Jean Power Bead Workshop

I have been looking forward to this day for months and it didn't disappoint!

The Glen Gallery https://www.sites.google.com/site/glengallerycrafts/home is a fantastic craft shop 'stuffed' with all sorts of crafty goodies - I highly recommend a visit.  The lovely owners organise regular workshops for different crafts including beading and knitting.  Check their website for a list of the workshops - new ones are added occasionally so it is a good idea to ring to check what others are planned.

This weekend, Jean Power, http://www.jeanpower.com/ a very talented and lovely bead designer from London came for a two day workshop. I know her name and her creations from several beady magazines and as soon as I heard she was coming to Northern Ireland I signed up for the Saturday class.

I was sorry I couldn't attend yesterday but I saw some of Jean's sample pieces -

her geometric stars - and some of the completed stars made by the students - fab.

 Today's theme was Spiral Rope and some of its variations - I made the most  of the opportunity and made 4 different sample pieces.

A workshop is also a lovely opportunity to meet other beaders, see what projects they make, where they get their inspiration and beads from, what other crafts they enjoy.  I spend as much time talking as beading !

I also spent a lot of time browsing in the craft shop - it is a real Aladdin's cave, full of beautiful yarn, beads, fabrics, books, accessories and finished items.

My friend Crafty Claire hard at work !

Jean brought so many of her pieces, some you may recognise from the beady magazines -

Fantastic day!

Donaghadee and Holywood Arches Library - May 2012

I am exhibiting my bead work in both Donaghadee and Holywood Arches Library during May.

Mum came with me when I was leaving my pieces in Donaghadee and we had lunch in the Cafe Manor Restaurant - a lovely spot for breakfast/lunch/afternoon tea. 

Dundonald Library

In April I am exhibiting my bead weaving jewellery in the Dundonald Library.

The glass case was a different style and it was interesting arranging the pieces on two broad shelves, I think I maybe need to make a few more for the bottom shelf.

I also included some earrings in my display this time, and invested in display sets for my flyers and business cards - looks very professional - what do you think?

Bead Road Trip !

Beading is growing and growing in popularity and bead shops are springing up all around Northern Ireland.
My chum Lynne, who makes lovely beaded jewellery, and I planned a road trip to visit 3 bead shops and also stop for a little light lunch, of course !

Keeping in mind my New Year's Resolution not to buy beads, I didn't ! but I did make a few other purchases - display stands, skull charms, beautiful buttons and some earring wires and toggles - it's good to support local businesses - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it !!

First stop was Beads 4 Craft in Warrenpoint - a real assortment of beads, ribbons, packaging

organza bags,

display stands and finished pieces of jewellery - lots of inspiration here.

Check out their website for more details including their weekly special offer  http://www.beads4crafts.co.uk/default.asp

From Warrenpoint we headed over to The Bead Shop, Bessbrook - (using the GPS on my smartphone - very clever).
A fab spacious shop with lovely beads

buttons

bags and more.

There is also a great space for workshops.
http://www.facebook.com/bessbrook

Next on our itinerary was lunch, in the Downshire Arms Hotel in Banbridge- http://www.downshirearmshotel.com/ - a busy spot and a delish lunch.  Will definitely visit there again.

Last stop was The Bead Strand, Banbridge - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bead-Strand/110813365646002

The Bead Strand also make beautiful wedding bouquets - very unusual.

A fab day out - can't wait to do it again !

Tullycarnet Library

It's 'Creativity in NI Libraries' in March and my beaded pieces are on display in Tullycarnet Library.

On Thursday 22 March, Tullycarnet is hosting 'You Heard It Here First' -
An hour of original poetry and short stories written and read by Tullycarnet Creative Writing Group with a variety of musical interludes - 6.30 to 7.
30pm - admission free - maybe I'll see you there?

The Beadworkers Guild

I'm a member of The Beadworkers Guild - http://www.beadworkersguild.org.uk/ and they had a stand at the Glasgow craft exhibition.

Some fab bead work on display -

just part of their exhibition

a Dr Who set - all beaded!

These are two wallhangings made up of beaded squares, each square was made by a Guildmember, I bought two raffle tickets to win one of them, fingers crossed, as they are beautiful and I really want one !

There are some very talented and creative people out there!

An Exhibition of my Bead Jewellery

Very exciting! 

I visit my local library occassionally - not as often as I used to because I haven't figured out how to bead and read at the same time!

There is a display case in the library which can be booked for a month to display crafts, photographs, pieces of local history etc.

I asked if I could display my beadweaving jewellery and on Tuesday night I set it out.

Photos aren't great but they give an idea of the set up.

I was able to leave business cards and I printed up flyers about Folksy including my shop address, so fingers crossed it might lead to a few sales!

I am really pleased to have this opportunity.

Bead Retreat - Northern Ireland - 30 Sept and 1 Oct 2011

Wow - what a lovely weekend.

I'm just home from a fab beady weekend at Magpie Crafts http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Magpie-Crafts-Coleraine-P11317

Marion was a great host and Pamela a lovely teacher.  My friend Claire and I stayed in one of the holiday cottages beside Magpie Crafts, we went up on the Thursday night so we would be there - fresh and ready to bead on Friday morning.

Pamela had designed a beautiful necklace

for the more experienced beaders to make - I should have picked a nicer background for the photograph! We were supplied with the full kit

and immediately set to work.

The company was great, tasty lunches and endless amount of cake and tray bakes were on hand.

This is the centre ring for my necklace, I made good progress over the two days and plan to finish my necklace at home.  Pamela had other colours for inspiration - difficult to pick a favourite.

Pamela has designed and created so many beautiful pieces, she is a really talented beader and teacher.

The beading beginners made up to 6 different projects - a great opportunity to learn a new skill. 

The accommodation was very right beside the workshop venue and we had these gorgeous donkeys for company too!

I promised to bring them carrots next time!

We went out for dinner on the Friday night to the Harbour Bistro in Portrush http://www.ramorerestaurant.com/harbour-bistro.htm - delish!

Claire and I had tea at the Millside Restaurant, Cloughmills http://www.millsiderestaurant.com/ on the way home on Sat - a hidden gem and I'll definitely be back.

Many thanks to Marion and Pamela - I loved the Bead Retreat and can't wait to go to the next one.

Bead Retreat - Northern Ireland

Some info about a Bead Weaving Retreat taking place near Coleraine on Friday 30 Sept and Sat 1 October.  Sounds like a fab weekend.

Magpie Crafts

Beadwork Retreat

Friday 30^th September and 1^st October 2011

The retreat is for all levels of bead workers, we have something for everyone.

Beginners and Improvers: We will cover four different techniques which will enable you to make a number of jewellery/decorative items to take home. Tutor: Marion Coupe

Intermediate: Building upon your knowledge, there will be a lovely piece of jewellery for you to work on, with expert guidance from Tutor: Jean Kerr.

Experienced: Pamela Campbell has designed a piece especially for the retreat, you will be the first to make this fabulous item.

The Beadwholesaler has kindly offered to sponsor one of the Beginners sessions, they will also have their range of Miyuki beads and other bead work related items for sale throughout the 2 days

The cost of the retreat is £60.00 for the 2 days.  This includes all materials, tuition over 4 sessions and written instructions, light lunch each day and all other refreshments throughout the day.

The retreat will be held here in Macosquin, for those wishing to stay over night, accommodation is available at Kings Country Cottages at an extra cost.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Marion Coupe on 028070321131 or mobile:07802248679

*Light lunch will be a selection of homemade vegetarian soups, crusty roll and homemade cakes.