On Behalf of The Corsage Project: Thank You So Much!

Earlier we had posted about The Corsage Project and how they provide dresses, jewellery and other accessories for free for economically-challenged high school students so they can go to their prom in style.

BeadFX volunteers, staff and customers were busy creating lots of blingy pieces of jewellery which were picked-up by Corsage Project volunteers to be sorted in time for the Boutique Ball. Well, the Boutique Ball has been held and they were thrilled with the assortment of jewellery that were provided through BeadFX!

Through your generosity and hard work, more than 125 young women will have beautiful jewellery. Many of the jewellery donated through BeadFX were 2- and 3-piece sets! Here is just a sampling of some of the donations done by our staff, customers and students:

Thank you all very much for your hard work and creativity! We plan to be involved again in 2017 and look forward to working with you to help make young women's prom dreams come true.

Bead mat update - April!

In the last update, my bead mat was a fairly sorry sight. My muse had been on vacation, and I was just getting back into the swing of things. I'm happy to say that my batteries have been re-charged, and I'm now brimming with inspiration! Most (but not all) of my beading projects have been motoring along, and new ideas are coming at me faster than I can remember them. Don't you just hate when that happens? I really do need to write them down.

Despite not finding the original (started in my last class), I completed another freeform peyote, beaded bead to add to my collection (the green/dark raspberry one). I've now made a grand total of seven of these beads, and I'm not even close to finishing the series. I was once told that you couldn't call yourself an artist, until you learned how to develop a series of work. Do you believe that? I'm not sure that I do, but my work does seem to be leading me in that direction. I've been striding down that path for years, starting with the early fibre art days, and then moving to the Bead Journal Project. Who knows where I will go from here?

My freeform peyote ring count is now up to four, and I'm seriously contemplating the fifth. Somehow, somewhere I had the idea to include a shank button as the focal on my next ring. So, did I buy just one button to try it out? No, of course not, I purchased five of them! But don't look for a photograph, because I haven't taken one yet. Instead I'll just show you my fourth ring. This was constructed a little differently than the other three, and includes an 8 mm Lapis round as the focal. Do I need to tell you that I love blue? This one is sized just right! I even purchased a ring mandrel, so that it will be a lot easier to determine the correct sizing in the future. Stringing the beads, and then holding your tongue, and attempting to figure out if the sizing is correct, while trying not to drop the beads, is difficult to say the least! I guess I could have asked for help, but why the heck would I do that?

My poor purple doll is in the same naked state as she was in March! I added the hair, and then everything came to a full stop. Yes, I did decide on her colour scheme, but she hasn't even started talking to me yet! Doesn't she like the colours I chose (purple/turquoise)? I don't seem to be able to make a decision on either a theme, or where to stitch the first bead!!! Do you think if I give her a name, she will start whispering to me? What should I call her? Does she actually need a theme, or should I just start beading? Decisions are so difficult! Perhaps I should start working on the odd/shaped acid green doll in the next photo. Would that prompt my purple doll to cry out for attention?

To make things even more difficult, I'm teaching a BAD class (Beaded Art Doll) at BeadFX this Saturday. Have I stitched and stuffed all of my doll forms yet? No of course not, but I am working on it. Today's count is five dolls complete; two and a half stitched; and three more cut out, and ready to stitch. Will I finish by Saturday? You bet I will! Do I procrastinate? Not really, but I do think that I'm addicted to the adrenaline rush! Besides, I've been working on pieces for the Corsage Project over the last couple of weeks, and I've also been playing around with resin. I guess those are valid excuses, right? Don't get frustrated by a temporary slowdown in your creativity. Give it some time, ignore your muse, and she (or he) will sit up and pay attention! All will be well, despite our current sad, chilly temperatures!

Give what you've got!

Okay perhaps not everything, but it would be nice if you could consider giving a little to underprivileged youth. BeadFX is gathering jewellery donations on the behalf of the Corsage Project, a non-profit initiative to help high school students, who cannot afford to go to their own school proms. "In 2000, the Corsage Project was created in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation to help young women attend their prom by providing them with a new dress, accessories and a mini makeover - all free of charge. In 2010, the program expanded to provide formal wear to young gentlemen" (information copied from the Corsage Project website). I think that it's a wonderful and exceptionally worthwhile program! Imagine if you had not been able to attend prom with your peers? It would have been a devestating blow!

BeadFX staff (myself included), managers, instructors, and customers have all donated hand made jewellery &/or supplies to the project in the past, and will continue to do so this year. Last week, I started working on my 2016 donations. I carefully considered what a young lady would be interested in wearing, and then made a conscious effort to simplify and scale down my crazy mixed media tendencies. We're talking formal wear here! I thought that you might like to take a peek at my pieces. Two were made from deconstructed "Inspiration" components, and the remainder from my own stash. The design process is very similar, though working with someone else's components is interesting, to say the least! The pre-made necklaces were taken apart, mixed up, added to, and shortened (to fill in the neck of a gown). Would you like to try to guess which ones are mine? .

If you're interested in donating jewellery to this very worthy cause, items can be either delivered or dropped off at the store (during regular store hours). Gently used jewellery will also be welcomed, as long as it's appropriate to the occasion. If you'd like a little beading camaraderie, we plan on focusing on the project at our free Wednesday, Open Beading Night (March 23, 30 and April 6); and our free Thursday afternoon Bead Tea (March 24 and 31) - but please call the store first to reserve your place. We'd love to have you join us! The deadline for all donations is Wednesday, April 6th. I plan to make at least a few more items before that date! How about you?

The Corsage ProjectSixteen years of making a difference!

Senior Prom – a traditional rite of passage for many high school students! The dress – the shoes – the sparkling accessories – the fun of going shopping for all the bits and pieces to make the dream complete! Friends going to Prom together before graduation and separating on their own life paths. Unfortunately, not all young women can attend their prom – not because they don’t want to, but because of financial restraints. How would you feel if you were in her place? 

BeadFX has been a staunch supporter of The Corsage Project by promoting and organizing open sessions that individuals can come in and create jewellery. Created in 2000, The Corsage Project is a community-based program of the Children's Aid Foundation organized by a committee of volunteers from the Toronto area. The Corsage Project helps economically disadvantaged high school students attend their prom by providing free formal-wear. Each year, they assist 250 to 300 young women who are graduating from Toronto high schools at their Boutique Ball – an incredible event that brings together women of all ages to share in the excitement of the day and celebrate the achievements of our participants.

On this special day, event space is transformed into a giant shopping bazaar, featuring hundreds of dresses, organized by size and colour, and tables showcasing shoes, purses, jewellery and accessories such as pashminas.

Corsage Girls shop the various wares with their personal shopper until they complete their look and are then treated to a mini-makeover and goodie bags filled with gifts from our sponsors.

 

You can help!

Do you have a piece of jewellery that can revived and upcycled? Pull it out and give it new life! If you need ideas, bring it in to one of our Open Beading Nights or Afternoon Bead Teas that will be dedicated to creating jewellery for the Corsage Project. In addition to the staff who will be on hand, other participants will be happy to give ideas. The more sparkle – the better!

Please drop off your completed donations by 6:00pm on April 6. All jewellery will be picked-up by a Corsage Project volunteer on April 8. 


The following open sessions at BeadFX will be dedicated to creating jewellery for the Corsage Project: 

Open Bead Nights

6:00 - 8:00pm
Wednesday, March 23
Wednesday, March 30
Wednesday, April 6

Afternoon Bead Teas
1:00 - 3:00pm
Thursday, March 24
Thursday, March 31

Everyone is welcome to come out to any of these sessions and help! We recommend that you call ahead to let us know you're coming.

The Corsage Project: Making an Impact One Dress at a Time

Senior Prom – a traditional rite of passage for many high school students! The dress – the shoes – the sparkling accessories – the fun of going shopping for all the bits and pieces to make the dream complete! Friends going to Prom together before graduation and separating on their own life paths. Unfortunately, not all young women can attend their prom – not because they don’t want to, but because of financial restraints. How would you feel if you were in her place?

This year marks the 10^th Anniversary of BeadFX working with the Corsage Project to help these young women realize the dream of going to Senior Prom. Created in 2000, The Corsage Project is a community-based program of the Children's Aid Foundation organized by a committee of volunteers from the Toronto area. The Corsage Project helps economically disadvantaged high school students attend their prom by providing free formal-wear. Each year, they assist approximately 250 young
women who are graduating from Toronto high schools at their Boutique Ball – an incredible event that brings together women of all ages to share in the excitement of the day and celebrate the achievements of our participants.

On this special day, event space is transformed into a giant shopping bazaar, featuring hundreds of dresses, organized by size and colour, and tables showcasing shoes, purses, jewellery and accessories.

Corsage Girls shop the various wares with their personal shopper until they complete their look and are then treated to a mini-makeover and goodie bags filled with gifts from our sponsors.

You can help!

Do you have a piece of jewellery that can revived and upcycled? Pull it out and give it new life! If you need ideas, bring it in to one of our Open Beading Nights or Afternoon Bead Teas that will be dedicated to creating jewellery for the Corsage Project. In addition to the staff who will be on hand, other participants will be happy to give ideas. The more sparkle – the better!

The following open sessions at BeadFX will be dedicated to creating jewellery for the Corsage Project:

Open Beading Night
Wednesday, March 25; 6:00 – 8:00pm
Wednesday, April 1; 6:00 – 8:00pm
Wednesday, April 15: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Afternoon Bead Teas
Thursday, March 26; 1:00 – 3:00pm
Thursday, April 2; 1:00 – 3:00pm
Thursday, April 9; 1:00 – 3:00pm
Thursday, April 16; 1:00 – 3:00pm

Everyone is welcome to come out to any of these sessions and help! We recommend that you call ahead to let us know you are coming.

Please drop off your completed donations by 8pm on Thursday, April 16. All jewellery will be picked-up by a Corsage Project volunteer on Friday, April 17.

The Corsage Project also provide scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged youth to get post-secondary education. If you would like to become directly involved with the Corsage Project or would like more information, you can go to their website at www.corsageproject.ca.

The Corsage Project

Who doesn’t remember their prom? What did you wear? Who was your date? Where are they now? And, how would you feel today if you had not been able to afford to attend? It is one thing to be a rebellious teenager and refuse to go, but quite another to not go at all because of the financial burden it puts on your family.
 
Since 2005, beadFX has been a champion of the Corsage project. Created in 2000, The Corsage Project is a community-based program of the Children's Aid Foundation organized by a committee of volunteers from the Toronto area. The Corsage Project helps economically disadvantaged high school students attend their prom by providing free formal-wear. Each year, they assist approximately 250 young women who are graduating from Toronto high schools at their Boutique Ball – an incredible event that brings together women of all ages to share in the excitement of the day and celebrate the achievements of our participants.

On this special day, event space is transformed into a giant shopping bazaar, featuring hundreds of dresses organized by size and colour and tables showcasing shoes, purses, jewellery and accessories.

Corsage Girls shop the various wares with their personal shopper until they complete their look and are then treated to a mini-makeover and goodie bags filled with gifts from our sponsors.


 Making an Impact One Dress at a Time

Stephanie Dixon will be available to assist you in designing something special during Open Beading Night. Upcycle an old piece that's been sitting in your jewellery box! Now's the time to bling it out and send it on to a new life. From chandelier earrings to bracelets and necklaces, all jewellery items are welcome.



We are working on scheduling dates for extra Open Beading Nights specifically for The Corsage Project, but you can drop off jewellery donations at the store anytime. The blingier, the better!

I really hope that you can join me at beadFX for one more open beading night in support of the Corsage Project. Last week, a mother-daughter and friend trio came for open beading night. The mother and friend had NEVER made jewellery before and I can tell you that the necklace and 10 pairs of earrings they made were fantastic. They volunteer at the Corsage Project annually and wanted to have some fun, learn some jewellery techniques and support a worthy cause. A big thank you to them!

If you want to come and have no idea what to make, that's okay too, as I have some quick and simple patterns available. If you are wondering what is "HOT" right now - the Pantone colour of the Year is Emerald and it is turning up everywhere. It is featured prominently in InStyle's Colour Issue on the newsstands now.