Beads on the Kennebec

Beads on the Kennebec, located in Augusta, Maine is a premier beading store, conventiently located, offering a huge variety of beads, beading supplies, and classes for the beginning, as well as advanced, beader.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

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 21st, 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 23rd 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 28th.  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 30th 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.


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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