Saturday, October 26, 2013

Follow Us On Pinterest


We just started a Pintrest account for the store.  We hope that you use our boards as a tool.  We have some of our original designs, color ideas, bead humor, and more. 
Please, be sure to “follow us” so that you will be updated whenever we post something.  Enjoy.
 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

New from Elements Pottery


A new shipment of raku beads & pendants has arrived. 

Come in today as these never last in our store for very long!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

OPINIONS, PLEASE…

Even though the current Stony Creek Bead class schedule goes through December, we are already planning for the next one.  Here is a sneak peek at what we are doing. 

What we would like to know is… are there any projects, techniques, products that you would like to see a class on?  All (kind) suggestions are welcomed, just shoot us an e-mail at: StonyCreekBead@hotmail.com

Thank you and happy beading!

Embroidery, Anyone? It’s no secret that we LOVE embroidery here at Stony Creek Bead. We just got in two new books to fuel that passion.


 



Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects by Jamie Could Eakin is filled with so much good information!  Not only does she give you projects to do, but she writes about how to make things fit, how to layout designs, how to use beads in your stash (and make them work), how to… well, you get the idea.  There is just a LOT of information in this book.



 

 
 
Soutache & Bead Embroidery by Amee Sweet-McNamara is a great book on the newest trend in embroidery – Soutache.  Not familiar with Soutache?  Traditionally it is used in high-end clothing -you know that little strip in you wool coat where the wool meets the lining?  That’s soutache.  Amee takes this small, flat cording to a whole new art form.  Flip through her book and you will see what we mean.

Have you seen the new pendants from Turtle Soup Beads?

Every one of them is unique (as they are hand tinted) and every one of them is beautiful.  Come in to see them for yourself.


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Bead Collections Are Now Available!


Many of you have asked us to bring back our Bead Collections.  We listened – and they are now ready for you.  There are twelve colors to start with and we will add more as time goes on.  The Collections are available in our store or on our Esty site.  (www.StonyCreekBead.etsy.com)


How are these amazing collections created?
We start with an inspiration – a picture, a memory, a feeling – often found in our “Inspiration Journals” (if you don’t have one of your own, you should!)  We then gather beads in all sizes and shapes that represent that inspiration.  The beads are divided and layered into the tubes, and priced accordingly.

Within each Collection, the tubes’ content may vary slightly, but they are all hand-packed to the top.  Beads are not just for jewelry – you can use them to create all kinds of wonderful things.

The Collections are economical to use when you want a variety of beads instead of buying whole strands and tubes of just one style of bead.  Use these beads for any free-form beading, fringe, embroidery, crochet, & more.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

When I think of all that I can do with Susan Bailey’s new designs – my heart just flutters!

 
These, and more, by Turtle Soup Beads
now at Stony Creek Bead.
 

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Small Changes – Big Differences


Recently, Sue wanted to study how bead choices affect a design.  She observed how changes in the transparency of the beads and using matte or shiny finishes contribute to the effect of a design.

Sue picked one of her favorite patterns – the Tapestry Bracelet (click here to buy the pattern).  The results are pretty interesting.

Similarities
  • All three bracelets are in the same general color family of teal-blue-green, with varying accents colors.
  • The center rondelles in all three bracelets have shiny, faceted surfaces.

Bracelet #1
  • Medium color contrast; mix of matte and shiny
  • Fire polish – Matte transparent
  • Seed beads
    • 11° – Matte half-covered transparent (Apollo finish)
    • 8° – Matte opaque

Bracelet #2
  • High color contrast; all shiny surfaces
  • Fire polish – Transparent (shiny)
  • Seed beads
    • 11° – Bronze-lined crystal, very shiny
    • 8° – Color-lined shiny

Bracelet #3
  • Medium color contrast; matte or low-gloss surfaces
  • Lentil shaped beads replace the fire polish used in the other two bracelets, eliminating the outer loop of beads.

By making a few small changes, Sue created big differences in the final piece of jewelry.  Consider what small changes you can make in your current project and how it can affect the total outcome. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

A Big Welcome to Rita Stucke!



During the Glass Act bead show in September, many of you said that you wanted to see Rita’s lampwork beads in our store. 

You asked for it – we made it happen. 

Rita just delivery two trays filled with some of the most beautiful focal and companion beads.  Be sure to stop in to see them for yourself.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

THEY’RE HERE, THEY’RE HERE!


We just received Shelley (Nybakke) Pleines’ samples for her classes in November. 
 
If you have already signed up for her classes – thank you.  We have reserved a lot of the crystals and pearls for you, so be sure to ask to see them.
 
If you have not yet signed up for her Shelley’s classes, come in, look at the samples, and let’s get you signed up.  Space is very limited, so come in soon!