Scroll Technique using Beads

Isn't this just to die for? 
This is Penny's class sample of her Scroll Bracelet that she taught in July at Bead Street. The first time she taught this,
she also included design techniques so that students
could basically do anything they wanted.
  Since then, she has simplified the class 
by just teaching the technique. 
 Another design  class will come later. 
You can check out her blog for more info.
http://www.pennydixondesigns.com/

This was the first workshop and everyone helped
critique each others design



Doesn't look like a 'beading class' does it? 
If this was taught at a national bead show -
 students might have to pay hundreds of dollars for this workshop. 
We are so fortunate that Penny lives in Idaho.
And I am so thankful she teaches at Bead Street



This is Chris's finished bracelet where she incorporated
 a Czech glass button



A beautiful example also using a Czech glass button as a focal.
If this is one belongs to you - please let me know.



Part of the second class. 
Would love to see your finished projects gals!



At first glance, this may not look like part of this class.
In this necklace, Janet used Penny's technique for incorporating a cabochon.



Close up of previous photo. 
 I love it when a student takes a technique from a class and then
'makes it their own' by doing something different. 
 Beautiful work, Janet!

Another beautiful example from the second class. 
 This one belongs to Sue.
Thanks everyone, for bringing in your projects to share.

Bead Street Expansion

You may be wondering what this photo is all about.  This blog, after all should be about beading.  Well, all those little boxes are beads.

 I hurt my back earlier this year.  It really wasn't my back - more of the muscle across my hips - but pain is still pain.  The doctor said it would take about a year to heal - that is,  if I don't injure it again.  Unfortunately, every time another shipment comes in - I run the risk of hurting myself again.

With over 1000 colors of size 11/0 seedbeads at approximately 1/4 kilo each (about a half a pound) - that's 500 pounds of seedbeads.  And then there are almost 600 colors of size 8/0 seedbeads, 450 colors of size 6/0 seedbeads, Cubes in 4mm, 3mm, 1.8mm and 1.5mm sizes.  Can't forget the Drops, Hexs, Triangles (in three sizes), Peanuts, Twins and SuperDuos.  Then there is the Czech glass - where each box is somewhere between 50 and 60 pounds.  Okay. I have to stop now - my head also hurts. 

So, a new warehouse is in the construction stage.  Tables are set, some beads are organized, slat wall has arrived and scheduled for installation, and more lighting will be added.  The good news for me is that I won't have to lift boxes off the floor anymore.  The good news for Bead Street customers is that I now have room to have a significant back stock of seedbeads and Czech glass.  Which means if we are out of something at the store - it will only take a day to restock. 

Twenty eight years ago I started this business so I could travel the world in search of treasures.  Who knew that at age 66, I would be a warehouse manager.  What's wrong with this picture?   I'll post more photos when there is something prettier to see than cardboard boxes.  Thanks for reading, Eileen

SuperDuo (aka Twin) Beaded Bead

The new Czech 2-hole SuperDuos (aka Twin) beads have arrived in great colors.  Some even match the CzechMate Tile beads.  Here is the first beaded bead class using these beads that was held at Bead Street.



Beautiful colors the gals selected



Our instructors found time to do this as well.

Czech SuperDuos, 4mm Czech fire polish and 11/0 Japanese seedbeads.
Even though they are hollow, the beads hold their shape so well -
 no need for a larger bead inside.

More great colors

The same color of SuperDuos - but different colors of 11/0 seedbeads.

Bohemian Crochet Wrap Bracelet

Last fall my friend Barb and I saw these Bohemian Wrap Bracelets all over Europe.  From a distance you couldn't tell they were crocheted.  In many cases, there were so many wraps it looked like a beaded pattern of some sort.  Ironically this is not a new pattern - it's another project my Grandmother and I did as a child.  Although I have been reminded  that as old as I am - everything I've done will  be around again and again.  And maybe even again.

Since I can't find some of the photos I took in Italy, this wll give you an idea of what we saw. 
This beautiful bracelet belongs to OlenaDesigns on Etsy.

It took some doing to convince Sandy to teach us all how to crochet. 
 But once we did, she got really excited and will be teaching
a Tubular Crochet project in August
and another type of crochet later in the Fall.



To make the class easier, Sandy simplified things and used thicker cord. 
 We also used smaller beads than the original, but this is a beautiful version as well.

Janet used a beautiful Czech glass button as her closure.
Turned out nice, don't you agree?

 

Elaine is pretty intense with this.
 Notice how long her crocheted chain is getting.



Our '16 year old over achiever' Irene just took off with this as well. 
Notice how even her stitches are.

The challenge now is to use thinner cord and bigger beads, 
These are 6mm Czech Fire Polish with a Czech flower for the closure.
Another beautiful bracelet by OlenaDesigns.  Find her on Etsy.

Tila Twin Bracelet

Many people have sent emails saying they have missed my posts and current class information.  Thank you everyone, for the kind words.  I have been very busy - a new bead warehouse is in the construction phase.  A very, very exciting time - but more about that later.

We had a lot of classes in July.  Almost all of them were special requests and they filled immediately.  We are going to repeat most of them in August - and if necessary, more repeats in September.  Below is one new class made with the new Tile (CzechMates) and 2-hole Twin beads (aka Super Duos).   These new beads have been flying off the shelf.  We had enough interest to fill 3 classes and only able to get two scheduled in July.  The third will be in August.  If you like what you see, just let me know.



Technically called a Tila Twin Band, this pattern was designed by Deborah Roberti and
Sandy purchased the instructions for our students.
 We used CzechMate Tiles and Czech Super Duos which are pressed glass
and we think much more uniform than the two-hole Twin beads.
You can reach Deborah at espresso@sonic.net



This was the first class and Heidi's sister from San Diego was able to join in.



This is Irene's and she used the Silver Metallic Tiles, S11598E seed beads
 and Super Duo colors TW101G and TW104G



Claudia used Bronze CzechMate Tiles,  S11217E seed beads,
and TW130N Super Duos.



I'm sure most of you will recognize this as Janet's. 
The Tiles are much prettier than this photo shows - more of a pale Icey TQ Blue



Heidi choose to use Brown Iris Tiles, Super Duos TW132N,
and seed beads in color S11059E




Another beautiful color selection.
Elaine used Matt Apollo Jet CzechMate Tiles
and Matt Apollo Gold Super Duos



Lucy LOVED this pattern.  So much, she made 3 color samples
so she could choose her beads and then finish her bracelets at home.



Lucy's second colorway has Luster OP Green Czechmate Tiles,
 S11337E seedbeads, and Super Duos in OP TQ Green and OP TQ Blue



Heidi, Claudia, our instructor Sandy and Janet. 
This was one of Claudia's last classes.  She was trying to attend as many beading classes as she could before moving with her husband to Choteau, Montana.  We will miss her beautiful smile and her fabulous color choices. We all wish her well and hope she will be able to visit Boise often.



Heidi and her sister.
 Not sure what it is about this pattern, but everyone said it was a really fun project
 and as always, Sandy did a wonderful job teaching

The August Class Schedule has been posted even though we have a couple of days to be announced.  If you are interested in a particular project, let us know via email or calling Bead Street 336-9707 and we will try to accommodate.  Nancy is now back from her hiking trip in Colorado and is anxious to get back to teaching as well.

Thanks for reading and happy beading!  Eileen