"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.

New Items in Stock!!!!

The arrival of Fall makes me want to reorganize..........my space, my time, my beading projects. I sort through my bead tray(s), find the UFOs (unfinished objects), separate them into baggies and number them according to how involved they are to finish or fix. “Easy” being, this item needs a clasp or a jump ring. “Involved” meaning, this needs to be completely reworked or started over. Then when I have a little time I finish up one or two of the UFOs before I begin an exciting new project. BEADER’S NIGHT OUT is an excellent time to tackle those UFOs. The first Tuesday of each month (next Tuesday, October 5th for this month), is when we meet. There is NO FEE for the time. Just come on in and bring whatever project you are working on. If you need a certain finding, you have the shop stock right here to find what you are looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to meet and commune with other beaders, see what they are working on and maybe share or pick up a new trick. Call and let me know you will be coming as seating is limited.



TRUNK SHOW: Pottery artist KEITH O’CONNOR will be here next Saturday, October 9th, with a trunk full of his amazing RAKU, PORCELAIN and POTTERY BEADS. Keith’s beads have been featured in national beading magazines, including the popular “STRINGING” magazine. You will be able to see what’s new and shop his wonderful selection at a special “show price” for that day. This will be our THIRD ANNUAL Show with Keith and his wife Laurie who will be on hand to demonstrate some techniques for stringing the beads and creating closures from waxed linen and other materials. There will be munchies to pick on, great conversation, new tricks to learn, and of course, beautiful beads! Don’t miss it!


NEW STUFF:


Here are a few items that have arrived this week. Stop in frequently as new beads and things arrive daily.

Beautiful Mother of Pearl Chips......................................................and look what you can do with these creamy chips and the NEW Beach Glass pendant and earring DONUTS!

Looking for something different?  These HELIX crystals are Chinese made but have all of the shimmer of the “famous” brand at a fraction of the price.  Must see in person to really appreciate their beauty and unique shape. 

Rich Ruby jade and royal blue quartz:

Glass pearls in wonderful colors for fall, (super luster):

Dragon Blood Jasper in all sizes and shapes:

And for HALLOWEEN: Skeletons carved in real bone.  Spooky.

Don’t forget, we have beading KITS now available in ghosts, witches, bats and other fun Halloween themes.


Happy Beading,


Linda

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!

New Beads and Bridal Charms

When you think of spring your thoughts also turn to brides. If there is a wedding in your spring or summer plans, there are new charms in house to enhance the bridal party's jewelry.

There's a beautiful heart in sterling silver for the Bride, Bride's Mom, Groom's Mom, Maid of Honor and Flower Girl. Use them on a charm bracelet or as a hang tag on the back of a necklace. However you choose to use them, they will be a wonderful keepsake from your special day. These pieces will need to be special ordered, so come in early to check them out.

Do you have a special someone in the armed forces? Here is a wonderful way to keep them close to your heart. This is a sterling silver Dog Tag Locket and is available for each branch of the military. Stop in to see them and to order one for yourself or someone you love.

Last week I told you that the beautiful multi-colored crystal was back. Well I now have it in three more sizes. There is the original 12x10 and now 10x8, 8x6 and 6x4. One of each size will give you a fabulous graduated necklace, bracelet and earring set.

Come on in and see the cool new beads and colors. It will help chase the end of winter blahs away.

Saturdays' Wire Class with Mig

Saturday's wire class with Mig:

Everybody getting down to business

Taking a moment to 'smile' for the camera!

Tools, wire and (oh so dazzling) beads at the ready

Mig, showing the finer points of working with wire