Class Updates, New Stuff and Holiday Schedule

Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful summer weather. Here is a quick up date of some super classes from now to the end of the month and some cool new stuff.

Now, if you want to begin your beading journey with the knowledge and skill to create professional looking pieces from the start, then be here this SATURDAY, (August 20, 2011) for BEADING BASICS with Marie Jacques. This class will give you the experience in basic stringing techniques that will propel you into the world of beading with confidence. Start now and there is plenty of time to create fabulous fall fashion pieces, gifts for all the gals on your gift list and maybe sell a few to coworkers and earn a little extra for holiday shopping. Who knows where it could lead you. In class you will string a bracelet or necklace and learn to make basic stacked earrings. There are a few seats available, so call and reserve your seat today. Class starts at 10:30 till 12:30 (approx..).

GET READY FOR FALL FASHIONS, NOW!


The SPARKLING GARDEN BRACELET was so popular when offered in May, that the class filled up almost overnight.  If you missed it then or have just discovered this beautiful piece, there are just a couple of seats left in the class next THURSDAY, August 25^th.  This is one of those must have pieces. This beautiful design by Joetta Payne first appeared in the June 2003 Bead & Button magazine. This triangular variation of Right-angle weave is not for the beginning bead weaver, but if you have some hand weaving experience, particularly with right-angle weave, you will do just fine. Those of you who have become fans of Japanese Weaving will love the progression of this bracelet. The photo doesn't do justice to the piece. Do stop in and see it in person. If you are a "crow" like me, you'll just have to have one.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27,2011 12:00-2:30, Sue Daigle will be on hand to instruct you in the ancient art of Japanese Braiding or "Kumihimo". This technique dates back to around 8000 BC, yet fits into our contemporary society quite well. Meaning a "Gathering of Threads", Kumihimo braids were used as personal adornment such as obi-jime ties, ropes to bind ancient scrolls, and were presented by emperors to heroes and others who earned high honors. Today they lend themselves well to belts, trims, handbag straps and, of course, jewelry. This relaxing form of beaded braiding works up quite quickly and makes beautiful, affordable and very unique gifts. This class always fill quickly so reserve your seat early. Ask for a materials list as a small amount of prep work is necessary prior to the class.

Please keep in mind that the shop will be closed for a long LABOR DAY WEEKEND from Friday, September 2nd through Monday, September 5th. Please plan your shopping accordingly.

NEW ITEMS: 

These are a few teasers. I’ll have more to show you next week! These are all about interesting shapes and textures.

These beautiful flower two-hole sliders arrived for last week’s crystal cuff class. I had to try one out. This is a real WOW piece. Stop in and see it in person. (I’ll try to keep it here in the shop).

Bronzite Coins:

Goldstone Ovals:

       

Picture Jasper Drops:

Large Calsilica Shapes:

Mother of Pearl Nuggets:

Stop in and visit. There is always something new to see and touch. See you soon and,

Happy Beading,
Linda

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

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!