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We Have A NEW Website!  Visit us @:

Abellabeadstudio.com 

Still under construction but we have our class information and schedules up for Oct and Nov. Need to book at class or a party for a holiday gathering?  We have a new classroom and party room.  Call to schedule a class or party.  630-793-9700 or email me @:
KDChicago@aol.com

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Classes for the month of August:

Don't see a date you can make?  Call 630-793-9700 to schedule a class that works for you.

August  01, 2014
                        11:00 - 1:30     Basic Necklace
                          2:30 - 4:30    Crystal Clay Ring

August 05, 2014

                          2:00 - 4:00   Chain Maille Bracelet
                          4:00 - 5:00   Stretch Bracelets

August 06, 2014 

                         1:00 - 2:30   Wine Cork Necklace
                        3:00 -  4:00   Wire Ring

August 07, 2014

                    11:00 - 12:30   Charmed Wire Bracelet
                     2:00 -    4:00   Basic Necklace

August 08, 2014

                     11:00 -  2:00   Persian Chain Maille Bracelet
                       3:00 -  4:30  Metal & Clay Make your own charms

August 09, 2014

                     10:00 - 1:00   Intro to PMC (Precious Metal Clay)
                       2:00 - 4:00  Crystal Clay Ring

August 12th OPEN TABLE TIME (Call to make sure we have seats available)
                      2-4

August 13, 2014

                      11:00 - 1:30   Basic Necklace
                       1:00 - 3:00   Chain Maille bracelet

August 15, 2014

                   11:00 - 12:30   Wine Cork Necklace
                    2:00  -   3:00   Wire Ring

August 16, 2014

                      9:00 - 5:30    Metal Clay Boot Camp

August 20th:  OPEN TABLE TIME  Call to make sure we have seats available.
                       2:00 - 4:00

August 21st:        Wine Cork Necklace 6:00 - 7:30

August  23rd  OPEN TABLE TIME  Call to make sure we have seats available.
                       12:00 - 2:00

August  27th:    Wire Rings Galore
                         1:00-2:30

August  28th:   Make your own charms 
                         12:00-2:00
                         Wire bracelets
                         4:00-5:00

August 30th:  OPEN TABLE TIME Call to make sure we have seats available.
                       11:00-1:00
                         3:00-4:00

Annual   S  A  L  E

 

Starting this Tuesday, July 1st A Bella Bead
will have it's annual sale on selected handmade
custom jewelry with up to 75% off.  Join us this week and get some awesome deals on really great pieces of jewelry.

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 A   BELLA  BEAD
CLASS SCHEDULE
BELOW
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A Bella Bead will be closed this
Friday 7/4 and Saturday 7/5
we will reopen on Tuesday 7/8 with Sale still going on!


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Want to share a AWESOME shop in Glen Ellyn down the street from
A Bella Bead on Main.  The owners are Karen and Gary. It really is not your ordinary Olive and Balsamic shop!  They now have cooking demonstration's!!

So much FUN!
Last Wednesday night I went to their first Olive and Balsamic demo.
Amazing does not come close to the taste of the samples these shop owners prepared. AND IT WAS ONLY $12.00 per person. And you can bring in your own wine.  Karen, Gary and their daughter Kelly are so informative about their oils and balsamic. And Coco gave me a grape recipe that my kids and adult really like.  I did not know how healthy these products are for you and how these products can change the taste of your food. I really recommend you visit their shop and sign-up for a demo.  So fun and you get great healthy recipes. Private groups or just a girls night out, its a fun place to be.  And you can get really good recipe's. FUN, HEALTHY and a great place to meet and the price is right! I went again last night
with my Bunco group and am going again tonight with new friends from my shop. The Chief was Joe from Carmella's Restaurant in Appleton, Wisc. he was so much fun.  He really loves his job.  When you go make sure you put your email on his list he has recipes he sends out to all that attend these demo's.  You really will want them.



 Reserve your seat for a demo and mention that you saw this on A Bella Bead blog and receive 20% off your next visit at A Bella Bead.   Bring in your receipt from Olive n Vinnie's for your discount.  Expires June 28th, 2014

Olive N Vinnie's
449 Main Street
Glen Ellyn, Il 60137
630-534-6457

HAPPY SPRING??
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THE NEW APRIL CLASS SCHEDULE IS POSTED TO THE RIGHT OF THE BLOG UNDER CLASSES.  CALL TO BOOK YOUR GROUP TODAY 630-793-9700  PARTIES ARE BOOKED MONDAY THUR SATURDAY  
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
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Great day planned for April 13th in downtown Glen Ellyn. Sunday is a day filled with everything special for your perfect event!  Enjoy the ambiance of our "downtown to treasure" as you stroll with your loved ones, store by store exploring each destination for a new idea, the perfect something, while building the plans that will make your wedding day unique.  Over 100 brides joined us last year and the reviews were fantastic!
Tickets are $10.00/per bride in advance, $5.00/for each guest and $12.00/bride the day of the event.
Registration: 12-2pm at Veiled by Cha Cha @ 524 Duane, Glen Ellyn.
Swag Bags:  The first 50 brides-to-be will be welcome with a special swag bag to be filled with goodies as you visit the businesses to find ideas, book services, taste treats and explore all Downtown Glen Ellyn has to offer.

PLEASE CHECK THE GLEN ELLYN WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DRAWINGS AND MORE

A Bella Bead will be giving out a special gift to the first 50 brides who enter our shop along with appetizers and a beverage.  Walk down THE BANYAN TREE MALL hallway lined with a Radiant Orchid runway to enter A Bella Bead where you will find beautiful custom handmade wedding jewelry for the Bride and her wedding party at reasonable prices.  Mothers of the Bride and Groom can find that perfect necklace and earrings to go with her dress for this beautiful occasion!  We will also custom make little jewelry for that special little girl walking down the isle with her flower basket.  Our designed jewelry is made with fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals along with sterling silver components in many different colors to go along with the colors of your wedding.  Visit JAZZ SALON  in THE BANYAN TREE MALL to get a flyer of their many products and offers for a bride and her wedding party.  Stop in and see Noel at THE GREEN BRANCH for your wedding flowers and table centerpieces.  Need balloons?  Walk in to AMERICAN BALLOON and see Teri about those special balloon colors and arrangements.  
Need or just want a beautiful handbag to carry on your wedding day?  Come see the beautiful brilliant colored and clear mirror handbags made by local artist Patty Jefike from Incite Design. 

A Bella Bead hopes to see you on this special event April 13, 2014 from  12-4 pm.
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NEW Class schedules for April 2014 are listed on the right side of this blog!  Call to schedule your group soon.  If a date does not work for you call us and we will see if we can help you out.
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I will be sending out a blast on the Wine Tasting & Shopping 2 weeks before this upcoming event!
Please mark your calendars now!
ONLY 150 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR THIS EVENT!!!!
It sells out quickly so don't hesitate if you want to come to this FUN event!





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Have not sent out a BLAST in awhile, sorry.  Wearing to many hats these days but trying to get it together!  As we all are waiting for SPRING to arrive,  A Bella Bead has added more items to the shop. More beads and findings have arrived.  Brass, gun metal, silver plated and sterling silver chain along with leather cord and suede.  The class schedule is posted and is filling quickly with new classes and old favorites. We have many events planned for the Spring and Summer here in Glen Ellyn.  All of which A Bella Bead will be a part of.  Coming soon to A Bella Bead we will be doing a couple of Trunk Shows.  Incite Design artists Patty Jefike will be here with her beautiful design jewelry that she has made out of colored cut mirror.  We are in the works with VIRGIN, SAINTS AND ANGELS  on putting together a Trunk Show in the month of April.  And one more artist that I hope will be here in August.  I will be sending out a blast in a couple of week until then
stay warm and I look forward to seeing you soon! 
Contact me @ 630-793-9700 or Sharon@abellabead.com
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I was asked to join in on Interest Days at Churchill Elementary School in Glen Ellyn on Friday March 14th. Above are a few of the bracelets the girls made.  It was a blast!  I always enjoy the girls and meeting the moms and teachers.  These girls were so creative and made really fun and pretty bracelets in everyone of the sessions we did.  And the girls were so excited and they listened to all the instructions.
I had 3 helpers/moms in the three sessions and I would like to thank each one of them for their help.  Could not have handled 48 girls by myself.  Thank you!
A Thank You goes to Linda and Mary for your help and  asking me to be a part of your Interest Days.
I look forward to doing it again next year! 


If you haven't been in the shop for awhile, we have added more new items. Beautiful strung beads  & Swarovski  crystals, several new Crystal Clay colors along with Crystal dust, brass, silver plated chain and sterling chains, also added are 1.5mm leather cord, along with new styles of
components in copper, brass and silver.

So stop in to A Bella Bead and see what's up with us we are always making new ready made pieces to wear out the door or give as gifts!

Call us for Classes, Parties and Girls Nights Out!
Hope to see you soon.    

Are you all going crazy YET!!!!  Tired of being in the house and just want to get out and get to see somebody that is taller than 3'!
Well pickup the phone call a couple of BFF's and come see us at A Bella Bead for a fun time.
You bring the coffee/BYOB and I will supply the fun.   Some of the Classes are listed below with the date and time.  IF the dates and times don't work for you girls call me I am sure I can accommodate you.  See you soon stay warm!
Sharon

A Bella Bead Class Dates

Here are a few more class dates were are able to work in this month. 
Basic Earring  $35.00+
  February 12th  1:00
  February 25th 3:00

Basic Bead Stringing  $35.00+
  February 19th 1:00
  February 26th 6:30

Memory Wire Bracelet $35.00+
  February 12th 3:00
  February 25th 1:00

Crystal Clay  $50.00+
  February 18th 2:30
  February 21st 3:30
  February 21st 7:00
  February 26th 2:00

PMC  $185.00+
  February 15th 11-5
  February 16th 11-5 
 
Wine Cork Necklace $35.00+
  February 15th  6:30
  February 24th 6:30

If you wish to do any of the classes listed below please contact Sharon@ 630-793-9700.
New Classes
  Bangle Bracelets
  Charm Necklaces
  Beading 101
  Charms

SPECIAL VALENTINE EVENT!!!!

Valentine Day Jewelry Classes

Want a Valentine gift for someone special?

A Bella Bead is doing a Valentine Day Class for Dad's!  Yep!  Dad can come in with your sons or daughters or maybe just him and make a HEART warming gift.
A Bella Bead will help with putting together this special gift and wrap it for Free.


Here is how it works.
Call 630-793-9700 and ask for the Heart Valentine Class and book your time slot that works for you.  Our hours for this Special Event will be as follow: NO CALL-IN  CLASSES ON SUNDAY MUST BOOK AHEAD OF TIME FOR SUNDAY CLASS TIME. 

Saturday  Feb. 1st  11-4
Sunday    Feb 2nd  11-4 (BY APPT.) Book ahead
Saturday  Feb 8th   11-4
Sunday    Feb 9th   11-4 (BY APPT.) Book ahead
Thursday Feb 13th 12-7

These hours are for this Event only!

The class instruction is FREE ($35.00 value)
You purchase your materials from hundreds of beautiful colorful beads and Swarovski Crystals!
Make it SPECIAL from a shop that is not your ordinary bead shop!
A BELLA BEAD

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CRYSTAL CLAY CLASSES

Several people have called today asking for the Crystal Clay Class!  So I am going to set a couple of class dates.  If these class dates work for you call 630-793-9700 to book your class soon.
IF YOU ARE DOING A Crystal Clay ring you must come into the shop and pick your ring style and size a week BEFORE your scheduled class.

Tuesday------February 4th----- 1:00 to 2:30
                                                  3:30 to 5:00
Friday--------February 7th------3:00 to 5:00
                                                  7:00 to 8:30 Class filled 
Friday--------February 21st-----3:30 to 5:00
                                                  7:00 to 8:30

Class fee is $50.00 includes ring mount and crystals.
*extra crystal and crystal dust are not included if you want to go heavier with your crystals



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PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Introduction to Silver Clay Jewelry Design
Make durable jewelry in fine (.999) silver - from start to finish - in this one-day introductory class.  Silver metal clay* is a great medium for those who want to make jewelry without investing in expensive bench tools and chemicals.

With 16g of metal clay, you will make one sterling silver pendant (16" chain included) one pair of sterling silver earrings (findings included) and one sterling silver charm.

You'll learn stamping and texturing, cutting, edge finishing, forming and shaping, embedding fine silver wire, carving and finishing and polishing and various luster's from satin to mirror finishes.
Work with a torch and learn the timing chart for firing.   

Take this class and you may in the future use our kiln for more projects you do at home or in our classes.

Materials included in the class are as follows:   silver clay (16g of PMC3), a bit of fine silver wire (for embedding), the use of classroom silver clay paste and syringe, class room tools and torch.
You will also take home a metal clay tool kit and handouts for future use.
Class fee: $175.00


Call 630-793-9700 to set-up your class.

Here are a few dates we have put aside:

February 15th   11-5  with a 1/2 hour break
February 16th   11-5  with a 1/2 hour break

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Check our blog for more up coming classes this week.
Have a awesome day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Morning

Letting everyone know via my blog that A Bella Bead will be closed today 1/6/2014 and tomorrow 1/7/2014 due to the weather.  It is -16 with wind chill of -45!  HOLY COW GOING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO SEE WHAT -45 IS REALLY LIKE!!!!  ****DON'T OPEN YOUR DOOR IT'S NOT WARM!**** LOL  I should be open on Wednesday so until then stay inside and check on your family and friends and make sure everyone has heat!  STAY WARM

Sharon

Check out our NEW classes below

Hoping everyone had a great Christmas!   Let me start by wishing you and your families a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2014.


When I started A Bella Bead, silly me thought that I could do just a blog and I could keep people informed on classes and events!  Well I was really wrong in that thought process!  So I am sorry that this information is not all up and running BUT I do promise that it will be soon. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR DO NOT SEE A CLASS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JUST CALL US AT:
630-793-9700.

I had great responses regarding classes during the Holiday Walk and Girls Night Out. I promised the class schedule for the new year and it is listed below.

Chain Maille
Valentine Day Heart Charm or Pendant 
Make your own Charms
Mothers Day Bracelet or and Earrings
Crystal Clay with Swarovski Crystals
Metal Hand Stamping
PMC (Precious Metal Clay)
Wine Cork Necklace
Miyuki Seed Beads and gem necklaces
Basic Necklace and Earring
Making stretch and wire bracelets  
DON'T SEE THE CLASS YOU WANT TO TAKE CALL US                              
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Here are a few of the classes listed below with descriptions of the class and a picture of what one of the students made in that class.

CHAIN MAILLE  (sometimes spelled chain mail)
Chain maille is a ancient art form of linking metal rings together to form a fabric-like mesh.  In this class you will learn how to use individual jump ring formations that can be used alone, connected to form chains, or used as a decorative accents or connectors in combination with other weaves or jewelry components to make beautiful chain maille art.  There are 3 class workshops available each one is listed below.

Class 1: MAKING JUMP RINGS AND LEARNING TO OPEN/CLOSE YOUR RINGS
This is a MUST class for Chainmaille in this class you will be taught the proper way to open and close a jump ring.  Not done properly the jump ring will be distorted and your piece will not hold the shape nor get you the desired look you want.  You will make your own jump rings and learn the technique of making and cutting the rings and learning the correct gauge needed to hold your piece.
1 1/2 hour class
Cost is $35.00 includes use of tools and instructions and cost of  materials.       


Class 2: MAKING A 1 X 1 AND 1 X 2 BRACELET
PREREQUISITE:  MUST HAVE DONE CLASS 1 if you are making your own jump rings.
Now that you are familiar with the tools and supplies it's time to get your hands busy.  I'm sure that once you complete your first project, you'll be hooked!!  In this class you will use the jump rings you made in Class 1 to make two bracelets a 1 by 1 and a 1 by 2 chain bracelet and learn to put a clasp on your finished jewelry. 2 hour or less class.
Cost is $40.00  instruction, 2 clasps and 18g rings are included in this class.


Class 3:MAKING A 2 X 1 AND 2 X 2 BRACELET
PREREQUISITE:  MUST HAVE DONE CLASS 1 if you are making your own jump rings.
This class includes the use of tools.  You will use the jump rings that you completed in Class 1 to complete the bracelet 2 by 1 and 2 by 2 or purchase your jump rings.
2 hour class
Cost is $45.00 includes tools and instruction.  Purchase your open jump rings or bring the open jump rings you made in class 1.
THERE WILL BE MORE CHAIN MAILLE CLASSES LIKE EARRINGS NECKLACES TO BE POSTED.
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CRYSTAL CLAY WITH SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS 

Each one of the Crystal Clay classes are made with the product Crystal Clay and embellished with Swarovski Crystals.  Crystal Clay comes in many colors. (Blues, pink, white, black, silver, gold,
purple, brown, yellow, red along with Crystal Dust of  pinks, blue, gold, silver, purple.)

CRYSTAL CLAY PENDANT 
This class you will make a pendant embellished with Swarovski Crystals.  Your pendant comes with a 18" sterling silver chain, Crystal Clay and Swarovski Crystals.   1 1/2 hour class $50.00

CRYSTAL CLAY RINGS 

This class must be booked with your ring size and desired colors of crystals  2 weeks prior to  SCHEDULED CLASS DATE.   1 1/2 hour class $50.00 and UP depending on the ring mount you select. The gold color clay is used with crystal and topaz Swarovski crystals and a gold crystal dust.


EMBELLISHING WITH CRYSTAL CLAY 
This is a really fun class!  YOU BE THE DESIGNER IN THIS CLASS!! Use your imagination to come up with a item to embellish the Crystal Clay with.  A key, puffy heart charm, a large Swarovski crystal, earrings and with so many items to think of the list goes on.   This is a class where your artistic ideas come out and you design a component that no else will have.  You bring the component you want to do and you can pick and purchase the color of clay and crystals and other components we have in the shop to work with.  1 to 2 hours class you determine your stay. $35.00 instruction only

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PMC (PRECIOUS METAL CLAY)
Embrace your inner magpie by creating silver pendants, earrings, buttons and pins and much more.  If you are a knitter or sewer, you can accessorize your creations with custom toggles and pins for a truly polished look.  Enroll in this Torch - Fire Precious Metal Clay class today and make your magpie sing!

What you will learn:
* Handling tips to get the most value out of your clay and avoid waste.
* Rolling, cutting, carving and texture your pieces.
* Step by step firing and finishing instructions.
* How to mold silver clay with household and natural objects.
* Fixing common mistakes
* Adding patina to your finished pieces
What you will make:
* Stylish pendants or earrings with textured or hammered surfaces.
* Unique buttons with holes and shanks
*Multi-layered jewelry with a variety of shapes and textures.
* Shawl pins, monogram charms and other slender pieces.
THIS CLASS IS A ONGOING CLASS which means take the class and make whatever item it is that you want to complete.  Just call and book your class time.
This is a class that you can do a million things with.  Make charms, rings, bracelets, pins, necklaces and just use your imagination.  This clay comes in Sterling Silver.  If you choose Gold it is a higher price.  All materials are included
CLASSES INCLUDE USE OF TOOLS/TORCH/KILN: $175.00

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WINE CORK NECKLACES
Make a necklace out of many different wine cork's that we have to choose from.  BYOB of wine and plan a girls night out.  You can supply your own wine and food and sit and relax and make a great
fun piece of jewelry.  We supply all the materials and you bring the fun!
CLASSES START AT $35.00 AND GO UP YOU DETERMINE YOUR OWN PRICE RANGE.

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HAND STAMPING ON METAL

This is a fun class you can make all that is shown here.  Or you can make part of it and purchase your charms.  Be creative and add a Miyuki seed bead chain to your design instead of a metal chain. 

This class is a 1.5 to a 3 hours class, make as many as 5 pieces.  Pick your class dates.

Cost of Instruction on Metal Working Class is 45.00

In this class you have so many choices.  Make your charm out of PMC or purchase Sterling Silver, Brass, Copper charms and hand stamp them.

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Stretch bracelets

Crystal Clay Ring with Swarovski Crystals

Call 630-793-9700 to book your classes or if you have any questions.

SEE YOU IN BEAD CLASS!

Happy Holidays


Another GREAT experience is happening at the shop!

I am very pleased to announce that Virgins Saints & Angels has come to A Bella Bead Boutique.  If you have ever watched the TV show "Once A Upon A Time" you will have seen the stunning pieces now in our shop. 

Here we go again its "Girls Night Out" December 3rd purchase your tickets now!  Visit downtownglenellyn.com for all the details.  The first 100 Chicks in my door receive a FREE pair of custom earrings. Fun night filled with great gifts and stocking stuffers...... Let it snow!!!

Class schedules will be posted in January.

So shop till you drop!  

A Bella Bead
Happy Holidays

Happy FALL Ladies!

 

 

Two more seats are still available for the crystal clay class tonight if any of you are interested.  Call 630-793-9700 to reserve for tonight's class.

 

Great new jewelry pieces have been added to the shop.  We have bracelet wraps, long chain necklaces, new rings, and new bangles!  I have also added Miyuki Seed Beads for my new friends at String Theory in Glen Ellyn.  If you are a knitter this store is a must to visit.

 

Everyday we are adding great string beads and new findings.  We carry brass, silver plate, copper, sterling silver, nickel.  For those of you that like to make your own spectacular pieces come into our shop and browse for great new beads and components.  

 

 

Check out the class schedule for our upcoming events.  Reserve your spaces today by calling

 630-793-9700 or visit us at :

Banyan Tree Mall

485 Main St. Unit D

Glen Ellyn, Il 60137