new dayz ahead

greetings from the land of beads.  

summer has been a magnificent adventure; on the other hand: if you're not having fun you're doing something wrong.

not long ago, while putting out new inventory, i noticed a theme:

i find the colour choice interesting because i was beginning to think about what avenue i might explore for CALC's upcoming member show.  this year the colour is: true blue.
"they" say opposites attract.  there may have to be a random orange bead in my project somewhere.  <snicker>

spiral stitch was on my least liked list for a long time because all the ones that looked really cool; you had to add one. bead. at. a. time.  so a 3" section took 8 hours (or at least if felt that way).  joining a bead group has helped with that.  we have done several projects that involved a spiral stitch and i have watched these beads be transformed into a finished piece!  yay me

recently a customer came in needing assistance with a russian spiral stitch. this was another example of an easy spiral that produced tangible results fairly quickly.  by adding 3 beads at a time you get inches done before you realize it. 

so i decided to make a necklace instead of a bracelet. i added a peyote toggle and there you have it; a finished piece! 

what are you working on this summer?  

do you have multiple projects in a variety of stitches or techniques?

i seem to go in phases. one week wire projects, the next ear rings. then i might get an idea on a different colour palette for a stitched project i have already done and try it out.

like this:           

these three samples are the same stitch, half tila herringbone by CristalPan; changing the pattern slightly by moving what colour goes where and you get 3 different bracelets.  i added a button or large bead cap as the clasp.

on one of these bracelets there is something different; guess correctly and get 10% off your next in-store purchase!

happy beading!

stringing: take II

fourth tuesday workshop description:

you have been making bracelets and necklaces, you have worked with different stringing materials, now what? adding more strands is easy, but how do you make them work together and look cohesive?

-OR-

bring that focal bead you bought (when?) and the pieces that you don't wear anymore for various reasons. let's revamp them into a statement piece that will have people talking and you will enjoy wearing!

if the day or time does not fit your schedule, please call the shop! if you book a party of 4 or more, receive a 10% discount on materials.

*no refunds; however, in the event of unavoidable mishap you may reschedule.

click the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stringing-take-ii-tickets-64316730071?aff=erellivmlt

upcoming workshops

first tuesday workshop description:  basic stringing

starting with a short strand of sparkly crystal beads, learn how to design with colour and texture, and add embellishments to produce a one of a kind, totally "You" bracelet that you can wear home.

we will discuss stringing materials, finishing options, clasps, and tools.

if the day or time does not fit your schedule, please call the shop! if you book a party of 4 or more, receive a 10% discount on materials.

*no refunds; however, in the event of unavoidable mishap you may reschedule.

click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basic-stringing-tickets-64314825374

BeadsYOB

wait, what month is this?  

november?  

how, when did that happen?  we haven't even had summer yet and we are weeks into fall.  oh, that's right; rain...

you know those paint night events that are very popular?  i don't paint, but i bead. sitting around the table with friends one night the phrase was coined: BeadsYOB... and another event was created.  

we supply the beads and the project, you bring a snack and/or adult beverage and let's create something.

last month in honor of 

breast cancer awareness                                     

the project was an easy flat spiral bracelet.

this month there are two projects available, 

one is wire work (beginner level)

the other is netted pearl earrings.

honestly, if you can thread a needle and count to 3, 

you can make these.

several colourways available.        

                        

we have classes and workshops and beading events. if you are not able to attend a scheduled class or event, 

please call the shop at 717.609.7377 to see how we can accomodate your agenda.

beads or paint, BeadsYOB

BeadsYOB

or what we do instead of "paint-night".

after putting together several projects in anticipation of the shop's first BeadsYOB night, it was fun waiting to see who and how many would show up.  

several hardy souls braved the chill weather to venture forthwith, some with their own project to work on, and new varieties of wine to sample from 
juniata valley winery and B&B

one friend, who likes to BUY beaded jewellery and pretty things even tried her hand at stringing and came away with a lovely little necklace.

strung on beadalon using fluorite nuggets alternated with 6/0 seed beads in a turquoise lined translucent yellow. to add a little pop of texture she added the frosted glass and asymmetrical frames. finishing with a sterling silver magnetic clasp for ease of wear.

there are still kits available for the 2 projects pictured at the top. call or stop in.

bead projects, one at a time or multiples?

how many bead/craft/art projects do you have started at one time?

everything depends...

what gets accomplished in a morning, depends. depends on how long or short a pooch walk we enjoy. depends on if the laundry i started yesterday needs to be hung outside.

or do i need to wash plastic-ware before i make lunch?

projects are the same.

whether i have 1 project i work on until i finish it versus working on 3-5 simultaneously, depends.

if i have several items to repair those would take precedent over wanting to try a new pattern.

i usually have one long project and one or two quick/short projects going. the short ones might be a repair or an interesting pattern someone showed me, or an a-ha moment where i think i figured out something to finish an idea.

right now on my bead board i have 3 projects in various states of completion. one is called peyote with a twist that is almost long enough for a bracelet... or do i want it as a necklace? (see?) the second is a half tila bracelet for which i am awaiting the clasp to arrive. a third is a repair of my own handiwork that i keep putting off repairing; which reminds me of:

once upon a time i heard the phrase "positive procrastination". there are times when i employ that method. like: you know you need to call aunt-uncle-coworker-friend and tell yourself: "ok, i call after i..." then you rearrange the linen closest, organize this shelf, detail the keyboard. (what is that sticky spot on the W?) you put off something unpleasant or you just don't want to do with a non-task that no-one would notice whether it was changed/fixed or not.

i visited a local bead group last weekend and learned a new stitch. i did not quite get it done there, so when i got home i finished the bracelet instead of the menial tasks i SHOULD do.

however, i did get this blog written BEFORE working this new pattern in another colour palette. there's hope for me!

wire work 101

this has been a great week!  (isn't is wonderful to be optimistic?)

the weather has been "cooperative" with only a little rain; and the thunderstorm was magnificent!

in the local beading world, much fun was had as well. we had several people trying their hand at a new technique and walking away with, not only a new skill, but a beautiful bracelet to show for their hard efforts.

one new enthusiast brought her granddaughter in who is 10 and picked up the technique fairly quickly. the iridescent leaf works well with the frosted iridescent beads and copper wire.

the sparkle of the blue iridescent compliment the frosted pale green trade beads to give a beachy feel to this bracelet.

the monochromatic scheme of this bracelet will go with just about anything.

tools, beads, mats, all here; 

all you need is your imagination to create a new expression of YOU!  (if you have beads you want to incorporate into a design, but... bring them, sometimes different surroundings will spark an idea.)

don't let the day or time of a workshop hinder you, call!  we can work around your schedule.