A Slideshow of Customer Creations

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Thoughts on a Sunday Afternoon

One of my favorite things to do, other than play with beads, is writing. My head can be a busy place. Writing helps me get my thoughts out, and into some semblance of order.

Writing here has been challenging for me lately. There's a part of me which thinks I should be all business, and stay on topic. *yawn* When I get into that mindset, I find it difficult to let go, and well, write.

The flip side is 'hey, this is my blog, I can write whatever comes to mind.' I start writing, and the next thing I know I'm thinking no one will be interested. My life is pretty tame. An adventure is a trip to the grocery store. A thrill is shopping for new shoes. See? Tame.

Today, I've decided to blither.

If you've been in lately, you may have noticed (at least I hope you did) that you're seeing less of me. Thanks to Claire mentioning it, I started The 17 Day Diet on June 13th, and have been enjoying great results! I'm eight pounds away from my goal after dropping an amazing 16 pounds in 27 days! Opening my closet is no longer a nightmare. I'm wearing clothes I haven't fit into for several years. I feel great.

My sweetie decided to join me on the plan. You know guys, they're gung-ho for a couple of days, then they start slipping. Consequently, he's been hit and miss, while I've been Miss Dedicated... and because he's a guy, he's lost as much weight as I have. How unfair is that?

I don't know about you, but when I change my eating habits, I turn into a foodie. I become fascinated with finding ways to stay within the plan, but make something really yummy.

Thanks to this diet, I am now searching for a twelve step group. I'm thoroughly addicted to Fage 2% Greek Yogurt mixed with fresh, organic fruit. It's heavenly! I also learned of a great way to enjoy tacos... iceberg lettuce leaves instead of taco shells... out of this world. Oh, and stir fry is absolutely wonderful served over finely sliced, cold Romaine lettuce.

I think the best part of this way of eating for me is how fast I become full. Perhaps it's because I'm filling up on the right stuff.

Next topic.

A couple of weeks ago I joined a retailer's group on Facebook. We're all bead store owners, with a few yarn shops tossed in for fun. What an amazing group! The depth of knowledge, and experience is fantastic. The members are enthusiastic and open. They've shared some great ideas.

I'm telling you all of this because I don't want you to be too surprised when I start putting some of them into place at Dancing Beads. Most of them have to do with ways we can have fun while saving money, and pursuing our shared love of beads.

Hmmm, Facebook has made me think about comments.*

Let's talk about commenting. OK, I'll talk about it. Comments are those nice little notes you write when you enjoy something someone has shared. I know I haven't been here much lately, but I do know there are a few of you who check in regularly... just in case. I would likely write more if I had some feedback.

I love it when someone calls *ahem, not mentioning any names here Mom* to tell me how much s/he enjoyed something I posted, like oh, say a video of my cat, and honey singing a duet. Please don't get me wrong, the call is great, and so are the comments when you're in the shop. Writing a little note here... well, that would mean a great deal to me.

I was just about to mention I have taken the whole day off, then realized, um no, I haven't. There was paperwork squawking at me this morning, so I paid all the bills, and filed things in their proper places. Tomorrow... oh, never mind, I'm working on web stuff. I'll get myself to stop sooner or later.

Speaking of later. Claire and I have signed up for two classes with Marcia Decoster in San Mateo next month! We'll be on our beady road trip from August 12th-14th. I've been practicing right angle weave like a crazed woman. The description of the class said 'must be proficient.' Right now, I'm at 'sufficient,' but I'm getting there. Claire on the other hand can do the stitch with her eyes closed as evidenced by the picture to the right. It's one of Claire's clever creations.

I think we're going to have oodles of fun! Road Trip... and four whole days away from work. It will be the longest I've been away from the shop since opening. I'll probably be like a new mother leaving her baby for the first time. It will be good practice for next February (and that's all I'm going to say about it right now).

I have lots of great customer pictures to upload to Flickr. I love taking pictures of the pieces you all bring in to show me. I've been known to demand immediate removal from time-to-time. Anyway, before a grundle becomes too many, I'm going to post them here as a slide show. You'll agree... we're a very creative, and talented group!

Guess that's enough chitty chat for now. Don't forget about those comments.

*nothing like a few well placed links for Facebook, is there?

Sunday/Funday

What could be better? Take two beaders, add a lazy Sunday afternoon, a sunny work space, a shop full of beads, stir them all together with a big dollop of Mel Brooks quotes to make a great day!

Claire started out to make a ring, then her RAW square became too big. Instead of stopping, she kept adding beads...

...until she'd made this! Her too big square is on its way to becoming a pendant.

This is a first! I'd never made a beaded ring before. The faceted topaz centerpiece refused to be anything else, so I played along...

...even with a few false starts!*

After finishing the ring I made a lovely pendant to match.

Three and a half hours flew by quickly! I felt renewed, and inspired. It's wonderful to spend time with someone who speaks bead, has a wacky sense of humor, and is filled with ideas.

Thank you for Sunday, Claire... I really needed it! Let's do it again soon. Does this Sunday work for you?

*a bead fairy gasped when I started chopping.

A Little Help

On a recent twirl around the interwebz I came across a picture tutorial for a braided bracelet that I thought was wonderful! I remembered that somewhere in my jewelry box I had the main ingredient for the project... and old curb linked bracelet.

Fast forward to later in the day. I'd chosen my material. I had my computer open to the picture, and was all set to go, but there was one little problem. I couldn't remember how to do a french braid! I struggled. I started over. I confess, I swore a couple of times, but I wasn't going to give up.

My friend Beckie came to my rescue!

When she came in I was just about to toss the project aside. I'd been taking pictures, and my starts were fine, it was just the braiding that had me stuck.

"Hey, Beckie! You have hair!" I declared.

She laughed at me, and agreed, she does indeed have hair. I asked her if she knew how to braid. My hair has been short for such a long time, I've forgotten.

With me holding onto the bracelet while she braided it, it began to take shape. Beckie's deft fingers made a project I'd struggled over for nearly an hour come together very quickly.

At one point I asked her, "So, how many redheads does it take to make a bracelet?"

We had a good chuckle, and I've been enjoying the results of our labors ever since.




Ingredients::

• 1 Curb link bracelet
• Ribbon, or cording of your choice (I used satin cord in four colors)
• Two pieces of wire to act as needles
• Scissors
• Wire cutters

How to do it::

• Cut cording into eight equal lengths of 18" each. (better too much than not enough)
• Tie all pieces together in a single overhand knot.
• Separate colors into two groups.
• Place one section of strings under the first link then take it to the left.
• Bring second section over the top of the first section, then through the link from the bottom.
• Repeat with all links in the chain.
• Finish by adjusting all the threads, and chain to be smooth, and the first knot is firmly against the chain.
• Tie an overhand knot with all the threads on the last link.
• Trim ends to desired length.
• ... give the friend that helps you a big hug!

Thanks for the assistance Beckie! I think I might be able to make the next one by myself.

Dancing Beads' Has Incredibly Talented Customers

One of the perks of my business is getting to see the amazingly beautiful things created by my customers! They inspire and surprise me often, and generously allow me to photograph their creations.

I thought it would be fun to share some of the pictures I've taken with everyone. If you're one of the talented beaders featured in this slideshow, please feel free to visit the set on Flickr, find your pictures, and save a copy of the image(s).

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

I'd like to thank the following bead artists for allowing me to share their work::

• Candy Miller
• Dory Marquess
• Jessica Prince
• Theresa Gann
• Kori Walker
• Claire Kimble

Meet Persis

Months before I met her, I heard about Persis and her bead making endeavors from her mom. She told me her daughter, who was living in Seattle at the time, had studied at Pratt, and had discovered a passion for lampworking.

Fast forward to January, 1998. Persis and I had briefly met once, when she came into the shop with her mom. She was still living in Seattle at the time. Neither one of us can recall whose idea it was, but we decided to travel to Tucson for the gem show. It was a spur of the moment idea, but one that was meant to be. We found an expensive (and really awful) Super8 Motel to sleep in, and rendezvoused at the Tucson Airport.

We had a magical time exploring the gem shows together. We had some wonderful dinners, bought some great beads (I had to buy an extra suitcase to get my haul home), and spent time in the desert when we grew tired of shopping. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion!

... and over the years I've had the privilege of being one of her exclusive bead outlets! She has an enthusiastic, and faithful following of collectors, and like me, they've enjoyed watching her evolution as a bead maker.

I'm honored that she teaches her art at Dancing Beads. Observing her as she instructs her students, I have been impressed with her knowledge, thoughtful answers, and attention to safety. She wants her pupils to enjoy their time in class, and most of all, she wants them to be successful!

Persis is offering one Beginning Lampworking class this session. It is scheduled for Saturday, February 26th from 11:00 to 5:00. In class, two students have the opportunity to work with a wonderful instructor, and create their own beads. There is still one space left. Visit Dancing Beads website for more information, or call the shop at 541.690.1376 to reserve the space.

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Dancing Beads:: We've just met, and are at a point in our conversation when you describe who you are. So, who are you?
Persis:: Beadmaking, homeschooling, off-the-grid-living Mom and wife.

Dancing Beads:: When talking to others, how do you describe your bead art?
Persis:: Little treasures of color and light, I love adding foils and silver to achieve new depths.

Dancing Beads:: In what ways does your beadwork reflect your personality?
Persis:: When I first started lampworking I used primarily bright colors, and while I have branched out, I still love those colors that pop! Lampworking makes me happy and I hope that my beads reflect this feeling-Happy and colorful!

Dancing Beads:: On average, how many hours per week do you devote to your bead passions?
Persis:: This is very hard to answer, I wish I could say I get into my studio consistently, but unfortunately it is rather sporadic right now...sometimes I go for a week or two without getting in at all! Sometimes I am in there all day! Feast or famine, depending on what else is going on in my life at the moment.

Dancing Beads:: Any beading weaknesses?
Persis:: Don't like to DO seed bead work, but I greatly admire those who do!

Dancing Beads:: What do you like about teaching beading classes?
Persis:: I love to make beads, and I love to pass this on. When something clicks for the student and they see the possibilities open up before them. I especially love to see what each individual creates with the exact same materials that everyone else has, the ingredients are the same: fire, glass, centrifical force, the results are always amazing and usually show a component of that persons personality or character.

Dancing Beads:: Where do you bead? Do you have a special place?
Persis:: My studio at home, a place I can call my own and escape there to be with my own creative thoughts.

Dancing Beads:: Just for fun... what is your favorite...

• Dessert::  Homemade peach pie or Silver Palate Chocolate Mousse
• Piece of clothing::  Something comfortable, that makes me feel good about myself when I wear it. It changes all the time!
• Movie::  A Christmas Story, Lord of the Rings, Rogers & Hammerstein musicals, action & adventure w/o the gore...
• Vacation spot:: Oregon Coast with my family and friends
• Color:: at the moment, Purple
• City:: Venice or Florence, Italy.
• Musical style:: different styles for different moods, usually on the lighter side, no acid rock or foul lyrics.
• Holiday:: Christmas! I love being with family, baking with my daughter, making time to do something special for people I care about. I love to snuggle up in front of the fire with hot chocolate and maybe watch the usual Christmas movies with my family, decorate the tree, watch it snow!

Is Persis not wearing one of the best necklaces ever? Something tells me the necklace belongs to her mom as they both love bright colors, and unique pieces! I had to share this picture of her sporting not only a great pirate look, but also a very clever weapon concealment!

Meet Jenny

Sometimes a new person will walk into your life, and the two of you immediately click. It's as if you've just met an old friend for the first time.

Jenny and I met in another lifetime. OK, so it was more like about five years ago. She came into the old shop to check out the selection. She and her family had just moved to Medford from Klamath Falls, and she was getting to know her new city.

She was new to beading, but I immediately knew I'd met a fellow beadaholic. When she left that day, she had quite the selection of beads. Over the course of the next few weeks she became a regular customer, and we got to know one another.

Soon she was working at the shop, helping customers, and teaching classes. I was so grateful for her enthusiasm, and great ideas.

When we reconnected this past September I was delighted to see her again. She works at Zahara's spending her days surrounded by gemstones, cabochons, and beautiful minerals. She's amassed quite the collection of cabochons. Her beadwork has evolved over the years, and her artistry shines through in every piece she's shown me.

I was thrilled when she agreed to teach for me again! Jenny is teaching four different techniques for the Spring Session.

On Saturday, April 9th from 1:00 to 3:00-ish (this class tends to run long, so plan on leaving closer to 4:00), Jenny will be teaching the art of Bead Embroidery. A nice beginning class, with stitches that are easy to learn, you can discover how seed beads can be like painting with glass.

Right Angle Weave with a whole lot of glitz is what this class offers. Scheduled twice, our first class was held Saturday, February 19th. The second class is Thursday, March 10th from 6:30-8:30, and there is still plenty of room available.

Jenny's love of color, and texture are evident in her free form peyote pieces. She'll be guiding her students through the process of choosing a color palette, and then letting the stitch go where it wants. Class is scheduled for Saturday, March 5th from 1:00-3:00. Currently, there are only two spaces available.

When I saw these buttons for the first time I declared "I have buttons just like these in the vintage button bowl!" Jenny laughed at me, and told me that was where the buttons she'd embellished came from in the first place. She'd purchased them several years ago. What a clever use of right angle weave, and a black button! Class is scheduled for Saturday, March 26th from 1:00-3:00. There is space available, and buttons, too!

Visit Dancing Beads website for more information about classes, or to sign up!

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Dancing Beads:: We've just met, and are at a point in our conversation when you describe who you are. So, who are you?
Jenny:: Certain members of my family have described me as flamboyant, and I actually love that description. I am a bright, intense, vibrant and creative woman who is passionate and outspoken. My interactions with people are what brings me the most joy in my life. I have been blessed to walk a creative path that allows me to have that joy on a daily basis.

Dancing Beads:: When talking to others, how do you describe your bead art?
Jenny:: I create one of a kind, wearable art. When I am designing a piece, I put together a group of complimentary components, make the first stitch and rest of the piece "creates it's self". My favorite mediums are bead embroidery and freeform peyote stitch.

Dancing Beads:: In what ways does your beadwork reflect your personality?
Jenny:: My pieces are colorful, original and unique.... A bit like me. : )

Dancing Beads:: On average, how many hours per week do you devote to your bead passions?
Jenny:: On average, I would say 4-6 hours per week. Of course this is not nearly enough to suit me. I am looking forward to returning to the full time creative arena VERY soon.

Dancing Beads:: Any beading weaknesses?
Jenny:: I have a serious weakness for gemstone cabochons and beads and Delica beads. I have to admit that when it comes to beading, I am just weak. I am always looking for the next great beading inspiration...

Dancing Beads:: What do you like about teaching beading classes?
Jenny:: I adore the social aspect of beading. What could be better than a room full of beaders learning something new? My favorite part is watching someone go from, "I could never do that!" to "LOOK, I'm doing THAT!"

Dancing Beads:: Where do you bead? Do you have a special place?
Jenny:: I have a large desk and beading work area, but it really ends up being more of a storage area. I end up on the couch with a tray in my lap. That way I can spend time with the family and also create.

Dancing Beads:: Just for fun... what is your favorite...

• Dessert:: If it's dessert, it's my favorite.
• Piece of clothing:: My old clunky black boots that I will never be able to part with.
• Movie:: I have two... The Notebook and The Wedding Singer.
• Vacation spot:: I don't vacation much, but I really love the Oregon Coast.
• Color:: Only one?? I have a favorite palette. I love autumn colors: red, gold, green, orange, brown.....
• City:: That's a tough one. Hmmm. I have fun in whatever location I am in.
• Musical style:: I love, love, love rock music. Everything from classic to current. I also love many other genres as well. Music is the ultimate creative expression.
• Holiday:: I have special things that I do for all of them. I have really enjoyed making holiday memories with my kids as they grew up. Soon, we will be having our annual St. Patty's Day feast. It's strange to think that in a few short years, my kids will be old enough to drink the green beer. : )

Lifted from her Facebook page, here is a picture of the lovely, and talented Jenny Naylor. A pioneer in FrontierVille, she also has a blog that she shares her beadwork, and thoughts on occasionally. I have a short video of her teaching recently, but figured I'd better not press my luck by posting it!

Meet Lynn

In January I had the pleasure of meeting Deb Mayne and Lynn Sawyer. Deb is a lampworker who had contacted me to see if I was interested in looking at her beads. When I responded that I'd love to see her work, she told me about her friend who makes chainmaille, and asked if I'd like to meet her as well.

Of course!

I met two very talented beaders on a sunny day, and immediately knew I'd made two new friends. I added many of Deb's lampworked beads to the case, and I asked Lynn if she'd like to teach a couple of classes in beginning chainmaille. She graciously agreed!


There are two classes scheduled. The first is Saturday, March 12th from 1:00 to 3:00, and there is only one space left. The second class is scheduled for Saturday, April 16th from 1:00 to 3:00. There are three spaces available in the second class. Visit Dancing Beads' website for more information.

I've wanted to try my hand at chainmaille for some time, so I've signed up for one of the classes! I'm really looking forward to trying my hand at this beautiful art form.

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Here are Lynn's responses to the interview questions I sent her.

Dancing Beads:: We've just met, and are at a point in our conversation when you describe who you are. So, who are you?
Lynn:: I'm Lynn Sawyer, born and schooled in Southern Oregon and returned here to live about 12 years ago. I'm a happy, easy going person who loves to create pretty things. I've been artistic since I can remember and have enjoyed many different things. Now that I'm retired I have all the time I want to work on my projects.

Dancing Beads:: When talking to others, how do you describe your bead art?
Lynn:: For the purpose of these classes I'd describe my work as chainmaille. I enjoy mixing chainmaille with beading.

Dancing Beads:: In what ways does your bead work reflect your personality?
Lynn:: I never thought of my work as a reflection of my personality but as I think about it I guess my patience does come in handy when connecting rings one at a time.

Dancing Beads:: On average, how many hours per week do you devote to your bead passions?
Lynn:: When I'm working on a project I'll work 10 or more hours a day, if not, I work about 6 hours a day.

Dancing Beads:: Any beading weaknesses?
Lynn:: My beading weakness comes with making my own beads and I also find wire wrapping a challenge. I enjoy doing it but I waste a lot of wire.

Dancing Beads:: What do you like about teaching beading classes?
Lynn:: What I enjoy the most about teaching classes is meeting the students and sharing their delight in learning something new. I like sharing what I know as well as learning new things from the students.

Dancing Beads:: Where do you bead? Do you have a special place?
Lynn:: I work in my craft room when I'm doing regular beading. If I'm working on chainmaille I sit on my couch and work on the coffee table.

Dancing Beads:: Just for fun... what is your favorite...

• Dessert:: Pineapple upside down cake.
• Clothing:: denim shirt and sweat bottoms
• Movie:: can't think of any
• Vacation spot:: Ambergris Keys, Belize
• Color:: yellow
• City:: Miami
• Musical style:: Blues and rock & roll
• Holiday:: 4th of July

Lynn went on to say::
I've enjoyed doing many crafts from artistic welding to wood carving to knitting. I discovered jewelry making about five years ago when I was talked into taking a watch making class with a friend. I was immediately hooked! I even went to work in the bead store where the class was held. I gained a wealth of knowledge there and eventually started teaching classes.

About three years ago I found chainmaille. I wanted to make a Byzantine bracelet I saw in a beading magazine. It was no easy task, but I finally figured it out. Since then I've learned quite a few different patterns and started working beads into some pieces.

I'm looking forward to the classes and I'm getting the kits ready as well as all the written instructions. I plan the first classes to teach the basic Byzantine. I chose this pattern because it's challenging and makes a lovely bracelet. I won't spend time explaining all the scientific information of the different metals, but I will give information on where to find it.

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In addition to making great bracelets, Lynn also makes wonderful earrings. She has consigned five pair of earrings to the shop. Check them out the next time you're in... they're unique, colorful, and very affordable!

Meet Claire

When it comes to good fortune, I believe it finds us all on a daily basis. I have the good fortune of being surrounded by an amazing group of beaders. Each one is exceptionally talented, and generous with their time. They're patient, kind, clever, encouraging, and best of all, they're friends who are excited to share their gifts with others by teaching classes at Dancing Beads!

I thought it might be fun to get to know them, so I sent out a list of questions to each one.

Was I surprised that Claire was the first to respond? Not at all! When it comes to verve, Claire's photograph is used to illustrate its meaning. Vivacious, very talented, and a beading visionary, Claire's classes are a joy to attend.

Claire's repertoire of techniques is extensive. She has reached the point in her beading that she is creating her own designs, and techniques. This session she is sharing three of them with us.

The Fair and Square Bracelet is a clever netting technique using crystals, firepolish, and seed beads. It's gotta lotta bling... and Claire just loves the bling! This class is being offered twice. First on Wednesday, February 23rd from 6:30-8:30, and again on Wednesday, April 13th from 6:30-8:30. Claire tells me there will be time to make the bracelet, and start matching earrings

Peyote stitch is so versatile, and amazing. Claire was inspired by a bracelet design in a recent issue of Bead & Button for these great earrings. She made the triangles smaller, and enhellished* them (are we surprised) with sparkly firepolish beads, and fringe. We're offering this class once, on Wednesday, April 2nd from 6:30-8:30. Bring your peyote stitching skills with you for this project, as it's not a beginning technique.

Our first class to fill was this one. These earrings are wonderful! Claire surprised me with a pair made from my very favorite brick red fire polish beads. I've worn them almost daily since getting them. They're light, but bold enough to be noticed. We have a cancellation list for this class, and may be able to entice Claire to schedule another session.

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Claire heading to her favorite bead shop.

Dancing Beads:: We've just met, and are at a point in our conversation when you describe who you are. So, who are you?
Claire:: I'm a mother and a school employee who goes along and does all those little things necessary to maintain myself, two children, one cat, one dog, and a house. But, I am also someone who has always enjoyed creating in some way. Beading has allowed my creative side to blossom to the point where I am creating all on my own.


Dancing Beads:: When talking to others, how do you describe your bead art?
Claire:: I lika the bling. Give me something over the top with color and crystals and fire polish and my reaction would be much like a deer caught in headlights. Oooooo pretty!

Dancing Beads:: In what ways does your beadwork reflect your personality?
Claire:: In some ways my beadwork does match my personality. It can be loud and the earrings are TOO BIG. But always something I love to wear and am proud I made.

Dancing Beads:: On average, how many hours per week do you devote to your bead passions?
Claire:: I bead everyday especially at night. I look forward to rainy days on the weekend when I think, "Too nasty to work outside. Hmmmm. What shall I do? BEAD! ALL DAY!"

Dancing Beads:: Any beading weaknesses?
Claire:: Yeah, how about African Helix or African Quadruple Helix. Even the name is scary.

Dancing Beads:: What do you like about teaching beading classes?
Claire:: Teaching classes connects me with other beaders! I want to know what they've done, what they're working on. They are a whole new source of inspiration.

Dancing Beads:: Where do you bead? Do you have a special place?
Claire:: I bead at my coffee table in front of the TV. Sometimes I even watch the TV.

Dancing Beads:: Just for fun...
What is your favorite...

• Dessert:: anything with chocolate
• Clothing:: my pj's!
• Movie:: Right now, The King's Speech
• Vacation:: England!
• City:: Love Medford, no doubt.

Claire added:: Who has helped you most get what you want out of your beady life? Carol. Definitely Carol. Hugs.

At Claire's request, I used a picture of her face and body double, Jennifer Anniston.

*enhellish, enhellished, enhellishments:: Claire-ism for the word 'embellish.'

Beading Circle

On Thursday afternoons the table in the classroom is open to anyone who would like to come in. We work on projects, get advice, share finished pieces, and chat about beads, life, future projects, or anything that comes up.

I've made a short video of the group, and the projects we worked on.

Whirlwind!

Last week was something else! Bizzy, busy.

I was so bushed that last night I went to bed at 7:30. This morning I was rumbled awake at 8:30 by the garbage truck in front of my house. I'm still moving slowly.

A recap of last week.

Sunday:: Finalized, and emailed newsletter announcing the trunk show. Anyone who needs to send out large batches of emails can't go wrong with verticalresponse.com in my opinion. The site has some marvelous features, and is very, very affordable.

Monday:: Taught a wire bracelet class to three very enthusiastic students. We had a grand time. I also ran my weekly errands... bank, post office, printer, and grocery store.

Tuesday:: Worked at the shop, and taught a wire wrap class that evening. I got home at 9:30.

Wednesday:: Ordered seed beads, and stringing material. I treated myself to a class with Claire, and learned how to seed bead bezel a Swarovski Rivoli. It was nearly 10:00 before I went home.

Thursday:: The first Beading Circle started at 2:00. Lorie came in for a refresher on the clasp I'd taught her in the wire working class on Tuesday. Louise, Theresa, and I worked on finishing our Rivoli bezels. Theresa's daughter Amanda came along with her mom. She found the new book on beaded rings, and made two adorable little crystal/seed bead rings for her little girls. Claire dazzled us all with some pieces she'd brought with her, and worked on a project while she was there.

This week... I'll bring cookies!

Friday:: Guy arrived for the trunk show at 12:30! We chatted for nearly an hour, then decided setting up for the following day's activity might not be a bad idea. We started at 2:00, and worked until 6:30.

Saturday:: The trunk show took off like a rocket!! We had customers waiting for the shop to open. There were several times that it was impossible to fit one more person into the sunroom to shop.

I had the opportunity to see what was being purchased, and let me tell you... there are going to be some really cool projects happening in the weeks to come.

My favorite items were the smallest and the largest! There were 2mm seed pearls. Guy explained that it had taken them seven days of shopping in Hong Kong to gather the selection he'd brought.

In case you missed them, I bought a nice selection for the shop.

The largest items they brought were resin beads. They were in the 20-24mm size range. I was particularly attracted to the black and white pieces. There were two strands of striped ovals that I really loved! I loved them so much that when I was helping Guy set up for the show Friday night, I placed them at the bottom of the heap.

They were still there when we were breaking down, so guess what I got! Yeah, I know, grow up Carol :D

J-Me arrived for the show around 1:30 and brought some more things with her. She had metalized charlottes, Soft Flex wire, and their new pave' crystal balls. I made certain to load up on them.

....and peacock beads!

They're wonderful. I purchased bags of loose peacock beads, and strands. If you missed the show, you'll be able to see these beauties. In the days to come, I'll post some projects featuring them.

Saturday night:: We started breaking the show down shortly after 5:00. I shopped for the store for a couple of hours, and we headed to my house for a dinner of pizza, and salad.

After dinner we entertained ourselves with a silly game we've invented. I don't have a TV. Instead, I have a 24" iMac in my living room. We'd each take a turn choosing a song to search for on youtube.com. We're all in the same age group, so it was fun finding videos of the music we grew up with. We'd reminisce about what we were doing at the time the songs were popular, or when they came out. It was a great way to get to know one another better.

The only song we didn't find on youtube was one of Guy's choices. It was by a reggae group from San Francisco known as The Toyes. The song was 'The Lucky Sperm Club.' We found it on Lastfm. Here it is.

This week is going to be a little quieter, but not by much!

A Very Pleasant Surprise

...on a Sunday night!

From Bead&Button

My head is swimming with ideas for ways to advertise/promote the shop. What it isn't filled with is copy... dang it!

I was online a bit ago looking for inspiration. I'm not certain what lead me to the Bead & Button site, but I ended up there. As I was examining the homepage, looking for inspiration I guess, I saw a link for finding a bead shop. Curious, I followed it. I typed 'Oregon' in the search bar and to my surprise found Dancing Beads listed.

My initial reaction was doubt. I figured the information listed would be for the old location. It wasn't, it's all current!! And! And! Get this... not only is the address, and phone number correct, there is even a link to dancingbeads.com! I am over the moon, tickled pink about this!!

Thank you Bead & Button!

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Since Friday afternoon, I've been working on an announcement/newsletter for the shop. I wanted to let everyone know about the upcoming trunk show with J-Me and Guy from Wild Things Beads. There were some other items I wanted to share about classes, the website, this blog, and Facebook.

I was able to embed the Facebook badge into the wysiwyg, however it did not work when I sent the test email to myself. Drats! So, next best thing... create a custom badge, and hope for the best.

I think it turned out pretty cute! Yes, there could be some verbiage, but I planned on adding text underneath it. Perhaps, if I use it in other locations I'll add some.

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On October 11th, I had the pleasure of visiting Angie Britton's shop Indigo Beads in Klamath Falls, with my friend Claire Kimble.

I've been trying to write about our adventure, but it seems as if I can only find one word to describe our experience. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!... oh, and BEADS!

Angie's shop is scrumptious (and I have pictures to prove it)! It's filled not only with an amazing array of the most beautiful beads, it's filled with light, and lots of it... and beads. Indigo Beads has a fabulous selection.

The next time you find yourself in Klamath Falls, plan to spend some time in Angie's delightful shop... and tell her that Claire and Carol sent you.

Fireline

Beaders who love to work with seed beads and crystals swear by a product sold by Berkley, a leader in the fishing industry called Fireline.

Fireline is a thermally fused line that is incredibly thin, very strong, and smooth. It can be threaded through a size 12 beading needle (with a bit of patience) and will pass through the smallest of seed beads. The upside to using this line is that it is strong enough to withstand the sharp edges of a Swarovski, or Preciosa crystal bead.

Unfortunately, all this wonderful comes at a price. A 50 yard spool of 6# test in smoke retails for $11.00 per spool. Ouch!

Thanks to my friend Claire I learned something. Get thee to the sporting goods store! A 125 yard spool of the exact same product retails for $14.99 making the cost per yard only 12¢ as compared to 22¢.

I took a quick trip to Berkley-Fishing.com to see if it would be less expensive from the distributor. Um, nope, they're charging $19.49 per roll.

More than once I've told a customer I believe that many of our stringing materials come via the fishing industry. This is definitely a case in point.

Next time I go shopping at Sportsman's Warehouse I'm going to check out the lures, feathers, and other lines that are available. I feel like I've discovered a whole new resource for beading supplies.

Funday

...or day three of the NaBloPoMo challenge.

Is there really any day of the week that's nicer? No really, think about it. You've worked hard all week, you've gotten chores done, and errands taken care of, and now it's Sunday. I don't know about you, but this is the best day of the week for me. I kick back, relax, and find something fun to do... like write a post, and share some thoughts.

Yesterday, my dear friend Theresa spent the afternoon with me at the shop. Her husband, and son had surprised her (kinda) on her birthday by giving her an amazing ivory and black dragonfly lampwork bead by Kim Wertz. They thoughtfully included two accent beads.

Theresa came in for some "inspiration" as she put it. I was only too happy to play with her, and toss in my 2¢ now and then. She made an amazingly sweet and feminine necklace and a pair of wonderful earrings.

We agreed, the copper was just the ticket to bring out the warmer tones in the lampworked beads, and the little touches of ivory organza ribbon were like gossamer wings. She designed the necklace to be assymetrical, a touch that really added to the piece's charm.

While Theresa played, I sat at the table relabeling tubes of seed beads found in yet another box. My task went so much faster with a companion.

Today is turning into a lovely one. Jeff and I are going to take a drive into the mountains so I can take some pictures of autumn leaves. The leaves are changing here in the valley, so I'm sure the dogwoods and vine maples at a higher elevation are likely ablaze. My battery is charging, and I've rounded up all my cards.

So, what are you doing today?