A Bead or Two

Create an Heirloom Ornament

2009-11-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Nov. 21 - 9 am to 1 pm, Karen Rossman is teaching her popular Beaded Ornament Cover class again this year. The ornament covers utilize the bead weaving technique of Netting. Netting is a great introductory stitch that is so easy to learn. You will want to go home and make a entire tree of beaded ornament covers. Your tree will get raves from everyone.

Native American Syle Choker

2009-11-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 9 am - 1 pm, Marshall Perkins will give a class to make traditional hair pipe chokers. Marshall has been doing traditional Native American beading for over twenty years. He started when he was in Boy Scouts, continued on while his 2 boys were in Scouts and now they are grown and he works with a new generation of youngsters.

His beaded regalia is well known at Pow Wows in the northern part of the state. Marshall has give workshops on various native beading styles all over New Mexico.

Call 575-388-8973 to sign up for this special class to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18th 9 am - 1 pm

Micro Macrame by Shannon Curry

2009-11-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Shannon Curry, the instructor artist who is teaching the Micro Macrame Class this Saturday made these delightful little bracelets.

You will be able to make a similar bracelet on Sat. 11/14. There is still space left. Call 575-388-8973. Part 1 Class fee is $30.

Part 2 Micro Macrame is Sat. Dec. 12. Students will learn more advanced knots and you will complete a set of chandelier earrings. Part 2 class is only $20.

What's Up at the Bead Store

2009-11-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's that time of year again. The holidays are sneaking up and if you are like me, you are wondering where the year went and how are you ever going to get ready for all the happenings coming up. And, no denying it, we all seem to have a little less in our pocketbook this year than last.

Making a visit to A Bead or Two should be on your To-Do list this month. We are having a 20% off sale on all jewelry in the store. There are beautiful necklace and earring sets made by Karen Rossman, owner of the shop, and other local bead artists, as well. Karen also is a wonderful gourd artist and you can see some of her work in the previous blog posting. There are both large and small gourd vessles available for sale.

One of the best gifts you can give is something that you made. Make a beautiful Beaded Ornament Cover. You may want to keep it for yourself. You will learn an easy bead weaving technique of netting (experienced with seed bead experience suggested). Once you make one in class you will want to go home and make a whole treeful.

Preparing the Gourds

2009-11-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how you get from a mottled dirty looking vegetable thingy to a beautiful art piece? Well, it requires a lot of elbow grease, some very cool power tools, and a bit of patience.

According to Wikipedia, "Most commonly, gourds are native to Africa, and at a very early date spread throughout the world by human migrations. This species may be the oldest plant domesticated by humans."

"Drying gourds, which takes months in some cases, causes the internal contents (seeds and fruit matter) to dry out completely, although seeds are often still capable of germination. For the uninitiated, cutting open a dried gourd (with a craft knife or miniature jig-saw) can present hazards; the resulting dust is extremely fine and can cause respiratory problems, and requires adequate protection. A bitter taste or smell is typically evident when opening a gourd that is not completely dry inside." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gourd)

This is what the gourd looks like inside. The dry white membrane and seeds need to be scraped and then the inside is sanded smooth before the artistic finishes are added.When you take the Introduction to Gourd Vessels, all of this work has already been done for you. All you need to bring to the class is your inspiration and creativity.

There are limited seats available for this first of many gourd classes. Call 575-388-8973 to reserve your space.

Gourd Art Takes the Spotlight at A Bead or Two

2009-10-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Karen has been creating art from gourds for over 10 years. You can see some of her beautiful creations at the Bead or Two. On Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 am to 1 pm, Karen will be offering an Introduction to Gourd Vessels.

Students will learn to cut, shape and finish gourd vessels. You will also learn to create beautiful surface effects using paints, dyes and textural media. $35 class fee includes a clean, craft ready gourd.

"I am excited about the interest in the new gourd classes."

Call 575-3888973 to sign up.

More than Beads

2009-10-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Of course we have thousands of beads in every color imaginable. And, definitely we have fun charms and lots of findings for every project. But did you know we have lots of classes, too?

On Tuesday, Oct. 27 you can learn to create a Viking Knit Bracelet. Viking Knit is a technique from ancient times that remains classic and beautiful for modern jewelry design. Viking Knit will compliment your favorite beads and stones. You will create a finished bracelet that looks most luxurious.

The class is taught by Pam Bell, a wonderfully creative artist. The class starts at 9 am. $70 class fee includes some materials. Call 575-388-8973 to sign up.

Day of the Dead Mixed Media Shrine Workshop

2009-10-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Right around the corner is Dia de los Muertos, and we have a fun day planned on Saturday, Oct. 24th. We will be making miniature shrines to remember and celebrate the passing of loved ones. Your shrines can be made to symbolize anything, a pet from your childhood, the change of seasons, a dream or mediation. Bring trinkets, charms, and a playful spirit. Other materials and supplies will be provided. $30 ~ 9 am - 1 pm

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a celebration of life. The memories and desires of the dearly departed are remembered on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time of fiestas and much celebration, but it is also a reflective time of great faith in the afterlife. Through out Mexico there are many celebrations in homes and in cemeteries where the dead are remembered with food and prayers. Altars are important elements to the celebrations and on these altars are kept the photographs, holy icons and food the departed loved best in life. Altars dedicated to the memory of children are adorned with toys and sweets. The whole family gathers together at the cemetery or the family altar and remember all those people who they have loved in life but are now gone. El Dia de los Muertos is not meant to be a scary time but the one time in the year when the spirits of departed family return for a visit and share with the living a little bit of life's pleasures.