SEPTEMBER 2010

                 Summer came a little late this year to Portland.  We were here stuck in the rain and waiting for the sun to warm us up. But needless to say....it did arrive and so did the tourists.  How exciting it was for them to stumble upon the treasures of Beads Forever.

One person said she was buying fruit down the street and one of the cashiers commented on her nice bead necklace.  He then told her to make her way up to see us and she was so happy. She had been in Portland for about 1 month and never knew we were here.  She came back 3 times in 4 days before she flew home to St. Louis so she could redeem her reciepts for $15.00 free beads. Thats the kind of story we like to be a part of here at Beads Forever.  We invite you to DREAM, DISCOVER  and CREATE.

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                          Have you been thinking about taking a beading class ?

                                 Scroll down further for more information.

        We are looking for your stories.  Have you travelled to some exciting locals and found beads?  Do you know of a port that is fun place to shop for beads? We are looking for folks to offer up their information that can be included in a small resource book. If you are interested....email Carmelleta at :  athena10x@gmail.com  Subject: Bead Traveller. Or  there is always Beads ForeverPortland on.....Face book.

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

on facebook and join Beads Forever Portland.

                                        FOOD FOR CREATIVE THOUGHT

       For some inspiration we suggest you "BING or GOGGLE" 88 year old Iris Apfel.

This girl seriously loves her beads and jewelry.  There is a video of this fashionista explaining and showing her style over the years.  "Rare Bird of Fashion" is the title and well worth surfing the net to find.

     Speaking of birds....take a look at our blog page for the latest in fashion feathers.

    Thanks for stoppping by and keep on shopping LOCAL!

sincerely,

Carmelleta

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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.

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

3:00pm or 4:00pm slots are available. Other days are optional as well.

    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.

                                          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.

                                              NEW MERCHANDISE

                      Photos of some of the new items will be on our blog page.

   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.

September Birthstone: Sapphire

Zodiac: Virgo

Zodiac Stone: Carnelian

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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.)