There's a Class for that!

Question Corner: Beading Thread

  2

Every so often, we get questions about materials or a customers looking for explanations about wire sizes, gauges, etc. Share your questions with me at pam@beadfx.com and I’ll get answers to your inquiries about materials from our very creative and knowledgeable instructors! As there are quite a few beading thread options, many customers can be confused about thread. Crystal asked the following questions: ” Which thread would you recommend for beaded fringe earrings?” Great question! For small brick stitch projects, such as earrings, you do want to use thread – Fireline is too stiff for the fringe and the earring …

There's a Class for that!

Creatively Caring for Ourselves

0

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month in both Canada and the United States? While it is not yet April, in light of the current health situation, it seems quite appropriate to discuss stress and self-care. A certain amount of stress is good in our lives, but unchecked stress can lead to major illnesses. So, we need to find ways to relieve stress as it builds up. There are several websites dedicated to the management of stress; here are a few of the ways you can help reduce unwanted stress: Unplug and step away from the electronics. If …

There's a Class for that!

Update on BeadFX classes

0

As I’m sure you are already aware the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto have asked citizens to use social distancing to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. While small groups – such as our classes – are deemed relatively safe, the perception among the public is that any gatherings will lead to potential problems. BeadFX has fielded a lot of phone calls and emails from our students and the general public who have expressed concerns for their own health as well as exposure that can affect vulnerable family members. To help allay fears, we have decided …

There's a Class for that!

Celebrate your Craft!

0

While March is quickly slipping away, we must definitely give a nod to what keeps us happy and, at least in my case, sane! Whether we knit, make jewellery or do woodworking, we all have a creative passion (or two or three)! BeadFX is wrapping up March with classes that will explore various jewellery-making media, including resin and paper with Anne Marie Desaulniers, beginner jewellery-making with Pamela Kearns, or metalwork with Liz Kennedy and Christine Wollacott. Join us for a class and further explore your craft – or sign-up to start a new endeavour! Due to travel exposure concerns caused …

There's a Class for that!

Sparkle along with Diane Whiting

  0

Do you have a thirst for the sparkle and shine of Swarovski crystals? If you can’t get enough bling, then you need to attend a class with Diane Whiting! Diane was one of the original Swarovski Ambassadors having discovered the shimmering and scintillating Swarovski crystal in 2001. “My design philosophy is to always be innovating. I love doing traditional things in just a little different way; using a time honored techniques with different materials,” says Diane. “I think the possibilities here will never end!” Diane is also the creator of the PRAW Perfect Tool – a set of easy-start tools …

There's a Class for that!

Do you feel lucky?

 , , , , , , 0

I recently discovered some articles that discussed luck and creativity and if they are related. One view indicated that people who considered themselves ‘lucky’ general found more opportunities in their day-to-day life while ‘unlucky’ people missed opportunities because they were too focused on something else. As the author put it, “Luck is not about how life looks at you, it’s about how you look at life”. It makes me wonder if I am missing some creative opportunities because I’m not paying to attention to ‘bigger pictures’ around me. By being intentionally observant, we can see unusual colour combinations that we …

There's a Class for that!

March into BeadFX classes

 , , , , , , , , 0

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”– Leo Tolstoy Have you noticed the garden centres are starting to ramp up business? Seeds and starter kits are available and bags of potting soil are right beside them. I’m not a gardener (one bedroom apartment in Toronto – no balcony!) but I’m noticing my creative spirit is itching to start doing something new. I need to plant my own ‘seeds’ – maybe in beading, maybe in metalwork, maybe something completely different! I think Spring is like that for everyone – a time when we can implement some of those goals we …

There's a Class for that!

What will you do with your extra 24 hours?

 , , , , , 0

2020 is a Leap Year! As you may know, Julius Caesar created the concept of leap year and was further refined by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 when he created the Gregorian calendar that we use today. Incidentally, it was not an easy change and riots broke out; check out more information on this bit of history here. Whatever the history, you can use your extra 24 hours as you wish. Of course, we hope you’ll join us for a class! Our late-February classes a variety of techniques including seed beading, drilling stones (yes, another class has been added!), soldering, …

There's a Class for that!

Beadwork artist Nancy Cain returns to BeadFX

 , , , , , , 0

We’re delighted to have Nancy Cain return to BeadFX for three exciting beadwork classes! “Beading is my handcraft. It is a way of thinking and living. It is a process that is deeply satisfying. “I have always been fascinated with handcrafts, whether it was clay, paper, buttons, fabric or simply found objects. I studied art in college and worked as a graphic artist for 16 years all the while exploring various handcraft techniques. I found my artistic niche in beads. I enjoy delving into beads mentally and physically depending on the circumstances. My favorite stitch is peyote and over the …

There's a Class for that!

Beat the Blues with a Class

0

The holidays are so ‘last year’; we’re us back into our routines, and it seems the dark and grey days will never end. Even the resolutions seem to be cast aside. How do you get out of the winter rut? How about: Exercise your brain: It turns out that purposeful activities like knitting, sewing, woodworking, arts and crafts, and home repairs can focus your mind to improve mental well-being. Jewellery making techniques certainly fall into this category! Plan activities to look forward to: Our classes with visiting instructor Nancy Cain aren’t until March but, by registering now, you’ll have the anticipation of a learning …