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.