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Friday, May 31, 2013

Heading to Bead&Button

Marg is already off and zooming in the beadFXmobile heading towards Milwaukee, home of the Bead&Button show. Every year thousands and thousands of bead aficionados descend upon Milwaukee to take one of over 700 classes and see over 500 vendors all in the span of under ten days. 

It's a time when new products are launched and a chance to reconnect with friends in the bead world you have seen since Tucson in February. 

Marg is always on the lookout for the latest trends in the bead world and her return is always highly anticipated by the staff. What treasures does her trunk contain? What will be in the boxes that are soon to arrive? It's a marathon of ooh-ing and aah-ing over all the new goodies. 

Is there something you would us to have available for purchase in the store? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page to let Marg know what you think she should keep her eyes open for. 

I'm lucky enough to be headed to Milwaukee too. I'll be doing a book signing of Crystal Jewelry Inspiration for the publisher Kalmbach on Saturday. I'm also scheduled to do four demos for EH Ashley, one of the five star Swarovski Elements wholesalers and helping out in the WireLace Wireluxe booth. I'll also have some new pieces on display at Garlan Chain.  

Of course, I'll be taking classes too. I'm super thrilled to be taking classes with the goddess of bead embroidery, Sherry Serafini, the fabulous felter, Carol Cypher and the uber sparkly Leslee Frumin. I'll make sure to takes pictures while I'm there, to share with you when I get back. 

Happy beading!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

On Sale This Week!


25% off

Fabulous
Czech Firepolish!

s35934 Firepolish - 8 x 6 mm Faceted Donut - Azure Storm (strand 25)

Dragon's Blood
Jasper

s35906 Stone Beads -  Puff Trapezoid - Dragon Blood Jasper (strand)

18%

All our Sales start on Wed Midnight
and run to the following Wed midnight.

It's a seed-beady day!

Those of you who don't revel in big stashs of seedbeads, who don't loooove to run their fingers through them, caress them, marvel dbm0065 Delicas - 10/0 Japanese Cylinders - Lined Topaz ABat their tiny perfection - well - you are just going to have to go and console yourself with our 25% off Czech Firepolish sale.

But, for those of you who have been sitting at your computers, looking at our selection of 60 different size 10/0 delicas and wishing for "just more colours, please!" - well - your wish has come true!

Because today - we have 200 more colours, finishes, and some cuts as well. 200 wonderful shiny dbmc0021 Delicas - 10/0 Japanese Cylinders - Cut - Nickel Platedseedbeads, from Crystal (seriously, we didn't have Crystal?) to Nickel-Plated.

dbm0204 Delicas - 10/0 Japanese Cylinders - Antique Beige CeylonOr - from Antique Beige to White Pearl Ceylon.

Or from Lined Topaz AB to Dark Topaz Rainbow Gold Lustre.


dbm0331 Delicas - 10/0 Japanese Cylinders - Matte 24 Kt Gold Plated (3.3 grams)Personally - I am drawn to the exotic, metallic colours - like Matte 24 Kt Gold Plated or Gold Lined Opal.


Anyway - I'm sure you'll have fun picking out your favourites!

That should keep you all busy for a bit. As always, we hope to make your day brighter with fabulous beads. Please click on a link or an image above, or just go here for all the wonderful new and fabulous old beads this week!

On sale - this week - All Czech Firepolish - woohoo. And the Dragon's Blood Jasper continues at 18% off! Nothing like it for soothing the soul. Until Midnight, June 5th


Each weekly sale ends at midnight on Wednesday. Be sure to finalize your order by the following Wednesday midnight - before the next sale starts - to ensure that you lock in those bargains!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

New Summer Arts Camp at BeadFX this July!

Are you wondering about what to do with your kids this July? Are your grandchildren creative and need an outlet to explore their creativity?

Well good news! For the first time, BeadFX is offering a week-long Summer Arts Camp from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, inclusive. There will be two classes per day, every day!A wide variety of techniques and projects are being offered by our instructors. For classes beginning at 10:00am, the store door will be opened at 9:30pm to accommodate early arrivals. Classes are on-line now and registrations are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monday, July 15
Discover Epoxy Clay
10:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor:  Stephanie Dixon
It’s easy to create a one-of-a kind pendant or ring using epoxy clay. 
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: None; bring a package of Crystal Clay or Apoxie Clay, your choice of bezels (preferably round or oval) and crystal chatons. One package of epoxy clay will do several bezels, if desired. (all supplies can be purchased at BeadFX)

Monday, July 15
Crowning Glory Headbands
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Dixon
Create a headband that reflects your personality! Bold and beautiful. Graceful and subdued. Punky and funky. The choices are endless and all up to you! Everyone can wear a headband! Using a wide variety of beads, wire and feathers, students will learn basic wire wrapping techniques to make a one of a kind headband.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $10, includes headband, wire and feathers. Beads are to be purchased separately at BeadFX.


Tuesday, July 16
Rubber Wrist Wraps
10:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Dixon
Discover how easy it is to create a fabulous beaded bracelet using ready-made bracelet, wire and glass or crystal beads!
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $5, includes rubber bracelet and wire; bring 64 4mm fire-polish beads or Swarovski bicones in your choice of colours (all supplies can be purchased at BeadFX).


Tuesday, July 16
Funky Feathers
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Dixon
Be on trend with this Coachella inspired project! Students will make a pair of earrings and a pendant using chain, wire and feathers.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $20, includes all supplies needed to complete the project including feathers, cones, findings and chain.

Wednesday, July 17
All About Earrings
10:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
Earrings are a quick way to dress up any outfit! Best of all, they are so easy to make! Participants will have the opportunity to design their own earrings and then make them up. Note: students will be using wire cutters and working with pliers.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $5, includes silver-plated findings such as earwires, headpins and eyepins. Bring an assortment of beads, stones, crystals and charms to use in the class. (all supplies can be purchased at BeadFX)

Wednesday, July 17
Chainmaille and Charms
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
Chainmaille (also spelled chain mail) is an ancient art form dating back to the Celts. Originally designed as body armour, chainmaille is created by joining jump rings in various patterns. This class will focus on the ‘2 in 2’ weave – a basic weave that will create a bracelet that students will add charms to.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $5, includes silver-plated jumprings, lobster clasp and 2 - 3 charms.


Thursday, July 18
Twisted Chainmaille Bracelet
10:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor: Louise Granahan
Spend the morning making a beautiful and versatile chain.  The "Captured Bead" chain is just what it sounds like.  As we are making the chain using jump rings, we will trap a beautiful bead inside.  To complete the set, we will make a pair of matching earrings.  Once you have learned this technique, you will be able to make more at home.  Please indicate your colour choices when you register - blue, light grey, pink, purple or green.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $15, everything needed to make a bracelet and pair of earrings, including 18 gauge 1/4" pre-cut rings and 6mm beads.

Thursday, July 18
Leather Wrap Bracelet
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Lyndsey McCollam
In this class you will learn how to make a single wrap leather ladder bracelet with a button closure. You will be using 6mm stone beads or Czech firepolish. You may also choose to use 4mm Miyuki cubes, but you may not be able to finish this smaller bead version in class. With the skills learned in this class you will be able to make multiple wrap bracelets of any length.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: $15, includes everything needed to complete a bracelet including leather, thread beads and a button. Bring small scissors for cutting thread; precision tip glue for securing knots, such as G-S Hypo Cement - Fabric or G-S Hypo Cement  (if you already have one for other work you do, otherwise, borrow instructor's glue); magnification for threading needle, if needed.


Friday, July 19
Wire Kumihimo Beaded Bracelet
10:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor: Cindy Goldrick
Learn how to use a square kumihimo disk to create simple but stunning bracelets you can wear alone or stack, using inexpensive craft wire and beads. Once you learn the braiding steps and where to place the beads, this project can be completed in less than an hour. You can also make gorgeous chokers and get lots of interesting results by varying the wire gauge and colour and size of your beads. Once you start you'll be addicted and want to make an armful of bracelets.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: None; Bring: a roll of 24 gauge wire in the colour of your choice and 50 or fewer beads (4mm crystals or pearls make a good choice for your first project). Bring a ruler, round nose pliers and flush cutters or use the tools in the classroom. You will need coordinating end caps and a clasp to complete your projects. This project can also be completed with hemp, but I promise the wire is easy and fun to use!

Friday, July 19
French Knitting with Wire and Beads
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Cindy Goldrick
Learn the basics of French Knitting (also known as corking and spool knitting) and tips to create stunning tubes of knitting that can be turned into gorgeous pieces of jewellery. Embellish while knitting or after knitting. Twist and braid, stuff the knitted tube with fabric or beads. The possibilities are endless.
Class fee: $35 + HST; Register with a friend for only $30 + HST each
Kit fee: None; Bring a corker or French Knitter (any size); spool of 24 or 26 gauge wire ; seed beads, pearls or crystals in a variety of sizes; end caps and a clasp to complete your creation. 

Important information:
Class fee: $35 per student. As a special offer, if two or more sign-up together, the class fee will be reduced to $30 each. As with all classes, all students will receive a 15% discount on any purchases made.

Kits and materials: Some classes have kits fees associated with the class; others have supply lists for the class. Please consult the website for the details.

Ages: students from ages 11 to 17 will be accepted. Guardian adults of students 11 to 15 years of age must remain in the store during class time. Students must be comfortable using small items and scissors.

Adults: As we want to allow sufficient room for youth, the only adults who will be able to take a class will be the guardian adult accompanying the youth.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Inspiration Monday: Rolo Unchained - a bracelet.


by: Rae Huggins

Again - Rae presents us with a two-strand bracelet. One strand is a simple stringing project, and the other is a length of chain. The chain hooks directly onto the clasp on one side, and the clasp hooks into the chain on the other side, so it adjusts for length. The strung pearls are attached to the clasp on the same loop as the chain on one side, and attached to the chain, about 4 links from the end, on the other side. Overall length is 8 - 8.5 inches.

Rae says about this bracelet:

I love this Rolo Chain! I love this Rolo Chain and I love … I skipped around the store (after my shift of course) and picked some of the components to put this basic stringing bracelet together.

I changed into my customer mode and Stephanie assisted in choosing the pearls. So peeps, Rolo is now unchained and we can go liming (Trinidad & Tobagonian for hanging out).



















 

Components

Go to our components list for this project and to buy what you need!
Need some help with some of the techniques? Check our tips page.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Are You Tied Up in Knots?

75401002-28 Braid - 2 mm Asian Knotting Cord - Cardinal Purple (1 meter)Are you all tied up in knots? Do you WANT to be? ;-) We have knotty new options for you this week?


Asian Knotting Yarn - This is a nylon braided cord - and is flattish - like the larger soutache. No one 75401002-02 Braid - 2 mm Asian Knotting Cord - Chocolate (1 meter)here has tried it out yet as a mini-soutache - but it's worth a shot, right? 13 colours, and available by the meter to try out - or by the spool, if you are going whole hog.


Of course, if what you want the Asian Knotting Cord for is to make Kumihimo Braids - we just added a smaller version of the Kumihimo Disk. Tuck this in your purse for knotting on the bus. Not that the regular size was that big, but this is another option. And options are good, right?


s36062 Stringing -  Silk Strings - Lime Crime (1)If that's KNOT enough knots for you, some fresh new colours in silk! Soft, silky silk strings - an elegant way to hang a pendant. In some not-soft, super vibrant colours!

 
This Fairy Ribbon is also silk - but a crepe silk or organza. It's got a bit of texture to it, and nothing says you can't twist the two silks together for an interesting texture/colour combo! s36067 Stringing -  Fairy Ribbon - French Vanilla (1)














75521664-08 Rattail Cord - 2 mm Satin Rattail Cord - Rainbow (yard)And if you can't, just CAN'T make up your mind on colour - Rainbow Rattail. Because it has ALL the colours!
We also added to our rainbow of fish 75135100-15 Leather -  Second Skin Fish Leather - Glossy Hunter Green (1)leather - new colours, Hot Pink, Hunter Green, Sunshine Yellow - and more!










Also new - not so colourful, mind you - but useful instead - a new selection of basic pliers. These are priced for the beginner beader who wants to pick up a few tools without a huge fear of commitment! The smaller handles are nice for smaller hands too! Roundnose, for making loops and shaping wire; Bentnose pliers, for handling jumprings and getting into tight places; Chainnose pliers - for general all purpose use; Flatnose pliers for gripping and 74527345 Tools -  Round Nose Pliers - Dazzle-It Classic Slim (1)securing; and Sidecutters, for cutting wire - but NOT memory wire!










Well, that's it for this week - as always, we hope to make your day brighter with fabulous beads. Please click on a link or an image above, or just go here for all the wonderful new and fabulous old beads this week!


Sale - 18% off All Stone Beads

s33584 Stone Beads - 12 mm Round - Lavendar Amethyst (1)



On sale - this week - All Stone Beads - woohoo. The coolness - the heft - of stone beads. Nothing like it for soothing the soul. Until Midnight, May 29th, - 18% off stone beads!





 

Each weekly sale ends at midnight on Wednesday. Be sure to finalize your order by the following Wednesday midnight - before the next sale starts - to ensure that you lock in those bargains!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Look What Our Students Made!!

On Sunday, I taught a new course at beadFX called Introduction to Bead Embroidery to eleven students. The goal of the class was to learn how to bezel a cabochon onto a bead backing. They got to choose cabochons and seed beads from the large array available at the store. I was amazed how well everyone did. I thought I would show you pictures of everyone's work. This is what students accomplished in three hours. You can too!!

Dawn used a Lunasoft cabochon. 

Here is Deborah's multicolor seed bead mix around a piece of turquoise. 


This is a button that Angela made. 


Lynn used a Lunasoft cabochon as well. It's actually grey, but changes colour depending on the beads used to bezel it. 


Bonnie also used a Lunasoft cabochon. 

Connie used a beautiful jasper stone with metallic pink beads. 


Here is the piece that Sharon is working on. We had fun picking out beads to match the stone. 


Marigrace used Malachite in hers. 

BeadFX's own Rae did a fantastic job by adding in drops to her piece. I think she is going to turn this into a ring. 

Beth used a stone similar to Connie's, but embellished it with seed beads from one of BeadFX's ColourFX custom blends. 


Marion used an oval Blue Crazy Lace Agate bead that was sewn to the backing securely and then embellished. This screams Summertime to me. 


And here is the one I worked on with a huge Swarovski flatback from my personal stash. 

Don't be intimidated by new techniques! All the instructors at beadFX are excellent and break down each step in projects to easily doable steps. 

Check the class calendar and sign up for a new class today! You won't regret it! 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

June classes - the learning doesn't stop!

Ah, June ... sunshine and last days of school! But, at BeadFX the learning doesn't stop. Within June's 30 days, we are offering 27 classes - of which 16 are brand new projects or classes!

We especially proud to be offering three classes by British instructor Jean Power whose classes are filling up quickly. Other new instructors include Liz Reynolds who is teaching all about Hadar Jacobson's metal clay - a powdered metal clay that you can mix as needed; Sureka Sriharan brings us a right angle weave bracelet that is stunningly beautiful; and Jenn Jevon is teaching how to create molds for silver clay.

There are also lots of returning classes available, but here are all the 'new' June classes and projects. For complete details on all the classes, go to our website; click on classes and click on June.

Sunday, June 2
Soutache Lesson #3: Leaves and Layers
11:30am - 2:30pm
Instructor: Angela Peace 








Thursday, June 6
Spiral it Up Bracelet
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns


Friday, June 7
Peruvian Wire Crochet Earrings
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Giovanna Paz




Sunday, June 9
Getting Started with Hadar's Clay
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Liz Reynolds







Thursday, June14
Kumihimo Beaded Patterned Necklace
12:30pm - 3:30pm
Instructor: Angela Peace



Saturday, June 15
Three Exquisite Pairs of Earrings: Intro to Chainmaille #3 (left)
9:30am - 12:30pm

Instructor: Marilyn Gardiner

Turtleback Bracelet (right)
1:30pm - 4:30pm

Instructor: Marilyn Gardiner


Tuesday, June 18
Chicklets (left) and Cascading Twigs  (right)
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Instructor: Maria Rypan






Wednesday, June 19
Fire in the Mountain Bracelet
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Sureka Sriharan

Friday, June 21
Interchangeable Cuff (left) and Zinnia Flower (right) (2 projects in one class)
10:00am - 5:00pm

Instructor: Jean Power




Mold Making for Silver Clay
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jenn Jevon



Saturday, June 22
Frame Bangle
10:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Jean Power



Two Day Lampworking Weekend, Part B
10:00am - 2:30pm (Saturday)
11:30am - 4:00pm (Sunday)
Instructor: Amy Waldman-Smith







Sunday, June 23
Geometric Stars
10:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Jean Power


Monday, June 24
Embellished Peyote and Fringe Necklace
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Rae Huggins







Tuesday, June 25
Netted X's and O's Necklace
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Maria Rypan