Kaleidoscope Beads Blog

If you’re in the Hillsboro, OR, area this weekend, January 18th-20th, be sure to check out the Gem Faire! Lots of classes and demonstrations are planned for the event, so don’t miss out! Please visit their website for further information.

Gem Faire also has dates coming up very soon for Roseville, CA, and San Rafael, CA. The Roseville dates are January 25th - 27th, and San Rafael is scheduled for February 1st - 3rd. Please check the Gem Faire website for times and details.

Happy beading!
Sharon

Surprise, Arizona, is having its 5th annual Surprise Winter Festival this weekend, January 18th through 20th. Here’s a map that’ll help you find the festival. For more information please contact Roberta Toombs, Magic Bird Festivals.

Happy beading!
Sharon

Jupiter, Florida, will be home to the 2008 ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival from February 16 - 18, 2008. The festival, in it’s 23rd year, was recently named one of the top fifty fine arts festivals in the US. There will be a lot to see and do there, so don’t miss it! Visit the ArtiGras website for all the details!

Happy beading!
Sharon

I just posted an update to the gallery, adding two beautiful pieces from Suzanne Juneau. Click here to take a look!

Happy beading!
Sharon

The gallery has been updated to include a new piece made by Susan Breeland, of Rocky Mount Gourds. Click here to take a look!

Happy beading!
Sharon

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!
Happy beading in 2008!
Sharon

If you’re in the Honolulu, HI area this weekend, be sure to check out the Gem Faire! Show hours are: Fri. 12pm-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. According to the Gem Faire website, there will be exhibitors from all over the world showing and selling fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, minerals, and much more. Classes and demonstrations are also planned for the event, so don’t miss out! Please visit their website for further information.

Happy beading!
Sharon

The Pasadena Bead and Design Show will be held Thursday, January 17th through Sunday, 20th, 2008, at the Pasadena Hilton. Please be sure to check out their beautiful website for all the details! Quoting from their site:

“Pasadena Bead and Design Show is comprised of 250 exhibitors, workshops, and forums, which are chosen by juried application and by invitation, from wearable art, jewelry, fiber, bead making, lapidary, art couture, glass, textile, embellishment, metalwork, ceramics, enameling, collectibles, interior décor, and decorative arts –together with wholesale artisan suppliers to the trade. Exhibitors are located in the ballrooms, showrooms, and conference rooms on the ground floor inside the Pasadena Hilton.”

They have a fantastic lineup of exhibitors, and some great workshops scheduled!

Happy beading!
Sharon

I apologize for the lack of posts recently. We’re in the process of moving my parents in with us, and things have been hectic here. I’ll be updating the gallery and making new blogs posts soon!

Happy beading!
Sharon

I’m late in publishing a review on this…it’s been really busy here!

I received the premier issue of Bead Trends (Nov/Dec 2007) a few days ago, and it’s amazing! It looks and feels more like a softbound book, rather than a traditional magazine…something that you’ll be able to treasure and use for many years to come.

The magazine has a lot to offer in the way of inspiration, and project content. The issue was photographed with loving care - the photos are large, showing excellent detail, making it easy to see how things were put together. For the novice, there is a section entitled “Jewel School: Starting Out” that includes detailed instructions with great photos for making a strung bracelet. The instructions for other projects in the magazine are tailored for readers with some jewelry making experience - they’re clear and concise, but assume a basic knowledge. The “Designer Highlight” section for this issue features the bold, organic jewelry of Deon Thomas, of Tribal Jewelry, including instructions on making several pieces. There are advertisements in the magazine, but they’re limited and are well-suited to the content.

There are LOTS of projects by a wide variety of designers in sections entitled “Quick & Easy”, “All Dressed Up”, “Holiday Cheer”, “Simple Gifts”, “Lampwork”, “Earrings”, “Natural Elements”, “On a Budget”, “Eclectic Design” and “Birthstones”. You shouldn’t have any problems finding plenty to love about this magazine, and I highly recommend it!

Happy beading!
Sharon