Sometimes when you want to wrap a cabochon, you back it with a product called Lacy's Stiff Stuff, which I sell at Bead Gallery.  It comes in sheets that are white.  So if you want the backing to better match the beads of your wrapped cab, you might want to dye it.  I use Rit Dye, since it's easy to get.  I got mine at the local grocery store.  

To start the process, heat up about a cup of water in the microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes.  You want it very hot.

  Put the Lacy's Stiff Stuff in the bottom of bowl and pour the hot water over it.  

 Add about 1 teaspoon of dye to your hot water.   Stir it up so the dye is even throughout the water.

  Stir the dye and the Stiff Stuff for a few minutes.  It says to do this for 30 minutes on the package - I only did it for about 3-5 minutes.  

When your piece it as dark as you would like, rinse it with cold water until the water runs clear.

 Lay it on a bed of paper towels and then using more paper towels on top, squeeze out as much water as you can.  

Let the Stiff Stuff air dry and you are ready to start working on your piece.  I found that if you squeeze out the water enough, it only takes about 20 minutes to air dry.

Enjoy!

Here's a new spiral I developed this week.  The goal was to create a rope using bugle beads, so I tried a bunch of variations and came up with this version. 

The pieces in the picture are color picks from class - we've been referring to it as a DNA Spiral, but I'm looking for suggestions on a sexier name.  The rope is light and airy and works up quickly.  Send me your suggestions by emailing me at help@beadgalleryinc.com or comment on the Bead Gallery Inc. Facebook page.

Beaded Allure by Kelly Wiese

I just received a few copies of this new beadweaving book, written by Kelly Wiese.  The designs are romantic and pretty, a bit of a Victorian-style flair.  The patterns look easy to read and easy to follow - not too difficult if you have a bit of experience.  If you want one, just let me know! 

Wrapping a Donut

Here's a fun way to do something different with one of those stone donuts.  In Teacher's Choice class this week, we used seed beads to create a frame for our donuts.  Below is an example of Joan's project.  She picked out colors that really highlighted the colors in her unusual stone. 

Bead Gallery now has signage!  If you're looking for the store, just look for the sign and you'll know you've arrived!  I can't wait to see you!

You won't want to miss this Trunk Show - going on now until the end of November.  There are strands and strands of beautiful semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and stone pendants.  And the prices are good enough that you can make something for yourself AND the people on your holiday gift list! 

This morning, I made a couple fun projects.  These are new things, so if you are interested in learning these techniques, just call, email or text me! 

The first is a peace sign pendant - it didn't take too long to make, but there are a few tricky areas.  This is something that I've been thinking about for a year and finally just sat down and tried.  My pendant has some errors in it, but I let it go until I make another.  I always say you have to make a few mistakes to learn.   But put this on a leather cord and you'll look right in fashion!

The second is a new way to wrap a rivoli.   Again, something I've been tumbling around my head and finally just went for it.  It took about 20 minutes to make, so while I was working on the Peace Sign, I stopped and put this one together.  Yes, I like shiny objects...

This weekend I painted the outside of the store.  The top part is painted an offwhite, ready and waiting for a new sign that I will hang there this week. 

The rest of the paint is an eggplant color that I must admit, I LOVE!  Who knew that even I could get into purple.  Purple has found its place in my life.  And I just love the way the green of the inside of the store looks against the purple exterior. 

I'm hoping that you'll like it too.  Plus now, if you're new to the store, you'll know what to look for. 

Ok, I think it's cool.  Here's the deal...I know I have limited hours.  My hours are mother's hours because above all, I have to take care of my daugther.  However, I'm usually in town, within 5 minutes from the store.  I don't get out much!  Anyways, I'm offering a high-tech solution for all my beading customers.  You can now text me at 781-606-0040 anytime.  I will respond to texts within a day, usually right away. That way, even though I'm not at the store, you can still get in touch with me easily to make an appointment.  If possible, I can even pop down to the store and meet you.  Just make sure that you include your name in the text.  I like to know who's writing! 

If you don't use texting, never fear.  You can email me at help@beadgalleryinc.com or call 781-606-0040 and leave a message.  I'll respond to those requests as well!

Good news!  I finally did it - I finished up with the painting in the front of the store.  And why is this good?  Because it also means that I loaded up more boxes.  I added the copper, gold and silver plated findings to the front section. 

I also started adding beads and stones to the rotating case.  Ned was able to grease up the wheels and stabilize the way it rotates.  So far it's running much more smoothly than before. 

I also was able to unpack about 2oo more boxes of beads and findings today, so I'm almost fully unpacked. 

Lastly, I just got a shipment of size 8/0 beads.  There are a bunch of new colors so the 8's section is looking much better.  Things are shaping up!  Come visit and see for yourself!

The latest issue of Bead and Button is in house.  If you want a copy, come on in!  First come, first serve!

Hello Beaders!  Just wanted to let you know that the store in Melrose is now open.  I'm open Mother's Hours - from 9AM - 2PM Monday to Friday.  The rest of the time is by appointment only.  If you want to get a hold of me, you can do so a few ways: 

1) Email me at help@beadgalleryinc.com

2) Text me at 781-606-0040

3) Call me during store hours at 781-665-0400

You may make an appointment anytime - I'll have my digital device with me most of the time.  That way if you want to text me to let me know you're in town, I'm usually only about 5 minutes away taking care of family things or running errands. 

This is all new, so I say, let's try it and see if it works!

Genevieve