Bead Collections Are Now Available!

Many of you have asked us to bring back our Bead Collections.  We listened – and they are now ready for you.  There are twelve colors to start with and we will add more as time goes on.  The Collections are available in our store or on our Esty site.  (www.StonyCreekBead.etsy.com)


How are these amazing collections created?
We start with an inspiration – a picture, a memory, a feeling – often found in our “Inspiration Journals” (if you don’t have one of your own, you should!)  We then gather beads in all sizes and shapes that represent that inspiration.  The beads are divided and layered into the tubes, and priced accordingly.

Within each Collection, the tubes’ content may vary slightly, but they are all hand-packed to the top.  Beads are not just for jewelry – you can use them to create all kinds of wonderful things.

The Collections are economical to use when you want a variety of beads instead of buying whole strands and tubes of just one style of bead.  Use these beads for any free-form beading, fringe, embroidery, crochet, & more.

When I think of all that I can do with Susan Bailey’s new designs – my heart just flutters!

 

These, and more, by Turtle Soup Beads
now at Stony Creek Bead.

 

Small Changes – Big Differences

Recently, Sue wanted to study how bead choices affect a design.  She observed how changes in the transparency of the beads and using matte or shiny finishes contribute to the effect of a design.

Sue picked one of her favorite patterns – the Tapestry Bracelet (click here to buy the pattern).  The results are pretty interesting.

Similarities

• All three bracelets are in the same general color family of teal-blue-green, with varying accents colors.
• The center rondelles in all three bracelets have shiny, faceted surfaces.

Bracelet #1

• Medium color contrast; mix of matte and shiny
• Fire polish – Matte transparent
• Seed beads
• 11° – Matte half-covered transparent (Apollo finish)
• 8° – Matte opaque

Bracelet #2

• High color contrast; all shiny surfaces
• Fire polish – Transparent (shiny)
• Seed beads
• 11° – Bronze-lined crystal, very shiny
• 8° – Color-lined shiny

Bracelet #3

• Medium color contrast; matte or low-gloss surfaces
• Lentil shaped beads replace the fire polish used in the other two bracelets, eliminating the outer loop of beads.

By making a few small changes, Sue created big differences in the final piece of jewelry.  Consider what small changes you can make in your current project and how it can affect the total outcome. 

A Big Welcome to Rita Stucke!

During the Glass Act bead show in September, many of you said that you wanted to see Rita’s lampwork beads in our store. 

You asked for it – we made it happen. 

Rita just delivery two trays filled with some of the most beautiful focal and companion beads.  Be sure to stop in to see them for yourself.

THEY’RE HERE, THEY’RE HERE!

We just received Shelley (Nybakke) Pleines’ samples for her classes in November. 

 

If you have already signed up for her classes – thank you.  We have reserved a lot of the crystals and pearls for you, so be sure to ask to see them.

 

If you have not yet signed up for her Shelley’s classes, come in, look at the samples, and let’s get you signed up.  Space is very limited, so come in soon!

CLASSES START NEXT WEEK!

 
Our Fall-Winter, 2013, class schedule starts next week.

Just a reminder – if you wanted to take one of the classes by Shelley (Nybakke) Pleines in November, you need to know Right Angle Weave.  If you do not know that stitch, or you just need to brush up on it, our Realty Bracelet (October 1) is a great class. 

All of our classes are first come/first pay, so sign up ASAP.  734.544.0904. 

Hager Studios Art Bead Show

Saturday, October 5     10-4 

Susan Matych-Hager is best known for her incredible designs, her clean dots and swirls, and her fabulous sense of color.  Susan’s bead will be available for purchase and be prepared to be awed by her exquisite finished jewelry.  She is always happy to talk about her art and help you design yours.