The Cinderella Project 2011

I'd like to take a moment of your time to talk about a pet project of mine.

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.

Last year Beads on the Kennebec was a drop-off spot for donations in the Central Maine area and will be again this year. (More on donation specifics and drop-off dates later)

Cinderella Project is on the ballot for Bangor Savings Bank’s Community Matters More Campaign and are in the running for a $5000 grant if they receive enough votes. If you have the time and inclination, I am asking you to take a moment and click on this link and cast your vote HERE. You can vote for up to three non-profit organizations listed and/or a write in of your choice. To find the Cinderella Project: After entering your name, scroll down to Midcoast and look for Waldo Community Action Partners – Cinderella Project (just above the write in spots).

For more info on the Cinderella Project visit these links: facebook and website .

I will keep you posted as to when we will be able to start receiving donation. In the meantime, start looking through yours and your daughter’s closets for gowns, dresses, shoes, and of course jewelry, to set aside for this event. Once again, it’s time to take out our magic wands and become Fairy Godmothers. You can help make a young lady’s prom a night to remember!

Thank you so much for your support.

Linda
http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com

Spring Colors and Classes!

Even though the temps are still frigid outside, spring is starting to POP here in the shop.  New beads and items arrive weekly and many are the sweet, juicy colors of new grass and early flowers.  Check out these:

Cats Eye Rounds

Mother of Pearl Diamonds

Cat’s Eye 6mm STARS and HEARTS (back in stock)

Blue Sardonyx

Green Opal

Rhyolite

These wonderful primroses are sure to make your spring wardrobe POP!  Necklace, bracelet, wire up a pretty little ring and you’ll be set for spring!

And there are colorful little Mushrooms in purple, red and blue for you whimsical side.  Great fun as earrings, lanyards, or bracelets.

New books are here to get you started on your beading journey

If you missed the Beaded Crochet Rope class and would like to give it a try,  this book and DVD may be just what you’re looking for.

JUST ARRIVED!  A restock of the HOBBIT HOLE, FAIRY DOORS!  Get them while they last.  (You can create your own fairy ring with the mushrooms)

I’m meeting with one of my favorite suppliers this week, so there will be many more springy new items to play with.  What a great way to get past the winter blahs.  So, stop in often and see what’s new.

Another great way to get out of the doldrums is to learn something new.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24^TH, learn VIKING KNIT with the new (and very easy to use) LAZEE DAIZEE VIKING KNIT WIRE WEAVING TOOL.  Using this tool makes Viking Knit easier than ever.  It’s a fascinating technique and makes a beautiful and interesting woven chain.  Skill Level: Beginner, Fee: $15 with purchase of knitter and drawplate.  Already have tools?  Talk to me.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26^TH, BEADING BASICS with MARIE JACQUES.  Get started stringing your own necklaces and bracelets with professional results.  It’s all in choosing the right components, using the right tool for the job and a little practice.  Whether you’re brand new or just want to brush up on skills that have become rusty, reserve your seat today.  You’ll be welcoming Spring in your own style!  Skill Level: Beginner, Fee: $25  Sample below, by Debbie Potter.

Don’t miss BEADER’S NIGHT OUT next TUESDAY, MARCH 1^st, from 6-8 P.M.. Bring a project that you’ve been wanting to start, complete or at least make some progress on, and join other beaders and have a few laughs in the process.  Even when I feel tired at the end of the day, I always feel energized after one of these sessions.   No Fee, just call and let me know you would like to join in.

The Ides of March are upon us and St. Patrick’s day isn’t far behind.  Create and carry a little luck with you on SATURDAY, MARCH 5^TH,  for JAPANESE WEAVING as we learn to make this awesome SHAMROCK!  Odin will take you through the easy steps to fashion one from 4mm bicone crystals.  Skill Level: Novice (Some hand weaving recommended) Fee: $25

So get out of your winter funk and come in and look at pretty shiny things, make something new or take a class. It’s all good and good for you. See you soon, and

Happy Beading,

Linda

Please check out our website for more wonderful class offerings!

http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com/

Beaders Night Out - Rescheduled!

Due to the double storm forecast for today and tomorrow, I’d rather play it safe than sorry. The Beader’s Night Scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, February 1st, will be rescheduled to this Thursday, February 3rd. Although the snow prediction for today is light (2-4 inches), the snowfall prediction is from midday through 8-9:00 this evening. The prediction for tomorrow is for a wild, snowy day with snowfalls around 12” here in Central Maine. If that’s the case, I may close early or not open at all. So, call before coming in on Wednesday, or better yet, get what you need today so you can have all of your supplies handy to stay in and bead tomorrow. The storm will cleared out early Thursday according to the meteorologists , so we should be in good shape to meet on Thursday evening. Those of you who have signed up for tonight, please drop a quick line back to me if you can to confirm that you have received this information.


If you are a “Wise Woman” who has been planning on stopping in tomorrow for your card and to take advantage of the discount, I will honor the discount today or Thursday for this week only.

Speaking of the “Wise Woman” arrangement that is starting here at the shop, a customer approached me with a terrific idea. She told me that when she first saw “Wise Women Wednesdays” she thought it was going to be a beading group that got together on Wednesday. Well, why not? It doesn’t have to be just for people 65 and over, it’s for anyone who has the availability to come in during the daytime. No fee, no set hours just come on in, meet and make friends with other beaders and let it evolve naturally. Over time, it could develop into a beading guild of sorts, or just a friendly afternoon of beading shared by likeminded people in a pleasant atmosphere with lovely music and a great view. Let me know what you think or just come on in next Wednesday and stay a while.

We all had a great deal of fun with Odin on Saturday learning the art of Japanese Weaving with the Gradient Pendant. This Saturday, February 5th, Odin is back for more fun with crystals. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the lovely Crystal Heart Bracelet is so easy to learn and fun to make. You’ll be making up dozens of these sweet little hearts to fashion into bracelets, earrings or whatever you can conjure up. String them, connect them with wire, dangle from a chain for a free floating pendant or handbag embellishment. Give one to all of your sweethearts!

I will email in the morning if I will be closing tomorrow. Call if you are not sure. Whatever you do, stay safe and warm and,


Happy Beading,

Linda