Pearl SALE, Victorian Ornament and Wonderful Wire!

It’s been a busy week here at the shop with new items coming in to be tagged and put out and smart crafters getting an early start on their holiday gift making.  I now have a REALLY FULL wall of glass pearls in sizes from 3mm to 10mm in a full spectrum of colors. (and ranging in price from $2.85-$6.50 per strand) Check out the cranberry and spruce green.  Both perfect for holiday jewelry making.    There are pearl drops and rondells, too.  And don’t forget freshwater pearls in wide array of colors and shapes as well.  This week get your PEARLS ON, with 25% off ALL PEARLS/ALL WEEK LONG!

While you are in the shop, check out the “NEW” tags everywhere! If you haven’t stopped in for a while, come on in and see what you are missing.



DID YOU KNOW: Beads on the Kennebec carries a great selection of all the major beading magazines to keep you up to date on the latest trends and patterns. Pick up your favorite while you are here.

The ornament classes have been big hits, as usual.  If you missed taking the ‘VICTORIAN CRYSTAL HEIRLOOM ORNAMENT” during Christmas in July, you have another chance at this two part class this week and next week, Thursday, November 10^th and 17^th from 6-8 P.M..  People can't get enough of these gorgeous ornaments. The piece is so beautiful it will take your breath away. This is one ornament that will be handed down for generations, gaining value (sentimental and monetary) with each passing year. In the first class, we'll begin making the netted cover. The second class we'll secure the net over the glass ball and systematically add the crystal drops. Done in Czech fire polished crystals, this piece is not as complicated as it looks. It is basic netting with embellishments and ideal for a beader who is new to hand weaving. And, they are fun to do!  Start now and you will have enough to cover your tree or complete your gift list by holiday time. Making one of these magnificent orbs always gives me an Olde Fashioned Holiday feeling.

Want to display your very special ornament in a very special way?  Ornament stands are now in stock in silver and gold to enhance your fabulous creations.  Just $6.50 for a beautiful sturdy stand with a finish that will last.  This week only, take 25% off.

Mig is back this Saturday, November 12th, with two of her most popular classes. The CAGED PENDANT and the ARROWS BRACELET are always sought after pieces. Each is intriguing in its own way.
CAGED PENDANT: From 10:30-12:30. For all of you Wired Up Fans of Mig, this technique will thrill you. you will take a cabochon stone (flat backed, domed face) and trap it in a “caged” border. It's a stunning effect and easy to learn with a basic wire wrapping background. Do you have a beautiful cabochon that you found at a gem show? This is the perfect way to get it out of the jewelry box and worn with pride! Reserve your seat early. Mig's classes fill fast! SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE (Some wire wrapping experience recommended)

ARROWS BRACELET: From 1-3 P.M..  WOW is the first word that came to my mind when I first saw this fabulous bracelet.  It is sure to become a staple in your jewelry wardrobe and WOW everyone who sees it. Weave this in your choice of wire, and metal, glass or seed beads. However you dress it up this unique and comfortable piece is sure to garner compliments every time you wear it. Sterling silver, or gold and silver filled wires are available.  Skill Level: Intermediate (some experience in wire techniques recommended)

****Sign up for either (or all) of this week’s fabulous classes and get %10 off your class supplies.  (This week only!  For these classes only!)****  (If you have pre-registered and purchased materials, see me).

Did you know: Beads on the Kennebec has a full selection of ear wires and findings in Sterling, gold and silver filled, copper, and antique plates that are nickel and lead free?  There are French wires in several styles, lever backs, kidney wires and more!  Here’s the latest addition: 2” kidney wires in gold or silver plate.

Did you know: We also have a great selection of Pandora Style bracelets in a silver tone and a huge assortment of large hole beads? Here’s the newest addition. Leather braided bracelets in black and white. Come in and check them out! Great fun for teens, and moms like them, too, for casual styling. Super stocking stuffers!

Did you know: there are TEN fabulous colors of TILA BEADS now in stock.  Get em’ while they’re HERE!! (Just a small sample below: White Frosted Mist, Rose Gold and Antiqued Metallic Green)

So many beads, so little time. So stop in soon, see what’s new and “BEad, all that you can BEad!



First look at Lori Holt’s Candy Cane Bracelet:

CANDY CANE BRACELET: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 1-3 p.m., W/LORI HOLT, FEE: $35

Whimsical, fun and a great way to learn a new technique. Make this sweetly striped bracelet in tubular herringbone stitch to show your holiday spirit or as a charming gift for a special gal. It will, of course, make up well in any combination of colors. It has the look of a crocheted rope, but easier. A great opportunity to learn something new. Call to reserve your seat, today! Skill Level: Novice (some hand weaving experience recommended)

See you soon and,
Happy Beading!

Big Sale November 10th through November 14th!!!

Hello to all of my wonderful customers. I can’t thank you enough for your loyalty and support over the past three years since I’ve owned the shop. You are why I am here doing what I do, and by continuing your support and patronage, you are the reason I will continue to be able to provide quality product and services to the beading community. The current economy has exerted pressures on local brick and mortar stores, over and above the usual day to day demands on our creativity and pocket books. Those of you who (like me) are of an age to subscribe to AARP, may have seen a recent article about how buying locally can help support your local economy and ensure that our cities and towns maintain their uniqueness. The article, “Livin’ La Vida Local” states in part, “We're finally getting the point across that if you spend $100 at a local business, $45 stays within the community," says Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher with the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance. "Spend $100 at a national chain and only about $14 recirculates." Buying local is also about trading superstore sterility — and packed parking lots — for something more unique”. "……. it's all about the experience," says Mitchell. "You enjoy walking to the bookstore during the day and to a restaurant in the evening. It's about choosing the quality of the experience over the cheapest option." (Click here for full article.)

I’m happy to be one of those small shops who provide a unique experience. Many customers have told me that this shop is charming, cozy and relaxing to spend time in. And, those who comparison shop, have commented that the merchandise is top quality, the selection is outstanding and the pricing on most items is much lower than many other shops. As for service, if I don’t have what you need in stock, I’ll do my best to find it for you. I’ve expanded the inventory to include more pearls, strands, tools, kits, wire supplies and crystal. So, if you haven’t been in for a while, stop in and check out all the new goodies. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you’ve been missing.

To thank all of my loyal customers, welcome back those who have been away for a while and really kickoff the “creating and crafting for the holidays” season, I’m offering BIG SAVINGS on many items in stock. This week starting Wednesday, November 10th thru Saturday, November 13th, take 25% off the already low prices for CZECH and CHINESE CRYSTAL STRANDS, reg. $2-$8.10, now $1.50-$6.08

40% off all SWAROVSKI PENDANTS (An easy gift with magnificent bling, just add a jump ring or bail and a cord or chain. Done), Reg. $1.5-$21.25, now .90-$12.75

40% off all MIYUKI BEADING KITS (make them up yourself or pop them into a stocking),

Reg. $7.95-$25.60, now $4.77-$15.35

40% off all POLYMER CLAY BEADS- Including Butterfly Strands (light weight and one of a kind), Reg. .50-$32.50, now .30-$19.50

and 50% off all LAMPWORK BEADS and all PANDORA STYLE  BEADS AND BRACELETS in stock.  (Choose from crystal, stone, Murano glass, cat’s eye, Mille Flore, venetian and more) Reg. $5.50-$30.00, Now: $2.75-$15.00

Don’t miss this first ever 4 day event! 


There are still a few seats available in the classes scheduled for this week.



THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH from 6-8 PM, CUBES AND PEARLS BRACELET will be a hit with your BFFs when they receive one this holiday season and with you when you see how easy they are to make. And they’re oh, so comfortable to wear. Skill Level: Beginner. Fee: $25


MIG IS BACK this Saturday, November 13^th with more wonderful wire projects for you and for holiday giving.  The morning class starting at 10:30 is for the “CAGED PENDANT”.  This is such a striking piece that you’ll receive raves where ever you wear it. It will be the favorite gift of anyone lucky enough to receive one.  Call to register today.  This class won’t be offered again until spring.  Skill Level: Novice (some wire experience recommended)  Fee: $65


Back by popular demand, the ARROWS BRACELET class will be reprised Saturday afternoon from 1-3 PM.  This intriguing little bracelet always gets a lot of attention.  Do it up in sterling silver or copper with your choice of 3mm accent beads.  A wonderful way to express yourself.  A great gift idea, too.  Skill level: Intermediate.  Fee: $65.


Don’t miss the opportunity to learn to create the fabulous VICTORIAN CRYSTAL HEIRLOOM ORNAMENT in time for this holiday season.  They are deceptively simple to create yet so stunningly beautiful.  They amaze anyone who receives one and will be a treasured keepsake for generations to come.  This is a two part class.  Part One, on Thursday, November18th, will get you started on the basic netting for the body of the piece.  Part Two on Tuesday, November 23^rd, will show you how to  secure the netting over the orb and begin embellishing with crystal drops.  These ornaments are one of my favorite pieces to make.  I always get an olde fashioned holiday feeling while working on one.  Start your family tradition by reserving your seat today!  Skill Level: Beginner.  Fee: $45 (includes both classes)


The shop is also stocked with everything you need to create fabulous jewelry fashions and gifts for the holiday season.  Supplies are in for all of your favorite holiday earrings (Crystal trees, snowmen, angels, etc.), charms to create necklaces and bracelets or dangle off a special bookmark, snowflake forms to create your own special ornaments and much more.  Stop in today.  We have everything you need to make your holidays “sparkle”.

On behalf of myself and my fellow Downtown Merchants, THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY! (Be sure to check out the other wonderful shops in town for items you won’t be making yourself. You’ll be amazed at what they have in store!)