chainmaille classes Archives

March into BeadFX classes

By Pamela Kearns February 25, 2020 February 25, 2020 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 …

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No hibernating at BeadFX; there’s too much to learn!

By Pamela Kearns November 5, 2019 November 5, 2019 0

The skies are grayer; the temperature is dropping and the autumn colours are fading. Now is not the time to curl up with a good book! Instead of hibernating, come on out and enjoy a class (or two). We have new classes with Pamela Kearns and Marilyn Gardiner as well as a favourite encore class with Anne Marie Desaulniers. Looking for dedicated time to work on your projects? Check out the open sessions for beading, enamelling and lampworking! Last, but definitely NOT least, Remembrance Day starts off this session. Although open, BeadFX will observe a minute’s silence at 11:00am on …

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Take a mini-vacation with a class!

By Pamela Kearns July 2, 2019 June 28, 2019 0

Creativity doesn’t take a vacation – in fact, it can be triggered by a simple change in routine such as taking time for yourself. Our mid-July classes are chock-a-block full of creativity and fun! Many of them are also suitable for younger students – a great way to introduce a new generation to ‘handmade’! Naomi Smith will take you through the steps to create your traditional indigenous flat bag. Chainmaille enthusiasts will love classes with both Marilyn Gardiner and Gillian Clarke. Ann Shewan will teach you how to drill small stones and pebbles – great items to pick-up on your next …

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“May” all things be possible!

By Pamela Kearns May 14, 2019 May 14, 2019 0

May is a month of celebrations – some very serious, such as Mother’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo, and some that are just plain wacky – such as ‘Star Wars’ Day (May the Fourth Be With You.) Late-May celebrations includes Victoria Day in Canada and Memorial Day in the United States. The best part is enjoying a long weekend with friends and family. To be honest, I’m finding that May is racing by; June seems to be right around the corner. Join me by living in the present and enjoying what is here and now – including upcoming classes with visiting …

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Celebrate your Creative Achievements

By Pamela Kearns May 7, 2019 May 2, 2019 0

Graduations. Proms. Weddings. Anniversaries. For many, these are life’s milestones and opportunities to celebrate life with friends and family. Do you celebrate your achievements? Accomplishments can be large or small or even ‘steps along the way’ to bigger successes. Celebrating your accomplishments can boost your confidence, help to stave off burnout, and fuel your continued success. In the midst of Open Bead Night and Afternoon Bead Tea, I often hear “oh, it’s just a necklace”, or “it’s just a pair of earrings”. Please, never ‘just’ your accomplishments! You’ve spent time; you’ve applied learning; and you’ve put yourself into your designs. …

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Marching into April

By Pamela Kearns March 19, 2019 March 14, 2019 0

We’re in the midst of the in-between stage of winter turning into spring and waiting to see if March is heading out as a lamb with gentler weather or like a lion with a full winter blast! Fortunately, our classes are much more certain – you know you’ll get value for your money from knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors. Plus you’ll have lots of fun while learning something new! Our late-March classes cover everything from seedbeading to chainmaille to fibrework to metalwork and wirework – there is is literally something for everyone! Here are the classes and open sessions scheduled March …

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Mad about March classes

By Pamela Kearns March 5, 2019 February 13, 2019 0

When you mention ‘March Madness’, most automatically think of basketball playoffs. Not at BeadFX! By now you know that our annual March Madness Sale is in full swing. As part of the special sale, we are please to present March Madness Mini Classes (say that five times fast!); five quick classes that will introduce you to a wide variety of techniques and projects. Taking place during our local school boards’ March Break, these classes are suitable for teens and adults alike. Here are the classes and open sessions scheduled March 11 to March 20: Monday, March 11 NEW March Madness …

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Celebrate National Craft Month with a Class

By Pamela Kearns February 26, 2019 February 15, 2019 0

What is the difference between art and craft? The question isn’t new and has sparked debates for years. Both are definitely within the realm of creativity! One possible answer is that craft is has a predictable outcome – such as the crafting of a chair or piece of jewellery. It provides a product that has a purpose and use. Art, on the other hand, is unpredictable, doesn’t have a specific use (such as a painting or sculpture) and is used to evoke thought and emotion. Of course, this is a very simplistic explanation and doesn’t cover those ‘in-between’ creative activities! …

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Come in out the cold for a class!

By Pamela Kearns February 19, 2019 January 23, 2019 0

Late-February is jam-packed full of classes to brighten the dullest month of the year! Whether you’re a beginner or confirmed enthusiast in beading, metalwork, mixed media, metal clay, fibre or chainmaille, there is a class for you! Our open sessions are a perfect time to give yourself the gift of dedicated time to work on your own projects and get inspiration and assistance and meet new friends. Join us for a class or open session scheduled February 21 to 28: Thursday, February 21 FREE Afternoon Bead TeaFacilitator: Pamela Kearns1:00 – 3:00pmEnjoy coffee and conversation as your work on your projects! …

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Discovering: Chainmaille

By Pamela Kearns February 12, 2019 January 24, 2019 0

When you think of chainmaille, you automatically think of knights and dragons and jousting tournaments. The use of this flexible armor has a much earlier history and dates back to the 4th century BCE. It is believed that chainmaille was invented by the Celts and was adopted by the Romans after they realized its potential after fighting the Celts. In addition to Europe, other cultures including Japan and Persia used chainmaille as protection in battle. In Japan, chainmaille was known as Kusari and was used in samurai armor in the 1270s. Persia’s use of chainmaille is lesser known but was …