LOTS OF NEWS!!!

Boy, there is so much going on, where do I start?? Ok, a reminder of our one day trunk show this Sunday from 12 to 5, featuring handpainted beads and pendants from the Phillipines. Don't miss it!
Our new storefront is up and it is so nice and fresh. Looks like a new store. In fact, we have had more new customers come in lately. It's amazing what a face lift will do. We are still working on window displays and signage. Have to get the neons back up, too. Unfortunately one of them broke in the construction process. So we have to get a new one made!

We have finally gotten our chain order in and restocked. Most of the manufacturers of findings and chain take 2 to 4 weeks off for vacation in July. They close the factories and everyone takes vacation at the same time. Sounds like a great idea to me, tho I'd like to close in February and go to the Carribbean!

Our new website is finally up and running! Yeah!!! I have been working on it for quite a few weeks (months?) and am very happy with the results. I think that it will be very nice for all of you who take classes with us. You can now sign up online and pay online. You will also receive an email confirmation of your registration including a supply list. We may experience a few glitches at first. If you run across any problems, please let us know so that we can correct them ASAP.

Have you seen the patterns that you can now download online? I am so excited about these! We have had several for sale in the store and have sold quite a few of them. You can see samples in the store. We are working on samples for the new patterns, but the photos are great. These are fun and most of them are quite easy. The instructions are very well written and illustrated. I hope you enjoy them as much as we all do!

And, the news you all have been waiting for... our Thai Hilltribe Silver Trunk Show is back! We will have a selection of silver and brass beads from Thailand from Thursday, August 7 thru Sunday August 10. Come early for the best selection.
Wow, that's alot of news! I will post some photos as soon as I can. In the meantime, stay cool and hope to see you soon!
Charlene

One Day Only Trunk Show!

This Sunday, August 3 from noon to 5:00 pm we will be featuring Rebecca Elias, of RED Designs. Rebecca will be presenting exotic pendants and components from the Philippines, as well as her jewelry designs. Gorgeous and unique hand-embellished and inlaid wood, shell, and coconut shell pendants will accent any wardrobe or occasion!

Don't miss it as this is one day only!

News

FREE CLASS ON WEDNESDAY JULY 30

Beehive Earrings!
Make a funky pair of earrings with beads and colored wire. It's easier than you think!

Materials: Less than $3.00 Wednesday July 30 6:00 - 7:00
Instructor: Ana Pizarro
Call early to reserve your spot!
773 248-9555
To find out more about our free classes, make sure that you are on our e-mail list.

WE'VE JUST RECEIVED OUR SHIPMENT OF CHAIN!
SOME NEW STYLES ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

Our store looks great with the new windows. We've recently added more semi-precious, too. Come on in and get inspired by our new designs.
Ana.

CONSTRUCTION TODAY!

The store is a bit of a mess today. We are having our front windows and door replaced. It's going to look new and modern. We can't wait! But it's a mess right now. We have plastic up in the front to protect the store from dust and dirt. Please enter in the side door around the back. It should be all fixed by tomorrow. Sorry for the inconvenience!!! P.S. Our Wednesday free class is cancelled for today due to the construction. It will run again next week. Thanks! Charlene

Columbian Beads Trunk Show this weekend!

We are happy to welcome the Colombian Craft Connection to our store this weekend! You'll find a great assortment of handmade clay and seed beads (real seeds, not glass). The Columbian Craft Connection is committed to providing customers with the finest handcrafted beads from Colombian artisans, as well and as the highest quality natural seeds, to be used in adornment production.
All our beads are made in the South of Bogota, the capital of Colombia. We are devoted to creating economic growth for women, indigenous peoples and youngsters.

The show will run from Thursday, July 17 through Sunday July 20. Come early for the best selection. The last time we offered some of these beads they sold out in the first week! These beads are great for summer jewelry and you'll be helping the artisans as well!

And don't forget our daily specials we're offering this summer. It makes your shopping even more fun!

P.S. Coming soon...Hill Tribe Silver Trunk Show

Stay cool! Charlene

Summer Specials!!!

GREAT SUMMER DEALS!
WEEKDAY SPECIALS STARTING MONDAY JULY 14 THROUGH FRIDAY AUGUST 29

Mondays: Buy one strand and get one half off!
Choose from semi-precious, swarovski crystals, wood, Czech glass...pick your favorites!

Tuesdays: Sweet Treats!!!
Come in on Tuesdays and pick from a basket of yummy "candy coupons" that wins you a surprise with your purchase. Prizes range from a discount card to free beads...you never know which candy you might draw! Are you feeling lucky?

Wednesday: Free class day!
Each Wednesday we will feature a fun new project in a free class! This will be a great day for you to come if you are new to beading or a seasoned pro! Pre-registration is required as these classes fill up fast! Give us a call to let us know you're coming.

Thursday: Design Consultation Day!!
Whether is your big day or you need something knock-out for a special occasion, this is your opportunity to get individual help and advice! Take advantage of our skilled Bead Girls and HUGE variety of beads from around the globe! Reservations are necessary. Give us a call to book your FREE 30 minute consultation! Availability times from 12:00-5:00

Friday: Pick Your Discount Day!!!
What?!! That's right! You may get 10% off any type of item in your purchase (Czech glass or semi-precious for example) or get 20% off one item. Discounts do not apply to class registrations,gift certificates, or consignment items,sorry.

Hopefully one of these FANTASTIC deals appeals to you!
See you soon!!!

Crissy, Ana, & Diana

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy 4th of July! I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful holiday weekend. The weather has been so nice. If only it could always be like this! I just got back from the Upper Peninsula or the UP as we like to call it. Did some fishing, hiking, and general R & R. That's what summer's about! I had ordered some new products from Vintaj before I left, and they have been flying out of the store! Here's some samples:

Isn't this a cool pendant?

I love this one, too. You can wrap the wings around a large bead or donut. We have the matching antique brass chain in a bunch of styles along with wire and findings too. This is the hot trend of the summer. I'll just keep ordering more when we run out!

Have you tried one of our new Bead Culture patterns yet? I've made the Touch Me Bracelet (many times, it's so fun!), the Floating Orbs Bracelet and the Chardonnay Bracelet so far. I'm currently working on the Net of Jewels Bracelet. I love these patterns! They're really easy and the finished product is just beautiful.

This is the Net of Jewels. The fun part is that you can pick on of our gorgeous buttons and design the colors around it for your own unique version. Way cool.

If you haven't seen them in person, you have to come in to see the samples for Hannah Rosner's classes. She is coming in from Taos, New Mexico to teach several awesome classes. They are posted on the website, but here's some pictures:

This is the Champagne Dreams bead. It uses those cool new Rivolis that we just got in.

This isn't the best picture but it's the Micro-macrame Treasure Bracelet. A great way to use up extra beads you may have.

Another not so good photo, but this is the Cascade Pendant. You really need to see them in person, they're beautiful.

I hope you all are as excited as I am about bringing Hannah in to teach for us. She will be here from Friday July 25 through Sunday July 27. Sign up soon before they fill up. Space is limited.

I'll leave you with this funny picture of me fishing for trout in the UP. Keep smiling!

Charlene