Snow Day!!!

The snow started early this AM and has switched back and forth between snow, sleet and rain. It's been back to snow for a while now. So far we've gotten several inches of snow on the ground. A wet heavy snow this time, not the light fluffy stuff. We're supposed to have upwards of 12 inches by tomorrow morning. Ahhhhhhhhhh! I'm SO ready for Spring. How about you?

Lisa, Renu and Stephanie joined me at A.C. Moore last night for our Bead Social/UFO Night. Lots of chit chatting as usual. Everyone finished at least one piece of jewelry.

Next week is the Earring Wardrobe class. Learn how to make earrings to match whatever you're wearing.

I'm still working on setting up my new computer to the way I like it. Hopefully it doesn't take me 5 years like it did last time. LOL

Enjoy your snow day. Be careful on the roads if you have to be out and about.

Bring Your Beads - I'll Bring the Brownies!

If you bring your beads, I'll bring the brownies!

I just baked a batch of brownies for our Bead Social/UFO Night tonight. I made the low sugar brownies so I don't send Mindy into sugar shock.

Bring some of your recent creations and your ideas for new projects with you.

See you tonight!

Class is ON!

Looks like the snow won't be starting as early as they originally thought. Yeah!!!!

Hope to see some of you tonight.

Let me know if you're planning to come to class and what you'll be working on so that I have the correct tools/supplies.

Weather and Class Cancelation

Is it Spring yet?

It looks like it might snow again Wednesday night. I don't usually drive in the snow and I don't expect any of you to either.

Please check with the store and/or here after 2pm to see if class will be canceled.

Bead Social/UFO Night - Wednesday, February 24, 6:00-8:15pm

Have UFOs landed at YOUR house??? Gather them up/dust them off and bring them to the monthly "Bead Social/UFO Night".

Don't bead alone - come join the fun and bead yourself happy. As one student says "It's cheaper than therapy!" Sometimes we even have baked goodies. How can you pass that up?

This is a working class for beaders who may have questions or need a quick refresher in any area of beading. There will be no specific instruction but lots of one-on-one time with students. A great class to get motivated to finish your UFOs (UnFinished Objects) or WIPs (Work In Progress), get back into beading, start a new project, or for social beading. Also, a chance to meet new friends and see old ones. Please bring along some of your finished projects to show the class.

Supplies: beads, stringing material and findings, a bead board or bead mat is also recommended

Cost: $10 + supplies

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THIS CLASS MUST HAVE TAKEN A PREVIOUS CLASS WITH THIS TEACHER.

Demo Yesterday - Thanks!

Yesterday I did a demo at A.C. Moore in Dover/Rockaway. I'm usually back by the beading/jewelry section but yesterday was different. I was right by the door. At first I was kind of disappointed because I like being in the beading/jewelry section.

What a GREAT idea having me up front! I asked the manager to move the "rounder" with the Bead Retreat™ and A Bead at a Time™ items so they could be next to my table. THAT was a great idea too!

I kept causing traffic jams in the store because so many people were around my table. I know I probably shouldn't say this but... I really LIKED the items I was demoing for a change. The last few projects have really left a lot to be desired.

The Bead Retreat™ "kits" are great if you're a beginner or more advanced beader. EVERYTHING is included to make the project shown on the package - beading wire, beads (high quality), clasp and crimps (tubes instead of beads). The only extras you'll need are a bead board (if desired), either crimpers or flat nose pliers and wire nippers. You'll usually have enough extra beads to make a pair of earrings. Earring findings are sold in a different kit. All in all a nice, quality project at an affordable price.

A Bead at a Time™ products are an affordable alternative to Pandora™, Trollbeads™, and Chamilia™. Once I showed people how easy it was to add the beads to the necklce or bracelet they were excited. Most couldn't believe how inexpensive the line was - $1.99 to $9.99. The necklaces and bracelets are the more expensive items. The charms and beads were on sale last week for 2/$3. That WAS a great deal!

By the time I left, several pegs on the displays were empty. Hopefully they will be restocked promptly because I think both of these product lines will be good sellers.

Several woman signed up to take some of my classes so that was a big plus too!

Time to bead! I'm trying to complete at least one bead project/UFO a week.

Hope to see you soon - maybe Wednesday! Happy beading!

Demo TODAY at A.C. Moore

Sorry for the late post. I recently purchased a new PC with Windows 7 and I'm having some issues with some of my programs and printers. Rrrr!

I'll be at A.C. Moore on Mount Pleasant Avenue in Dover (Rockaway) today from 1:00pm until 3:00pm or so to demo two new beading/jewelry making lines at A.C. Moore - Bead Retreat and A Bead at a Time (think affordable Pandora jewelry).

Stop by and say hi if you get a chance. I'll also have some information about the upcoming classes I'll be teaching there.

Happy beading!

This Blog...

This blog has been mainly for informational purposes for the classes I teach at A.C. Moore in Rockaway, NJ. Every once in a while I post some other miscellaneous info. I've decided to try to post more beading/jewelry making info on here (and more often) in hopes of getting more people to read. If you stop by PLEASE leave a comment. I know that there are quite a few visitors but few people leave comments.

Class last night was mellow - just two students. As usual, lots of chit chatting though. It was so nice to see Renu again. She took a little hiatus from beading but hopefully will be back on a regular basis. Several months ago Renu came to class with a blue suitcase in tow. She has all of her beading supplies and UFOs inside. When it's time for class she just pops the suitcase into her car. What a great idea! I'm usually running around at the last minute trying to gather up everything I need. I was kidding that I'd use her idea as a type of emergency bag. If anything ever happened at my house I would have my beading essentials in a suitcase by the door. Then I realized that ALL of my beads are essential and I'd need a forklift to pick up the suitcase. LOL

Stephanie worked on her beaded heart. She didn't get it finished in time for Valentine's Day because we got snowed out last week. Sorry about that! It turned out great. She has some sewing background so she picked up right angle weave pretty quickly. She'll do great when we get to the other beading stitches.

Mindy couldn't make it to class last night because she was attending a fundraising dinner for PASS (Parsippany Animal Supporters Society). I'll have to talk to her about donating some animal related jewelry that they can auction off. Anyone else want to help with this?

Lisa's still a little under the weather after her surgery. Hope you're feeling better soon!

Next week is our monthy Bead Social/UFO Night. Always a fun night. More details to come!

Thanks for stopping by. Happy beading!

Interchangeable Necklace - Wednesday, 2/17/10 @ 6:00pm

Class Title: Beading/Jewelry Making – Interchangeable Necklace (Beginner/Intermediate)

Cost: $20 + supplies
Instructor: Julie Ryan
Store: A.C. Moore - Rockaway
Phone: (973) 442-1265

String several strands of different colors and/or sizes of seed beads to create a unique interchangeable necklace to coordinate with every outfit. Don’t forget to bring a pendant! How to use a bead spinner will also be shown. This class is suitable for children 12 and older and adults.

Supply List:
• seed beads in assorted colors/sizes
• beading wire (i.e. Beadalon)
• crimp beads or tubes (recommended)
• split rings
• 2 medium/large lobster claws
• clasp
• pendant (optional)

Tools:
• wire cutters
• crimping pliers
• bead board and/or bead mat (recommended but not necessary)

Don't forget to pick up your supply list when you register at the store. It entitles you to 10% off of your class supplies.

Please let me know if you plan to attend class so that I have enough handouts available.

Happy beading!

Beaded Jump Ring Jewelry Class - Wednesday, 2/10

This project is sometimes referred to as "shaggy loops". It's a fun project using jump rings and larger seed beads (or other small/medium sized beads). In this class you'll learn the proper way to open and close jump rings. This is a good introduction to working with jump rings before taking on a regular chain maille class. The more jump rings and beads you add, the fuller and more lush the necklace/bracelet/earrings become. Project may not be completed in class.

Supplies: Size 6 or 8 seed beads (assorted colors work best), 6 and/or 7mm jump rings, coordinating clasp, earring findings, a bead mat is also recommended

Cost: $20 + supplies

Time: 6:00pm - 8:15pm

Location: AC Moore
             550 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
             Dover/Rockaway, NJ
             (973) 442-1265

A.C. Moore Store Hours - Change Back...

Just wanted to let everyone know that A.C. Moore changed back to their previous hours and will again be open until 9:00pm weeknights.

My classes will go back to 6:00pm - 8:15pm.

If you want to take a Beading/Jewelry Making class and Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 8:15pm doesn't work for you let me know and maybe we can work something out.

Hope to see you soon!

Happy Beading!