Fall 2013 bead shows!

Are you heading to the fall bead shows this weekend?  First off, take an umbrella, obviously.  Second, read our blog about "How To Survive Your First Bead Show."  We wrote this last year at the request of some of our customers.  The bead shows this weekend are some of my favorite shows that come to the Denver area.  

At the Merchandise Mart:
Bead Renaissance Show
InterGem Show (wholesale, bring your sales tax ID)

At the Coliseum:
Mineral Fossil and Gem Show

Have fun!  Make good purchases! 

Class updates - difficulty ratings, kids classes, updates for August

As you may, or may not know by now, we are taking July off from classes and completely rebuilding our classes.  Here are some things that we're up to:

Classes are getting new difficulty ratings!  

Beginner – these classes are perfect for those with little to no subject experience. These classes are tons of awesome and are entry level or just for fun classes.
Novice – you should know a bit about the subject and have a smidge of experience to take these classes. If you're really set on a particular class, you can probably tough it out, but just be aware that it's going to require some extra patience.
Intermediate – Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? These classes are great for those with experience and some prerequisite skills.
Legendary – you've got it going on and you're looking to grow your super skills. Classes in this level are difficult and do have prerequisite skills that you must know before you take them, check out the class description to check those pre-reqs out.

Kid's classes.  We're adding more.  And they're awesome.

London Fabric Necklace
You too can make this fabulous fabric bead necklace!  We'll show you how to make the beads and then string them on ribbon, it ties in the back so it's the perfect length every time. This class is a Beginner level class, age 8+.




 

Story charms
Have something to say?  Say it all with these chatty clay charms.  These are perfect for best friend necklaces, letter charms, inspirational words... so many cool options.  In this class we'll make plenty of these clay charms; we'll cook 'em, paint 'em and string 'em on some stretchy bracelets.  This class is a Beginner level class, age 8+.






Some classes are getting a makeover.  

The Wire Wrapped Stone Bracelet will be split into two classes, one is a Beginner level class and the second is a Novice class.
  
Wire Wrapping Workshop: Beginner

Wire wrapping and creating coils is an essential jewelry making technique.  We'll work with gauged wire and the three basic jewelry making tools. You'll learn how to create beaded links that will never open; a must for anyone making lots of jewelry or for those that want to expand their skills. You will also master how to attach your new links to chain and decorative components. 





Wire Wrapping Coils and Caps: Novice

This class is a great way to work on your wire manipulation skills. You will learn how to make loops and beaded wraps to create these whimsical wire links. This project may look crazy hard at first glance, but we will simplify each step and you'll leave with a beautiful bracelet. 








The Earring Party class is being renamed to Earring Elements.  This class will be a two hour class featuring basic and classic earring styles.  We will make cluster earrings, wrapped briolettes, and chandelier earrings.  You will work with headpins, eye pins, charms and chains.  This class is a Beginner level class, age 15+.

In addition to the Earring Basics class we will be offering an Earring Club class.  This class will be an hour long earring project (making one or two pairs, depending on the difficulty level) that will be specific to new/different earrings each month.  This class is a Novice level class, age 15+.




Tying the Knot: Pearl Knotting
The Knotty Knots Pearl knotting bracelet class is turning into a ribbon tie necklace class called Tying the Knot.  We'll be using larger beads than we had been in the bracelet class and we'll finish the piece in ribbon so you can wear your beads as a necklace.  Have no fear, the knotting technique is the same, we'll still use clamshells, but this time, instead of a clasp, you'll add ribbon.

 





Don't see a class you wanted to take?  Maybe the Branching Out Wire Tree class or the Foundations intro class?  If you don't see it listed here, it doesn't mean that we're not going to be offering it, it just means that we're not changing anything about it! 

Creative phases

I am currently going through an earring making phase. Do you end up in jewelry making, creative phases? What are you really enjoying making right now?

Sarah just brought these super awesome earrings in!

once upon a time, there was a locked bathroom...

If you've been to our classes, or have ever asked for our bathroom key, you know how serious we are about making sure that we get that silly key back.  

In the last 3 or so days, we've found TWO keys left in the bathroom here.  We're holding them for ransom.

I'm personally hoping that these keys are from Fat Jacks... free sandwiches for life!  :)

Update:  One of them was Fat Jack's key.  I got a delicious cookie!  Mmmmm.

 

 

weekly wrap up, Sunday, June 16th

As some of you know, we're making some changes to our classes and how we schedule them this summer.  We're actually taking the month of July off from classes, taking a little break - did you know that we've taught about 20 classes a month for the last two  years?  Crazy!  You only have a few weeks to get your fill until August!

I love the Twisted Treasures pendants from the May class!  Take a look at the pictures from class on Facebook.   

The Byzantine chainmaille class on Tuesday was amazing!  Everyone did such an awesome job.  Whew!  It was the first time that we've taught that class here, and thankfully, we had a class full of smarties.  Here's a picture of Chris in action!  I want to send a super thanks to Weave Got Maille for their awesome jump rings.

Classes this week with space:

Reno Leather Wrapped Bracelet

A little bit country and little bit rock and roll, these leather wrapped bracelets are beautiful, fun, and can be made to go with any outfit. We use leather, thread, and a bunch of beads to make these bracelets; we'll add a button for a clasp and yeehaw, into the sunset you go!  Monday, June 17th at 6pm

Twisted Treasures 

Linda's pendant from the May class!

 This fun and interesting wire wrapping technique is a great way to begin creating your own unique wearable wire art! Learn how to form a net that can encase an assortment of shapes including gemstones, beads, and many other miscellaneous treasures. The only limit here is your own imagination! After twisting your way to the top of your piece, you will then be given the opportunity to embellish your pendant with coils, spirals, and beaded treasures.  Thursday, June 20th at 6p


Wrapped Around Your Finger - Adjustable Wire Rings  

Use simple wire wrapping techniques to create these unique rings that you'll love to wear!  In this class you'll learn how to weave wire between two base wires to create your ring and finish it off with fun statement beads.  Since they're adjustable, they make great gifts too! Monday, June 24th at 6pm

 


Hope to see you soon... :)

image from Pinterest

PS. I just made these!  

 

Twisted Treasures Pendant class - May 2013

The Twisted Treasures wire net pendants class from May was amazing!   I really like the funky wire colors that Linda used on hers.

Check out more pictures from this class!

 This fun and interesting wire wrapping technique is a great way to begin creating your own unique wearable wire art! Learn how to form a net that can encase an assortment of shapes including gemstones, beads, and many other miscellaneous treasures. The only limit here is your own imagination! After twisting your way to the top of your piece, you will then be given the opportunity to embellish your pendant with coils, spirals, and beaded treasures. This creative project is a fabulous introduction to wire wrapping. You can register for the upcoming Twisted Treasures class here.

Weekly wrap up - Sunday, June 9th

This week has been a full week... as it seems that they all are.  Congratulations to all of you who made it through another school year...  here's to a great summer break!  

Jessica came in and shared with us that she taught her students how to make flower necklaces from used aluminum cans, a project that she learned in our Upcycled Flower necklace class, and that her students are donating the money they make from their jewelry sales to charity.  :)  This makes our hearts feel so happy.  { full story }

Our friend Megan at The Peacock Bead Shop closed her retail location on Friday.  :(  We like her.  She will have her Etsy shops open... check them out.  She was our "go to" seed bead expert, so we're totally going to miss having her in the area.  

Classes this week were amazing, and hilarious.  I'm always impressed at the beautiful bracelets that are created in the Viking Knit class.  It's probably the only class where you can screw it up a whole ton, and then by the end, it's beautiful!  We had a new friend drive down all the way from Vail to make it to this class!  Okay, not really, she came to Denver to visit a friend... and then they both came to class.  It was fun. 


All of our classes this week are full, except for the Foundations class and Bird's nest class on Saturday, June 15th.  If you were looking to get into the Caged Stone Pendant class, Byzantine bracelet class, or the Wire Wrapped bracelet class this week, please give us a call and we can get you on the wait lists  303-861-6823.  

Foundations Introduction to Beading

Made in the 6/4 class!

Learn the essentials to get started making your own beautiful beaded creations. Our wonderful instructors will show you how to work with tools and use basic beading supplies. During class, you will finish a necklace and a pair of earrings, and you'll gain the confidence to become a jewelry artist!  

Saturday, June 15th at 1pm (m+m)






 Bird's Nests

Made in April's class!

These sweet bird's nests are so adorable and fashioned completely out of wire. We'll show you how to add little beads for eggs. Learn how to finish your nest into a whimsical ring AND pendant, adding charms or flowers for an extra special touch.  

Saturday, June 15th at 4pm (m+m)


 

Reno Leather Wrapped Bracelets 

Made in April's class!

I'm adding this one as a bonus because it's next Monday... A little bit country and little bit rock and roll, these leather wrapped bracelets are beautiful, fun, and can be made to go with any outfit. We use leather, thread, and a bunch of beads to make these bracelets; we'll add a button for a clasp and yeehaw, into the sunset you go!   

Monday, June 17th at 6pm



We have some pretty big news coming up in the next few weeks, so please keep checking back!  We don't want you to miss it!   

<3anne.