Well it's been a long time since I have done my blog but it has been idle for too long.  I finally added over fifty new beads to my website and hopefully this will continue (having time to add new beads).
www.kandrasbeads.com

The shop has been so busy that I don't have time to take pictures and post them. 

I have the new Gumdrop beads which I really love, if you go to Kerrie Slade's Facebook page you can see her new beautiful pieces that she has made with the Gumdrops.


A lot of new 5x8 Spike beads just came in and I will be working on getting pictures taken.

The big news is I am running out of space in my store, I have managed to fill my store up and then some.  I am hanging beads in the window and from the ceiling now but a woman has to do what a woman has to do to fit all the new beads in!

Some day I will have time to learn how to add pictures to my blog so they are where I want them, so in the meantime please understand that I don't know what I'm doing!!!

Sending everyone love and light, Kandra

Beading outside the box!

Hi everyone!

Once again I must apologize for not updating Kandra's blog more frequently!  We are both still here and doing fine - Kandra is busy with the store adding new beads and classes all the time and I've been busy experimenting with some of the fun new bead shapes that are around.  Now, I thought I was a die-hard seed beader, but having been introduced to some of the exciting new designs that are popping up everywhere, I have had to think again!  Spike beads, daggers, twin hole beads, mushrooms, peanuts - all of them have such a lot of potential and can add a new twist to your designs and they all come in an irresistible array of colours.  As you would expect, Kandra's Beads stocks a wide range of all of them and I have created a little collage to whet your appetite ...

Click on the 'New Beads' link on this page of the website or take your time and explore the vast range of beads that Kandra stocks via the menu on the left-hand side of the website.

Bye for now!

Kerrie

Spikes and Thorns at Kandra's Beads!

Hi everyone!

Have you seen the new Czech glass spike beads?  They come in two sizes and a wide range of delectable finishes with enchanting names like Magic Blueberry, Sapphire Silver and Silky Gold Iris Picasso and Kandra's Beads carries over 30 different colours.  They are a lot of fun to work with, adding a new dimension to your designs and as they have a hole running through the base they can either be captured in beading or used in stringing or sewn designs.  I recently had chance to play with the 17mm spike beads and created my new pattern 'Thorn Flowers' which Kandra now sells on CD along with the rest of my patterns.

Why not treat yourself to some of these exciting spike beads by either calling in to the store or by following this link to buy them on-line.  If you would like to purchase a CD of my new Thorn Flower pattern to give you some design ideas to get you started click here or if you would prefer a PDF of one of my patterns to be emailed to you, you can buy them directly from my website.

Bye for now!

Kerrie

New book in store!

Hi everyone!

Bead & Button magazine has just added a new title to the popular 'Stitch Workshop' series - 'Herringbone Stitch: basic techniques, advanced results'.  This book is in stock and available to purchase either in store or via the website at Kandra's Beads.  Bead & Button says "Herringbone Stitch is the third book in the Stitch Workshop series. It’s perfect for novice beaders learning herringbone for the first time and experienced beaders looking for more projects using their favorite stitch."

The book starts with an introduction by Diane Fitzgerald followed by some 'stitch basics' for beginners (which are also useful for more experienced beaders) and then launches straight into 26 favourite projects from Bead & Button magazine, ranging from quick to make but impressive bracelets to elaborate necklaces and everything in-between.  Herringbone is one of my absolute favourite stitches that I incorporate into my work all the time as I love the way it can be used to create supple ropes or shaped sculptural pieces - did I mention that my foxglove necklace is one of the projects in the book?

The book isn't currently listed on Kandra's website, so if you would like to purchase it by mail order, just email or call Kandra and she will let you know the postage costs - and don't forget to stock up on the beads for all those delicious projects while you are shopping!

See you next week with news of lots of new beads!

Kerrie

Leslie Frazier is coming to teach at Kandra's Beads!

Hi everyone!

Well the title of this post says it all really doesn't it?  We are very pleased to announce that international bead artist and teacher Leslie Frazier will be teaching a one day class at Kandra's Beads on Sunday August the 19th 2012 from 10 am until 4 pm.  Leslie will be teaching her popular Pinch Bead Pizzazz Pendant Necklace, Pinch Bead Spheres and Cathedral Window Beads which will give you the option of recreating the beautiful pieces shown below or incorporating these versatile little beaded beads into your own designs.

Places will be limited and this is only a one day event, so be sure to keep a close eye on the classes and events page where full details will be announced, or use the contact form to reserve a place.

Kerrie

Trunk show news!

Hi everyone!

Just a quick note to let you all know that this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (23rd, 24th and 25th of March) Jenny Friske-Baer of Divine Spark Designs will be holding a trunk show at Kandra's Beads.  So you know what that means right?  An incredible array of beautiful handmade lampwork beads and glass along with hand stamped word charms and etched copper charms will be on display at Kandra's for three whole days, giving you a wonderful opportunity not only to see them first hand, but also the chance to purchase them there and then so that you can start incorporating them into your creative designs as soon as possible!  Below are just a few examples of Jenny's amazing work ...

If you are free and in the area, be sure to drop into Kandra's beads at 1539A Mission Drive, Solvang, CA and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind piece of handmade art!

Wire Beaded Neckpiece!

Hello everyone!

Can it really be 6 weeks since I last updated Kandra's blog?  Please accept my apologies for my lack of posting, I hit a really busy spot and took a little vacation but I am firmly back in the blogging seat now!  We have lots of very exciting news to share with you in the coming weeks, but first I want to show you some pictures of the recent wirework classes held by tutor C. R. Radding who was back by popular demand to teach her 'Wire Beaded Neckpiece' and 'Basket Weave Earrings'.  The first picture shows the spacious class set-up with all the tools lined up and an amazing array of beads to choose from.

The next picture shows the students busy hammering, twisting and coiling wire and adding lots of beads, pearls and stones to create their one of a kind finished pieces.

And in the final set of pictures you can see some of the stunning results showing just how versatile this technique is - enabling you to personalize your finished piece adding as little or as much as you want to!  I am sure that C. R . Radding will be back to teach at Kandra's so be sure to keep an eye on the 'Classes and Events' page of Kandra's Beads!

We have some major news to report in next week's blog so you might want to click on the 'Follow by Email' box at the top of this blog so that you don't miss a thing!