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.
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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.