Newsletter

Artful News

What’s New and Newsworthy at Artful Beads!

September 2010

NOTE: Artful Beads will be closed Sunday, September 5^th, and Monday September 4^th. Enjoy your holiday!

In This Issue…

September’s Classes! September’s class highlight – Lovely Layers riveted components! September – October classes are out! New beads – lots of ‘em! The Fall issue of “Stringing Magazine,” featuring two of Amy’s projects, is now available! September’s tip…looking beyond class descriptions.

A Reminder about Registering for Classes:

We just want to take a moment to remind everyone that class fees must be paid in full at the time you reserve your spot. This requirement is necessary for us to keep our book keeping in proper order, and to ensure that everyone who wishes to take any given class has the opportunity to do so. Please don't ask for exceptions, as this puts us in a difficult position. In order to make the payment process convenient for you, we gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express payments over the phone. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Classes

Our September-October class list is now posted on our website with pictures, and samples can be seen in person at the store. We have added 11 exciting new classes this time, including a new advanced bead weaving project, the return of Byzantine chain maille, and more classes in the cold-connection technique of riveting!

Class Registration

We do require payment to reserve your place in a class; many of them do fill up quickly so sign up early to ensure your spot! You can sign up for classes either at the store or over the phone. You will receive 10% off all materials the day of the class, excluding PMC and artisan beads.

Classes we are offering in September are listed below; please click on the "Classes" link above to view the entire class list.

September’s Classes

Peacock Feathers Bracelet or Necklace ($45 plus materials) – Wednesday, September 1^st, 10:30am-1:30pm

Flat Peyote Bracelet ($45 plus materials) – Thursday, September 2^nd, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Byzantine Chain Maille Bracelet ($45 plus materials) – Choose one: Thursday, September 2^nd, 5:30pm -8:00pm; Tuesday, September 28^th, 10:30am – 1:30pm

Window to the Soul Bracelet ($55 plus materials) – Friday, September 3^rd, 10:30am – 2:30pm

Beaded Tennis Bracelet ($45 plus materials) – Saturday, September 4^th, 10:30am – 1:30pm

Hammered Sterling Bracelet (Mini Class - $20 plus materials) – Choose one: Saturday, September 4^th, 2:30pm – 4:00pm; Wednesday, September 29^th, 10:30am-12:00pm

Spiral Rope Bracelet or Necklace ($45 plus materials) – Tuesday, September 7^th, 10:30am-1:30pm

Chained Melody Necklace *** New Class *** (Mini Class - $20 plus materials) – Wednesday, September 8^th, 10:30am-12:00pm

Free Form Brick Stitch ($45 plus materials) – Thursday, September 9^th, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Crystal Blossom Bracelet ($40 plus materials) – Thursday, September 9^th, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Urchiness Earrings *** New Class *** ($55 plus materials) – Friday, September 10^th, 10:30am – 2:30pm

Arc of Triumph ($55 plus materials) – Saturday, September 11^th, 10:30am-2:30pm

Captivating Crystal Beaded Beads (Mini class - $25 plus materials) – Saturday, September 11^th, 2:30pm-4:00pm

Vine of Droplets Bracelet (Mini class - $20 plus materials) – Tuesday, September 14^th, 10:30am-12:00pm

Crystal Helix Bracelet ($40 plus materials) – Wednesday, September 15^th, 10:30am-12:30pm

Intertwining Roads Bracelet ***New Class*** ($45 plus materials) –Thursday, September 16^th, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Mixed Media Bracelet ($45 plus materials) – Thursday, September 16^th, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Dancing Dangles Necklace *** New Class *** ($55 plus materials) – Friday, September 17^th, 10:30am – 2:30pm

Components and Clasps Class *** New Class *** ($50 plus materials) – Saturday, September 18^th, 10:30am – 1:30pm

Sterling Vessel Earrings *** New Class *** (Mini class - $25 plus materials) – Saturday, September 18^th, 2:30pm-4:00pm

Starlight Earrings ($45 plus materials) – Tuesday, September 21^st, 10:30am-12:30pm

Lovely Layers Pendants/Earrings *** New Class *** (Mini class - $25 plus materials) – Wednesday, September 22^nd, 10:30am-12:00pm

Scalloped Ruffle Bracelet ($45 plus materials) – Thursday, September 23^rd, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Introduction to Viking Knit ($45 plus materials) – Thursday, September 23^rd, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Trio of Bangles ($55 plus materials) – Friday, September 24^th, 10:30am – 2:30pm

“This and That” Necklace *** New Class *** ($45 plus materials) – Saturday, September 25^th, 10:30am-1:30pm

Beginner Beading ($35 plus materials) – Saturday, September 25^th, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Bead Embroidery Pendant ($45 plus materials) – Thursday, September 30^th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Beginner Earrings ($35 plus materials) – Thursday, September 30^th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Please visit the store or click on the "Classes" link above to see samples of all the class projects.

September’s Highlighted Class: Lovely Layers Riveted Components

Wednesday, September 22^nd, 10:30am-12:00pm

In this class you will learn to layer together different metal components and connect them with a rivet. This is known as a cold connection and you can create pendants, earrings, and so much more with this awesome technique. The ideas will begin to flow and you won’t be able to stop!! Cost of the class is $25 plus materials.

New Beads!!!

They say pictures are worth a thousand words, so behold a small sampling of the latest beads and pendants we just got in...stop by the store to see our new collection in its entirety!

Agate and recycled glass beads from Afghanistan; Green Girl pendants and beads...

Cutout flower pendants from Marsha Neal Studios...

Fire-polished and pressed glass from the Czech Republic, including our favorite 9mm oblates,
new 8mm and 10mm rounds, and beads made from vintage molds...

Tibetan treasures...

Amy’s work in Stringing Magazine!

Hot off the presses, the Fall edition of “Stringing Magazine" is now available at Artful Beads! Amy has two projects in this issue. The featured project, titled “This and That”, is a long necklace comprised of many different components…a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. It appears on Page 50. The “This and That” necklace project is accompanied by a matching bracelet project on Page 37. Additionally, this is the first issue of "Stringing Magazine" in its new format. The photography is truly stunning, and all of the projects are inspirational beyond description. Stop by Artful Beads to grab your own copy and see the published pieces in person!

Tip of the Month...looking beyond class descriptions!

When considering which classes to take, it is beneficial to think beyond the scope of what you see in the pictures and descriptions. More often than not, you can take the techniques taught in any given class and apply them to a wide variety of projects. A prime example thinking outside the class description is our "Beginner Earrings" class. While the general premise of this class is to learn how to make earrings, the basic technique taught in the class is making wire wrapped loops. Wire wrapped loops are not only perfect for earring projects, but they are ideal for pendants and beaded links as well. So the next time you're trying to decide which class(es) to sign up for, think beyond the description of the specific project and take into consideration other ways you can adapt and apply what you'll be learning. You may be surprised with the ideas you come up with!

Happy Beading!!

Amy, Barbara, and Laina