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.

Upcycled necklaces for charity...

We love teaching classes and think it's really fun when people come back into the store to show us what else they have created since taking a jewelry making class with us.  Late last week, Jessica came in and gave me an update on what she has been up to since she took our Upcycled Necklace class.  She teaches at Woodrow Wilson Academy in Westminster and taught her students how to make the upcycled flower necklaces!   

She emailed me a couple of pictures and this little note - 

"They were made to earn money for the Wright Cause Walk which is an organization our school created to help people in need at our school that are affected by cancer.  They are featured on the Tour de Fashion truck too."  The Tour De Fashion truck is giving all of the monies from the sales of the necklaces directly back to the students to donate.  

While I was at the Santa Fe Art Walk on Friday evening, I hopped onto the Tour De Fashion truck to see the super cute necklaces that Jessica's students had been creating.  How completely adorable!  I totally forgot to grab a picture, sorry!  The necklaces were really cute, it's really exciting to see the things that people learned how to do here at The Colorado Bead Company in the WILD!  You all are just so impressive, and so sweet.

Picture from here

Jessica also mentioned that her students would be selling their finished necklaces and earrings to raise money for their school trips this year as well, I'll keep you updated with where they're going to be.   This is so awesome and I was so touched and impressed with all that the students are doing that we're going to donate a bunch of supplies to them this year to support them in their efforts.  :)  

<3anne.

Weekly wrap up - Sunday, June 2nd

I love reusing and repurposing stuff into new stuff.  Our Upcycled Flower Necklace class is a perfect solution for soda cans (or beer cans).  You can also make earrings with the same technique.  :)  Check out Chris' necklace from this weekend - you'll never look at cans the same again!  (Are you friends following us on Instagram?)  We teach this class frequently for Girl Scouts... it's a perfect way for them to get their jewelry badge. 

We also had our maiden voyage of the Minneapolis bracelet class.  I had no idea how much I would LOVE teaching this class and the pieces that come from it.  I started one in class and didn't finish it, so Sarah finished it for me yesterday.  She's awesome, and the bracelet looks good, but I don't think she got bit by the "seed bead" bug... 

On the bead store front, we're very sad to say that our friend Megan at the Peacock shop is in her last week with a brick and mortar store front.  Stop over and check out her goodies before she goes exclusively online, she's off of 8th and Santa Fe, across from Fabric Bliss.  Here's a link to her sassy Etsy page, if you're looking to shop online.  

We have some classes this week with space:

Macramazing!

We have an amazing update on a retro classic, creating crazy stylish bracelet, perfect for girls and guys. Learn how (or get a refresher) to work with satin cord to make these trendy bracelets that are great for layering and rich with texture. Experiment with different colors and findings to see what suits you best. Come macrame with us!  (We have some ABBA already loaded on the iPod!)  Level: Beginner. Mon, June 3rd at 6p

Foundations

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! Not sure what kind of necklace you want?  Any of our team will be happy to help you pick something else out.  Level: Beginner.  Tuesday, June 4th at 6pm.

Earring Party

Join the party--whether you are a new beader or an experienced earring enthusiast, you will love the Earring Party for May and June. This party will make the three pairs of earrings pictured. Learn different techniques incorporating head pins, wire, briolettes, and more. With the new format of our earring class, every session will offer a fresh collection of earrings so you can stay in fashion as the seasons change. Don’t worry about shopping—we’ve already found all of the coolest parts for you!  Level: Beginner.  Thursday, June 6th at 6pm.

We've been hard at work on classes for July and August.  We have some great things to show for it too!  A lot of our classes are getting reboots, so they'll be similar... and yet different.  :)  Don't worry, they'll still be awesome.  We also have some new classes for you - Ice resin and a class on how to make your own findings?!  Sign us up!  

This little hot thing will be on the schedule too - Hey, hey Ombre!

 Have a great week this week friends, it's supposed to be gorgeous!

- anne.

Take one! The Minneapolis bracelet!

When we decide to offer a new class, we typically do it in a couple of ways - 1. it's something that has been suggested, lots of times by lots of people; creating projects that teach new skills, don't take for-ever and don't cost a ton of money in supplies can be harder than you think.  2.  it's something that is really awesome and we want to share. 

The Minneapolis bracelet came from a similar class that our friends at The Bead Monkey in Minneapolis offer.  :)  See the name connection there?  The bracelets that come from that class are always so pretty and I really liked the idea of a 'simple' bead weaving project.  Bead weaving is something that most people either like or they don't, seed beads are awfully tiny.  

I'm always a little nervous for a new class.  I know that I know how to do it, and I've taught it to at least one of my co-workers, and usually my mom (she's typically a really good person to test classes on, because she doesn't hesitate to not pay attention to directions or to ask lots of questions).  I never really know though how a group of people is going take to directions or if maybe my math somewhere was off or what is going to happen.

GOOD NEWS THOUGH!  Usually our maiden voyages of a class goes fairly well.  The Minneapolis bracelet class was no exception.  I was very lucky to have a great crew in class as well, that's always a huge help.  Jacki, Alex, and Chris did wonderfully!  Their bracelets turned out beautifully. 

{ squeal } I am so in love with these!  And this class!

Sending your husband to the bead store? Make a list! Weekly wrap up May 19th

Sending your husband to the bead store to get supplies? Make him a list! Chris just came in with this list that Sarah made. :)

Sarah has taken a few classes with us and makes the cutest jewelry for kids!  It's completely envious!  She's going to be at the Sweet William Market in Stapleton on Saturday, May 25th with a bunch of our other friends.  :)  Go say hey!  Check out their incredible goodies.  

We have a few classes this week that still have space!

Knotty Knots pearl knotting on Tuesday, May 21st
Pearl knotting is a great skill to have in your arsenal, and we'll will teach you everything you need to know to get started. Indulge in Swarovski pearls to make this modern update to a classic style. Learn the trick to knotting pearls using silk thread, creating a knot in between each bead. See how to finish your new bracelet using clamshells and a classy toggle clasp. Your bracelet will make the perfect addition to every outfit.  Register here.

Oh Deer! Bracelet on Thursday, May 23rd at 6pm (one space left)
Have you herd the news? People just FAWN all over this little bracelet!  It's so cute and so practical for practicing your jewelry making on!  This class is designed to cover so many different techniques for you. We'll cover beading wire, crimp beads and covers, attaching chain, connecting beads with eyepins, using headpins to make charms, and properly opening and closing jump-rings.  Register here.

There's also space in Saturday's Wire Wrapped Bracelet class and Tuesday, May 28th Caged Stone pendant class.

On Monday was the most amazing Macramazing class!  Have you seen the shamballa style bracelets pretty much everywhere the last few months?  Us too! 

You can see the full album from this class on our Facebook page.   

We've had a slew of the under 10 crowd this weekend.  I love these little necklaces that Scarlett and Stella made in the Foundations Intro to Beading class on Saturday. 

We had a few birthday parties this weekend too!  Birthdays and jewelry/beading party?  SO FUN!  Huge thanks to everyone who joined us this weekend!  

Have a great week friends... and remember... 

See you soon.  <3 anne.

 

weekly wrap up - Sunday, May 5th

Happy Cinco De Mayo!  Be safe, friends...

We were closed last Sunday, I went to my parents to celebrate my birthday.  Can you imagine that two years ago for my birthday, I was getting the keys to our store space on Colfax?  Me either.  

Classes this week:
Monday, May 6th at 6pm - Caged Stone pendants (this class is full, but we scheduled another one on Tuesday, May 28th at 6pm)
Thursday, May 9th at 6pm - Wire Wrapped bracelet (still a few open spaces in this class)
Saturday, May 11th at 1pm - Earring party (still a few open spaces in this class)

We had some fun parties this week!  Here's a picture from Maren's 15th birthday party, they made wire wrapped bracelets, they did a great job!

Oh hey, did you know that we're on instagram now?  You can stalk us if you want.  :)

Catherine's birthday party goodie bags

We have a lot of fun jewelry marking birthday parties coming up in the next few weeks for the younger set; kicking off with Catherine's birthday party this evening.  We love helping kids discover a love of making their own jewelry and they're so enthusiastic.  

Our jewelry making birthday parties for kids come with fun little goodie bags!  Each set of goodie bags is different, depending on the age of the group (primarily whether or not they have their ears pierced) and what the birthday girl's favorite color is.  A group of 11 year old girls is coming in this weekend and Catherine's favorite color is purple, so we put together some purple earring kits for them.

Supply list:

• Mixed beads (make sure they're in pairs)
• make sure that they match
• Ear wires, head pins, wire (we usually do the earring goodie bags with 2 sets of each)
• Organza bags (to put all of your things in)

We also tossed in some quick directions, just in case they forgot how to make earrings when they got home.  

Here are the beads from one of the bags:

They should be able to get a few pairs of cute earrings and have some left over for other projects!

Making paper lanterns...

I found this really great How To (on Pinterest) for these really CUTE paper lanterns.  I'm always looking for ways to decorate the store and thought these might be fun.  We're not just about making your own jewelry or being a super awesome Denver bead store, we're full on craft masters!  Craft.  Masters. 

We changed up the directions a little.  First, this project called for 8x8 paper, cut in half, so the lanterns would have been 4" high.  We wanted ours a little bigger, so we started with 12x12 paper, and didn't cut it in half.  

We did cut the "contrasting" strips from the original papers though.  So our final size ended up being 10x12.  We don't have a lot of scrapbook paper laying around, we should though, it's fun... and handy.

We drew a box an inch in from all sides.  Can I mention that we don't apparently have ANY rulers here.  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!

"I'm having so much fun right now!  This is the best ever," a direct quote from Aimee.

We drew lines an inch apart and cut them into strips (don't cut all the way down, or else it doesn't work) We used baby razor knives.  Aimee did.  I'm not allowed to have sharp things...  :)

 

Glue the ends together and voila! 

Add the contrasting paper to each end and there you have it!  We did hole punch the ends to add ribbons so we could hang them.

I don't think they're as cute as they are in the tutorial.  Why does that always happen!  Maybe it's because they're bigger.  Or not attached to that really cute purse.  It could be that we changed the dimensions too.  So instead of being 10x12, they should have been 6x12?  Who knows.

Tips for surviving your first bead show

We're very lucky to have some wonderful bead and gems shows brought into our lovely Denver area.  Typically the "season" starts in March and ends in October or so.  We know that sometimes those shows, even the thought of them can be incredibly overwhelming, so we put together some thoughts on how to have the best experience possible.

Before the show

1. Do some homework.  Do you want to buy labradorite?  Know what a good strand costs on average, get online and do research about what "quality" labradorite is and if there's anything you should keep an eye out for.  It's always sad to us when someone brings in a strand of stones that they way over paid for.
2. Know what a good deal is on something.  Just because a vendor is going to give you a "better price" than what is on the tag, it still could be too much.  
3. If you can, register online and fill registration forms for the shows prior to arrival to save you some time.
4. Make a few copies of your resale license (tax ID) if you're buying wholesale.  Some vendors will need it.
5. Make a budget!  Plan to stick to it!  Take cash if you need, once you're out of cash, that's it.  Do not go to the ATM once you've spent it.
6. Plan a little extra "just in case" - you might see something you never planned on.  :)
7. Call your bank and let them know that you're going to a bead show, even if it's in town.  The vendors at the show are going to be from all over the world, their credit card machines will process your transaction from their business address; at the Tucson show my card got ran through Texas, California, and New York in an hour, my bank was very unhappy.  
8. Bring a notebook.  This is helpful to take notes as you make your way through the show.  I also keep notes of every purchase I make and tally it throughout the day. 
9. Bring a check book and cash.  Some vendors don't take credit cards (crazy, I know.)
10. Wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks. 
11. Bring hand sanitizer, sometimes beads are super dirty.  I also pack lotion.
12. Take a black sharpie marker. I take notes about my purchases right on the bag - what kind of stones they are, how much I paid, etc.

 At the Show:

1. Once you're in walk around the whole show before start buying. Check prices, make notes in your notebook, write down the booth number, and then go back and shop later. You will find that some vendors are selling similar merchandise – find the best quality merchandise for the best price you can afford. 
2. If you fall in LOVE with something, buy it.  You may never see it again.
3. Take a break.  Stop, have a seat, and a snack every few hours.
4. Keep the vendor's business cards with what you bought from them.  If you're not
   
   buying from them, but you like what they have and you want to purchase from them later, here's my trick - I put their business card on the beads I like and take a picture of it with my cell phone.  It helps jog my memory later. 
5. Make sure that what you paid for is in the bag, just in case.  Sometimes things get hectic, you want to make sure you have everything.
6. Before you leave the booth, make notes on the bag.  How much did you pay for each strand?  What type of stones are they?  Where were they mined?  Anything else you think you might need to know for later.

After the Show:

1. put all of your cards and notes in a place where you'll remember where they are so you can reference them later if you need.

Here are some more great tips from our Facebook friends:

Kody suggests - Bring a sidekick!

Deanna says -  Walk the floor before buying - otherwise your budget (and you must make a shopping plan) will go bust before you are down the first aisle.

Mary recommends - Just like gambling, bring just the amount of cash you are allowing yourself to spend. Do not bring a credit card. If there is something more you need, make arrangement with the seller to get it later by mail. Or - leave your card with someone else, or in a place that you have to work to get to, like locked in a friend's car or room. It's very easy to break the bank on all those wonderful things.

Sahari talks about budgeting too - I would have to set a spending limit and then take only that amount with me. And peruse the whole place first if you can and then make your selections.

Kate says -  Wear sensible shoes and don't buy anything until you've done the grand tour. I also have a budget and stick to it!

Karen knows her stuff - Check out all the booths before you buy. But there's one exception. If you see something that is the most amazing, one of a kind thing ever, buy it immediately, or the next person will.

Carleen agrees with everyone and adds -  The only thing I would add (and always forget) is to bring pics of projects you have in the works that are "missing that last piece" or bring mini baggies with sample beads from a project to match new finds too

JonAnn has an organization tip too -  Take a notepad and ziplock bags. As you buy put the purchase and the vendor card in the bag with the receipt. 

Lori says -  Bring smaller bills, vendors appreciate getting near exact change.

Gayley wraps it up with this helpful tip - bring a xanax!