone lamp work, cat’s eye, animal shapes, metal and more!

Don’t forget to register for upcoming classes. Since the release of the third quarter schedule last week, calls have been coming in to book seats. Don’t let your seat be taken by someone else. Call to today!


Thursday, July 7th is the first of the “Christmas in July” classes. EASY NETTED SNOWFLAKES will get your holiday beading off to a simple, yet elegant start. New to hand bead weaving? This is the class for you to get emersed in the art form. Are you an old hand? Then this is an easy, relaxed project to pass a summer evening. Either way, you’ll love it! Class runs from 6-8 and the fee is $25.


SATURDAY, JULY 9^TH, Mig is back with us with two super classes.  From 10:30 – 12:30, she will walk you through the beautiful BORDER WRAP.  This is a great one to learn because the binding technique for the edges lends itself to many other wire wrapping projects.  For example, “Prongs” (see description under next month’s wire class listing on the website).  

From 1-3p.m., try the exquisite “Beez to Butterflies” Chain Maille technique.  You must have some prior chain maille experience for this class.  This is a beautiful, substantial bracelet.  I just love the feel of the piece on my wrist.  It has just enough weight to let you know you are wearing something special. If you are not sure if you have the experience necessary to take on the project?  Call me for more information.  Fee: $65 for each of Mig’s wire classes.

Stop in for the sale, to register for your favorite class or just to see what’s new.  Just stop in to say “Hi”!  It’s always a pleasure to see you and what you’ve been beading.  If I don’t see you, have a Happy 4^th!

"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.

"Loose Change" Contest Rules and Information

LOOSE CHANGE” CONTEST 2011

design idea

   CONTEST RULES:

Deadline to submit designs: Friday, MAY 27^TH 2011, by close of store.

All designs must be submitted with complete entry form. (see website for downloadable form)

Designs must incorporate Maureen Connolly’s  “COMMON CENTS” enameled pennies.   Designs must be original and must fall into one of the following wearable categories - Necklace, bracelet, brooch or earrings.

Entries must be submitted with complete materials list.  80% of materials must come from BOTK.

Designs may be by a single person or a collaboration.

Judging will take place on Saturday, May 28t h, 2011, after close of business.

Winners will be announced via email on Tuesday, May 31^st, 2011

All entries will be available for pick-up on June 4^th and all items must be picked-up by June 11^th, 2011.

Winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Beads on the Kennebec.

(See Linda for any special considerations)

"Loose Change" Contest and New Items in the Shop

There are a lot more of Maureen Connolly’s  “COMMON CENTS” enameled pennies in stock.  It’s been great fun for me to see what customers are planning to do with them.

 Hey, that gives me an idea!  How about a little CONTEST?  Starting now through May 30^th, enter your own unique design using these “COMMON CENTS” pennies.  The Winner, selected from a panel of Beads on the Kennebec instructors, will be awarded a $50 gift certificate! Show us how these fun little coins can put some “Change” in your pocket!

Things you should know:

There is a restock of Chinese bicone and rondell strands in favorite colors (and a few new ones).

There is a restock of glass pearls in more springy colors, too.

Also new:

Pink Quartz Hearts.  Pretty wrapped in wire or keep one in your pocket as a Gratitude Stone! 

  

Delicious, gemstone donuts. Fun to use and always Fat Free!

Aqua Terra Discs in purple make great spacers.

 Cathedral Beads in black and gold are pretty accent beads.

These are just a few items to inspire you.  Stop in and browse the shop.  You’ll find all sorts of unique items to incorporate into your one of a kind pieces!

Pearls, Clasps and Strawberries!

The weather doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, so, I guess we’ll have to just keep Spring in our heads and hearts until it decides to arrive. Until it does, stop in and surround yourself with wonderful colors and textures. A new shipment of top drilled pearls have arrived in time for Mig Lemire’s Spring Fever Bracelet next month.

And in anticipation of all the wonderful bracelet classes coming up, there are many new clasps to try.  Box clasps, Swarovski hinged clasps, toggle clasps, clasps in beautiful and lasting plates and precious metals to fit any budget. 

There is still room in the PEYOTE BOOKMARK class tomorrow, Thursday, April 21^st, from 6-8 p.m..  If you only learn one hand weaving stitch, Peyote stitch is the one to learn. A popular form of hand weaving that produces a brick pattern, Peyote is used to create bracelets, necklaces, encase cabochons, and in the more advanced forms, beaded boxes and sculptures. The feel of the finished piece is like fabric. Thumbing through beading magazines and books you will generally see one or more projects that incorporate peyote stitch. In this class we will create a Flat Even Count Peyote band which may be finished as either a bracelet or bookmark. Once you know how to get them started, Peyote is a very easy and relaxing stitch. The simple bookmark or bracelet make great gifts, too.



If you hunger for a taste of summer, be here this Saturday, April 23^rd for ODIN’S sweet STRAWBERRY EARRINGS.  Not to be confused with Japanese Braiding, this is another wonderful technique out of Japan. Odin is our resident expert on JAPANESE WEAVING. She has mastered the art and so many of the published patterns that she has come up with many of her own. Using monofiliment line and Swarovski Crystals you'll learn to create these whimsical strawberries to use as earrings, pendant or just to dangle from your cell phone, purse or keychain. (You have to see them in person to appreciate how really sweet they are). Once you master the technique, there are other patterns in the shop by Odin to entice you to get weaving Japanese style. This is a popular class so, reserve early.

Next week, WIRE CROCHET is back by popular demand.  Crocheting with wire is far simpler than it looks and the results are spectacular. This necklace always gets oohs and aahs. Simple to create and stunning no matter what type of bead you select. Use seed beads, gemstone chips, round, square, large, small or a combination of all of the above to create a truly unique look. The same technique delivers completely different results depending on your choice of beads, and colors. It's such fun to combine beads for incredible results. Skill Level: Beginner to Beading, (please have basic knowledge of crochet slip stitch).  Call to reserve your seat Thursday, April 28^th.  Class starts at 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

If you’ve been wanting to start beading or just want to brush up your skills.  Join Marie Jacques next Saturday, April 30^th from 10:30-12:30 for 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.

Mother’s Day is not far away.  What will you do to show Mom you think she’s special?  How about a Mother’s bracelet?  She’ll wear her heart on her sleeve every day.  Stop in to see other inspiring samples.

New Wirework Classes..........and Cinderella Project Reminder

A reminder that we have some wonderful Wireworks classes with Mig upcoming this Saturday. 
WIREWORKS: BORDER WRAP, SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2011 10:30-12:30PM
If you loved the Wire Sculpting class with Mig, you'll love Border Wrap. The second in Mig's WIREWORKS SERIES, this class teaches you how to showcase a cabochon or other flat backed stone by incasing the edges in a bound wire wrap. You'll learn to create exquisite slides and pendants. The techniques learned here will give you the confidence to turn out professional quality rings, bracelets, earrings and more. 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

WIREWORKS: ENI OKEN DESIGN BRACELET SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2011 1:00-3:00PM
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then this one speaks volumes. If you are not familiar with Eni Oken's work, she is nationally known for her whimsical and ornamental award winning designs. With Eni's permission, Mig will show you the fine art of creating intricate "looking" designs such as this one. As with many beading techniques, this is not as difficult as it look especially when you have Mig to help you navigate through the process. Don't wait to reserve your seat, Mig's classes fill quickly. Skill Level: Novice (some wire working recommended)

 And just as a reminder:
Many of you may remember the Cinderella Project that we participated in last spring. Briefly, it is a project sponsored by the Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP), where prom dresses and accessories are collected by the community and offered free of charge to high school girls to make their prom experience special. You know how costly preparing for prom night can be and many young women would not be able to participate in this very special coming of age event without help. The event will take place next Saturday, April 9th at the Reny’s Plaza in Belfast.


Beads on the Kennebec will be a drop off spot for the Central Maine area again this year and donations may be dropped off at the shop any time Tues-Fri 10 – 5:00 and this Saturday from 10 – 2:30. The deadline for drop offs here at the shop will be Thursday, April 7th, at 4:00 P.M.. Items that are needed are gowns, dresses, shoes, jewelry, wraps, and new make-up items.

For more info on the Cinderella Project visit these links: http://www.facebook.com/cinderellaprojectmaine and http://www.cinderellaprojectmaine.webs.com/

Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Happy Beading,
Linda