September program: Lotus Blossoms

Wednesday, September 23, 2009; 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Linekona Art Center

For the September program, join us and create a crystal flower that can be used as the focal piece on a short necklace. Because of the way the weight balances, it would tip forward on a longer necklace.
Try different combinations of the three crystal styles; there are many possibilities! It could also be attached to the surface of a wide bracelet; how about several different colors on one?!

Materials List (flower only):

- Five 10 mm crystal hearts, top drilled, front to back hole
- Five 6 mm flat crystal flowers (marguerite or margarita)
- Five 4 mm crystal bicones (for front)
- Five 4 mm beads, such as fire polish (for back). These won't show, but use a color similar to the heart color.
- Fireline 6 lb., either crystal or smoke, depending on color of crystals
- Two size 10 or 12 needles
- Hypo glue

Peekaboo Bracelet Workshop has been scheduled!

Great news beaders! Our fundraising workshop has been scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We have succeeded in obtaining the use of Safeway Kapahulu's meeting room, which is in the Ewa end of the one-story AT&T building adjacent to Safeway's parking lot. The times are approximate; the room is available all day. There are ample choices for lunch, including in Safeway. There is handicap parking nearby and longer-term regular parking above the store (take the ramp to the right of the store). There is a 2-hour time limit in their regular street-level lot.

Materials List:
- 9x6 oval crystals, approximately 12-16, depending on wrist size. (Note: Nancy refers to ovals as olives). Some colors are available from Bonnie Pestana; otherwise, obtain them from local bead shops or online. JewelrySupply.com has the bead in 24 color options (Swarovski bead code # 5200).
- Two 6 mm bicone crystals in the same color as the ovals (optional; you may use all ovals instead)
- 4 mm bicone crystals, 1 or 2 colors (number will vary, so have plenty
- 3 mm bicone crystals, 1 or 2 colors (number will vary, so have plenty)
- Size 15 seed beads, 2 or 3 colors
- 19 or 49 strand flexible beading wire (Nancy suggests Beadalon), or Fireline
- 2 twisted crimps and a magnetic clasp (or regular crimps and your choice of clasp)

The sample pictured is made using peridot ovals. Dottie used one 6 mm bicone on each end, or you could use all ovals, tapering toward the clasp on each end with 3mm and 4 mm bicones and size 15 seed beads.
If you use a magnetic clasp, you should attach a piece of security chain to it, at least on one end, before attaching it to the bracelet. Also see Jere's bracelet for color combination suggestions. Since the ovals may be hard to obtain, you should get them first, then coordinate the bicones and seed beads. If you can't find the ovals locally (including from Bonnie Pestana), try online, especially JewelrySupply.com. Nancy suggests combining several colors for a richer effect.
This is a fundraising event for the Bead Society. If you'd like to attend, you must first register and pay the $25 event fee. Please contact Dottie via email or phone as listed in our montly newsletters. There is a maximum of 20 participants.