Skip The Turkey, Let's Get Out The Beads!!!

This Saturday, October 8, I am thrilled to be teaching two classes at beadFX that are among my most popular. So, if you are a fan, you may have already taken them, but if not, why not bring a friend or relative and join me for a day of laughs, learning and sparkle!

First up from 11-1 is CRYSTALLIZED BLING RINGS. In this class geared to any level of expertise (or not!), you will have a fun time creating three rings with The Dixon Chick.  

Incorporating shapes of Crystallized Swarovski Elements you may not have seen or used before, you will learn how to use a mandrel, wrap wire, learn how to properly size rings to create sparkley rings.   

Materials used are: 22 gauge non tarnish silver wire and a whole lot of fabulous SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS!!

You can end your day then, or you can stay for WIRE BEAD CROCHET BASICS. In this course you will learn the basics of wire bead crochet and create a truly unique necklace that will make you the envy of all your friends!

Using 26 gauge wire, a variety of different sized beads ranging from size 6/0 seed beads to 6mm firepolish and a crochet hook, you will transform the wire using the chain stitch into a unique piece of wearable art. The course will focus on creating a necklace.

Here are some samples of my wire bead crochet necklaces. It's so much fun to use coloured wire and to also further embellish the necklaces with pendants.

So call 416-701-1373 to book your spot today!! See you Saturday!!!

Finally! The Big BSBP Reveal!

Finally, after some technical difficulties, I am available to reveal the pieces I made from the gorgeous bead soup I received from partner, Stephanie LaRosa, in the Bead Soup Blog Party organized by the amazing Lori Anderson.

What were the technical difficulties I encountered? Well, they hit me on two fronts.

1. I have a new camera and am still trying to figure out how the heck to use it to take DECENT pictures of my work. The pictures I took, did not meet my exacting standards for lighting, so I went to Photoshop online to lighten/brighten them. Why is it that at this point, Photoshop does not want to upload my pictures? Poop.

2. I do not profess to be a stringer. My peeps know this. My comfort zone is wire and tools. Crimps scare me. Will they hold? Am I using the right crimp for this size of beading wire? Am I using the right weight of beading wire for these beads? How can I feed this beading wire through that crystal twice? Wire guardian? Crimp covers? Crimp beads or tubes? AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!

Not being one to back down from a challenge, I decided that I would string a necklace and a bracelet.



I used the Squama stones, clasp, ceramic and shell beads from the soup I received. I added in an African Turquoise pendant that I have been hoarding and used Crystal Tahitian Look Pearls from the Swarovski Elements as spacers. I also added in two Montana crystal bicones.



For this bracelet, I used the following bead soup ingredients: Carved Nut Beads, handmade ceramic beads from Gaea, cream Czech beads, Squama Stone, ceramic beads, shell beads and those funky angled wood beads. I added in the same Crystal Tahitian Look Pearls and one Mocca Swarovski bicone along with my own clasp. I really like this bracelet, but will have to re-do it because it's a touch too big. I think I'll remove some of the pearls.

As soon as I opened the box of bead soup, I knew immediately that I had to do something special with my little seahorse. For some reason, Zeb comes to mind - so that's his name. I found that for how I work, the connector on the pendant was going the wrong way, so I wired around it and created a centre focal. Zeb needs to feel at home, so I added in some two and three sprig crystal coral from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. To bring all the components I made together, I added in some chain from Garlan Chain and some crystallized yarn in Pacific Opal/Cotton and some Crystal Golden Shadow and Suede. I am very pleased with how this piece turned out and can't wait to wear it!



This gorgeous clasp was a bit of a challenge. I knew that I wanted to create a circular element to offset it, so I did using the carved nut interspersed with crystal on a piece of 22 gauge Vintage Bronze wire from Parawire. The challenge came when I went to put the toggle together and the jump rings I used wouldn't fit through the hole! LOL. So, I grabbed some chain and it worked just fine.



Here is a close up of the centre component with the side components.



Giveaway Bonus: How could I not make some rings with these gorgeous beads? If you leave a comment between now and September 30th at midnight Toronto time, your name will be entered in a draw to win one of these rings. I will draw three names; one for each ring.

 I really enjoyed participating in this Bead Soup Blog Party. It has made me look at the beads I have in a different light - in a stringing light. I have already started gathering little piles to create more items. Thank you to Stephanie and Lori for your support in my participation and to everyone who hops on by.

New Class Schedule

I know you have been chomping at the bit! Here they are - my classes for September and October. All these classes are happening at beadFX. Remember if you can't make these classes, you can always come over to my place for private lessons. A peek at my bead stash is included free of charge!!! You will also be ignored by Kerry, our pureblood Persian cat. How fun is that?

I will not be teaching on Sundays this Fall as my son Declan is playing football and his games are on Sundays. He is playing with the North York Grizzlies. Look at that mohawk! No, I did not know that he and his dad had planned that - but I have to admit, he looks good!

Wednesday, September 16 6:30 - 8:30

The Dixon Chick Bling Ring

I love teaching this class and well I have so much fum making these rings myself! Make one for every finger. In this class, you will learn how to make rings using a mandrel, learn how to make professional wire wraps and the importance of excellent tools. See my blog on Xuron Tools. We'll be using a HUGE assortment of glass beads - every colour under the sun! We'll also use semi-precious gems and stones. And for the piece de resistance some Crystallized Swarovski Elements. You will definitely need a fancy place to go after class wearing these rings!!! Christmas is just around the corner - why not bring a list of the ring sizes of people on your gift list!

Saturday, September 26

a double dose of The Dixon Chick!

A full day of fun, if you want! Sign up for both classes and you will receive a special gift from me!

10:30-1:30 Multistrand Crochet Necklace

This is open to all levels - no crochet experience necessary - I will teach you all you need to know. Many colourways to choose from. We'll be working with a wide variety of beads - from seed beads up to 10 mm or larger - loads of beads in these puppies!

2:30 -5:30: The Crochet Cuff

For this one, it definitely cuts down on the frustration factor if you can crochet a swatch in the single crochet stitch - but I have had students who have never crocheted who have completed it! For this class, if you e-mail me that you have signed up, I will create a bead soup of your favourite colours just for you!

Wednesday, October 14 6:30-9:30

Wire Bead Crochet Basics

The original Dixon Chicks class -this is the necklace that started the craze!

Wednesday, October 28 6:30-9:30

Turquoise Lustre Blooms Necklace

These is THE pattern for fashion forward gals! There are two other colourways available:

Morning Glory: rich, sunburst, happy colours of yellow, orange and red

Midnight Garden: mysterious and sexy midnight black, deep purples and blues with a touch here and there of aurora borealis finish

Rings on her Fingers

So you want to make a ring?

Feel the need to ramp up your bling factor?

Have I got a class for you!

On Saturday, May 9, I taught the inaugural Bling Rings class at bead FX. Six wonderful ladies braved the hail storms to join me in a very organic class. Congratulations to all who attended for the rings you made were INCREDIBLE. I had no idea what to expect as I know I like to go a little crazy with the ring wire work - but these ladies - nay - artistes - took it to a whole other level!
It's a two hour class - and I figured that MAYBE....time permitting - they could make 3 rings. Well, well, well! At last count there were 23 rings done by 6 women. YOWZA!

The class started with creating a sample ring with no beads to determine appropriate size and to understand the shape of the ring and the wire wrapping.

The first ring was done with glass beads - all sorts of czech firepolish, tiny flats - well too many choices to write down. The second ring incorporated semi-precious beads. And the third ring - well that was made with Swarovski's!!

Congrats to all the ladies (Deborah, Ana, Beth, Heidi, Helen and Cathy) for their great work. A special shout out to Beth and Cathy - who claim to be very symmetrical in their designs - who really stretched outside their creative box. I knew you could do it!

Next Bling Ring Extravaganza:
Sun. May 31, 11:30-1:30: Bling Rings at Bead Junction
followed by
Sun. June 14, 11-1: Bling Rings at beadFX

update: Here is some positive feedback I received from Ana:

Hi Stephanie,

THANKS for a great class! I love the rings I made and so do my teenage girls (which as you can imagine are sooo hard to please). My 16 year old has actually "borrowed" two of my rings and got huge compliments from her friends.

Your class was a lot of fun and you have a great sense of humour. I look forward to taking another class of yours sometime soon.

- Ana