Merry Christmas 2015

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!

Filled with much gratitude again this year. Thanks so much Boise for 30 years of business where I have met such wonderful beading friends.  We are excited for our online website - have received lots of wonderful comments and helpful suggestions. Thanks so much.  

And the big news, a great Christmas present delivered by UPS on Christmas Eve - a copy of the February issue of Bead and Button Magazine where my latest project - Right in Line - appears on page  56 of this issue.    And, and, to already have orders when I woke up on Christmas Day!... and its not even on the newstand yet.  Just thrilled.    

Lots of work went into this project from the design, with the new CzechMate Quadratile beads, long hours writing the instructions, teaching and testing the pattern and reviewing the final outcome. This was such a joy to see in print.  

Am so excited for the next year and looking forward to new projects, new friendships and seeing what all of you will be beading in the new year. 

Here's wishing (and praying) for a peaceful, healthy, happy and prosperous year for all of you!  Much love...

Bead Street Classes

Don't forget October 30th, our last day at the Glenwood location and we still have plenty of Czech glass, gemstones and freshwater pearls at 30% off.  Hope to see you before Halloween.

This Saturday, October 24th, Sandy is teaching a new bracelet pattern.  If all goes well, this is what the project looks like.

A couple of seats left.  If you would like to join us, let us know.

Beth is doing a show so won't be teaching but Sue may teach a beginner project.  Stay tuned for more information - or you can call Sue this week and ask, 336-9707

Bead Street Closing Sale

After thirty years of retail, its time for Bead Street to close its retail location on Glenwood.  We are having a 30% sale off all Czech glass, gemstones and pearls.  Last day is Friday, October 30th.

By closing, we will have time to expand our online website - adding new products and photographing  1000 colors of size 11 seed beads will certainly take some time.  

Our classes will continue and we are moving to a space that will allow for new exciting workshops.  Stay tuned for classes in Soldering, Enameling, Lampwork beadmaking, using Kilns for ceramic pendants, Metal Clay, and Bronze Clay, We have a waiting list of individuals that want to take these classes so they may not be listed online.  If you are interested in any of these, please send an email and we will notify you of the schedule.  We are also continuing with regular beadwork and wirework classes.

At  some point, when everything is organized at the warehouse, we will have  it open for you to shop.  More info to come.

A big, big thank you to all our customers who have continually shopped with us.  Some of you we have known for almost 30 years.  We will try to continue to stock the products you need and for the locals, still have a place to pick them up.  But the world has transitioned to online sales and we feel the need to jump on that band wagon.

This Saturday Sandy is teaching a new odd count peyote cuff.  We have a very easy way to do this, and if you would like to learn, give us a call - I think three spaces still available.

Art in the Park, Boise, 2015

The annual Art in the Park art show at Julia Davis Park is this weekend. If you have some time, check out some of our local artists displaying this year. Weather looks good and should be fun.

There are some out of town folks coming into Boise to see the show, and they also wanted to take a beading class.  So Sue has graciously volunteered to step in for Sandy and teach Chain'On.  I know we have taught this a number of times; can't believe we are still getting requests.  No doubt they have seen some of the previous students creations....

So, 1:00 Saturday, $15.00 plus materials.  Bring a tube of Super Duos, a few two-hole lentils, 11/0 seed beads and needle and thread.  If you need any of these - we have plenty of colors to choose from - and we can even put together something for you.  

Hope you have a great weekend!

This colorway includes a multi-toned seed bead.
Really nice because you can wear it with almost anything.

Ideal for fall.  Don't remember who did this one.
 If this is yours, please let me know.

This is Janet's version.  And of course, she made it her way -
 using bigger seed beads and a second color of SD's for center.  Beautiful!

We have an entire Board on Pinterest dedicated to Chain'On samples.  Check it out if you need other color ideas.  And, if you would like your photo added, just email me.   We just love to display customers work.

Portalegre' Bracelet Pattern by Eileen Barker

Before the  new CzechMate Quadratiles hit the market, the TrendSetter group received  samples of these unique four holed beads.  Because I am a member of that group, I had an opportunity to play with some samples.

I was honored when one of my submissions, Portalegre' Bracelet was featured in an ad in both Beadwork and Bead and Button magazines.  Kits are available again (after selling out twice) and here are some of the wonderful variations that have been done with this pattern.  Thank you all for the beautiful work, for bringing them into the store, and sending me photographs to post here. 

Have had many requests to do a kit
with this colorway. 

These Czech marbled beads make this version
 very exotic looking doesn't it.
Sort of matches the name
that people have trouble pronouncing.  

Beautiful sparkly version by Sharon Austin

Sandra Taylor's version.
She loves these colors and has a lot of jewelry
in this sage green and black. So, no doubt
 she can wear it with almost anything she has.

Thanks ladies, for buying the kits, making additional bracelets, selecting some wonderful colors for your second (and sometimes third versions) and for allowing me to post here.   I have more to post but didn't want to make this post too long.  Stay tuned.

Bead Street Classes August 22nd, 2015

Sorry about getting this out so late.  The classes have been so full lately that it is hard to turn down requests to include any additional students.  This week's classes are brand new and did have to share these.  Photos were sent over phone and these both are so much prettier in person.  

We  have two cancellations for Sandy's class so let us know if you would like to join us for this one.

New beaded bead design using the new
CzechMate two hole Crescent Beads.
 Vezsuzsi pattern called Chalfie and starts at 2:00

Sandy strung hers on Memory Wire
 (which we have available if you need)
 but looks equally fabulous on regular beading wire.

Beth's class has a full house but I do not know about cancellations. If you would like to attend, you can check with  Beth tonight.  Email at beth@moodsofeve.com for more information.

'Twister" by Beth - Saturday, August 22nd 1:00
Looks like an incredible project and love how many
 metal smithing classes we now have available
thanks to Beth.

Royal Bridge Bracelet By Penny Dixon

Congratulations to Penny Dixon for a very lovely design in the August September 2015 issue of Beadwork magazine.  We are very proud to call Penny one of our fabulous instructors and who is also a Beadwork 2015 designer of the year.  A very talented lady and now also very busy.

This is my version of Penny's Royal Bridge Bracelet

I used the same gold metallic CzechMate quadratiles
Penny used, but mixed in some other metallic's
 with the CzechMate 2-hole bars.

And because I love the halo firepolish colors,
had to use some of them.

The Beadwork pattern also included a great
beaded button closure

Because not all stores carry both the CzechMate Quadratiles
 and CzechMate 2-hole bars, we have kits
available that include all the beads.
Instructions not included so you will need the
August/September 2015 issue of Beadwork magazine

Closeup of the beaded button.
I can see this showing up on other designs as well.

I don't often get to bead very much but just had to do Penny's design. Thanks Penny, for a wonderful and fun project.

And now to the things I normally do, here is  another colorway sample for Sue's Gemcut Leather Wrap Bracelet - class this Saturday, July 18th, 1:00 to 4:00.  We have 5 or 6 different color kits available if you need beads. Additional kits will be available to purchase after the class as well.

Also Saturday, by special request, Beth is teaching her Love Knot Bracelet from 1:00 to 4:00.  A couple of seats still available

On July 25th, two new classes - Riveted Metal Earrings and our Sundance Brick Stitch earrings.  Photos coming soon.  These two classes are almost full - so if you are interested, give us a call to reserve your spot.

Bead Street Sale!

With all the new beads lately - we need to have a retirement sale to make room for all the ones that we are expecting soon.  We are retiring some beads and  narrowing our color selection of others.

From Saturday, June 27th through Friday, July 3rd - 30% off our entire Czech Glass Wall - also includes the Czech Flowers and Leaves (on back wall) and almost all Gemstones and Freshwater Pearls on the Gemstone Wall.  Limited quantities and no back orders. 

No class this Saturday and we will be closed next Saturday for July 4th weekend.  This is your chance to buy for the holiday weekend - and at a discount no less.

Arriving in July: 150+ colors of  the fabulous New Mini-Duos (in colors to match our current stock of Super Duos. Imagine making a mini version of all the great projects we all have been making with Super Duos.

Also arriving:  37+ new colors of the Es-O bead,  plus more of the Two-hole Silky's and Kheops. For those of you who have been in recently and watched us struggle to find room for the current stock of these beads, well.. now the fun begins.  Who knew there would be so many new beads.

No class this Saturday because all our instructors are  at the Terrace Lakes Wine and Art Festival in Garden Valley. Lots of fun, wine, and jewelry and Sandy and Beth might even be selling some of their class samples.  If the heat is getting to you, might be a little relief - you can find more info on Beth's Facebook page

We've also had so many classes, it's getting very difficult to remember the names of classes, who the designer is and who was in the class. So going to try to get the completed projects posted.  If one of these belong to you - please let me know so I can update the photo.

This is called J-O-Sef Bracelet - a pattern designed by Vezsuzsi, one of our Design Team members and was taught by Sandy

Looks like a Fourth of July Celebration, doesn't it?

Here Lorraine added another bead in the center 

which changes the look.  Very pretty!

A beautiful Lacy look - which you know I love.
Lorraine beaded this one as well.

I think this is Janet's.  I get confused when
the gals use colors they don't normally use.

You can get the pattern from Vezsuzsi at this link J-O-Sef Bracelet Pattern  

Hope you have a great weekend and try to stay cool.  

Chain'On and Portalegre' Bracelet Patterns

Well this certainly has been a whirlwind month.  First, I was extremely proud that one of my designs 'Portalegre' was included in Starman's ad in both Bead Work and Bead and Button magazine. Kits were available and sold out immediately.  Another shipment has arrived and we are frantically filling back orders this week.   Also working on another color way - hopefully will be able to post that soon.

Portalegre' Bracelet
Designed by Eileen Barker

Second, my Chain'on Pattern is generating a lot of buzz.  Originally designed in 2012 - my friend Barb and I went to Paris in September 2012, and after many classes at Bead Street, taught this to her  on the plane.   You can see the original post HERE  It is so gratifying to see so many people love this bracelet - and to see so many photos of their completed bracelets on Facebook.

Chain'on kits are still only $10 to $18 depending on the color you choose (and with or without a clasp) and also includes the pattern.  If you are interested - contact us for available colors.

Third, I have a project published in this month's issue of Perlen Poesie (Issue 25) magazine - the leading beading magazine in Europe. Again, I'm so very honored.  

And last - and the most exciting - my Rick Steves  Hill Town Italian trip.  Look who I ran into - none other than Rick Steves himself.   And he has his arm around me taking a selfie - something he hardly does ever.  Thrill of my life!

So exciting - fabulous, fabulous, month - makes up for all the late night hours doing inventory, unpacking beads, labeling beads and scheduling classes.  Whew!

June Classes at Bead Street

We're just starting to put together our summer program and a couple of employees are still on vacation - so we won't have the entire schedule up for a few weeks.  But, here is what we know so far.

This Saturday, June 6th, Beth is offering another Beginning Wire Class. Bead Cap Chandelier Earrings from 1:00 to 3:00

Are you new to making jewelry?  Then join us for this class where we'll get you started by making basic loops and wire wraps and you can walk away with some very classy chandelier earrings.  This class is usually taught during the week but we're offering it this Saturday, and two seats are still available.  Call Bead Street 336-9707 to reserve a seat.
.
If you already know how to do basic wire working, but need to practice on making wraps - this is the perfect class for you as well.

You can use Swarovski crystals or pearls or anything else you would like. Class is $15 plus materials and you can bring your own beads or we have lots if you need them.  Bring your round nose pliers, bent or chain nose pliers and wire cutters.   If you don't have tools, we have some for you to use or some to purchase if you decide you love working with wire.

Also on Saturday, June 6th, Sandy is teaching a new pattern using the New Ripple Beads.  Space still available here as well, so if you would like to join us - let us know.

Saturday, June 13th, a repeat of Beth's popular Copper Rings Bracelet. Learn metalsmithing and have fun texturing, dapping, oxidizing and creating your own metal links for a one-of-a-kind copper bracelet. Bring a few basic tools and we'll have the rest.

You can call Beth, at Bead Street, 336-9707, Wednesday thru Friday for more information or to reserve a seat.

On June 20th, Beth will conduct a Wire UFO class (unfinished objects class).   This is for anyone who has previously taken a class from her.   More information to follow.

New Kheops Bead Pattern

Do you have plans for the weekend?  If you are staying in town, why not join us on Saturday.  Our students have a fabulous time together, learning  new projects and oftentimes sharing sweet treats.  Since I've been out of the country for what seems like a month and don't know about the food,  I do know Sandy has another great project scheduled.

May 23rd - Saturday 1:00 - 4:00,  By popular demand, Sandy again teaching a New bracelet pattern using the New Kheops and New Silky beads.

If you would like to try these new beads, now is your chance.  A couple of seats still available.  Just call 336-9707 to reserve a place.

Saturday Classes at Bead Street

Just in time for Mother's Day, a sweet Love Knot Wire Bracelet is being taught by Beth - this Saturday - new time - 12:00.  Learn how to make these cute little knots and then cage your accent beads.  

This would be a great project to learn and then you'd have a gift to give.  Or, if your Mom (or very special friend) is available, why not take the class together. Think of the memories you would be creating.  

And, Beth promises to referee if necessary.  Our students are always well behaved but occasionally have been known to fight over beads.  I know you'll have fun.

For more information, call Beth at 208/336-9707 and you can stop into the store to see the sample in person.

Sandy is also teaching Saturday - 1:00 -  a new design using the new Ripple beads.  Can't wait to see the finished  projects from this one.

Multi-Gem Leather Wrap Bracelet Class

The recent Leather Wrap Bracelet class was certainly successful. The students had such a great time - really fun day.

Beth and I put kits together to make it easier (and less costly) for the students.  We actually sold some of the kits to others who already knew the technique and didn't take the class.  And yes, due to popular demand, we will have these kits available again soon.  

We might even put together some other colors based on the gemstones we recently bought at Bead Fest Santa Fe. So stay tuned for more color variations.

Sue beaded this one using one of our kits.

Sue loved this class so much,

 she went home and immediately beaded two more. 

 Think this is bracelet number three.

This one belongs to Ardith.
She also went home and beaded a couple more.

Same technique but slightly bigger beads - 

Sue picked these colors.  Pretty nice.

Isn't this also beautiful?

These were made so they are adjustable as well.
Just in case you want to give
 away an extra one or two.  

This is the original version -
 and inspiration  from Paris

We do plan to offer this class again - but probably not until July.  If you would like more information or would like to be included in the next class, send an email or you can call the store 208-336-9707.

Also, be sure to check out the fabulous new wire and metalsmithing classes Beth has planned for  May.  You can see photos listed  under CLASSES in above header.

Bead Street Classes - May 2015

The May class schedule has been updated under Classes heading above.  Don't have photos of all the projects as yet but you can see samples at the store or contact Sandy or Beth for more  information.  Exciting new projects this month using many of the new beads we just received.

Here is a photo of some of the new Es-O beads - I call them SuperDuos on steroids. More colors coming this next week.

Close up of ES-O beads -
here in Copper

Also received more Silky beads - beautiful, beautiful pearly colors, Ripple beads and 3mm and 4mm FirePolish - again in pearl colors that match the new Pinch beads, SuperDuos and Es-O's.  So glad spring is here and all these fabulous spring colored beads.  

Bead Street Classes

The last two weeks have been very exciting and also very disappointing. Exciting because of our trip to the Santa Fe Bead Fest and the incredible new classes Sue and I took there plus all the fabulous new beads (65 pounds worth) we hauled back. 

Disappointing because I had computer issues - from the time I left until just yesterday.  So lots to tell you and no way to do that.  This weekend, I'll post photos of the classes we took. And you'll get a preview of some of our new classes coming soon.

For now - need to tell you about this Saturdays classes April 11th.

Sandy is teaching a new spiral bracelet class using the CzechMate two hole triangles.  We still have a seat available if you would like to take this. Saturday 1:00 - you can call the store 336-9707 for more info.

Beth is also teaching the Multi-gem Leather Wrap bracelet - also at 1:00 and I think there is still a seat available for this one as well.  You can do a one-wrap, two-wrap or three-wrap bracelet and we have kits available that include the leather and a variety of beads you will need.  If you have a favorite button - you might bring that along.