July Newsletter 2023

OK, I know this is late.  Ok, really late, but I wanted to tie up some details of upcoming events and that took a little time.   Sorry.  But I think you'll be pleased with some new things......

The anniversary sale went well.  Almost everybody has picked up their prizes and I'll give you another 2 weeks to pick them up and then they go back into stock.  Sorry!! 

Other exciting news is the addition of another nationally known teacher - Kaska Firor!!  (LOOK AT HER CLASSES NOW AND SIGN UP!!  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!)  She has written 2 books and does beautiful wire weaving! More information about Kaska below! So we have Dale Armstrong teaching on a regular basis (we are so lucky to have her living nearby and willing to come and teach!!),and Melody is coming back with her trunk show and classes!      Here you go with a fun link (if needed) - CLASSES  Or read on below!!!    

We do occasionally have some classes planned during the week, so please pay attention to the date and day when you sign up.  

OK, Back to classes.....



July 14th at 1P - Kaska Firor teaching Simple Necklace!    This class introduces one of the most popular weaves used by many wire artists today. You will learn the most basic version of the weave while creating this elegant necklace. You will need to purchase a kit for this class that includes all wire needed, some chain and top drilled teardrop stone.  Copper kit - $37. Fine Silver $53. Please bring cash for check for kit payment to Kaska. Please bring to class: 1. Wire cutters (shop tools available if you need them). 2. Chain nose pliers 3. Flat nose pliers 4. Wire straightener plier 5. Ruler 6. Permanent marker (fine or medium tip) 7. Recommended: magnificationif needed. (task lamp and work mat provided for use by Bead-Therapy).  Link to this class is HERE!!
 

July 15th at 10am - Kaska Firor teaching Intro into Wirework and Teardrop Pendant!!    This workshop is an introduction to the basics of wire weaving.  In the morning, students will explore the two main weaves and make several samples to take home.  Some of the samples students make can be used to make earrings or necklaces. The instructor will provide examples for students to take photos of.  In the afternoon, students will put their newly acquired skills to the test by creating the Teardrop Pendant.  In addition to the class demos, all instructions will be provided in written and illustrated handouts. Cost of this class is $120 and requires purchase of a kit - all copper $43 or copper/fine silver $53.  Please bring cash for check for kit payment to Kaska. Please bring to class: 1. Wire cutters (shop tools available if you need them). 2. Chain nose pliers 3. Flat nose pliers 4. Wire straightener plier 5. Ruler 6. Permanent marker (fine or medium tip) 7. Recommended: magnificationif needed. (task lamp and work mat provided for use by Bead-Therapy).  Link to this class is HERE!!

 

July 16th at 10am - Kaska Firor teaching Freeform Bracelet!!    - Take your weaving skills up a notch as you work to create this unique cuff. Students will learn how to merge different weaving techniques to create exciting new patterns. The class will focus on improving weaving skills and learning more advanced techniques including blended weave and weaving with beads. In addition to the class demos, all instructions will be provided in written and illustrated handouts. This is an intermediate wire weaving class and requires a prior class with Kaska or prior wire weaving experience.  Kit purchase required for class.  Copper $38/Fine Silver $68.  Bring cash or check for Kaska.  She can take credit cards, but there will be a 2% service fee. Please bring to class: 1. Wire cutters (shop tools available if you need them). 2. Chain nose pliers 3. Flat nose pliers 4. Wire straightener plier 5. Ruler 6. Permanent marker (fine or medium tip) 7. Recommended: magnificationif needed. (task lamp and work mat provided for use by Bead-Therapy).  Link to this class is HERE!!

July 22, 2023 1PM-5PM -Nancy teaching Precious Metal Clay!!- Come experience a new medium (fine silver clay) with designing and learning how to prepare your jewelry pieces for drying and kiln firing.  You can make either 2 pair of earrings or pendant and earrings depending on size.  Nancy will provide information about the nature of fine silver clay, how to design, how to avoid problems with your clay and how to finish your pieces.  Nancy will show you how to finish your pieces.   This is a beginning precious metal clay class.  She will discuss the differences between fine silver clay and base metal clays.  Future, more advanced classes will be discussed. Nancy requires 3 students for the class to happen.  Price includes 15gm of fine silver clay.  Students will complete and pre-finish, the pieces will be fired by the instructor and tumbled. We will have tools for you to use on your project in class, but these are not included as part of the kit.  Pieces will be available for pick up after fired and tumbled and returned by Nancy to the shop.  Cost of this class is $98.  Link to this class is HERE!

July 29th at 1P  Susan Parks teaches Pearl Knotting!!  Susan knots pearls for several different jewelers locally and can teach you how to knot them and finish your strands beautifully with French wire and a filigree pearl clasp.  This class will be taught with 8mm freshwater pearls.  Class fee includes supplies to make an 17.5"  pearl necklace. If you need a longer necklace, I'll have pearls to purchase for a reasonable price. Susan  will discuss different methods of knotting and finishing your pieces. We'll have supplies that you need, bring your reading glasses if you need them and a bead board if you have one.  I'll have nicer pearls on site if you want to upgrade to a nicer strand and we have plenty of glass pearls if you want to practice on them before making one with real pearls. Cost of this class is $65.  Link to this class is HERE!!

Aug. 5th at 10A - Pam teaches Beginning Beading! Want to design your own jewelry? Restring or learn how to fix something that’s broken? Make a bracelet that is small/large enough to FIT you?  Come take this class and free your imagination for designing original pieces of jewelry.  A kit is provided which makes a necklace (or bracelet) and a pair of earrings. Cost of this class is $40 and is a beginning beading class.  Link to this class is HERE!

Aug. 5th at 1P - Meredith teaching Chenille stitch in the Round!! - Come learn this quick and easy stitch and make a beautiful bracelet!!  Meredith is our best begining stitch teacher!  All supplies will be provided other than needle and thread.  This stitch makes a lovely rope that you can wear by itself or hang a pendant from. Cost of this class is $40.  Beads and clasp are included.  Link to this class is HERE!!

Aug 12th at 1P - Emma teaching Art Deco Earrings!! - Come and learn to make these popular fun earrings that all your friends will want to borrow!  All skill levels can learn how to make these earrings.  You will finish one earring in class (both if you are fast).  Emma is a great teacher.  All beads and findings to complete your earrings will be supplied with your class fee. Cost of this class is $45.  Link to this class is HERE!

Soul of Somanya Trunk show!!  August 17-26th, 2023 - Melody is back again with us with her awesome beads again!!  These are hard to find, hand made, hand painted from Somanya!  This is a great charity and supports young women and helps them get an education.  Read more on this special charity at - https://www.soulofsomanya.net   Come and see what Meldoy brings.  And she'll teach some fun classes on Saturdays.

August 19th at 10am - Melody teaches Hoops and Bangles! - Learn to make fashionable beaded bangles that you can mix, match, and stack in multiples. Then transfer your new skills to making the mini-version - beaded hoop earrings!  This is a beginning Wire class and will further your confidence and skills with wire!  Melody is a great teacher that visits only once or twice a year, so take adavantage of this opportunity! Supplies needed included:  24 gauge round dead soft wire, size 11o seed beads or other small beads. Cost of this class is $30. Bring your wire tools (we have tools to borrow if you don't have them). Link to this class is HERE!!

Aug 19th at 1P - Melody teaching Quick and Easy Bezels!  Want to learn a fast and easy way to make beautiful pendants?  Come and learn from Melody!  Learn a unique yet quick and easy way to attractively bezel cabochons without the need for soldering or torches.  You will need to purchase a cabochon, but everything else will be provided. Bring your wire tools if you have them and otherwise you can use ours. Cost of this class is $30.  Link to this class is HERE!!

Aug 26th at 10A - Melody teaches Easy Rock Wrap!! - Have a favorite rock from a favorite trip?  No idea what to do with it? This easy wire-wrap will let you turn any rock into a distinctive pendant that’s perfect for casual, everyday wear. Link to this class is HERE!

Aug 26th at 1P - Melody teaching Curly Chandeleir Earrings!! - Don't you love swingy, fun earrlings?!  Learn to make a 4-step beaded spiral frame and adorn it with dangles that catch the light . . . and the attention of random passersby. Melody is a great teacher and is happy to teach these fun and easy earrings? Cost of this class is $50.  This is an "adventurous beginner" class.  Might be frustrating for someone with no wire experience, but even with just a little wire skill, you can do this!  Bring your wire tools if you have them, otherwise you can use ours! Link to this class is HERE!

Sept. 2nd at 2P - Pam teaches Beginning Beading! Want to design your own jewelry? Restring or learn how to fix something that’s broken? Make a bracelet that is small/large enough to FIT you?  Come take this class and free your imagination for designing original pieces of jewelry.  A kit is provided which makes a necklace (or bracelet) and a pair of earrings. Cost of this class is $40 and is a beginning beading class.  Link to this class is. HERE!!

Sept. 16th at 10:30A - Dale Cougar Armstrong teaches Classic Unisex Cabochon Ring - Back by Popular Demand! Create a Classic Cabochon Ring with Dale Cougar Armstrong! This ring is a great project to give as a gift, sell at shows, and for the lapidary to wear his or her own work. Dale will teach you her methods of properlysizing this ring almost every time you make one! The pattern can later be utilized for many cab sizes, as well as for shallow pavilion faceted stones. The kit included in the class fee includes your choice of a cabochon and sterling silver wire; 14k gold-filled wire is available for an additional $20 paid to the instructor before class. Cost of this class is $82. Link to this class is HERE!  This class is an all day class.

Oct. 28th at 10A - Dale teaching Adjustable Friendship Ring and Sherrie's Twisted Circle Earrings- Adjustable rings are So important to have as hands grow and change shape throughout life. Enjoy making and wearing this all wire chic ring for a lifetime; make one for a friend without knowing what size ring they wear! Examples of how to alter and/or embellish this design will discussed and shared in class. Lots of motion gives these light-weight Twisted Circle Earrings loads of sparkle and shine! Students will discover new ways to use a favorite shaped wire while learning to create and recreate consistent sized circle shapes and how to easily cut matching lengths of chain. Sure to become a favorite “Go-To” accessory, these earrings can be worn with any outfit, and for any occasion. The kit included in the class fee includes sterling silver wire and chain; 14k gold-filled wire and chain is available for an additional $20 paid to the instructor before class. Cost of this class is $75.  Link to this class is HERE!!  This class is an all day class.

Nov 18th at 10A- Dale teaches Temple Bells and Angels!  - Graceful and sophisticated, these lightweight Temple Bell earrings are fun to make and delightful to wear! Students will incorporate a variety of known and new techniques to create their own pair of earrings, choosing to embellish them with whatever beads they like. Let the bells call forth Angels…or faeries, the choice is yours! Each student will choose their own color pallet from those provided and create a matching pair of earrings with a splash of motion at the hemline of the gown. This design can be altered many different ways that will be shared in class. The kit included in the class fee includes your choice of a beads, and sterling silver wire and chain; 14k gold-filled supplies are available for an additional $25 paid to the instructor before class. This is an all day class.  Link to this class is HERE!

Jan 20th at 10A - Dale teaching the "Anything" Cocktail Ring!! - Ring in another New Year with the “Anything” Cocktail Ring, one Cougars signature pieces. Will yours become a Birthstone ring a Mother’s ring, an Anniversary ring, or a ‘these are my Favorite Colors’ ring?? Learn to personalize it by using Dale’s standard “tease, curve and connect”; method to add small rosettes, spirals, loops, pearls, crystals, etc. to the wire ends as they develop the detailed look of filigree. Learn to properly set and secure a snapset finding, as well as how to properly size this ring for a perfect fit every time. The kit included in the class fee includes your choice of bead embellishments and a faceted CZ stone, along with a sterling silver snapset and wire; 14k gold-filled wire and a 14kgf snapset are available for an additional $23 paid to the instructor before class. This is an all day class.  Link to this class is HERE!!

I am so excited to have Kaska join our teacher line up!!  Here's some more info on Kaska as promised- 

Kaska Firor is a jewelry artist, author and an educator.  She has been working with wire for over 20 years and isa recipient of many awards for her intricately woven jewelry. Among others, she is a two-time first place winner in the wire category in Bead Dreams Competition at the Bead and Button Show.

Kaska is the author and co-author of two books, Freeform Wire Woven Jewelry and Wire & Fire.  Her work has also been published in several other books and trade magazines such as Art Jewelry, Step-By-Step Wire, Bead Style, Lapidary Journal and SNAG’s Jewelry and Metalsmithing Survey. Kaska teaches at national conventions, as well as jewelry schools and studios throughout the United States. 

See Kaska’s work at: HERE and HERE.

Please remember that we offer many classes on demand.  If the teacher is local, most are willing to teach classes at a convenient time for you and the teacher.  I’m getting these on the website, but please have patience!!!   

And generally, I sometimes (ok, all the time) don't really proof this newsletter prior to sending it out.  Most of the time because I'm sending it out at the last minute and in sort of a hurry.  Please excuse the poor grammer and misspelled words.  That's not my strong suit!  

And please remember to shop small.  I know there are a lot of other places that you can shop at to purchase your beads.  I'd like to think that we offer valuable knowledge and skills to enhance your jewelry (or beaded whatever) making.  The big boxes continue to get bigger and I'm hearing of more and more of my fellow bead shop owners having to close down because they can't compete.  I can't compete either, but would like to think that I offer more choices and services that make you want to come back for more.  Thanks for your support and I hope that I can stay here for you for many more years to come!

Susan
Bead-Therapy
112 Lee Parkway Drive
Chattanooga, TN. 37421
423-509-1907