NanC Meinhardt Class

In case you haven't already heard, Beads R Us is really on the move these days. We are continuously getting in new beads and other products to help you optimize, and if possible, further enjoy your beading experience.

We are also excited about upcoming events. Beads R Us is proud to announce that on June 9-10, 2007, we will be hosting a workshop featuring NanC Meinhardt. For those of you not familiar with NanC and her beautiful beadwork, take a moment to check it out at www.NancMeinhardt.com . Our workshop will feature two projects, the first being "Super Froth" bracelet, and the second being "Deneene's Necklace". Super Froth is a beautiful bracelet done using the Ndebele (Herringbone) stitch, but with different sized beads and stitched on the diagonal, with a wonderful "froth" of beads for a closure. Deneene's Necklace is a stunning, elegant rope necklace stitched using a peyote base. The fee for NanC's workshop is $180, which includes lunch both days. Should you wish to participate in one of the projects only, the fee is $90. We're very glad to welcome NanC to "our neck of the woods" since this will be her first visit to Louisiana. Don't miss this opportunity to join us for this workshop. All you have to do is call (318-442-8666) or email (beadsus@bellsouth.net) to reserve your spot for this class. Kits will be available, or you are welcome to use your own choice of beads for the projects. The list is filling up fast, so don't delay!

Ralph and I had an absolutely wonderful time on our beadcruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. We have been invited to return with our bead shop for the 2008 Beadcruise. Thank you, Heather, and Bevvie! Plans are currently in the making, and when they are final, details will be announced. Check out the beautiful pictures at www.beadcruise.com . We made it to the midnight chocolate buffet, and were treated to one of the most beautiful buffets I've ever seen. And OH MY GOODNESS!!! I cannot even begin to describe the food. Fabulous!!

Beads R Us is also proud to announce a mini workshop featuring local polymer clay artist Becky Single. Come join us on Thursday, May 3 , at 6:30 p.m., and see what it's all about. In the very near future, classes using this medium will be offered at the shop. Call or come by for more information.

And last, but certainly not least, we are gearing up for the annual Shreveport Bead Retreat, held on the first weekend of August each year. My friend, Ida Williams, is working feverishly to make this the best retreat to date. Come join us......you won't be sorry. Information and details concerning the retreat are available at the shop, or visit Ida's website http://iwilli71129.com/2ndshreveportbeadretreat . You are in for a treat!

Happenings at Beads R Us

Ralph and I hope that all of you are doing well with all this cold, rainy weather we've had lately. Hopefully, it will be turning a little warmer soon, and everyone will be ready for Mardi Gras, and then the Spring!

There's much happening around the shop. We've recently received a new shipment of Czech fire polished beads, as well as new seed beads and Delicas. Also arriving soon will be new books on technique and design to help you enhance the already beautiful work you do. Our classes are up and going strong, also. I am back in the shop teaching again. I seem to have weathered the problems with my knee, and am "ready to rock" as they say.

The workshop with Cynthia Rutledge was awesome! We learned so many neat things. She graciously brought examples of everything she teaches, and I can't describe how beautiful they all are. She is such a talented artist, and has agreed to come back and visit us in January '08, so make your plans now to join us. Information about the class will be posted as time grows closer. The workshop project is TBA.

Currently, we're preparing to go on our Beadcruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya in late March. Ralph and I will be the "bead shop on board" once again. There's still time to sign up if you wish to go. www.beadcruise.com

All of the "Bizzy Beaders" have been busy creating lots of new, beautiful pieces. If you'd like to join us, come every Thursday afternoon or evening. We're there 'til around 7:30 p.m., sometimes later. I promise you'll enjoy it! If you have any questions or otherwise need information, please call the shop.

Take care, and "Happy Beading"!

Merry Christmas!

To all of our loyal and faithful customers and friends, Ralph and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very special Merry Christmas. Thanks so much to each and every one of you for helping our shop to flourish, and be a place of learning and sharing with each other. The Beads R Us family is truly a family in every sense of the word. Just walking in the door, one immediately picks up on the good feeling and wonderful atmosphere we all share. And of course, it goes without saying that the wonderful ladies, who all are our very special friends, that work in the shop...THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!! As many of you know, I have had some really disabeling knee problems this summer, followed by surgery in November, and without "the girls", I shudder to think what I would have done. Again...thanks!

Today, we had our little Christmas party. We had 15 to attend, and everyone brought something wonderful to eat. After we all ate everything in site, we played Dirty Santa. What a hoot! I'll tell you what....there was some serious sneaking going on! It was absolutely hilarious. I laughed so hard my belly was hurting. Of course, I know the meal I'd just inhaled didn't have a thing to do with that!

Also, time is passing so quickly....just a few more weeks before Cynthia Rutledge arrives. I have 2 spaces left in the class, so if you're interested, better call soon! She's teaching "Circlet of Lace", which looks like something any queen would be proud to wear. It's absolutely gorgeous. Don't miss out on the fun and fellowship...come join us! Call or email the shop for more information.

Beads R Us News

Beads R Us is proud to announce we are hosting a workshop featuring Cynthia Rutledge, teaching one of her newest creations "Circlet of Lace". This workshop is being held on January 20 and 21, 2007, 10:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. I would like to encourage everyone to participate in this workshop, because it will be a wonderful learning experience. Cynthia is an outstanding instructor, and we are very lucky to have her include us among her worldly travels. Just stop by Beads R Us to see this beautiful necklace. Feel free to call or e-mail the shop for more information. To learn more about Cynthia visit her website at: www.cynthiarutledge.net

Jeannette Cook Workshop

Greetings Everyone!

Here we are half way through June already! I can't believe it! We just finished Christmas....didn't we?!? In April, Dona Anderson came, and we did two beautiful pieces during her workshop. I am so inspired by Dona's creativity. Thanks, Dona, for coming and sharing with us.

It's already time for another workshop! Jeannette Cook will be at Beads R Us July 15-16. She will be teaching Spanish Dancer earrings, and Pagoda Pendant. Both pieces are absolutely gorgeous, and we can't wait to learn! I must say, Jeannette inspires us all with her amazing collaboration of colors. We would be delighted if you'd join us for this workshop. If you need more information, just call or email the shop.

For those of you that do not live in Louisiana, it is H O T!! Of course, my daylilies are enjoying the sun, and I am enjoying their beauty, so a little heat won't kill me. We're also enjoying fresh cucumbers and tomatoes out of our little garden that our sweet granddaughters planted for us. Grace, 8, and Ella, 2, were totally in charge of the project. Their father took them to Wal-Mart to purchase a butterfly to stick right in the middle. It's just beautiful. And I can't tell you how precious the whole thing was for us to watch. They really did a good job, and planted each seed with tender loving care.

I must also say that summer inspires me to look for beads in all the colors I see around me. My friend Lynn commented the other day, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could get some of every bead manufactured?". I smiled and said, "I'm working on it!". I think a bead shop owner is the worse sort of bead addict out there. We seem to never be able to get enough, because how much is enough? If someone out there has the answer, please let me know!

For those of you that live closeby, don't forget to come in the shop and see all of the new selections we have in all the wonderful summer colors...and check out our weekly specials. Also, you may want to sign up for a class, or just come by and spend the afternoon with us! We'd love to have you!

Dona Anderson Workshop

Beads R Us is please to remind you of the Dona Anderson Workshop being held at the shop on May 20 and 21. The workshop begins at 10:00 a.m., and ends at 4:00 p.m. Dona is teaching the Marrakesh bracelet, which she recently taught on the Cozumel Cruise. Also, she is teaching The Eye of The Storm, which she has dedicated to all of her friends here in Louisiana. It is absolutely gorgeous. The center, or "eye", is a gorgeous Swarovski Rivoli crystal that will absolutley knock your eyes out! Don't miss this great opportunity. The fee is $120 for the entire weekend, with lunch provided by Beads R Us.
If you would like to see these two beautiful bracelets, stop by Beads R Us, 1343 Peterman Dr., or give us a call (318-442-8666). Hope you will come join us!

Cozumel Cruise

Hello Everyone! I am finally getting my land legs back after our cruise to Cozumel. It was wonderful...first class all the way. Heather Powers and her Mom, Bevvie Herman, did an awesome job of putting this cruise together. I know it took lots of long hours of hard work, and we all appreciate it. And a big huge thank you goes to Kim Malone for coming along to help Ralph and I in the shop. Couldn't have done it without ya, kid!

Aside from a nice bout of seasickness, I did great. All of our beads traveled well, also. Being the bead vendor was a very pleasant experience, and the people I met, and the friends I gained were wonderful. I have found that beads are indeed a "universal language", and that being a total beadfreak is not a bad thing at all. In fact, I would go so far to say if you're not a "freak", you don't know what you're missing, and you should become one as soon as possible!

We'll be going on another cruise next April, so start planning now to join us. I don't have any details as of yet, but will soon. Keep watching the site for information.

Another bit of information: Dona Anderson will be teaching at the shop on May 20-21, 2006. She is teaching the Marrakesh Bracelet, and a new piece called Eye of the Storm. The fee is $120, which includes lunch for both days. Space is limited, so call the shop and sign up now (318-442-8666), or drop us an email (beadsus@bellsouth.net).

Customer Appreciation Day is also May 20. Come by the shop and join us for refreshments and a look at some of the new beads I've purchased. (I just can't help myself). We look forward to your visit.

I promise to have some cruise pics up on the site soon. In the meantime, just picture in your mind the purest turquoise blue imaginable, and you'll know what the waters of Cozumel look like.

Thanks, Heather and Bevvie for a wonderful experience. Bevvie, our prayers continue to be with you, and get well soon!