Our Promise To You From Caravan Beads Chicago

We will be open late (until 8 pm) every Wednesday evening in December to help you with your holiday shopping and projects.

Remember, the staff here at Caravan are available at all times to help you with your projects.

Overwhelmed? Don't know where to begin? Just need a little advice? Just ask! We're here to help! Don't forget, we have a large worktable and tools that you can use any time the store is open. And as always, our advice, service, worktable, and the use of our tools are free!

Fall Show Schedule for Caravan Beads Chicago

See us at the following shows:

Sunday Oct. 10
Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild Bead Bonanza, Southfield Michigan.
http://greatlakesbeadworkersguild.org/bonanza.html

Friday & Saturday Oct. 15 & 16.
Des Moines Area Bead Expo, State Fairgrounds, Des Moines Iowa.
http://www.iowastatefair.org/events/calendar_detail.php?id=12612&cat=19&cmonth=10&cyear=2010

Sun Nov 7.
Ayla's Originals International Bead Bazaar. Evanston, IL
http://www.aylasoriginals.com/awwb_shows_evanston_fa09.htm

We Still Have Room In Our Classes This Weekend

We still have room in our classes this weekend.


Freeform Wire Cuff
Friday, July 30 from 6:00 to 8:30


Beadgirl Bootcamp
Saturday or Sunday July 31 or Aug. 1, from 10:00 to 1:00


Crystal Spiral Rope Bracelet (photo above)
Saturday July 31 from 3:00 to 5:30


Star of India Bracelet
Sunday August 1 from 2 to 4:30


Sign up online at
www.caravanchicago.com or call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot!


Hope to see you soon!

This Weekend's Free Lesson

This weekend's free lesson is
"Caged Pendant on Leather"

This weekend you'll learn how to cage a pendant with wire. You'll finish it off by attaching it to a leather or cotton cord, and we'll show you how to make the adjustable knot.
Kit: $15.00

Saturday July 31 from 1:30 to 2:30
Sunday August from 1:30 to 2:30


Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for these classes.

*Since we offer you the instruction for free, we require that you purchase the kits for each lesson when you attend each class.

Please do not bring guests or children to class. In fairness to your fellow students we do not allow "observers." All participants must purchase a kit as the lesson is free!

Upcoming Trunk Shows!

PerlAmore & Fancy Beads Trunk Show

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 13, 14, & 15.

Italian craftsman built empires and captured our imaginations with refined design skills and quests for beauty. These commitments through the ages have earned Italy the reputation as the world leader in fashion and jewelry design.

PERLAMORE brings these traditions to the personal expression trend of modular jewelry. The results are nothing short of spectacular!

Find the finest Murano glass bead designs, lined with sterling silver or 18k gold, and unique birthstone crystal-set beads - to work with other popular brand pieces, or to create something entirely new. PERLAMORE offers many exclusive products, to make your creations uniquely and beautifully yours. PERLAMORE also offers popular styles, to provide a complete line for your creation or collection.

Semi-Precious Trunk Show

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 30, 31 & Aug. 1.

Da Beads is showing off their new arrival of semi precious beads.
Lots of beautiful new sizes, colors, stones and shapes.

This weekend only...take 20% off all of our semi-precious strands including the semi-precious trunk show!

Our New Pearls Are Here At Caravan Beads

Our new shipment of pearls is here!
This weekend only take 15% off all pearl strands.


This weekend we are also receiving our long-awaited
Swarovski Crystals including 3mm bicones!

Visit Caravan Beads at the Great Lakes Bead Bonanza!

Don't miss Caravan Beads Chicago and Briolette Beads and More at the next Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild Bead Bonanza!!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
10am - 5pm

The Bead Bonanza will be held at the Southfield Municipal Complex Pavilion in Southfield, MI, 26000 Evergreen Road. It is adjacent to the Southfield City and Police offices. It is convenient to the I-696 expressway and the Lodge Freeway (exit at Evergreen Road).

Seed beads and delicas, semi-precious stones, findings, pearls, and much, much more!

The Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild Bead Bonanza show is the largest of its kind in the Metro Detroit area. Admission is only $4.00 and parking is free! Bring a friend and look for those one of a kind treasures!

Pearls Trunk Show at Caravan Beads Chicago

Charlene was so excited when she unpacked the pearls for the Caravan Beads Chicago trunk show that she had to send out another email with photos.

We have so many wonderful shapes, sizes and colors. If you need pearls for your spring collection, you must come by the store and see what we have. And the prices are great, too!

Class spaces still available this week at Caravan Beads Chicago!

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More Fun With Wire

The second step in our wire-working series. Learn the basic wrapped coil or bailing technique. This is a more secure way to make earrings without soldering. You will make a pair of sterling silver earrings in class. Technique can later be applied to linked bracelets and necklaces.

Pre-requisite: Easy Earrings (Beginning Wire)

This class lasts 1 hour. Receive all the necessary materials as part of your class fee.
Available Dates:
Friday March 12, 6 to 7 pm
Price: $28.00

http://www.caravanchicago.com/classDetails.aspx?classid=2162

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Riveted Sterling Silver Ring
Beginner
For more information on this exciting class, see our full feature, below. http://www.caravanchicago.com/classDetails.aspx?classid=2182

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Crystal Spiral Rope Bracelet
Beginner

This bracelet looks complicated but it's very easy to make. It's a simple spiral stitch technique. The crystals will make it sparkly and unique. But watch out....all your friends will want one!

This class lasts 2 1/2 hours. Materials not included
Available Dates:
Sunday March 14, 11 to 1:30
Price: $30.00

Supplies Needed
1 tube size 11 seed beads (these are in the center and by the clasp)
1 tube size 11 delica beads
1 tube size 11 delica beads (accent color)
102 4mm Swarovski Crystals (for 7 inch long bracelet)
Fireline 6lb
Needle size 12
1 toggle clasp or small button

http://www.caravanchicago.com/classDetails.aspx?classid=2518

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Crystal Cluster Ring
Intermediate
Add some bling with our fabulous Swarovski crystal cluster ring. In this class you will learn how to make a wire band which will be the base for your cluster. Then embellish the ring with your choice of crystals. This makes for a stunning cocktail ring which is sure to get you tons of compliments.
Before registering for this class, please make sure you've taken at least one of the following prerequisites
More Fun With Wire

Available Dates: Sunday March 14, 2 to 4 pm

This class lasts 2 hours. Materials not included

Price: $30.00

Supplies Needed
1ft of 18 or 16 gauge wire
3-4ft of 24 gauge wire
32 assorted swarovski crystals: 25 4mm, 4-5 6mm, 1-2 8mm

http://www.caravanchicago.com/classDetails.aspx?classid=2374

New pearls (and more) at Caravan Beads Chicago!

We have just received a large shipment of freshwater pearls which we will have in our store this Friday for a limited time. We hope to keep these for several weeks, but come in early for the best selection!

We also have restocked the store with lots of great new beads! Tons of glass, chain, semi-precious and more. Come see what's new for Spring!

Metalsmithing class this weekend at Caravan Beads Chicago

We still have room in Sarah Chapman's Riveted Rings class this Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. This is a very cool class if you have any interest in metalsmithing. Sarah is an excellent metalsmith & teacher and has been teaching at Caravan for 16 years!

In this workshop we will make a textured cold connected, riveted band ring. Metal stamps and hammers will be used to texture the sterling silver sheet. Then students will learn to hammer and form their sheet into a ring. To complete the ring we will learn a cold connection technique known as a tube rivet. Students can also use the liver of sulfur process for a darkened oxidized surface or have the option of applying a matte finish to their ring.

Sign up now on our website:
http://www.caravanchicago.com/classDetails.aspx?classid=2182

Sarah Chapman is a studio metalsmith who shows her work at juried art fairs and in Midwest galleries. Sarah works with sterling silver, copper, brass, and sometimes gold to create her jewelry, while patinas are used to give these metals richer tones. Found objects or semi-precious stones often reside in or become a part of her metal structures. Each piece is unique, solely designed and fabricated by Sarah in her Chicago studio.

Bead Therapy Night, and our free lesson this week at Caravan Beads Chicago

Don't forget, Bead Therapy night is this Wednesday, March 10 from 6 to 8 pm. Bring a project to work on or take our free lesson!

We will be making this beautiful green bracelet using our fabulous cut crystals, just in time for St. Paddy's day! Lesson is free, materials kit is $15.00. We will also be offering this free lesson this weekend. Stay tuned for times on Saturday and Sunday.

Weekend Happenings at Caravan Beads Chicago

This Weekend's Free Lesson is Spring Green Bracelet


This bracelet will look perfect with your new Spring wardrobe!

Kit fee approximately: $15.00

Saturday March 6 from 12:00 to 1:00
Sunday March 7 from 2:00 to 3:00


Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

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Join us Sunday, March 7 at Flirty Girls Fitness

1325 West Randolph, West Loop, Chicago

Are you looking to try something new? How about this for fun and lighthearted?

Charlene is taking some of our beads on the road on Sunday. She'll be at Flirty Girl Fitness. Buy your beads and then make yourself some new jewelry for spring!. You'll also be able to get a makeover, learn to make your own perfume and more. Details below, click on the photo for a larger version.

Spring Sale at Caravan Beads Chicago

In honor of the upcoming spring and the robin we just saw, we are having an in-store sale this weekend. Print out and clip our 15% off coupon, below.
One coupon per customer.

Sale includes our newest items!
We've just received in a huge shipment of

• Sterling Silver Chain
• Findings
• Semiprecious Beads
• Glass Beads
  

SAVE 15% Offer Expires: Mon, March 1, 2010

Present this coupon to receive 15% off of your merchandise purchase this weekend only in our store! Savings good on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, February 26, 27 or 28. 2010 One coupon per customer.Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons. Sale and consignment items are not included in this coupon. Good for merchandise only.

Free Lesson at Caravan Beads

This weekend's Free Lesson is our vintage lariat charm necklace.

You'll use chain, wire, beads and a charm to create this beautiful necklace.
The toggle clasp is worn in the front for an exciting look!

Kit fee approximately: $10.00

Saturday February 27 from 3:00 to 4:00
Sunday February 28 from 1:00 to 2:00

Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

This weekend's Free Workshop

features our Allure Designer glass.

We're showcasing our Allure Designer glass this weekend. Add chain and wire wrapping to create this beautiful bracelet.

Kit fee approximately: $13.00

Saturday February 20 from 2:00 to 3:00

Sunday February 21 from 12:00 to 1:00

Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

Allure Crystal

And I'm not the best photographer! You need to see them in person. Our Customer Appreciation Days are here through February. Every weekday we will offer something special. Monday: 20% off Swarovski crystals Tuesday: 20% off all seed beads Wednesday: 20% off all semi-precious Thursday: Double punch day! Friday: 20% off all loose findings And we are still offering our class special through February. Bring a friend and get 1/2 off your class. Call the store for details. Hope to see you soon!

This weekend's Free Workshop

features February's birthstone, Amethyst.

Perfect for Valentine's Day or everyday! This charm necklace is perfect

for the February birthday baby. You'll work on your wire wrapping skills

when you create this necklace.

Kit fee approximately: $20.00

Saturday February 13 from 2:00 to 3:00

Sunday February 14 from 1:00 to 2:00

Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

Jewelry Trunk Show this weekend!

Your friends at Caravan have been hard at work creating beautiful pieces just in time for Valentine's Day. Join Ana, Alex, Aimee, Diana and Charlene this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6 & 7 as we offer you some of our latest creations.

Our Allure Crystal beads are flying off the shelves. Lots of beautiful colors and shapes for you to choose from, and reasonably priced! Hurry in for the best selection! The pictures don't do them justice. And I'm not the best photographer! You need to see them in person. Our Customer Appreciation Days are here through February. Every weekday we will offer something special. Monday: 20% off Swarovski crystals Tuesday: 20% off all seed beads Wednesday: 20% off all semi-precious Thursday: Double punch day! Friday: 20% off all loose findings And we are still offering our class special through February. Bring a friend and get 1/2 off your class. Call the store for details. Hope to see you soon!

This weekend's Free Workshop is our Crystal Heart Pendant Just in time for Valentine's Day! Work on your wire wrapping skills when you create this beautiful crystal heart pendant. Hang it on a chain or cord and you're ready to go! Kit fee approximately: $10.00 Saturday February 6 from 1:00 to 2:00 Sunday February 7 from 2:00 to 3:00 Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

We've gotten a new shipment of our

Allure Crystal beads.
Lots of beautiful colors and shapes for you to choose from, and reasonably priced!
Hurry in for the best selection!

Don't forget, this is the last week to use your Bead Bucks!

Our Customer Appreciation Days are back starting Feb. 1
Every weekday we will offer something special.

Monday: 20% off Swarovski crystals
Tuesday: 20% off all seed beads
Wednesday: 20% off all semi-preciousThursday: Double punch day!
Friday: 20% off all loose findings
And we are still offering our class special through February. Bring a friend and get 1/2 off your class. Call the store for details.
Hope to see you soon!

This weekend's Free Workshop is our Open Heart Earrings

Just in time for Valentine's Day!
Our earrings feature rubies for passion,rose quartz for love, garnets & coral for fidelity.
They'll make you feelgood all over!
Kit fee approximately: $8.00 Saturday January 30 from 3:00 to 4:00
Sunday January 31 from 12:00 to 1:00
Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

Our classes are hopping this month! Don't forget, register for the same class with a friend and you'll receive 1/2 off your registration! We still have room in our classes this week. www.caravanchicago.com

Multi-strand Bracelet Friday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 8.

Resin Pendants Saturday Jan. 23 from 10am to 12pm

Greek Spiral Earrings Saturday Jan. 23 from 1 to 3pm

Star of India Earrings Saturday Jan. 23 from 3:30 to 5pm

This weekend's Free Workshop is our Coiled Spiral Earrings Expand on your wire working skills with these fun earrings. You'll also learn how to make the earwires! These will be easier if you already have some wire working experience. Kit fee approximately: $6.00 Saturday January 23 from 12:00 to 1:00 Sunday January 24 from 3:00 to 4:00 Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.

This weekend's Free Workshop

is our Beaded Leaf Pendant
This lovely pendant is from our new pewter collection.

We've wire wrapped garnets and crystals to bring outthe bling.

Add a chain or satin cord and you're all set!
Kit fee approximately: $16.50

Saturday January 16 from 3:00 to 4:00

Sunday January 17 from 1:00 to 2:00

Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class

Happy New Year!

Have you recuperated from the holidays?

Then come on in and take a class with us!

Our January & February schedule is now online. We are also running a special this session. Sign up a friend and get 1/2 off your class registration! Now's the time to try those classes you've wanted. http://www.caravanchicago.com/

This weekend's Free Workshop is our Zig Zag earrings

Come in and we'll show you how to make a pair of thesefunky earrings using eyepins and Swarovski crystals. They're so much fun you'll want to make several pair!

Kit fee approximately: $12.00

Saturday January 9 from 3:00 to 4:00

Sunday January 10 from 1:00 to 2:00

Call 773-248-9555 to reserve your spot as space is limited for this class.