Hi All!

Another beautiful day here in Vacationland!  It’s been great weather to be outdoors for yard clean up, or just taking a walk.  The rail trail is nearby and a great place to take a stroll, breathe the sweet spring air while watching nature come alive once more.  While you’re close by, you can stop in and see what is shiny and new for spring right here in the shop.  Spring reminds me of the beauty of nature.  And you can express your love of nature beautifully with Vintaj antiqued metal components.  Take a couple of copper blanks and add a filigree leaf or bird and voila!  You have earrings that will be the talk of the office.  We’ve had fun with Mig doming, punching and fastening metal shapes into fabulous jewelry.  It’s easy with the right tools.  They are here, easy to use and affordable.  There are plenty of new books to inspire you, too. 

Blanks and tools      

I made these punched blank and enameled penny earrings in under five minutes!  (Enameled Pennies by Maureen Connolly.  New colors are on their way!)

There is a restock of Swarovski Crystal Pearls including a cool new “Bronze”.  Rich looking against a summer tan.  Of course there are plenty of the traditional white, cream and the beautiful Rosaline pink!

Classes this week include:

ONCE UPON A PROM by Bead Artist Katie Hacker
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 6:00-8:00 P.M.

This beautiful Prom, Wedding or Just Because I want Bling bracelet is a design by artist Katie Hacker and first appeared in the October/November 2006 issue of Beadwork Magazine. The color of the crystals used in her original piece inspired the name. The crystals were the color of a favorite prom dress. But this lovely piece is stunning in any color of crystal to match any outfit. Using colored beading wire and 6mm bicone crystals, this is an easy piece to create with basic stringing knowledge. Make this bracelet to match your “STARRY NIGHT NECKLACE” from two weeks ago!  Katie Hacker is an author of numerous beading books and has conducted beading classes for "Beads, Baubles and Jewels" on PBS. The bracelet was first taught here in April of 2010 with Katie's permission.

Want to make Mom a special something to show how much you care?  You can make a beautiful Mother’s or Family Bracelet  in our BEADING BASICS CLASS, SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012 10:30-2:30.  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! Skill Level: Beginner

A little more advanced version, but still doable in class.  Use letter beads to name family members.

Next week, learn Basic Peyote Stitch and Basic Loom Bead Weaving.  Stop in to see samples or check out the schedule online at http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com/   for details.

A new trunk show will be arriving soon so keep an eye on the emails.  Enjoy the weather, have a wonder day and, 

Happy Beading,

Linda

Shop Hours for Easter Weekend

Hi All,

The Shop will be CLOSED this Saturday, April 6^th for a long “Spring Holiday” weekend.  With Easter and Passover all in the same weekend, it’s a double spring delight.  Hope the weather holds so we can all get outdoors and fully enjoy it! 

If you still need to get your “Spring Bling” together, I’m offering a holiday special that will help.  There’s a basket full of brightly colored eggs on the counter here at the shop.  Come in and gather what you need for your jewelry making projects.  When you get to the register to check out, you may select an egg.  Inside the egg will be a chocolaty treat and a special discount ranging anywhere from 10% to 50% off your entire purchase.  The only exclusions are gift certificates and classes and any other promotions.  It’s a great time to check out the ton of new beading books that have just arrived.  There is quite a selection for everyone from the new beader to the more practiced hand, on every topic from basic stringing to, hand and loom weaving and wire working as well.  Supplies are limited, so shop early before your favorites are gone. 

And don’t forget to check out the lovely German Glass that is here for a limited time from EYE CANDY BEADS in California.

There is one space left in the STARRY NIGHT CHOKER class for this Thursday, April, 4^th.  Call today FMI or to reserve your seat if you would like to make this lovely, light and airy piece.  Perfect for spring and summer attire!

Get ready now for next week!  There are three fabulous classes being offered and all are quite popular, so, book early!

First is the sensational SPARKLING GARDEN BARCELET: by Designer JOETTA PAYNE, THURSDAY, APRIL 11^TH, 6-8 P.M., W/LINDA, FEE: $25

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.

 

Next Saturday, Mig is back with some wonderful Wire Work.  First up is  BORDERWRAP, SATURDAY, APRIL 14^TH, 10:30-12:30, W/ MIG LEMIRE, FEE: $65

If you loved the Wire Sculpting class with Mig, you'll love Border Wrap.  The second in the WIREWORKS series, this class teaches you how to showcase a cabochon or other flat backed stone by incasing the edges in a neatly bound wire wrap.  You'll learn to create exquisite sterling silver filled or gold filled border wrapped slides and pendants.  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 

Dichroic pendant by Rebecca Conry wrapped in gold filled wire.

In the afternoon, back by popular request is CELTIC TWIST BRACELET: SATURDAY, APRIL 14TH, 1-3 PM, W/MIG LEMIRE, FEE: $65

Whether you’re Irish or not, you will love this neat little bracelet in one of the easiest twists you’ll ever do.  It looks intricate and lacy, but, so very easy.  If you’ve never worked with wire before, this is a great project to begin with.  You’ll have a great looking finished piece in no time.  It’s stunning in Sterling, silver filled, or copper or brass wire.  Whatever you choice, it’s a great way to begin your journey into the wonderful world of “Wire Working”.   Skill Level: Beginner

 

There will be new pearls and bicone crystals arriving on Wednesday!  So if you’ve been waiting for new colors for those Netted Rope bracelets that people are clamoring for, come in Thursday and Friday and stock up! 

Speaking of the Netted Rope, I have seen so many beautiful ropes created by everyone who has taken the class.  I have to share one that I found to be especially creative.  This rope by Rosemary Weymouth was created using three colors of 4mm pearls and arranged to create a subtle, color twist.  When she didn’t have a clasp that she thought fitting, she joined the ends together for a continuous rope that slips comfortably over her head.  This just shows you what a great technique and a little innovation can produce.  Great job Rosemary!

I have a new photo for you!  The only picture that I didn’t have when the schedule went out last week was the FLOWER GARLAND BRACELET that will be presented by Odin on June 2^nd.  Here it is!!  For more info on the class, check out the website under classes.  Click this link to get there http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com/

Come in for the books, come in for the trunk show, come in for the discounts, come in for the CHOCOLATE!  Come in and see all the lovely class pieces up close and personal.  Just come on in and say Hello and,

Happy Beading, Happy Spring!

Linda

207-622-1666

http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com

SHOP HOURS:

TUES-FRI 10-5

SAT 10-3