Little helpers and new colors

 Frannie and Grace Fay (my nieces) were just here for a visit...and looked so natural behind the counter, I'm ready to hire them.  They LOVE to bead...and at ages 5 and 7, I must say they were both able to bead 4mm swarovski crystal bracelets for themselves...so I think they are geniuses, no bragging of course!

I also worked on turquoise and orange today...love the contrast.

These are torch-fired enamel pieces.  The new turquoise beads should work perfectly with them.

I also made some little boxy slides that are fun...

So if you have been wanting to try the torch...it's warmed up and waiting for you!  Call to make a date - (904) 829-8829.

Peggy
April 11, 2013

It's almost time for Dayle Doroshow's Workshops...

And I couldn't be more excited!  She will be here over the weekend, teaching us three techniques in polymer clay, sculpture and art books.

Saturday, from 1 to 5, she will have a trunk show of her jewelry!  Come and buy!

I've been experimenting with various polymer clay techniqes myself, in anticipation of Dayle's arrival.  Last week my friend Karen Sheridan, a fabulous artist who is a partner in Plum Art Gallery in downtown St. Augustine, challenged me to come up with "a body of work" for her gallery.  Until now, she's come in and "cherry-picked" my existing stock, to sell on consignment.  As you can imagine, her collection is just a hodge-podge of things she's picked up over the past 18 months.  So, being in the polymer mind-set, this is what I produced:

My "homages" to Kathleen Dustin, Julie Picarello, Celie Fago and Tory Hughes.  I hate to part with a couple of them!  Hours of sanding, sanding, and more sanding, and then buffing, buffing and more buffing.

Well, I must head into the rainy chill and go let a dog out...  By the way, Happy Valentine's Day!

Christmas 2012

Hi, and Merry Christmas! It's just past 12/12/12, and we're working on a new blog, one that actually gets updates!

If you would like to be on the bead chick mailing list, a new class schedule is in the works, so email me at pegsrugs@yahoo.com, and I'll add your email address.

It was NOT busy here today, so I played and played.  Made some dolls...

And some rings...

And poured resin...

And played with some new enamel colors...buttercup yellow, pumpkin, and sea foam.  I love the sea foam, it is both blue and green, depending on its concentration.

Until New Years', I'm still taking classes on by request - so if you have some extra time during the holidays, give me a call, and I'll schedule the class you want!  I'm developing some new classes for the new year, so that will give us all something to look forward to.

If you have been trying to get on the website, and couldn't...well, it got hacked for a second time.  So Ward Media Group is taking down the commerce site, and changing me over to a Word  Press site.  Well, we tried!  It should be up and running now, so please try again - www.thebeadchick.com.

2012 Classes, new format

New class format...Classes by request! Tell me what you want and when, and we'll do it! Your options are: Tuesday night, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Wednesday during the day (from 11 to 4) Thursday night, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Saturday during the day (from 11 to 4) Most classes take about 2 hours. Some can be completed more quickly, but I allow a couple of hours for you. The prices are the same as they were before, and YES! I will hold a class for just one person! If someone has already requested the class you want, I will let you know about that so you can join them, if the date and time works for you. Otherwise, I charge $20 an hour for individual instruction on any given topic. So, take a look at the following list, and give me a call, or email: (904) 829-8829; pegsrugs@yahoo.com,

Alphabetical Class Listing, Descriptions, Cost, etc: BEADED BEAD: Pat Kort teaches this beginner class in Peyote Stitch, in which you will create an easy and stunning focal bead, which can be worn alone on a slide or necklace. $30 class fee, supplies extra. BEADING BASICS: Learn all the basics of making necklaces, bracelets and earrings in this fun class. You will learn two techniques; how to attach a clasp to a bracelet/necklace, and how to do the "hangman's noose" wire wrap technique for earrings. You will leave class with a finished pair of earrings and a bracelet! $15 fee, plus supplies. CHEVRON AT THE BEACH: Pat Kort has once again designed an easy, yet light and delicate necklace that will showcase your St. Augustine beach treasures. You will learn the chevron stitch in this class, plus a beautiful and unique closure (clasp) for the back. $30, plus supplies. COLD CONNECTIONS: All the rage, come in and learn a few techniques to cold-connect layers of metal. We will make a bracelet in this class, and also use our hammering, doming, and punching skills. $45, all materials included (brass, copper and silver elements). COLD-SHOP SILVER SMITHING: Get ready to hammer and twist! We will make some unique focal pieces with heavy gauge wire, learn all about metal and its properties, which tools to use, how to punch a hole in metal, and how to hammer words into a silver disk. $40 class fee, materials included. COPPER ETCHING: Ever wanted to texture your own metal? This is the class for you. We will use your free-hand designs, rubber stamps and resist to etch away some of the copper, leaving the coolest designs! Then you can cut, dome, punch or form your metal into jewelry of your own. $40, includes supplies. CRYSTAL GARDEN PATH: This is a more advanced bead weaving project, and will take more than one class to complete. In the first class, we will weave the base of the bracelet, and you will pick out all your seed bead and crystal colors. In the second, or follow-up class, you will add the crystal flowers and finish the closure. $45 for both classes, and materials are extra. DARE TO DREMEL: If you have a Dremel tool, or one similar, and want to learn all the ways you can use it, come to this class! We will work on drilling holes in glass and shells, and so much more. $35 class fee, iincludes your supplies; you must bring your own Dremel tool (BYOD). This is a sample of a cha-cha bracelet, and the shells and glass were drilled with a Dremel. ENAMELING: A basic class in enameling, you will be working with powdered glass and copper shapes to make pendants and earrings. We will use basic sifting techniques, and fire in the kiln. Accessories are included - millefiore and cat's whiskers - for adding detail. $55 class fee, includes your supplies. FREE-FORM WIRE WRAP: This is a good intro class to wire-working...you will get familiar with the tools needed and how to create an attractive "cage" for an undrilled treasure. Bring a shell, rock or other item you'd like to wear as a pendant. $35, supplies included. LINKS AND LOOPS - A WIRE-WORK BRACELET: This is a good, basic class for those who want to work more with wire. We will be creating jump rings using the "Jump-Ringer" and S-hook links and clasp using hand tools. Bring some of your own beads for embellishment. $35 class fee, includes your supplies. LOVE THE LOOM! Pat Kort is a loom-master, and will teach you to fall in love with this tool. She has created a beautiful bracelet for you to learn on, and will teach you about loom set-up, finishing and adding snaps or a clasp. $35, supplies extra. MAKE YOUR OWN RINGS: A fun and easy class, come with an open and adventurous mind. We will make basic rings, and then embellish them with a couple different techniques. $25 class fee, wire included (any beads extra). PEARL WIRE-WRAPPED BRACELET: This is a great beginner wire-work class! We will start with a base of copper wire, run it through the rolling mill, anneal it, and shape it. Then we will add freshwater pearls and sterling silver wire, patina the silver and voila! You will leave with a beautiful bangle, & lots of knowledge about wire and tools. $45, all materials included POLYMER CLAY AND RESIN: A fun, new way to mix two media, we will first fashion simple polymer clay shapes, punch holes and bake for the frame...then add colored resin. When cured, light will shine through the resin, like stained glass windows! $35, all materials included. RESIN CHARMS: We will work with a two-part epoxy resin to create whimsical and personal charms, using bottle caps and purchased bezels. Bring some of your own photos (photocopied and reduced to 1") and little charms and things to add to the resin. $45, includes your supplies. RUSSIAN LEAF EARRINGS: A great intro to bead weaving, Pat Kort will take you throughh the steps to make these easy and fast, not to mention glamorous earrings, that have plenty of bling. $30, supplies extra. SOLDER WITH ELS: Els Heber is a very experienced and wonderful teacher of traditional silver-soldering techniques. You will learn how to solder a bezel, and will actually make a pendant or ring in this class. $55 class fee, supplies extra (usually around $10). You can take this class as often as you have projects you need help with. STAINED GLASS TECHNIQUE - CHARMS AND PENDANTS: We will use your photos (please photocopy the originals, and reduce size to fit into a 1"x 1.5" opening) and other ephemera to create personalized glass pendants, and more. A good quality soldering iron is a must (Weller 100 watt), other supplies will be provided. $45 class fee. TORCH WORK INTRO - COPPER CHAIN: Get over your fear of the torch, and take this easy class in making a copper chain. We will use a single-fuel torch, "phos-copper" solder, and copper wire to make a handsome chain. We will also be using hammers for texture. Knowing how to use the torch really opens up your beading world, so sign up for this class. $55, supplies included. VIKING KNIT: This wire-weaving technique produces a very thick wire cord that looks great in bracelets and necklaces. Truly invented by the Vikings and used in armor, it's actually simple to do (once you set up the loom!). $40 class fee includes copper wire, the loom you will construct and finishing techniques. Sterling kit available for $35 extra. End caps and findings not included. WIRE PEOPLE EARRINGS: A cute and good beginner wire-work project, we will teach you all about wire, the tools you need, and make an adorable pair of earrings for you to take home with you. $30, includes your supplies. WIRE-WEAVE DOLL PIN: Using some twining and weaving techniques borrowed from basket-making, we will create a cute doll pin in colors of your choice. We will use the torch to "ball-up" the ends of heavy gauge copper wire, then weave in a lighter gauge to shape the doll's body. $40 class fee, includes everything but the beads (you can bring some of your own). WIRED FOR FUN - MIXED MEDIA EARRINGS: We will shape copper wire into fun earrings shapes, cut and paste photos/text/pretty paper onto them, and seal them with a high-dome, shiny acrylic resin. $30 class fee, wire included...bring your own images if you want to, but we have plenty. All classes require a $10 non-refundable deposit, unless otherwise noted. Call the shop to reserve your place - (904) 829-8829 Reminder!! You can see the class listing on the website, http://www.beadchickstaugustine.com

Bead Chick 78B San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Email Marketing by

Christie Cummins, Sunday, September 18 from 1 to 5 pm & September 24 from 2 to 4 pm

NOTE DATE CHANGE! I am STILL having trouble being middle aged and a new blogger. See the gorgeous micro-macrame' bracelet photo? This is going to be a wonderful class on Sunday, September 18 from 1 to 5 pm, taught by a wonderful and fun artist, Christie Cummins, with a follow-up class for finishing the following Saturday, September 24 from 2 to 4 pm.

The class will cost $80, and will include your cord, quilt pins, macrame' board and blanket. You will need to supply your own bead stash, and bring some delicas to incorporate. If you have no idea what a delica is, no problem, we have quite a few to chose from here at the bead chick.

Please call 829-8829 to reserve your spot! Class size is limited to 8.

Bye for now! Peggy

May & June, 2011 Classes

The following are the upcoming classes for May and June 2011.  Tuesday and Thursday classes are from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  Saturday classes are from 2 to 4:30 pm.  Wednesday class times vary, so they are listed.  More description, photos and class prices are listed further down, but are a bit confusing with the strange characters that sometimes appear ?? so I hope you can piece it all together!  Thanks so much for your patronage!  --Peggy Ward

May 3 - Beading Basics May 4 - Russian Leaf Bracelet May 5 - Dare to Dremel May 7 - Wire and Mixed Media May 10 - Solder with Copper May 11 - Solder with Els; 11am to 1:30 pm May 12 - Polymer Clay May 14 - Mosaics May 17 - Cha-Cha Bracelet May 18 - Peyote Starfish, Part 1; 2 to 4:30 pm May 19 - Torch Enamel May 24 - Shrink Plastic Necklace May 25 - Solder with Els; 11am to 1:30 pm May 26 - Free-form Wire Wrap May 28 - Stained Glass Soldering Technique - Charms and Pendants May 31 - Dare to Dremel   June 1 - Beaded Bead (Peyote Stitch); 2 to 4:30 pm June 2 - Cold-Shop Silver Smithing June 4 - Dye Silk Scarves June 7 - Copper Soldering: Chain June 8 - Chevron at the Beach; 2 to 4:30 pm June 9 - Viking Knit June 11 - Polymer Clay June 14 - Wire Weaving June 15 - Peyote Starfish, Part 2; 2 to 4:30 pm June 16 - Rosary Making June 21 - Polymer Clay June 22 - Solder with Els; 11am to 1:30 pm June 23 - Byzantine Chain June 25 - Glass Fusing June 28 - Making a Pin or Broach June 29 - Fancy Peyote Closure; 2 to 4:30 pm June 30 - Cha-Cha Bracelet      Tues, May 3 (6:30 - 9 pm) BEADING BASICS:  Learn all the basics of making necklaces, bracelets and earrings in this fun class.  You will learn two techniques: how to attach a clasp to a bracelet/necklace, and how to do the "hangman's noose" wire wrap technique for earrings.  You will leave class with a finished pair of earrings and a bracelet!  $15 fee, plus supplies.   Weds, May 4 (2 to 4:30 pm) PAT KORT'S RUSSIAN LEAF BRACELET:  Pat has once again designed a simple, yet stunning bracelet using the russian leaf design.  Come and make your first one with her (she says it's quick and easy!) in fresh spring color, and get going with your Christmas list!  $35, supplies extra.     Thurs, May 5 (6:30 - 9 pm) DARE TO DREMEL:  If you have a Dremel tool, or one similar, and want to learn all the ways you can use it, come to this class!  We will work on drilling holes in glass and shells, and so much more.  $35 class fee, includes your supplies; you must bring your own Dremel tool.    Sat, May 7 (2 - 4:30 pm)  WIRE AND MIXED MEDIA:  In this class we will sketch designs and bend wire for earrings and pendants...then hammer and add papers, found objects, charms to make delightful and very lightweight jewelry.  Bring your own "ephemera," if you want.  $45, includes supplies.     Tues, May 10 (6:30 - 9 pm) SOLDERING WITH COPPER:  Peggy Ward will teach this class, and we will create a copper pendant.  Because of the lower cost of supplies, this is a great class to start soldering with � we use a propane torch that is very affordable to buy for yourself.  $45, includes your supplies.          Thurs, May 12 (6:30 - 9 pm) POLYMER CLAY:  Beginner to Advanced, we work on a different technique every time this class is offered.  $30, bring your own clay, pasta machine and tools.         Sat, May 14 (2 - 4:30 pm) MOSAICS:  Jimmy Ferguson will teach you his techniques for cutting glass, adhering and grouting a beautiful mosaic.  You will work on a small piece that can be completed in 2&1/2 hours, allowing you to go through all the steps.  $40, includes your supplies. �       Tues, May 17 (6:30 - 9 pm) CHA-CHA BRACELET:  We love this bracelet here at the bead chick...the variations are endless.  Come in and learn how to make one of your own.  You'll be hooked!  Bring your own bead stash if you want - $35 class fee, materials extra.         � � Weds, May 18 (2 - 4:30 pm)  PEYOTE STARFISH:  Pat Kort will teach this class, which is a two-part peyote stitch pendant.  The starfish is just beautiful as a pendant....it's a challenge, for the more seasoned bead weaver.  $60 for both sessions, and kits are available. �   Thurs, May 19 (6:30 - 9 pm) TORCH ENAMELING:  Peggy Ward will teach this class, and we will create a copper bezel and pendant.  Because of the lower cost of supplies, this is a great class to start soldering with - we use a propane torch that is very affordable to buy for yourself.  $45, includes your supplies.      Tues, May 24 (6:30 - 9 pm)  SHRINK PLASTIC NECKLACE:  Using artist-grade shrink plastic, we will create colorful components for a very lightweight necklace.  It's an instant party!  $45, includes supplies. �     Weds, May 25 (11 - 1:30 pm) SOLDERING WITH ELS:  Learn to use the torch and solder a silver bezel for a ring or pendant in this class.  You will choose a small flat-backed stone ("cabochon") to set in your bezel, and learn finishing techniques as well.  $55, plus small materials fee.     This is a bezel, like you could create in Els' class      Thurs, May 26 (6:30 - 9 pm) FREE-FORM WIRE WRAP:  This is a good intro class to wire-working�you will get familiar with the tools needed and how to create an attractive "cage" for an undrilled treasure.  Bring a shell, rock or other item you'd like to wear as a pendant.  $35, supplies included.     Sat, May 28 (2 - 4:30 pm) STAINED GLASS PENDANTS AND CHARMS:  Renew your soldering skills, or pick up some fresh ones in this class, taught by Chris Gorman.  We will use your photos (please photocopy and reduce your faves ahead of time and bring to class) and other ephemera to create personalized glass pendants and more.  You will need your own soldering iron, plus we have a list of recommended supplies.  $45, includes glass, copper tape, wire, flux and solder.     Tues, May 31 (6:30 - 9 pm) DARE TO DREMEL:  If you have a Dremel tool, or one similar, and want to learn all the ways you can use it, come to this class!  We will work on drilling holes in glass and shells, and so much more.  $35 class fee, includes your supplies; you must bring your own Dremel tool.Weds, June 1 (2 - 4:30 pm) PEYOTE STITCH SLIDES:  Pat Kort teaches this quick class, which is a great introduction to bead weaving.  Make one-of-a-kind beaded beads that dress up any outfit, by simply putting them on a neckwire.  We have some great new delica and seed beads in shell/beach colors, too!  $30 class fee, supplies extra.      Thurs, June 2 (6:30 - 9 pm) COLD SHOP SILVER-SMITHING:  We will work with large-gauge wires and silver pendant blanks to create custom pendants and findings.  You will learn to use steel stamps to create words on metal, all about hammers and the principles of cold metal working.  $40 class fee, materials included.     Sat, June 4 (2 - 4:30 pm) HAND-DYED SILK SCARVES:  Maribeth Whitney will teach this small class, and you will learn how to stretch your silk scarf, apply resist and dyes to create a one-of-a-kind fashion accessory.  $55 class fee includes supplies.   Tues, June 7 (6:30 - 9 pm) COPPER SOLDERING: CHAIN  If you want to get really comfortable with the torch, making a chain is the way to do it!  We will use copper wire and solder, and you will leave with a very fashionable accessory.  $45, includes cost of materials.         � Thurs, June 9 (6:30 - 9 pm) VIKING KNIT:  This technique produces a very thick wire cord that looks great in bracelets and necklaces.  Truly invented by the Vikings and used for armor, it's actually a very simple technique (once you get the loom set up!).  $40 class fee includes the loom you will learn to construct, and copper wire (sterling kit varies), and finishing techniques.  End caps and findings extra. �   �   Tues, June 14 (6:30 - 9 pm) WIRE WEAVING:  Peggy Ward will teach twining and other basket-making techniques to make unique pendants, and more.  We will use different yarns, cords and wires, but bring your own treasure to encase if you have one (a shell, piece of beach glass, etc).  $45, includes supplies. � Weds, June 15 (2 - 4:30 pm) PEYOTE STARFISH, PART 2:  Continuation of class from May 18.  See details above.    Thurs, June 16 (6:30 - 9 pm) ROSARY MAKING:  If you have always wanted to make your own rosary, this is the class for you.  We will explore a couple of different techniques, and you will be able to choose which one you like.  We have lots of rosary findings here in the store, but feel free to bring a special crucifix or medal if you like.  $30 class fee, materials extra.     (This rosary has a sterling silver cross, and Our Lady of Lourdes medal, hand made glass beads for the "Our Fathers" and trade beads (white hearts) for the decades and Hail Mary's - $75)     Tues, June 21 (6:30 - 9 pm) POLYMER CLAY: This is an open class - Peggy will teach you the technique you want to learn.  Open to all skill levels.  You must have your own pasta machine and Premo clays ( 1 block each: white, black, translucent, fuschia, yellow, and turquoise), all pre-conditioned before class to save lots of time.  $30 class fee.       Weds, June 22 (11 - 1:30 pm) SOLDERING WITH ELS:  Learn to use the torch and solder a silver bezel for a ring or pendant in this class.  You will choose a small flat-backed stone (�cabochon�) to set in your bezel, and learn finishing techniques as well.  $55, plus small materials fee.   Thurs, June 23 (6:30 - 9 pm)  BYZANTINE CHAIN MAILLE BRACELET:  You will learn how to make your own jump rings in this class, and how to connect them in a very old and classic chain maille pattern.  $35 class fee, materials fee extra. �   �   Sat, June 25 (2 - 4:30 pm) GLASS FUSING:  Chris Gorman teaches how to work with glass � it�s principles, how to cut it, glue it and fuse it into beautiful pendants.  $55 class fee, plus $10 kit fee.      Tues, June 28 (6:30 - 9 pm) MAKING A PIN: We will form and shape wire, and then doing the finishing filing to create a unique broach or scarf pin.  Bring your own tools if you would like...we will be doing some hammering.  $45, copper wire included. � � Weds, June 29 (2 - 4:30 pm) FANCY PEYOTE STITCH CLASP:  Pat Kort has designed a gorgeous clasp for your necklace, and it's so pretty you'll want to wear it in the front!  She will teach you peyote stitch if you are not familiar with it, but if you are, you will be able to dive in and really enjoy Pat's great pattern. $35 class fee, materials extra. �   Thurs, June 30 (6:30 - 9 pm) CHA-CHA BRACELET:  We love this bracelet here at the bead chick�the variations are endless.  Come in and learn how to make one of your own.  You'll be hooked!  Bring your own bead stash if you want - $35 class fee, materials extra.