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!