Briolette Beads & More

Holiday Hours

2011-12-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Here are the changes to our store hours for the season:

Saturday, Dec. 24: 11-3

Sunday, Dec. 25: CLOSED

Monday, Dec. 26: CLOSED

Saturday, Jan. 31: 11-4

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012: CLOSED

If you need any last-minute gifts or help with your gifts in progress, we're here to assist you.

Thank you so much for a fantastic year!

Thanksgiving Holiday store hours and SALES this weekend

2011-11-23T12:59:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

We are open Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 12-4

Closed Thursday, Nov. 24

Friday, Nov. 25: Open 9 am-8 pm

Sale schedule for Friday:

9 am-10 am: 30 % off regular merchandise*

10 am-11 am: 25% off regular merchandise*

11 am-12 pm: 20% off regular merchandise*

12 pm-8 pm: 15% off regular merchandise*

*Discounts cannot be combined with any other discounts, and do not apply to Trunk Show, class registrations, closeout items, or gift certificates.

Saturday, Nov. 26 ONLY:

Come shop the Holiday Gift Fair! Some spectacular local talent have prepared goodies to stuff stockings and gift to everyone on your list! Buy handmade for the holidays, directly from the artists themselves.

We will also be having our "Wheel of Fortune" back- spin the wheel and receive up to 30% off on your Briolette purchase or a free Mystery Box.

Make a purchase from any of our visiting artists and receive an ADDITIONAL 10% off your purchase!

Purple, Heart and Poppy- Free class for Tues. 8 or Thurs. Nov. 10

2011-11-05T17:20:00.000-05:00

Purple, Heart, & Poppy

Veterans Day- Friday Nov. 11, 2011

design by Kate Kane & Kate Crofford

To acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of our military veterans, we created this necklace with a permanent poppy and a textured heart charm with a centered purple-banded bead.

Veteran's Day is Friday, Nov. 11 and was started after World War I to honor living veterans for their service. A donation to VFW.org has already been made to accompany this kit, but if you would like to make your own contribution, please visit www.vfw.org, the Military Family and Veterans Service Organization of America at http://www.mvpsoa.org/ , or your preferred veterans organization.

Materials kit: $10, $7 with proof of donation.

Barberry necklace & earrings, free class for Tues. 10/25 or Thurs 10/27

2011-10-22T17:27:00.000-05:00

Barberry, (AKA Holy Thorn) is a thorny ornamental shrub, whose berries are edible and rich in vitamin C. They typically bear fruit in Autumn, so this is a timely project!

The drops of small coral beads from antiqued brass chain are reminiscent of this shrub.

Materials Kits:

Necklace: $15.00

Earrings: $10.00

Both : $23.00

Wayfarer's Talisman, Free Class for Tues. Oct. 11 or Thurs. Oct. 13

2011-10-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

Wayfarer's Talisman

Featuring our new key charms, fluorite & crystal. Mix your metals and combine with chain for a charming necklace!

Materials kit: $18.00

Visiting Artist Jean Campbell!!!

2011-09-27T13:18:00.001-05:00

December 2, 3, 4, & 5 : JEAN CAMPBELL!!!

Jean Campbell will be visiting Briolette Beads and our sister store Caravan Beads the weekend of October 7, 8, 9, & 10th. Help us welcome her! She will be sharing a set of steampunk designs and some beadwoven designs with us in her exquisite and inexpensive classes. Register online here.

Jean is a designer and author who’s got a thing for shiny bright objects. She’s the senior editor of Beadwork magazine, has written and edited dozens of books on beading, and has penned articles for Beadwork, Stringing , Simply Beads, and Step-by-Step Beads. Jean is a Create Your Style Crystallized Elements Ambassador for Swarovski and writes a popular weekly blog on Beading Daily. She has appeared on the DIY Jewelry Making show, The Shay Pendray Show, and PBS’ Beads, Baubles, and Jewels , where she gives how-to instructions, provides inspiration, and lends crafting advice.
Jean’s work has appeared in numerous beadwork exhibitions, including Beadwork I: Up Close ; Beadwork II: The Embellished Shoe; Beadwork III: The Beaded Cloth; Beadwork IV: The Beaded Figure, and Miyuki Delica: Myths and Folktales. Jean teaches beading workshops throughout the United States. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her family and a whole lot of beads.

Jean's Classes:
MYSTERIUM BRACELET CLASS
BRIOLETTE BEADS AND MORE IN FOREST PARK, IL. 7322 West Madison St. FOREST PARK, IL
Mysterium Bracelet.

Whimsical Steampunk Bracelet
Explore the wonderfully whimsical world of Steampunk as you wire wrap, chainmail, weave, and tinker your way to making this funky bracelet.
Friday, December 2, 1-4pm.
Level: All levels
$50. Materials not included

UNCLE JULIE'S CUFF BRACELET CLASS BRIOLETTE BEADS AND MORE IN FOREST PARK, IL. 7322 West Madison St. FOREST PARK, IL

This Steampunk-inspired cuff is chock full of attitude! In this fun class, learn how to set snaps and eyelets, do some found-object collage, work with resin, and get a quick lesson on stitching a beaded edging. Each student's cuff will end up looking slightly different and completely original.
Friday, December 2, 6-9pm
Level: All levels

$50. Materials not included

QUINCY STREET NECKLACE CLASS BRIOLETTE BEADS AND MORE IN FOREST PARK, IL.  7322 West Madison St. FOREST PARK, IL

Marrying peyote stitch and wirework!
A BRAND NEW class from Jean Campbell. She'll only be teaching it one other place before we get it. Quincy Street, the first in Jean's in-progress series of designs based on the ironworked gates at Harvard University, is a blend of peyote stitch, wirework, and lacing techniques. Making the focal piece is where your creativity will blossom--Jean will show you how to shape a wire armature to your liking, then teach you how to fill the armature with beads. This necklace is a knockout when worn!
Saturday, December 3, 2011. 10am-5pm with lunch break.
Level: All levels
$90. Materials not included

PEYOTE BUTTONS NECKLACE CLASS THIS CLASS IS BEING HELD AT OUR CHICAGO STORE.
Caravan Beads,
3339 N Lincoln Avenue (773) 248-9555

Colorful, peyote-stitched button necklace
This workshop introduces a basic sculptural peyote-stitched button shape, then students will experiment with seed bead size, color, pattern, and embellishment to achieve different effects. Beaders will learn how to connect the shapes to make larger organic shapes as shown in the necklace here. STUDENTS NEED TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH PEYOTE STITCH BEFORE TAKING THIS CLASS.
Sunday, December 4, 2011. 10am-5pm with lunch break.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
$90. Materials not included

SAKURA BRACELET CLASS THIS CLASS IS BEING HELD AT OUR CHICAGO STORE,
Caravan Beads,
3339 N Lincoln Avenue (773) 248-9555

Colorful braided bracelet with large crystal Right-angle weave, herringbone stitch, and peyote stitch are all called upon to form this wildly textured bracelet that features a large sparkling crystal stone. The braid-like band is done with a very stealthy process, and the leaves add whimsy and color. STUDENTS NEED TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH PEYOTE STITCH, RIGHT ANGLE WEAVE (RAW) AND HERRINGBONE (NDEBELE) BEFORE TAKING THIS CLASS.
Monday, December 5, 2011. 10am-5pm with lunch break.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Class Duration: 6 hours $90. Materials not included.

News for this week! And the new free class...

2011-09-20T13:32:00.001-05:00

Falling Pearls Earrings

Tues. Sept. 20 or Thurs. Sept. .22, 7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $13.00

This week is chock full of fun- Our new Groupon drops on Friday the 23rd! Check your email inbox for the deal, and if you haven't yet signed up to receive the daily deal, click the link above for more information about Groupon and to register with them!

Also coming this weekend-
Amy Katz!

Amy will be teaching these 4 amazing beadweaving classes, and there are still spots available (for now...).
Please click the Visiting Teachers link at the top of the page to view decriptions and to register!

The next 2 weeks' free classes!

2011-09-02T20:02:00.000-05:00

Tues. Sept. 6 or Thurs. Sept. 8, 7-8 pm

September Sapphire

by Kate Kane

Materials Kit: $7.00

Learn Right Angle Weave!

Tues. Sept. 13 or Thurs. Sept. 15, 7-8 pm

Fortunate Talismans

by Kate Crofford

Materials Kit for set: $15.00

Please call (708) 366-8318 to reserve your spot in class and your kit! Supplies are limited.

Trunk Show with Kat Wisniewski this weekend!

2011-08-31T13:37:00.000-05:00

Meet and Greet and trunk show with Kat Wisniewski

www.elementalartjewelry.com

Saturday, Sept. 3, 2-4 pm

The incomparable Kat has made a name for herself as a designer of jewelry and wearable art, a fabulous teacher, and a designer of chainmaille weaves. Briolette is proud to host a celebration of her first magazine publication, the Celtic Diamond Pendant in the Fall 2011 issue of Wirework magazine!

A lot of you know Kat, she has taught so many beautiful chainmaille weaves here, including many she's created, for several years. Come say hi, and purchase your very own kit for the Celtic Diamond project directly from Kat herself!

Karma Carnelian Necklace & Earrings set- Tues. Aug. 30 or Thurs, Sept. 1

2011-08-30T14:32:00.000-05:00

Karma Carnelian by Bianca Walters

This set will introduce you to coiled wire loops, wire guardians, and incorporating chain to a strung necklace and earrings. Luscious carnelian ovals, dyed Howlite, and copper chain.

Materials Kit $20.00 for set

Free Class for Tues, Aug, 23 or Thurs. Aug. 25

2011-08-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

Arctic Twilight Necklace

Iridescent labradorite stones and translucent Czech glass get put with copper chain in this piece that reminds us of the Aurora Borealis.

Tues. Aug. 23 or Thurs. Aug. 25, 7-8 pm

Materials kit: $20.00

Please call to RSVP (708) 366-8318

New addition to next week's classes, and a new free class for you!

2011-08-13T16:13:00.001-05:00

Free Class for Tuesday August 16 or Thursday August 18

Summer's not over yet! by Kate Kane

This colorful necklace centers on a faux Peridot stone, August's birthstone.

Materials kit: $16.00

7-8 pm

Introducing a new teacher to our roster:

Carida "Cadi" Diaz!

She's teaching an exquisite beginning bead embroidery class this coming Thursday night, August 18. here's a photo:

Beginning Bead Embroidery

Thursday, August 13, 6-9 pm

This great starter class will explore the basics of bead embroidery! Students can choose to make either a pair of earrings or a brooch, and may not finish their projects in class, but will learn several stitches and will be able to complete their projects at home.
Instructor: Cadi Diaz (also available for private lessons)
3 hours, $40.00, Materials not included

Hydrogen Earrings, free class for Tues. Aug. 9 or Thurs. Aug. 11

2011-08-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

Hydrogen Earrings

by Kate Kane

These swingy, simple earrings showcase some gorgeous green beads (cracked agate & Burmese Jade).

Made of surgical grade stainless steel wire, so even the most sensitive ears won't be offended.

Materials Kit: $6.00

Tues. Aug. 9 or Thurs. Aug 11

7-8 pm

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP

Free class for this week

2011-08-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

Turquoise Dream

by Karen Bailey

Tiny turquoise nuggets, Swarovski crystals, and Czech glass pearls make a sophisticated set for all seasons!

The necklace is finished with chain, and you'll learn to make wire hoops for your earrings and pendant.

Materials kit: $20.00 for the set

Tuesday, Aug. 2 or Thurs. Aug. 4, 7-8 pm

Merry go Round earrings, For Tues. July 26 or Thursday, July 28

2011-07-26T16:31:00.000-05:00

Merry Go Round Earrings

A riot of resin flowers hang from long kidney earwires. Summer isn't gone yet!

Tues. July 26 or Thursday, July 28

7-8 pm

Materials kit: $8.00

Dryad Earrings, free lesson for Tues. July 12 or Thursday, July 14

2011-07-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

Dryads originate in Greek mythology, the shy nymphs of trees who live in and protect the forest. These pretty and simple earrings in subdued summer colors are reminiscent of the shady depths of the forest. Crystals add a bit of sparkle to the opalescent Czech glass drops & flowers.

Tuesday, July 12 or Thursday, July 14

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $7.00

Southwest Strawberry- New free class for Tues. July 5 or Thurs. July 7

2011-07-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

design by Karen Bailey

Karen created this pretty summer necklace with a clever technique for making the pendant. Strawberry Quartz, turquoise, howlite, metal beads, and seed beads are the components for this week's necklace.

Tuesday, July 5 or Thurs. July 7

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $16.00

Sssteam Heat! Necklace for Tuesday, June 28 or Thurs. June 30

2011-06-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

Design by Kate Kane

Materials Kit $20

7-8 pm Tues. June 28 or Thurs. June 30

Scorching hot ruby colored crystals dangle delicately from and within folded and formed brass filigree. This steamy design incorporates a number plaquette, bead frame, wire work, and charms. (The number you get is random, and the luck of the draw.)

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP so we know we have enough kits.

Night Skies Woven Bracelet, new free class for Tues. June 21 or Thurs. June 23

2011-06-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

Night Skies Woven Bracelet

by Karen Bailey

Dark robin's-egg blue crackle beads and silver rondelles are woven together on cotton and sealed with a sliding square-knot clasp. Learn two quick and effective macrame techniques to make these simple, popular bracelets.

Tuesday, June 21 or Thursday, June 23

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $8.00

Infinite Cattywampus- new free class for Tues, June 14 or Thurs. June 16

2011-06-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

Double-drilled Lodalite quartz rectangles and Swarovski crystal bicones create a delicately off-kilter pendant or earrings.

Earrings Kit: $11.00

Necklace kit: $11.00

Both for $20.00

Tuesday, Jun. 14 or Thurs. Jun. 16

7-8 pm

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP

Lemon Drop with a Twist- New free class for Tues. Jun. 7 or Thurs. Jun. 9

2011-06-04T18:13:00.000-05:00

Design by Karen Bailey

Gorgeous Swarovski crystal, sparkling Czech glass, and twisted wire cages make these earrings a fun Summer project!

Materials kit: $8.00

7-8 pm

June Moon Swoon, free lesson for Tues. May 31 or Thurs. June 2

2011-05-27T18:51:00.000-05:00

June Moon Swoon

(harpoon, maroon, Walloon, balloon, monsoon, granfalloon, typhoon, buffooon, Saskatoon, etc...)

By Kate Kane

Since June is right around the corner, Kate K. has created this lovely front-closure necklace from the three traditional birthstones for this month- freshwater pearls (of course!), moonstone, and Alexandrite-colored Swarovski crystals. The crystals change color depending on the light from a delicate light purple to the vibrant periwinkle blue (shown in the detail photo)

"By her who in this month was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity."

This is an old poem to describe the believed properties of pearls. The combination of pearl, moonstone, and Alexandrite creates a piece that encourages changeability, dreaminess, and following one's instinct.

Offered Tues. May 31 or Thurs. June 2

7-8 pm

Materials kit: $20.00

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP.

Mainspring Tender's Clutch, Free lesson for Tues. May 24 or Thurs. May 26

2011-05-21T14:05:00.001-05:00

Mainspring Tender's Clutch

This lovely brooch (clutch is another name for pin...) incorporates wirework, chain, and beads into a fun freeform cluster to adorn your lapel, hat, jacket, or what-have-you. The assortment of beads, gears, and charms you receive with your kit will be essentially random so your clutch will be an individual mini work of art.

Tuesday, May 24 or Thursday, May 26

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $12.00
(This brooch could also easily be worn as a pendant...)

2011-05-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

Friday, May 20 marks our 5th anniversary!

We can hardly believe it's been that long. Thank you all for being such an amazing and inspiring bead family! It means a lot to all of us that you choose to shop here, and we'll continue to try our best to entertain and educate you. To celebrate this milestone and to say thank you, we're having our biggest sale EVER staring Friday, May 20 and going through Sunday, May 22:

20% off all merchandise*
50% off select Semi Precious stone beads
50% off the last-of-their-kind Czech Glass strands
FREE mystery box with any $50 purchase
Czech Glass bicones 5 strands for $5
Chinese Crystal rondelles just $5 per strand!
50% off all Ranger Ink products- Paint Dabbers, Distress & Adirondack ink pads, Distress Crackle paint, and Alcohol Inks
Mystery bags of fun things at $5, $10, & $15 just for giggles, and more... but you'll have to come in on the weekend to find out. :)

(*except consignment items, closeout merchandise, and pearl trunk show*)

Cubist Necklace- Free Class for Tuesday, May 17 or Thursday, May 19

2011-05-14T13:33:00.000-05:00

Cubist Necklace by Kate Kane

Delicate green Burmese Jade and neutral sparkly crystals accent cubes of Picasso Jasper (Cubist has a double meaning in this necklace!) The cord at the end is a clever use of cell phone charm lanyards.

Tuesday, May 15 or Thursday, May 19

7-8 pm

Materials kit: $15.00

Dear Groupon Holders:

2011-05-13T19:24:00.001-05:00

The October 2010 Groupon for registration in our Boot Camp Class is due to expire on June 11th. Please be aware that the classes on Saturday, May 14, Sunday, May 15, and Saturday, May 21 are all currently full. We cannot accept registration for those dates, but we do offer the Boot Camp every day but Monday.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 12-3,
Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-8:30,
and Saturday from 11-2.

Please don't wait until the last minute to register for your Boot Camp, especially if you have multiple people you'd like to take class with.

We are going to honor the Boot Camp Groupon until the end of June to try and alleviate the pressure on you to get in here, but if you want to guarantee a spot in a weekend class, you should register soon. To register, please call (708) 366-8318 or email briolettebeads@sbcglobal.net
Thank you!
Kate C.

Cobblestone Bracelet- Free Class for Tues. May 10 or Thurs. May 12

2011-05-07T17:32:00.000-05:00

Cobblestone Bracelet

design by Kate Kane

Discover a new way to string double-drilled beads with these unusual blue chalcedony stones in a harlequin pattern that resembles paving stones. Crystals and seed beads add a little extra sparkle.

Tuesday, May 10 or Thursday, May 12

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $15.00

Free Class for Tuesday, May 3 or Thursday, May 5

2011-04-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

Esmerelda's Tarantella

Design by Kate Kane

This sassy pair of earrings is for the May birthstone. Emerald tones pair beautifully with antiqued brass!

Tuesday, May 3 or Thursday, May 5, 7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $12.00

Porcelain Trunk Show is in the house! And, the new free class...

2011-04-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

Loads of lovely strands of super-affordable porcelain beads have arrived, and from now until Sunday, April 24, their on-target for spring fashion colors can be yours!

And, the free class for next week is using the porcelain beads!

The Seaside Sunset Necklace

This necklace incorporates the small porcelain beads, rosewood, and sandalwood into a fun, beachy necklace that closes in the front.

Tuesday, April 19 or Thursday, April 21

7-8 pm

Materials kit: $15.00

Fun & Games Bracelet- Tues. Apr. 12 or Thurs. Apr. 14

2011-04-09T16:10:00.000-05:00

Fun and Games Bracelet

by Kate Crofford

Spring is here, and I think we all feel like we need a little color! This bracelet showcases some of our new beads and components, using fun Czech glass dice beads and new Game Piece components by Tim Holtz that we've drilled into beads for you. The materials kit for this project is $12.00

Tuesday, April 12 or Thursday, April 14 from 7-8 pm

No experience necessary!

Dazzling "Diamond" for you April babies...

2011-04-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

Starshine Necklace

by Kate Kane

Diamond, the hardest stone, is the birthstone for April. Unparallelled in brilliance, (and also in cost) we have substituted shining clear crystal for this week's project.

Scatter "diamonds" along the chain like stars on a spring night, then close with your own hand-made "S" hook clasp.

April zodiac signs are Aries and Taurus.

For headstrong Aries, make it with gunmetal chain to honor Aries’ ruler Mars, the god of war.

For sensual Taurus, make it with copper chain to evoke Venus, the goddess of love.

It's chain, and it stretches!

2011-03-25T19:53:00.000-05:00

Free Class for Tues. Mar. 29 or Thurs. Mar. 31:

Stretchy Chain Bracelet

By Karen Bailey

This fun and fashionable elastic and chain bracelet is like ones you may have seen in high-end department stores, but Karen will show you the secrets of creating your own! Sparkly crystals and soft glass pearls make a nice and neutral accent to the antiqued brass chain as your base.

Tues, Mar. 29 or Thurs. Mar. 31

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $20.00

Fabulous, flowery ring for Free Class next week!

2011-03-19T15:49:00.000-05:00

"April Showers" Ring

By Bianca Walters & Karen Bailey

A riot of bright acrylic blooms explodes from a silver-plated adjustable ring band. This finger ring is the perfect bright spot, to remind you that spring is really coming. The band is adjustable, comfortable, and will fit everyone. Join us for some clever wire-working!

Tuesday, March 22 or Thurs. March 24

7-8 pm

Materials kit: $10.00

Chain, Chain, Chain...

2011-03-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Chain Of Fools

by Karen Bailey and Bianca Walters

Free class for Tues, Mar. 15 or Thurs. Mar. 17

Sophisticated and funky, this asymmetrical necklace and earrings set combines several styles and colors of chain added to strung beads.

Materials kit: $18.00

New Free Class for Tuesday, Mar. 8 or Thurs. Mar. 10

2011-03-05T17:32:00.000-06:00

Magically Delicious by Kate Kane

Get your Irish on! Just in time to celebrate St. Patrick's day- this sparkly charm bracelet incorporates shamrock charms with emerald green and smoky grey crystals for an elegant holiday bracelet.

Tuesday, Mar. 8 or Thurs. Mar. 10, 7-8 pm

Materials $12.00

New Free Class for Tues. Mar. 1 or Thurs. Mar. 3

2011-02-27T17:15:00.000-06:00

Sand & Sea

Design by Bianca Walters

March birthstone Aquamarine is playing nicely with ochre colored liverstone and soft Burma Jade along with antiqued brass chain and filigree.

Materials Kit $12.00

Tues. Mar. 1 or Thurs. Mar. 3, 7-8 pm

Class Schedule for March & April

2011-02-24T21:19:00.000-06:00

Hello Everybody,
Our new class schedule is now posted on the blog- just click over to the "Classes" page. They will be up on the website soon, but until then you can always call the store to register! (708) 366-8318 There are some new and exciting techniques!
See you soon,
Kate

Free Class for Tues. Feb. 22 or Thurs. Feb. 24

2011-02-19T14:04:00.000-06:00

Kwan Yin's Tear

Kwan Yin, or Guanyin, is venerated by Buddhists as the bodhisatva of compassion. She is usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing flowing white robes, and is said to be the personification of mercy and compassion, as well as being the patron of mothers and sailors.

Tuesday or Thursday, 7-8 pm

Materials kit $12.00

Free Class for Tues, Feb. 15 or Thurs. Feb. 17

2011-02-12T12:05:00.000-06:00

Amethystos

Feb. 15 or Feb. 17, 7-8 pm
Materials Kit $20.00

Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and takes its name from the Greek a- (not) methustos (intoxicated), and the stone was believed to prevent drunkenness in ancient times. So much so that wine goblets were carved from it. The myth about why it's purple, also from the Greek, indicates that the god Dionysus (god of intoxication and wine, incidentally) was chasing a girl named Amethystos. She wished to remain chaste, so prayed to Artemis who answered her prayers by turning her into a large white stone. Dionysus was so humbled by her strong desire to remain pure that he poured wine as an offering over the stone, dyeing it purple. Modern geology suggests that the color is due to the presence of manganese or ferric thyocyanate in quartz, and iron ion irradiation, but the old story is more fun.

How Sentimental! Free class for Tues. Feb. 8 or Thurs. Feb. 10

2011-02-05T17:36:00.000-06:00

Queen Of Hearts Bracelet by Kate Kane

Just in time for V-Day! Fancy glass pearls and Czech glass hearts decorate this festive bracelet.

Tues. Feb. 8 or Thurs. Feb. 10

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $15.00

Extreme weather

2011-02-01T10:23:00.000-06:00

Hello everybody,
Due to the tons of snow we're getting and are supposed to get, we're going to be closing at 3 pm today, (Tuesday, Feb. 1) and will be closed on Wed. Feb. 2. All of the classes for those days are cancelled, and I will keep you posted here for any new developments. Please be safe, and we'll see you again soon!

Free Class for Tues, Feb. 1 or Thurs, Feb. 3

2011-01-29T17:40:00.000-06:00

Jewel of Industry

Create a fun charm bracelet with mixed metal components and gemstone beads!

Materials Kit: $10.00

Tues. Feb. 1 or Thurs. Feb. 3

7-8 pm

Kits are limited, please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP

New free class for Tues. Jan. 25 or Thurs. Jan. 27

2011-01-22T17:25:00.000-06:00

Queen Victoria's Diary

Queen Victoria really, really LOVED jewelry. She practically invented the charm bracelet, and set so many trends during her long reign it would be silly for me to try and recount them here, so I will try to be brief. ;)

Filligree became popular during her reign due to the preciousness of gold and the new industrial capability to mass produce and stamp metal. Pearls are a very Victorian statement, as are lockets. Sentiment was very popular in Queen Victoria's Romantic period.

She also pretty much started the proto-goth culture a hundred years before it got really popular. When her beloved Prince Albert died, she mourned him in traditional fashion, wearing all black for the rest of her days-right down to her jewelry. Whitby jet became very popular as the nation mourned with her and popularized mourning jewelry and the wearing of black.

Kate Kane designed this homage to this undeniably strong, smart, and fashionable figure of history using all of the above elements. Queen Victoria's influence on fashion and culture are still reflected today in Steampunk!

Tues. Jan. 25 or Thurs. Jan. 27, 7-8 pm

Materials kit: $10.00

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP. Kit quantities are limited.

Free Class for Tues. Jan. 18 or Thurs. Jan. 20

2011-01-15T18:08:00.000-06:00

Orbits & Gravity

Faceted Garnet rondelles, glass pearls, miracle beads and bead frames in a wintry orbit. This bracelet is finished with a copper plated sunburst clasp and wire guardians.

7-8 pm

Materials kit: $18.00

Free Class for Tues. Jan. 11 or Thurs. Jan. 13

2011-01-08T17:16:00.000-06:00

Persephone's Pomegranate

Garnet, Pink Chalcedony, Copper, Pink Opal

Ok, Trivia time!

Persephone is the Ancient Greek goddess of the Underworld, daughter of Demeter (goddess of the Earth). Hades, god of the Underworld, kidnapped Persephone from the world above while she was picking flowers. Her grieving mother, who controlled the seasons and the fertility of the earth, searched tirelessly for her daughter but could not find her. Meanwhile, she had forgotten about making the crops grow and most life came to a standstill due to famine. Finally, Helios (the sun) told Demeter where Persephone had been taken.

Demeter went to Zeus and demanded he order Hades to return her daughter. Zeus was under heavy pressure to comply, since the suffering caused by the famine had the rest of the gods in an uproar, too. Zeus told Hades he had to release Persephone, and he sent Hermes to deliver her safely back to the surface world. Before she could be rescued, Hades tricked her into eating some pomegranate seeds in the Underworld, and the Fates had decreed that anyone who ate or drank while in the Underworld was doomed to stay there for all eternity. A compromise was reached, and Persephone was required to spend a third of the year in the Underworld as Hades' wife. While she is on the surface, her mother is happy and plants grow and flourish. The time she spends away Demeter mourns, nothing grows, and the world is cold.

And this is why we have winter, according to Greek myth.

The stone garnet derives its name from pomegranates because of its color and the way the crystals form natively resembles the inside of the fruit.

January's birthstone is garnet, so I wonder if it's all connected. What do you think? :)

Necklace Kit: $18.00, Earrings Kit: $10.00

Both for $25.00

Free Class for Jan. 4 or 6, 2011

2011-01-04T17:25:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Here is the free class project for Tues, Jan. 4 or Thurs. Jan. 6 from 7-8 pm:

The Navigatrix

This fun pendant hangs from a 20" cotton cord, but can be made shorter if you prefer. Layer sprockets, gears, and filigree to create a design resembling a compass rose. Delicately colored blue chalcedony nuggets flank a flashy miracle bead with a reproduction old Chinese coin suspended from it. You will learn to use brads in a necklace, how to use fold-over cord ends, and coiled wire loops.

*Gear color and selection may vary, and is the luck of the draw.*

Materials Kit: $10.00

Please call to RSVP, kits are limited. (708) 366-8318

Happy Holidays!!! and our new class schedule...

2010-12-22T19:05:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!
Thank you all for your wonderful responses to our stop on the Chained Virtual Book Tour! It was such a great day having Rebeca here at the store, and I hope that Santa brings you the book if it's on your wish list but you haven't gotten it yet!

I also wanted to say thank you for another great year! All the support and good wishes we received from you during the summer and our floods means the world, and I'm so grateful for our Briolette bead family. You guys rock, and I hope you have the most peaceful, relaxing holidays!

We will be open in and between and around Christmas and New Year, here are our hours to help navigate:

Friday, Dec. 24: Open 11 am-3 pm

Closed Sat. Dec. 25, Sun. Dec. 26, and Mon. Dec. 27.

Open regular hrs. Tues, Wed., Thurs.

Friday, Dec. 31: Open 11 am-3 pm

Closed Jan. 1, 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have posted our January & February class schedule to the classes page, and you can register as early as you like. We are having a very special guest star on February 25, 26, & 27: Leslee Frumin! Leslee will be teaching several classes over those three days, and we're banging out the details now. I will post the info here as soon as I get the final word, but until then, please check out her website and save the dates! :)

Best holiday wishes from all of us at Briolette!

My Interview with Rebeca Mojica, author of CHAINED

2010-12-18T17:49:00.000-06:00

Today we had the good fortune to host a book signing party for Rebeca Mojica, owner of Chicago's own Blue Buddha Boutique, to celebrate the release of her book, CHAINED, and our blog is happy to have been chosen as a stop on her Virtual Book Tour! The following is a close-as-possible transcription of the little sit-down I had with Rebeca following the party (I took notes longhand, like an old-time cub reporter.) I hope it contains some helpful information for you. I have have linked back to Blue Buddha Boutique's website for any helpful information or photos relevant to the discussion. Please visit the site, as there is a massive amount of reference material there for you, as well as DIY Kits, instructions, and class listings.

Q: What is the strangest object that ever inspired one of your weaves?

Rebeca: Hmmm. I think it's the sidewalk in Puerto Rico that inspired the Hodo Bracelet. It was a tiled pattern of a large octagon surrounded by squares. I look at things all the time and try to see how they could be made into maille.

Q: Writers get writers block, and we all sometimes find ourselves unable to feel like creating. What do you do to refill your creative well when and if you get burned out?

Rebeca: Taking a vacation helps! I don't take time off as often as I probably should, and it takes lots of planning so it's less spontaneous. For more spontaneous things, I like to take classes or look on the internet for creative things that aren't chainmaille related but that spark something in me creatively. Just like they tell writers who are blocked: you have to sit and write, you can't just stare at an empty page. Sometimes you just have to sit and create. I'll sit with a big pile of rings and make something, usually starting with one of my favorite weaves, and see where it goes from there. I really have almost the opposite problem- too many ideas and not enough time to do them!

Q: What one piece of advice would you give to a novice mailler that you wish someone had given you when you started?

Rebeca: I wish someone had told me about good tools. It took me about six months to realize that a round nose plier and a chain nose plier were not the proper tools to make maille, that I needed flat nose pliers. I also wish I had discovered Tool Magic earlier, especially since I started with mostly steel rings and not having coated pliers led to getting the infamous mailler's injury of scuffing your knuckles with your tool after it slips off a ring.

Q: What do you like most about chainmaille?

Rebeca: I feel like I will never be done, that it will be there for the rest of my life. It's what I love to do, and the possibilities are infinite. I love that I can keep uncovering and discovering. I mean, it's just a circle, but there's so much you can do with it! (She laughs evilly)

Q: What do you least like about mailling?

Rebeca: It's a meticulous craft, and I am a perfectionist. There is a constant struggle with the base product of chainmaille, jump rings. We spend hours and hours at Blue Buddha measuring jump rings to make sure they're right. The wire used to make the rings comes in a coil or spool. The wire on the inside of that coil has a harder temper than the wire on the outside of the coil does, and when it's formed on a mandrel into a coil to be cut into rings, the rings made from wire from the inside of the spool will have a different springback from rings made from wire on the outside of the spool. It's a subtle difference, but enough to throw off temperamental weaves, like Captive Zen. If the temper is off, even within given tolerances, it's enough to nudge a weave too tight or too loose. I want the rings to be perfect, but there's a chaos effect from the start, and it's frustrating.

From our blog, Sophisticated Maille asked:
"Hi Rebeca- there are so many inconsistencies in wire gauge, mandrel sizes, dead soft vs. half hard (not to mention springback). All of this is very confusing especially for the new maillers. Has the chainmaille supply network thought about standardizing the materials for the art?"

Rebeca: Occasionally you will find discussions about this on mailleartisans.org ... Unfortunately, I don't know if there's good news here. The US would have to go metric, and would have to abandon SWG and use AWG. (note: most industrial wire is SWG) This would require so many wire suppliers to change, and suppliers have egos. It's really really difficult to get everyone on the same page. It's not just chainmaille ring suppliers, but wire producers, manufacturers... There's no good solution.

Q: Rebeca, could you walk us through the process Blue Buddha takes to get wire into rings and rings into bags and bags out to customers?

Rebeca: We currently carry nine metals, with sixty sizes in each metal. We start with wire, which gets drop-shipped from the supplier to our ring makers. The ring makers have base samples of the ring sizes we need, so they will make one coil from one spool and measure it to make sure it's within tolerances. (That way we don't coil up a hundred pounds of wire only to discover we can't use it.) The ring makers will coil and cut the rings, and clean them.
From there, in the case of anodized aluminum, the rings are drop-shipped to our anodizer. This is one process we really can't perform in-house because it utilizes a lot of icky chemicals. After they've been colored, they are sent to Blue Buddha, where the rings are sorted, by hand, to remove any broken, off-color, or different sized rings. Then they get packaged for sale. For bronze, steel, and brass rings, we don't yet provide the wire for our ring makers, so they get it for themselves, and the finished rings tend to be a little wonky size-wise. We will measure those ones when they come back. We can't measure every ring, we'd still be filling orders from 2008, but they do get spot-checked.

Huge thanks to Rebeca and Jen for coming to Briolette and sharing CHAINED and the gorgeous kits for the projects in it. It was great having you here today, and we all wish you much continued success!

Read more about CHAINED and the available kits here:

Thank you for reading!
Kate

News, Coming Soon, and Holiday Projects...

2010-12-09T14:26:00.001-06:00

Hello everybody!

There's a lot to talk about! First things first...

Saturday, December 18, 12-3 pm:

CHAINED Book Release Party and Trunk Show!

Rebeca Mojica (www.bluebuddhaboutique.com) will be here with her beautiful new book Chained to sign!

Whether you're a novice or veteran chainmailler, this book is a fantastic resource from beginning to end.

Rebeca will also have project kits and finished jewelry available for purchase, and there will be space set up for you to begin your projects right away!

Food, Fun, Chainmaille! How could you go wrong?

Please give us a call at: (708) 366-8318 to RSVP so we have an idea of how many copies of the book and how much food to get!!!

Our blog was also chosen to participate in the CHAINED Virtual Book Tour!

We will end the virtual tour with a special interview with Rebeca, exploring inspiration, creativity, and what helps her persevere.

If you have questions you would like to submit for the interview, please leave them after this post in the comments box BEFORE the 15th. I will do my best to get your questions answered in the time I have with Rebeca, and will post our interview to the blog on Saturday the 18th. Stay tuned!

In other news...

Our Semi-precious trunk show is still available through this Sunday (Dec. 12), and the gorgeous assortment of genuine Venetian Murano glass beads from Fancy Beads and stunning Sterling silver core beads from PerlAmore will be here right up to the holiday.

If you have someone on your list who collects beads for their Pandora or Troll jewelry, these beads are compatible with those and all other changeable bead systems! These Italian-made, high quality Sterling, handmade Murano glass, or Swarovski beads would make a beautiful addition to their collection.

Just a reminder: our friendly staff is available ANYTIME during store hours to help you with starting or finishing your holiday projects (or any project!) We don't charge studio fees for our worktable, and there's never a tool rental. Don't be frustrated, just come in! We are happy to help.

Free Class Project this week:

Memory Wire Wreath Ornament

Materials $10.00

Happy Thanksgiving! Plus, Holiday Gift Fair, Pail Sale, and next week's free class...

2010-11-24T15:26:00.000-06:00

Briolette will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25th for Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday!

Friday, Nov. 26-

We are open from 11-8 and all bead strands will be 25% off the marked price between 11 am & 2 pm.

Double punches on your frequent buyer card ALL DAY!

Saturday, Nov. 26-

Also- Pail Sale! Saturday ONLY!

Pick up one of our pails when you enter, and anything you can fit completely into the pail, in its original packaging, will be 30% off at the register!

*Discount does not apply to Trunk show, clearance, or consignment items.*

Free Class for Tuesday, Nov. 30 or Thursday, Dec. 2:

Birthstones Bracelet

Silvery lead-free pewter beads with sparkling Swarovsi Crystals in birthstone colors finished with a sterling silver heart-shaped lobster claw and sterling chain extender (to take the guesswork out of gifts!)

A heart-shaped bead completes the project, dangling from the chain extender. This bracelet is a great family gift for yourself or others!

Materials kit: $12.00 for all bracelet materials except birthstone crystals (40 cents each, sold separately.)

New Free Class for Tues. Nov. 16 or Thurs. Nov. 18

2010-11-16T17:55:00.000-06:00

Wood & Water

Inspired by the coming winter, Raku-style porcelain beads are put together with rich brown Czech Glass, labradorite, and matte aqua nuggets in a graduated necklace, finished with iridescent grey seed beads.

Materials kit: $20.00

New Free Class, Trunk Show starts TOMORROW!!!

2010-11-09T18:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Our new free class draws inspiration from our porcelain trunk show, and also from the colors for fall!

Porcelaina Necklace

Sandalwood, cranberry-colored Czech Glass, and Jade accent a beautiful bi-colored porcelain pendant. Two types of wire loops and stringing techniques finish this fun fall necklace.

Materials kit: $20.00

*kits are limited- please call to RSVP: (708) 366-8318

ALSO: Wednesday, Nov. 10 through Sun. Nov. 14

PEGASUS IMPORTS TRUNK SHOW!!!

Stunning Sterling silver and vermeil fancy clasps and findings, sold by weight. Limited time only, stock up for your holiday gifts and sales now!

NEW CLASS SCHEDULE IS UP!

2010-10-29T21:47:00.000-05:00

The class schedule is now up, click CLASSES at the top of this page to go to the listing for November & December. You will be able to register online soon, but for now, please call the store: (708) 366-8318.
Thanks, and have fun!
Kate

Pegasus Imports Coming Soon To Caravan Beads Chicago

2010-10-26T20:39:00.000-05:00

Caravan Beads Chicago will soon be featuring sterling silver products from Pegasus Imports from Wednesday, November 10th thru Sunday, November 14th.

Featured items will include their exclusive:

toggle clasps
beads
connectors
clasps
and more
Also, some vermeil

Stock up for the upcoming winter holidays before silver prices rise again.

Classes with Hannah Rosner Next week!!!

2010-10-22T13:49:00.000-05:00

Hello!

For those of you who missed it the last time, Hannah is back, with some beautiful new techniques for you, and a digital photography class to get your online stores pumped up. Class size is limited, so please don't wait to reserve your spot!

Photography for Selling Your Crafts Online

If you are planning on ever selling online, then you'll find photography is the key ingredient. Make it easy on yourself! Students should feel free to bring their digital camera and a small craft item to photograph. It doesn't have to be jewelry! $40.00, 3 hours, Bring your digital camera and a small item to photograph!

Instructor: Hannah Rosner

$40.00, 3 hours, Bring your digital camera and a small item to photograph.

Date: Thurs. Nov 4, 6 - 9pm

Click HERE to register online, or call the store at (708) 366-8318

NEW - Ndebele Crystal Cable Bracelet

Students SHOULD BE ALREADY FAMILAR WITH FLAT NDEBELE STITCH before they begin this project. Embellish a beautiful handwoven Ndebele (herringbone) stitch bracelet with Swarovski crystals, and give it a twist!

Instructor: Hannah Rosner

$50.00, 3 hours, Materials not included, supply list available.

Date: Sat. Nov 6, 9:30 - 12:30

Click HERE to register online, or call the store at (708) 366-8318

NEW - Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet or Pendant

You will learn how to set a cabochon or button in peyote stitch and then learn basic bead embroidery stitches and finishing techniques for either a pendant or a bracelet. Piece will not be finished in class.

Instructor: Hannah Rosner

$75.00, 5 hours, Materials not included, supply list available.

Date: Sat. Nov 6, 1 - 6

Click HERE to register online, or call the store, at (708) 366-8318

About Hannah:

Hannah Rosner was a semifinalist in the lampwork category for Bead Dreams 2009 and won second place for her bead embroidered collarpiece in the Treasures of Toho 2009 Contest. The Treasures of Toho necklace can be seen in the February 2010 issue of Bead & Button. Her work is currently on show at the Fetchin House Taos Museum of Art Gift Shop. She teaches at Bead Societies and Store nationally. You can see her work at http://www.goodrivergallery.com

Free Class for Tues, Oct. 19 or Thurs. Oct. 21

2010-10-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

Night Skies Necklace

Tuesday, Oct. 19 or Thurs. Oct. 21, 7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $10.00

New Free Class for Tuesday, Oct. 12 or Thursday, Oct. 14

2010-10-12T14:42:00.000-05:00

Golden Garnet

This simple, dressy necklace will add a little wow to your fall wardrobe!

Soft matte golden glass beads compliment deep, rich garnet colored beads that have been washed in gold.

Materials Kit $13.00

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP

Great Googly Moogly! We got a Groupon!

2010-10-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

Briolette is offering a Groupon for Beadgirl Bootcamp- only $30! (regular price is $60)
We have scheduled a session for every day that we're open to make it as convenient for everyone as possible.
Here's the link: http://www.groupon.com/deals/briolette-beads-and-more

This deal is available ONLY through Groupon, only until SUNDAY. You cannot get this price at the store, only by purchasing a Groupon. Get yours before they sell out!
This Groupon is only valid for the Beadgirl Bootcamp, not for merchandise or any other classes, but if you've already taken it, they make great gifts!

Please call the store at (708) 366-8318 if you have any questions!

Free Class For Tues. Oct. 5 or Thurs. Oct. 7

2010-10-02T17:25:00.000-05:00

Calavera Necklace

Tues. Oct. 5 or Thurs. Oct. 7, 7-8 pm

Materials Kit $15.00

Call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP

New Free Class for Tues, Sept. 28 & Thurs. Sept. 30

2010-09-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Glacier Necklace

Tues. Sept. 28 or Thurs. Sept. 30, 7-8 pm

Materials Kit $14.00

2010-09-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
There are so many good things going on, it's hard to know where to start. First, I'm excited to announce that our repairs are almost DONE! Our classroom and party room will be back to normal, as soon as the flooring is in. Stop by and see our new colors, if you haven't already.
We also just got a beautiful selection in Chinese crystal rondelles for a trunk show. All the different sizes are just $10 for a 16" strand of the sparklies, and if you buy 3 strands, it's just $24!
This just in: METAL seed beads. That's right- metal, not plated glass. These seed beads are a solid brass base with durable metal platings in many finishes! They are very uniform in size and shape and have large holes. Available in sizes 15, 11, and 8 in different silver, gold, copper, and brass tones. They are perfect to add to your stringing or beadweaving designs.

I know that you have all been patient...Level 1 PMC Certification course is back!!! Sherry Viktora will be back on November 6 & 7 to instruct you in how to work with this magical material in all it's forms. This two day class is for serious students, who will learn several techniques using all forms ( clay-type, paste, syringe and sheet) of PMC+ and PMC3. On successful completion, students become Guild Certified Artisans and are entitled to significant discounts on clay and tools from PMC Connection. Experience prior to a Certification Class is helpful, but not required.
Students can register through the PMC Connection . (Follow the link to their site for full details and class description.)
Briolette does not take registrations for this class, we are just hosting the certification.

Also returning in November is the talented and amazing Hannah Rosner!
(Good River Gallery) <;---click here to see her beautiful works!
Hannah is a glass artist extrordinaire, beadweaving genius, and an incredible instructor. We will hopefully be hosting a trunk show of her glass beads, and her teaching schedule is to be announced.

TRUNK SHOWS COMING SOON:

Star's Clasps: September 30 - October 3 Featuring beautiful clasps from all over the world in Sterling silver, Gold-Fill, and more! Simple, fancy, and all different shapes and sizes. Stock up now for your holiday projects!

Dakota Stones: Sept. 30 - October 3 Many different Semi-Precious stones, unusual shapes and selection. Dakota always sends us gorgeous, unique things!

This week's free class:

Sepia Tones

necklace & earrings set $20.00 materials kit

Glass pearls & goldstone, gunmetal findings, and a pretty Chinese crystal pendant .

NEW CLASS! Added for Tuesday, September 21, 6-8 pm

2010-09-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

Barefoot Sandals

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6-8 pm

$30.00, Materials not included

Come learn this beautiful needle and thread technique for building your own barefoot sandals! A few different ways to finish them will be discussed. These motifs could also become stunning necklaces and bracelets once you get the basic shape down.

Instructor: Lauren Johnson

Please call (708) 366-8318 to register. This class is not available for online registration.

Store will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 14

2010-09-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

Hello!

We will be closed for renovation on Tuesday, Sept. 14, but will re-open for regular store hours on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Sorry for any inconvenience!

The free class for next week will resume on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Thank you!

Kate

New free class for Tuesday, Sept. 7 or Thursday, Sept. 9!

2010-09-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

Turning A New Leaf

Necklace: Tues. Sept. 7 or Thursday, Sept. 9, 7-8 pm

Bracelet & Earrings: Thursday, Sept. 16, 7-8 pm

(We will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 14 for remodelling.)

Welcome the oncoming autumn with this pretty set! (The findings used in class will be copper, not the pictured silver.)

Necklace materials kit: $18.00

Bracelet & Earrings kit: $12.00

Call (708) 366-8318 to reserve your kit!

Thai Silver show is here!!!

2010-09-01T15:06:00.001-05:00

The Thai silver trunk show has arrived, and is only here through this Saturday (Sept. 4). There are two full 6 foot tables, plus plenty of strands and jewelry!

For those of you who like the Steampunk style (like me!) there are many, many strands of spacers in bright and raw brass, copper plate, and silver plate that would complement your designs. The strands start at $6, and go to $9, $12, and $20, for 20+ inch strands.

We also have a beautiful selection of brass, ceramic, and photo amulets, with many Hindu and Buddhist symbols, as well as carved bone pendants in many styles.

There is a beautiful selection of Roman glass, in undrilled pieces you can wrap or stitch as cabochons, lovely strands of drilled pieces for beads, and drilled loose pendants. There are ready-made earrings of the delicate glass, as well. These are so pretty, and what a history! You can read more about Roman glass at Wikipedia.

The silver itself is gorgeous, being more bright than sterling, due to its higher content of silver. Thai silver is typically 95-99% pure silver (Sterling only has to be 92.5% silver, usually with copper and nickel added for strength). This purity makes a softer silver, easier for the Hill Tribe peoples of Thailand to hand-forge the unique and delicate designs. It also makes the silver whiter than Sterling, and it will tarnish less quickly.

There are so many styles of beads, clasps, and pendants, it has to be seen to be believed!

New Free Class, Thai Silver trunk show coming soon!

2010-08-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

Free Class for Tuesday, August 24 & Thursday, August 26, 2010

Summer Sunset Necklace

Materials Kit $15.00

Tuesday, August 24 or Thursday, August 26

7-8 pm

Next Week:

Summer Sunset Earrings & Bracelet

Tuesday, August 31 or Thursday Sept. 2

7-8 pm

Materials Kit $10.00

We are also happy to announce the upcoming Thai silver trunk show!

Hands Of The Hills have sent a beautiful selection of amazing things, not just silver. Caravan has it now, but it will be here next week, and run from Tuesday, August 31 through Saturday, September 4. Here are some preview photos:

Gorgeous brass amulets

Super strands of brass & plated brass

Ancient Roman Glass

Handmade Thai Hilltribe beads and pendants- 95 to 99% pure silver!

Unique and beautiful handmade Thai silver jewelry

As you can see, there will be quite a selection, and not just silver! Mark your calendar, and come early for the best selection!!!

Trunk Shows Are Here!!!

2010-08-05T15:55:00.000-05:00

Trunk Shows Galore!!!

We have TWO gorgeous trunk shows in house right now, Freshwater Pearls and Semi-Precious stones!

Through Sunday, August 8:

15% off Freshwater Pearls, including the trunk show

AND

20% off Semi-Precious strands, also including the trunk show. The Semi-Precious show ends on Sunday, so don't miss out!

Mixed Media Weekend coming soon at Briolette!!!

2010-07-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31

Mixed Media Madness at Briolette!

Brandi Lung-Gill, designer, instructor, and just plain joy to be around, will be joining us for a fun-filled two days after the CHA show, to share some of her techniques and some products with us!

For starters, Brandi will be teaching a fabulous Fiber Art Necklace, two samples shown below:

This class is 2 ½ hours, $35.00, and includes fiber and rings. Please bring any embellishments you’d like to add to personalize your unique neckpiece. No two are alike!

Friday, July 30: 5:30-8 pm, Saturday, July 31: 1-3:30 pm

In addition to the class, Brandi will be bringing a selection of unique things from

Dove of the East , whom she represents, for a trunk show.

There will also be a Make & Take table where you can build a microscope slide pendant collaging with papers for $5.00 ($15.00 if you’d prefer us to solder it for you), create fun acrylic rings using Theresa Collins’ Bling Rings (2 for $5.00) or experiment with Artist Trading Cards (ATC’s are FREE!!!) We will have some materials for you to use, but if there are any special elements, such as photos or specific papers, that you’d prefer to have in your pendants or rings, you are welcome to bring them with you! The Make & Takes are first-come, first-served, and the techniques will be demonstrated throughout the day both Friday and Saturday.

Please call (708) 366-8318 to register for the Fiber Art Necklace class, or to indicate your interest in the Make & Takes so we are sure to have enough materials.

ALSO:

Trunk Show Mania!!!

We have several upcoming trunk shows to tempt and amaze you, starting with:

Freshwater Pearls, Starting Saturday, July 31,

THEN

Semi-Precious stones Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 6, 7, & 8

THEN

We are hosting a fine selection of PerlAmore and Fancy Beads, core beads made of Sterling silver, handmade Murano glass, Swarovski Crystal, and more. These beads are made to fit all of your major brand bracelets (Pandora, Troll, etc...) and ALL are made with a Sterling silver core.

This show will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 20, 21, & 22.

New Free Class for Tues. July 20 or Thurs. July 22

2010-07-20T16:42:00.001-05:00

Coral & Capri

This fun summer necklace mixes metals, glass, and stone for a beachy look.

Tuesday, July 20 or Thursday, July 22

7-8 pm

Materials $15.00

Free Class for July 13 or July 15

2010-07-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

Graduated Elements

18" necklace made of graduated Howlite turquoise, Smoky Quartz, and Clear Quartz. Accented with Czech Glass faceted beads, seed beads and silver plated clasp.

Tuesday, July 13 or Thursday, July 15

7-8 pm

Materials $17.00

Free Class for July 6 & 8

2010-07-06T15:37:00.000-05:00

This time, the design is up to you!

With one hour and a tube of your choice of Czech Glass beads (three colorways to choose from), you get to design a necklace and bracelet, or a necklace and a pair of earrings, or earrings and a bracelet... (you can see how this goes!) This lesson will give the basics to beginners, but the more experienced students will stretch their creative muscles with asymmetry, color, and texture. You never know what you're going to get!

Tuesday, July 6, or Thursday, July 8

from 7-8 pm

Materials kit: $12.00

Free Class for Tues. June 29 & Thurs. July 1

2010-06-26T18:30:00.000-05:00

Pearl Ladder Bracelet

A relaxed and elegant bracelet made with cotton, silk cord, freshwater pearls, and sterling silver.

Tuesday, June 29 or Thursday, July 1.

7-8 pm

Also available in pale lavender pearls.

Materials kit: $14.00

Trunk Shows, Classes, and MORE!

2010-06-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Things have gotten back to more-or-less normal here, the store is OPEN after all the craziness with the flood, and our free classes are back up and running.

We have a lot of events this week in particular. Stephanie Eddy is coming on Sunday, June 27 to teach two beautiful Viking Knit wire classes. (see the April section of the blog archive for photos and info) Before she arrives, we have an amazing assortment of her beadweaving kits, with many different styles, colors, and techniques to choose from. You will receive 10% off the marked price while they're here, so don't miss out!

Due to our classrooms not yet being repaired and the size of Stephanie's classes, the store will be closed for business on Sunday, June 27 to accommodate the students. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but we will be open for regular business hours Friday & Saturday.
AND-
Starting Thursday, we have a semi-precious stone trunk show from Dakota Stones running through Saturday, June 26.
Thank you so much for your support and patience with us during the flooding, and I hope we'll see you soon now that we're open again!
Best wishes,
Kate

Pictures and more info about the store closure

2010-06-03T22:34:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,
     Our phones are back up, but the store is closed again. I have posted pictures below for you to see the damage and the reclamation progress in the store. We had a water leak from one of the units above us on Sunday night, and then the storm Tuesday night slammed us again. We have a great team of professional recovery workers making sure that everything is torn down and dried properly to avoid the formation of mold and mildew before we can make repairs.
     I'm sorry that we can't be open to bead with you, but if you have specific things you need, please call us at (708) 366-8318 and we will do our best to fill your orders. We are currently unable to process credit cards, but can accept cash or a check for any purchases you wish to make. All of our merchandise is currently under plastic, so I'm afraid browsing is not an option at this time, and there are portions of the store that might be unsafe. Please call ahead with your needs, and we will call you when its ready to be picked up.
     Laura, Karen, Kate Kane, Deanna, and I miss you all, and we are grateful for all the good wishes and support you have given us through this whole water drama. We are truly lucky to have you beading with us, and I sincerely hope this will be the last time we close. Please keep an eye here for updates, and I will re-open as soon as we can. We will be at the store off and on through the next few days sorting through the damages, but for now it's best to call (708) 366-8318 or email briolettebeads@sbcglobal.net with any questions.
Thank you so much, and I hope we'll see you again soon.
Kate

And now for the pictures (this is what the store looked like today at 8 pm):

the view from the front door

The ceiling is completely gone from the loft to the middle of the register counter

The carpet had to be removed from the upstairs classroom, and there are some holes in the wall to the left

Most of the ceiling in the basement had to be removed so the wood joists could dry

A large portion of the plaster ceiling in the downstairs classroom had to be removed

the carpet in the loft had to be removed, and the plywood floor will likely need to be replaced.

Some of many holes in the walls, necessary to allow everything to dry before it can be replaced.

Store Closures at Briolette Beads and More

2010-06-03T10:48:00.000-05:00

We have sustained damage to the store not just once more, but TWICE more due to the recent storms. Again, we are closed.

Please note, we are cancelling classes this upcoming weekend. The photography class to be taught Tuesday night, June 8 by visiting artist Hannah Rosner has been relocated Chix with Stix Knitting, two doors down.
Our thanks to them. http://www.chixwithstixknitting.com/

Phones are currently out in the neighborhood as well, due to the storms. If you have any questions at all about the class, feel free to call Hannah directly at 740-739-7054.

2010-05-13T21:14:00.004-05:00

This is a video of the water damage that forced us to close on Thursday, May 13, 2010. We will re-open as soon as we are sure the ceiling won't fall on anyone. We are very grateful for all of the offers for help, and for the support of our neighbors.

This has been an ongoing problem, and every time it happens, we are assured it won't happen again after the problem is "fixed". I don't know why a ground floor business in a two-story building takes on water whenever it rains, but the storms last night really did a number on us. We are also, sadly, not the only occupants of this building to have this problem. There are families who live in the lofts above us that are getting rained on, too.

While I'm not sure who is responsible for the resolution to this problem, members of the community may help us draw attention to the leaky building issue by contacting Village Hall at (708) 366-2323 and expressing your concern.

Thank you all again for your support and we hope to get you back in beading soon! We will let you know when we are approved safety-wise to open again.

Kate

New Special Guest Teacher!

2010-05-11T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hannah Rosner, of Good River Gallery
Artist, Instructor, and Web Diva
will be teaching a Digital Photography for Selling Your Craft on the Web class here at Briolette on Tuesday, June 8 from 6-9 pm. If you've thought about selling your jewelry or other craft online but are frustrated with taking quality photos of your work, Hannah will be teaching professional tips, tricks and techniques of the trade.
In addition to being a jaw-droppingly talented beadwork artist and designer, Hannah makes amazing lampworked glass beads and sculpture, and maintains several web presences. Please follow the link above to see her work!
Students should bring their digital camera, and a small craft item (under 1 foot) or piece of jewelry they wish to photograph.
Class fee is $40.00, call (708) 366-8318 to register.
(Class fee is taken at the time of registration.)

Hannah will be teaching some of her gorgeous seed beading techniques at our sister store, Caravan Beads
on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6. Photos of the classes offered are below, and you can register at www.caravanchicago.com or by calling (773) 248-9555.

Free Class for Tues. May 11 or Thurs. May 13

2010-05-11T19:11:00.000-05:00

Beekeeper's Bauble Necklace & Earrings

Tues. May 11 Or Thurs. May 13

Materials Kit: $20.00

Free Class for Tuesday, May 4 & Thursday, May 6

2010-04-30T15:18:00.001-05:00

Emerald City Bracelet

Showcasing May's birthstone color, this bracelet incorporates unique Emerald Allure crystal beads, gunmetal colored spacers and findings, and smoky grey crystals.

Tuesday, May 4 or Thursday, May 6

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $15.00

Please call (708) 366-8318 to RSVP

New Free Class, Special Guest Teacher

2010-04-23T15:39:00.001-05:00

Hello! There is a lot of news this weekend- first up is our new free class, for Tuesday Apr. 27 or Thursday, April 29 from 7-8 pm:

Island Sunset Necklace & Earrings

Materials Kit: $20.00

Call to RSVP so we can make sure there is a kit for you! (708) 366-8318

Ok, so now for the big news!

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Briolette is proud to offer classes with internationally recognized bead artist and teacher Stephanie Eddy. Stephanie will be offering two classes in Viking Knit wire weaving technique here for one day only, featuring her own Lazee Daizee ™ Viking Knit Tool, fresh off her teaching engagement at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee! Spots in class are bound to go quickly, so please call (708) 366-8318 to register for yours soon. Payment for class is taken at the time of registration. See below for class details!

Sunday, June 27- 8:30 am-12 pm

Asymmetric Viking Knit Necklace
Class Level beginner-advanced
Class Technique: Wire Weaving
Class Prerequisites: Knowledge and practice of basic wire work techniques suggested.
Description: Use this centuries-old weaving technique to create an asymmetrical design that allows each side of the knit base to differ without destroying the composition's overall harmony. Compliment this unusual and interesting design by adding your favorite bead or decorative pendant as the focal point.

Class fee: $75.00, Includes complete Lazee Daizee™ tool kit (a $49.95 value!) Beads and wire not included, but students will receive 10% off any purchase on the day of class.

Sunday, June 27, 1:30-5 pm

Viking Knit with a Twist Pendant
Class Level: beginner-advanced
Class Technique: Wire Weaving
Class Prerequisites: Basic wire wrapping techniques suggested.

Use this centuries-old weaving technique to create a freeform, one-of-a-kind embellished pendant, accented with hand-coiled end caps. Compliment this unique design by adding your favorite beads or other decorative elements

Class fee: $75.00, Includes complete Lazee Daizee™ tool kit (a $49.95 value!) Beads and wire not included, but students will receive 10% off any purchase on the day of class.

Before Stephanie arrives, we will also be featuring some of her beautiful beading kits in the store for a trunk show. Her work and kits available to view at: www.stephanieeddy.com Kits purchased at Briolette will receive a 5% discount!

Keep an eye on www.briolettebriolette.blogspot.com for more information as the trunk show gets closer.

About Stephanie:

(from www.stephanieeddy.com)

Stephanie Eddy, a jewelry designer for more than 35 years, is involved in all aspects of bead and jewelry design and creation, from teaching to creating designer quality jewelry kits and tools, featuring “Steps by Steph”TM instructions.

Stephanie has taught at bead shows, stores and for bead societies across the

U.S.

, as well as internationally at the Kobe Japan Art Show. Her beadwork was also displayed at the Tokyo Art Metropolitan Museum’s Zen Exhibition. She is a featured artist in “The Art of Beading Stitches”, among other publications and has appeared in episodes of "Beads, Baubles & Jewels".

AND, All of our Allure Crystal, here for a trunk show, is 20% off THIS WEEKEND ONLY!!!

Stop by and see all the new things! :)

LOTS of new things, and the free class for Tues, Apr. 13 & Thurs, Apr. 15

2010-04-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Hello!
There are soooo many things to tell you. Firstly, we're having a HUGE sale on select semi precious stone bead strands. 50% off the marked price, and that's a super deal! There's a picture below to give you an idea, but there are just so many pretty things to choose from!

Included in the sale are: faceted labradorite, mookaite, rhyolite, fancy faceted garnets, black onyx, and much much more. Stop by soon to get the best selection, because they won't last!

Next, the Allure Crystal trunk show is here! A sampling of what it offers:

Color Mixes (above) only $6.00!

We also received a BUNCH of new beads & pendants in bright colors! Here is a taste:

And finally, our Free Class for Tuesday, Mar. 13 & Thurs. Mar. 15:

Raspberry Ice

Necklace & Earrings

7-8 pm Tues, Mar. 13 or Thurs. Mar. 15.

Materials Kit: $18.00

Free Class for Tues. April 6 or Thursday, April 8

2010-04-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

Rio Necklace

(there are earrings to match, too!)

It's time for fun in the sun, and to that goal, we've designed a fun necklace with some hot sunny colors, inspired by Carnaval in Rio! Salmon-pink coral, yellow, magenta, and purple seed beads, and a gorgeous "hot ice" Czech glass heart pendant with some warm gold spacers & chain.

Offered: Tuesday, April 6 or Thursday, April 8

7-8 pm

Materials Kit $18.00 for necklace, $20.00 for necklace & earrings.

Please call to reserve your kit: (708) 366-8318

Free Class for Tuesday, March 30 & Thursday, Apr. 1

2010-03-26T20:03:00.000-05:00

Pretty In Pink Bracelet

Soft and sparkly, this combination of Allure and Swarovski crystals with bright silver filigree beadsis a great accent to any spring wardrobe.

Tuesday, March 30 or Thursday, April 1

7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $15.00

Free Class for Tues, Mar. 23 and Thurs. Mar. 25

2010-03-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

Riverside Necklace

Rose Quartz and pink Leopard Jasper in a deliberately asymmetrical design in colors reminiscent of river stones, with a mother of pearl shell pendant. This necklace covers coiled wire loops and crimping techniques.

Tuesday, Mar. 23 or Thursday, March 25

From 7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $16.00

Free Class for March 16 & March 18

2010-03-16T17:11:00.000-05:00

Spring Blossom Set

Soft pink opal and olivine green glass accent the sparkling petal-pink crystals at the center of the necklace and bracelet. Capri-blue seed beads add pop and invoke the spring skies.

Tuesday, March 16 or Thursday, March 18

7-8 pm

Materials Kits:

Necklace: $12

Bracelet: $6

Earrings: $4

Get the full set of kits for $20.

Free Class for March 9 and 11

2010-03-09T14:14:00.000-06:00

Flutterby Necklace

An antiqued brass butterfly charm hangs from capri blue glass dangles. The asymmetrical chain features a faceted violet opal Czech glass bead and two turquoise-colored howlites. We will be working with chain, eyepins, and jump rings and simple loops as well as wrapped loops will be used.

Materials Kit: $15.00

Please call to RSVP so you are sure to have a kit! (708) 366-8318

Free class for Tues, Mar. 2 or Thurs. Mar 4

2010-03-02T14:56:00.000-06:00

Retro Rose

A little bit winter, a little bit springtime, this simple but elegant "Y" necklace takes on a trend with an antique flavor. Czech glass, glass pearls, gunmetal and silver construct this lovely necklace.

Materials kit: $15.00

Tuesday, March. 2 or Thursday, March 4

7-8 pm

Please call (708) 366-8318 to reserve your kit!

Free Class for Tuesday Feb. 16 or Thurs. Feb. 18

2010-02-12T17:17:00.000-06:00

Desert Dreams

design by Laura

Cool turquoise glass with fiery coral and antiqued brass are accented by deep black onyx for this necklace. Inspired by the southwest, Laura made this to chase off the winter chill. Three pairs of matching earrings will be next week's project, so you will have a set with options.

Tuesday, Feb. 16 or Thurs. Feb. 18

7-8 pm

Materials $18.00

Free Class for Tues, Feb. 9 or Thurs. Feb. 11

2010-02-06T18:09:00.000-06:00

Amethyst Regalia

design by Kate Crofford

Genuine Amethyst beads in rounds and chips with a faceted nugget for a pendant are surrounded by copper tones to complement. This design combines stringing and chain for a fantastic February birthstone accessory!

Tuesday, Feb. 9 or Thursday, Feb. 11.

7-8 pm

Materials $16.00

Free Class for Tues. Feb. or Thurs. Feb. 4, NEW Allure Crystal!

2010-01-30T14:41:00.000-06:00

Manhattan Amethyst

design by Kate Crofford

Create some dangly, fun earrings in preparation for Spring! Since the birthstone for February is amethyst, we've taken some faceted purple Czech glass beads and paired them with some hematite-colored glass pearls, chain, and memory wire.

Tuesday, Feb. 2 or Thurs. Feb. 4, 7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $10.00

Also, we just received some bold new styles of Chinese Allure crystal! Stop by and see these gorgeous beads at outstandingly affordable prices!

Free Class for Tues, Jan. 26 & Thurs. Jan. 28

2010-01-26T13:21:00.000-06:00

Fabulous Faux Fossil

design by Laura Arellano

Learn to "float" beads on beading cable using crimp beads, Faceted Czech glass firepolish beads and a Czech glass reproduction fossil bead. This is an effective technique when you have a few fancy or expensive beads to let them shine.

Tues. Jan. 26 or Thurs. Jan. 28 from 7-8 pm

Materials: $15.00

Free Class for Tues, Jan. 19 and Thurs, Jan. 21

2010-01-19T13:43:00.000-06:00

Intermezzo Bracelet

Glass pearls, brass, and hematite-colored glass seed beads strung with a simple cross-weave on cable to make a pretty interlude to all the intense wire-work we've done lately. These neutral colors will accent any piece in your wardrobe!

Tuesday, Jan. 19 or Thurs. Jan. 21 from 7-8 pm

Materials $12.00

Free Class for Tues. Jan. 12 or Thurs. Jan. 14, 2010

2010-01-09T17:49:00.000-06:00

A Clockwork Garnet

In honor of January's birthstone, create a lovely, vintage-inspired necklace to celebrate the beauty of garnet! Brass filigree, crystal, and brass-colored seed beads accent this sophisticated 20" necklace. Hone your stringing skills and learn to incorporate filigree elements and simple wire-working techniques to accent a simple necklace.

Tuesday, Jan. 12 or Thursday, Jan. 14 from 7-8 pm

Materials Kit: $20.00

Call to RSVP, as there are a limited number of kits. (708) 366-8318

Super snowy badness...

2010-01-06T16:19:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!
We decided that with the impending 10 inches of snow and severe weather warnings that we'd play it safe and close early tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 7. We are sorry to have to cancel Diva Night tomorrow, but we don't want anyone to get hurt for their art! The store will be closing at 5 pm, possibly earlier if the snow gets really out of hand. Please be safe, stay warm, and we'll re-open at noon on Friday.
Best wishes,
Kate

January Special & Breakfast Beaders @ Briolette

2010-01-05T14:21:00.000-06:00

Hello!
We have a special way to get your friends into beading with you- For the entire month of January, sign up for any class at regular price on our current schedule and bring a friend for 50 % off the second registration! The registrations have to be for the same class on the same day, but can be for any class on our current schedule, even ones in February. This offer expires at the end of the month, so don't delay! Space in class is limited and spots are going fast!

Also, New for January:
Breakfast Beaders @ Briolette! Every Saturday from 10-11 am with RSVP
We will provide coffee, tea, and breakfasty-type things (bagels, muffins, etc...) while you can get projects done! Bring something to work on, a vintage necklace you'd like to give new life to, the broken bracelet you've been meaning to fix forever, or come in for demos and design help. Please call to let us know you're coming, as the store won't be open for regular business during this time and we need to know how many to provide pastry for. (708) 366-8318

Free Class for Tues. Dec. 29, Tues. Jan. 5 & Thurs. Jan. 7

2009-12-29T12:30:00.002-06:00

Winter Seas

You will create a three strand necklace in shades of aqua, green, and blue-green reminiscent of arctic seas! We will use chain, wire, cable, and satin cord, fusing techniques for finishing.

Tuesday, Dec. 29, Tues. Jan. 5, and Thurs. Jan. 7 from 7-8 pm

Materials kit: $19.00

Semi Precious stone bead trunk show!

2009-12-18T19:11:00.000-06:00

Hello!

We are hosting a trunk show of very well-priced semi precious stone bead strands until Christmas! Perfect for last-minute gifts and projects! Here are some photos:

Carnelian, Dyed African Opal, African Turquoise

Kyanite, Jade, Jasper, and more...

Labradorite, Red Jasper, Tiger eye, Botswana Agate...

Some of the bargain strands- $8.00 each, or 4 strands for $20.00!

Free Class For Tuesday, Dec. 15 & Thurs. Dec. 17

2009-12-12T14:40:00.000-06:00

Crystal Chains

Create a lovely necklace with two types of chain, crystals, and some wire. Two color ways to choose from, so please let us know which one you want when you RSVP as the number of kits is limited!

RSVP: (708) 366-8318

Tues. Dec. 15 or Thurs. Dec. 17, from 7-8 pm

Materials: $17.00

Special for Saturday, Dec. 12!

2009-12-11T21:13:00.000-06:00

Continuing our 12 (shopping) Days of Christmas, We will take 10% off any of our Workshop Wonderland kits! Perfect for gifts, these projects are pre-designed for you and ready to put together! Stop by to choose your favorite, and we can help you put it together. Over 35 different designs to choose from, all under $20.00.

The Twelve (shopping) Days of Christmas

2009-12-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

Hello!
Tomorrow, Friday Dec. 11th, marks twelve more shopping days at Briolette until Christmas Eve. In honor of this, we will be having a special sale or feature every day we are open until then. So... Tomorrow, you will receive 20% off Cat's Eye fiber optic glass bead strands!
Also, don't forget that we have over 35 gifts kitted up and ready for you to put together, all under $20.00! Let us help you with hostess gifts, Secret Santa or gift exchanges with family, friends, or co-workers. There is a gift for every budget, and we are here to help you find it!
See you soon.
Kate