Upcoming Classes and Some New Beads

We have some great classes coming up this week and next and there are still a few seats left.

DIAGONAL RIGHT-ANGLE WEAVE or (RAW on the side) as I like to call it. THURSDAY, MARCH 17TH, 6-8 P.M.. Right-angle weave is a favorite stitch of beaders everywhere. You will see it often in beading books and magazines and done in a variety of ways. This piece designed by Beth Stone and first published in the August 2006 Bead and Button, turns right-angle weave on its side to produce a soft and flexible necklace. Done in seed beads you can embellish it can be embellished with pearls or crystals. You will also learn to create a beaded toggle to keep it secure. This is a pretty piece with an interesting “slant” on a popular stitch. SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE (prior work in right angle weave helpful).


BEADING BASICS: SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH, 10:30-12:30, w/ MARIE JACQUES.
New to beading and would like to put a more professional finish on your pieces?
Been too busy to bead lately and have gotten a little rusty? 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.




DAISY CHAIN RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY, MARCH 24^TH.  If you wanted to take the DAISY CHAIN class that was offered last Thursday and were unable to register in time, you can still take it next Thursday, March 24^th 6:00-8:00PM.  The class was rescheduled due to uncertain weather, so give a call and reserve your seat.  The daisy is such a simple, sweet flower. And that is just the way I’d describe this variation on a daisy chain. Vines and flowers are both size 11 seed beads although, you could use any size or colors to change the look and make it truly your own. This is a very easy project for first time hand weavers. But, even the more experienced can have a lot of fun with it. So, if you’ve wanted to try your hand at working with seed beads, or just want a simple little pattern to stitch, you’ll have fun with this one. This is a piece the all women, from granddaughters to grandmothers, will love to own. SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER

BEADED CABOCHONS: SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH, 10:30-12:30, W/ROBIN STUART

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 turning out your own beautiful Beaded Cabs for winning gifts in no time. This is a wonderful technique for turning all those beautiful cabs you’ve picked up at gem shows into fabulous jewelry. Schedule early, this class fills fast. SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE (some hand weaving experience)

Pretty new beads: More AQUA TERRA JASPER in nuggets, diamonds and coins in bright, springy shapes

Show and Tell:


Take a look at what Barry MacMillan has created with her new found knowledge of VIKING KNIT.  Barry took the class and learned how to do this ancient technique using the newfangled Viking Knit tool.  She found that the size of the knitted tube was just perfect for the large hole “Pandora Style” beads.  Another great idea for displaying your favorite big hole beads.  Nice work Barry!

The pretty fancy “Basic” pieces (pictured below) were created by the mother/daughter team of Linda and Emily Novak.

Preview of Upcoming Class!


OOH, AHH!  This is a preview of Mig Lemire’s next wire bracelet class.  This design by Eni Oken is coming up April 9^th.  Stay tuned for more details (or call now to pre-register, seats ).

Daisy Chains and Summer Stones

Ok Folks, despite the white stuff still hanging around outside, Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday night, and the first day of SPRING is just 11 days away!  So hang in there, it’s coming!  In the meantime, create your own spring this Thursday evening, March 10, from 6-8 PM with the DAISY CHAIN necklace.  This sweet little chain is easy enough for beginners and it’s a fun project for the more experienced hand weaver.  Do it up in size 11 seed beads for a very delicate look or 8s for a more stand out piece.  Either way, this is a chain that ladies from 8 to 80 years young will love. See the website for more details!

 More new bling!  Aqua Terra Jasper in long and short barrels.  Super spring into summer stones.

Fantastic Feldspar in several sizes of coin shape.  The leopard like markings are a great look for your summer wardrobe.

More bling in super coat finishes.  The leaf shapes are quite unique.  The twisted coin and oval shapes mimic the higher priced Austrian crystals at a fraction of the price.

Looking for a great stone for a different wedding/prom look.  Look no further.  These faceted opalite stones in coin, oval, rectangle, briolette and drop are stunning!  See them in person.  Their beauty is difficult to capture on film.

New stuff out every day. Stop in often and see what’s new.

Happy Beading,






Linda



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

Crimpers and Knotter and Knitters....Oh Joy!!!

SANTA paid a visit to the shop over the weekend and brought some brand new toys for all your beading joys. Check out these hot, new tools that are designed to make your beading experience easier and therefore even more FUN!!


First up is the newest innovation in crimping. The 1 STEP CRIMPER. Just position your crimp tube, squeeze once and you have a perfectly formed and tightly fastened crimp. No more squeezing, turning, squeezing and slipping off the crimp and making several passes before you get it right! One squeeze and you are done!

 Next up, the brand new EASYKNOTTER!, And this is the easiest knotter, this beader has ever seen!  I’ve been asked on more than one occasion to teach a class on KNOTTING.  I admit, I’ve been putting it off because, well, everyone has their forte and knotting has never been one of mine.  Some people can make perfect, consistent knots every time.  I may go along fine for a few and then one isn’t snug enough or is too tight and slips inside the bead.  Wanting perfection, I usually start all over again until I get it right.  What a waste of cord (and time).  Well, wait until you try the newest and easiest knotter to come along.  Even I have fun knotting now!  Just make a very loose knot, pass your end beads through the loop, place the loose knot on the pin in the center of the board and slide the knot to the previous bead.  You can knot one bead after the other as with pearls or, use the hand measures on the board to space your knotted beads out along the piece.  Sooooooooooooooo easy and actually fun to do.  Check it out.  you’ll never go back to other methods.

Last but certainly not least is the LAZEE DAIZE VIKING KNITTER. If you love doing Viking Knit or would like to try it but think it’s complicated and time consuming, you must try this new Viking Knitter. No more taping a starter piece to a dowel and struggling to get the end of the wire under the next loop. This knitter gets you started in a snap, expands as the chain does and finishing is a breeze!

All three of these innovative tools are in house for you to try. All will make your beading experience even more enjoyable! And, let’s face it, that’s why we bead. To enjoy the creative experience.

Take a break from shopping, wrapping and traffic! Stop in and have some fun with these super new tools.

There are also plenty of earring kit and quick supplies to make last minute gifts (or something to go with that new holiday sweater you got for yourself) and you can still earn BEAD BUCKS, through Friday, Christmas Eve.

Reminder of HOLIDAY HOURS:
I’ll be open TUESDAY – THURSDAY FROM 10-5, and FRIDAY, (CHRISTMAS EVE) FROM 10-2. CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY! I will be closed next week for inventory and will reopen on Tuesday, January 4th for regular business hours.

If I don’t see you have a wonderful Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.

Happy Beading,
Linda

Holiday Hours and BEAD BUCKS!!!

For the past several years I’ve put together a Basket Full of Beads and Beading supplies worth over $250 and you were able to earn chances toward winning it.  Everyone had fun earning chances and dreaming of winning that big, beautiful basket.  There was just one problem.  There was only one winner.  This year I’ve decided to share the wealth and the fun for everyone!  Instead of a “Beading Basket Give-a-way, You can earn BEAD BUCKS which equal money in your pocket to spend later.   From now through Christmas Eve, for every $25 you spend, you will receive $5 in BEAD BUCKS which you can redeem just like cash in January.  Redemption will be the last week of January 2011 and there is no minimum purchase required in order to redeem them.   It’s a win-win for you.  Buy the items you need now to finish up your Holiday Gifts and earn money to spend next year on something new and wonderful for yourself.  (Incidentally, the timing on redemption will put you in good shape for Valentine’s Day items and gifts).  So, come on in and earn for next year, while you finish up this year! 


HOLIDAY HOURS:
The shop will be open for normal hours (Tuesday – Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3) for this week.
The shop will be open for normal hours Tuesday, December 21st – Thursday, December 23rd.
The shop will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 pm on Friday, December 24th (Christmas Eve). (Make sure those getting gift certificates know about the early closing)
The shop will be CLOSED SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25TH (Christmas Day), and Closed for the following week for INVENTORY.
We will reopen January 3rd and resume normal business hours.
So, take advantage of BEAD BUCKS and stock up to hold you over until January.