BEADS FOREVER

                                           keeping it "LOCAL" since  1993

                                           JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012

                    We are looking forward to an exciting  new year. Even our customers are

                   feeling that same energy. January will be our chance to go shopping for new

                merchandise to stimulate your creative ideas. Out with the old , in with the new.

             Over the holidays we saw our customers gravitating toward the "never seen this before " items.  The Steampunk vintage watches by local artist Alica Dunbar were a HUGE success. Also our sculputural necklaces from French artist  Emmanuel made with nylon mesh and seed beads were another show stopper

             This is a time to thank all of you have continued to support our vision in bring creative people together . We belive we are more than just a shop, Beads Forever is a place where you can come and leave the outside world behind and find a little creative freedom.  Carmelleta calls this "ZEN and the ART of BEADING". This is an experience you can not find surfing the internet. A photo is worth a thousand words however, being here and touching our beads gets you really involved.

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                                  FEATURED ARTIST: ALICIA DUNBAR

     STEAMPUNK  is the style given to the designs of Alicia Dunbar.  She has hollowed out antique pocket watches and transformed them into works of art. Imagine Grandma's old watch dismantled and suspended in time within the capsule of  a larger watch. If you on Hawthorne be sure to stop in and have a look. Limited supply available.

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"THE BEAD TRAVELLER" is our new resource  guide and journal authored by our very own Carmelleta Nash-Pronold.  Yes, after years of gathering and working through numerous sketches and designs....she finally finished.  This pocket size guide is great to put in your suitcase or backpack for quick ideas or sketches and handy tips for beading on the go. Visit our blog or facebook page to see more.

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                          Have you been thinking about taking a beading class ?

                                 Scroll down further for more information.

            .  For more colorful photos and  beading information to share, look for us

                             on facebook and join Beads Forever Portland.

                     Thanks for stopping by and keep on shopping LOCAL

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                                          PRIVATE  WORKSHOPS

 In an effort to do things a little different than some of the other bead stores,we have put together ONE-ON-ONE basic beading classes where an individual can learn simple stringing techniques.

                                                       FEES

    .             We arrange classes forTuesdays and Thursday afternoons,  2:00pm,

3:00pm or 4:00pm slots are available. Other days are optional as well. The cost for each class is $35.00 per hour/per student. If you choose to have a class with 2 or more friends,

the class is extended to 1 and 1/2 hours with no additional fee. Any time spent shopping and exploring is not included in the workshop time.

    We suggest Basic Beading first if you want to get started. Time and time again people like this class because it gives you an intimate view of the types of beads and thedifferent components and stringing materials used to make your one-of-a-kind jewelry.

     Basic wire manipulation is our second beginners class aimed at teaching you how to manipulate simple craft or sterling wire to make earring parts, clasps and wire wrapped beads.

     CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES- cost is $35.00 for instruction and please allow each child to have a $5.00 amount for shopping in the store. They can choose either a leather necklace with charm or a beaded necklace with charm.  Only one technique will be taught at party.  Ages 8-14 and 6 students maximum for our back table. After school is a perfect time to schedule. 

                                          Give us a call @ 503 230 2323

     If you are an advanced beader we suggest google-ing some of the other bead stores in Portland to learn other more in-depth techniques. These days we all have to help support each other, otherwise we may see more store closures and that would be a real drag.

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   LIFE STONES our line of semi-precious gemstone bracelets and pendants.  A nice way to experience gemstone therapy in an economical way.  Prices start as low as $5.00 each and come with a giftcard that explains each stones properties along with instructions for clearing your stones to make them yours.   We have also added 6 new LIFE STONES necklaces to our assortment.

January Birthstone: Garnet                  February Birthstone: Amethyst

Zodiac: Capricorn                             Zodiac: Aquarius

Zodiac Stone: Ruby                           Zodiac Stone:

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Basic Earring Design : Create your own unique earrings.   Start by learning about head pins, French hooks, and eye pins.   Then choose your beads and use jeweler's tools to finish your piece.   Leave with at least one pair of earrings and a ton of new ideas.

Bead Knotting: Learn how to knot between beads utilizing thread and tweezers to achieve an attractive look as well as protect beads from chaffing and rolling away if the necklace should break.

Beading Basics: This class is for our beginners who want to explore the art of bead stringing with a friend.   Learn about different stringing materials and how to attach clasps. Seating is limited!

Beginning "Y" Necklace: You've seen them in the magazines, on your favorite TV shows, and even your best friend: Now make one of your own! This is a beginner's class that teaches the use of tools, bending of wire, and attaching different components.

Birthday Bead Parties: Ages 7-14 years old.   Fee: $35for instruction plus cost of materials. Groups of 6 students max. Prefer weekday afternoons or 11:00am on a Saturday.  approx. 1.5 hours (Call for details.)

Bridal Jewelry Ideas: Beads Forever will display jewelry for the "Bride To Be."   Give your bridesmaids a beautiful, handmade gift that you design and create yourself.   Handmade Jewelry is unique and helps cut your wedding costs.   We will share ideas and arrange private workshops to get you started!

Children's Workshop: Leather Thong Necklace
This class will teach our young designers how to fashion beads onto a piece of leather cord and attaché a clasp using leather crimps.   (Fee includes instruction, beads and leather extra.)

Euro-Twist: Inspired by a simple wire necklace we saw overseas, the Euro-Twist necklace is not yet found in the States.   Utilize Softlex, Czech beads, and crimps to twist away!   (Softflex, beads, and crimps for necklace available for purchase.)

Illusion Necklace: Illusion necklace create the image of floating beads on monofilament cord.   Be prepared to use a new adhesive-bonding agent.   Classes are limited to 4 students.   (Fee includes string material and adhesive for one necklace.)

Victorian Necklace: In memory of an era long ago, we are offering this more advanced bead-stringing class.   Learn how to combine wire and bead drops to make a stunning romantic necklace for yourself or a special sweetheart.   (Fee includes design board and stringing materials.)

Wire Manipulation: Beginning
Let us introduce you to the versatile and creative art of wire manipulation.   Create chain links for necklace or bracelets and finding for earrings.   -Plus so much more!

Wire Manipulation: Advanced
This class is for those of you who have taken our basic class and have had time to practice.   Now that you've mastered the wire and tools, learn how to make intricate shapes and designs.

Wire-Wrapped Stones: This class teaches the first steps of basic wire manipulation.   Create chain links between beads to accent their uniqueness.   Learn how to use needle-nose pliers, round-nose pliers, and wire cutters.   A great beginner class.   (Fee includes 2 feet of wire for practice.   Beads available for purchase.)