Congratulations to Candys S. McCulley  on winning our Oct. giveaway!!!

Thank you everyone, I'm glad you like our selection and butterfly. Good luck and remember we have these beads in our e-store at www.newenglandbeads.com if this isn't your winning month, YET.  If you are in the area of Keene, NH you may also come to the store by appointment, just call 603-352-7192, we would love to see you!

October Free Beads Giveaway and Challenge

October's FREE Bead Giveaway is open!! This month, we have these gorgeous selections ready to post out:

1 Swarovski 16mm Vitrial Medium Rivoli

24 Swarovski 4mm bicones in Vitrial Medium

10 grams lavender size 15

10 grams green size 11 and

10 grams gold size 11!!

If you would like to be entered in for a chance to win this beautiful mix, here's what you need to do: come on over to Facebook and 'Like' our p

age. Find the new post about the giveaway each month, and 'Like' the post and share our giveaway post on your wall and then make sure to come back and leave a comment saying you've shared it. That's it, that's all you have to do to be entered to win the giveaway. We will leave the post open for comments for three days, and on the fourth day, we'll use a random number generator to pick that month's winner and send out your beads!

For the 'Challenge' part of the giveaway, we're asking each winner to make something lovely out of the beads that are sent, by the end of the giveaway month. You are free to make whatever you would like with them, and add to them from your stash as well. You don't have to use all the beads sent, although we would prefer you used at least a few of each. We'll post a picture to our blog of your creation, and one here on Facebook as well, in our new Customer Gallery photo album!  Please don't enter to win if you don't plan to complete the challenge part of the giveaway, as we would really like to see what you make with your beads!

We can't wait to see what this month's winner comes up with!

Website & eStore outages corrected

In the past couple of day we have had some outage problems with our eStore and website, our service provider has corrected the issues and everything in back on line as of this evening. Tests have been completed and everything is working properly once again.  We are Sorry for any inconvenience it may have cause    

CONGRATULATIONS TERRI TURNER, THE WINNER OF THE SEPTEMBER BEAD CHALLENGE!  Part of the challenge is to create something with the beads you win from us and send us a picture, so we can't wait to see what Terri makes!

September's Giveaway!

September's FREE Bead Giveaway is open!! This month, we have these gorgeous selections ready to post out:

24 Rose Swarovski Crystals in 4mm
10 grams of luscious dark green size 15 beads
10 grams of dark purple size 11 seed beads
Generous handful of sparkly teal chinarovski crystals
Three beautiful Bali Silver focal beads

If you would like to be entered in for a chance to win this beautiful mix, here's what you need to do: come on over to Facebook and 'Like' our p

age. Find the new post about the giveaway each month, and 'Like' the post and share our giveaway post on your wall and then make sure to come back and leave a comment saying you've shared it. That's it, that's all you have to do to be entered to win the giveaway. We will leave the post open for comments for three days, and on the fourth day, we'll use a random number generator to pick that month's winner and send out your beads!

For the 'Challenge' part of the giveaway, we're asking each winner to make something lovely out of the beads that are sent, by the end of the giveaway month. You are free to make whatever you would like with them, and add to them from your stash as well. You don't have to use all the beads sent, although we would prefer you used at least a few of each. We'll post a picture to our blog of your creation, and one here on Facebook as well, in our new Customer Gallery photo album!

We can't wait to see what this month's winner comes up with!

Beginning Beading

Hello everyone,
There is a hint of fall in the air, that means school and holidays are coming soon!
Would you like some new jewelry to make the clothes from last year look new again?
Have you thought of all of those wonderful gifts you will be giving your loved ones?

WE HAVE A SOLUTION FOR YOU!

This Saturday is our BEGINNING BEADING class, starting at 10:30am.  Why not bring a friend and have a day of fun, you'll go home with a finished necklace AND a pair of earrings!
More details in the calender at the bottom of the blog, just give us a call at 603 352-7192 to register.
We hope to see you Saturday!
.

Upcoming Classses

We are celebrating the HERRINGBONE (N'Debele) stitch for the month of September! All of our classes will be using variations of the herringbone stitch, and of course we will offer our beginning class, as we do each month (we'll even talk about herringbone stitch in this class).  Please come join us and learn the stitch that adds two beads at a time instead of one! Check the calender at the bottom of the blog for dates and information on August and Sept. classes.  Just give us a call at 603-352-7192 to register or ask questions.

Congratulations to Tracey Cadman, our August winner of our Giveaway/Challenge!  You will be receiving your free, watery pallet of Swarovski crystals, beautiful soft blue pearls and collection of seed beads soon.  We can't wait to see your creation using the beads!

August Free Bead Giveaway!

It's time again for our Monthly Giveaway Challenge!  First, though, we would like to share with you what our July winner, Tammy Bowman, made with her free beads.  Thanks so much for participating, Tammy!

Tammy Bowman's earrings - winner of the July Free Beads Giveaway and Challenge

And THIS is what we're giving away for August: a fabulously cool water themed mix, perfect for cooling off in the summer's heat!

Included in this month's giveaway are:
1 strand of delicious light powder blue freshwater pearls
24 4mm Blue Zircon Swarovski crystals
24 4mm Teal Blue Swarovski crystals
1 12gm box #399O size 11 seed beads 
1 12gm box #32 size 15 seed beads
1 12gm box #376 size 11 seed beads
2 gorgeous Aqua Swarovski faceted pear shaped drop beads


If you would like to be entered in for a chance to win this beautiful mix, here's what you need to do: come on over to Facebook and 'Like' our page.  Find the new post about the giveaway each month, and 'Like' the post and share our giveaway post on your wall and then make sure to come back and leave a comment saying you've shared it.  That's it, that's all you have to do to be entered to win the giveaway.  We will leave the post open for comments for three days, and on the fourth day, we'll use a random number generator to pick that month's winner and send out your beads! 


For the 'Challenge' part of the giveaway, we're asking each winner to make something lovely out of the beads that are sent, by the end of the giveaway month.  You are free to make whatever you would like with them, and add to them from your stash as well.  You don't have to use all the beads sent, although we would prefer you used at least a few of each.  We'll post a picture to our blog of your creation, and one here on Facebook as well, in our new Customer Gallery photo album!


So come on over, we can't wait to see what our winner comes up with this month!

Facebook Giveaway and Challenge!

We've decided to give away some beads every month!!  Yes, FREE BEADS!!  Of course, you have to do a little something to get them...

Here's how it works:  come on over to Facebook and 'Like' our page.  Find the new post about the giveaway each month, and 'Like' the post and share our giveaway post on your wall and then make sure to come back and leave a comment saying you've shared it.  That's it, that's all you have to do to be entered to win the giveaway.  We will leave the post open for comments for three days, and on the fourth day, we'll use a random number generator to pick that month's winner and send out your beads!

For the 'Challenge' part of the giveaway, we're asking each winner to make something lovely out of the beads that are sent, by the end of the giveaway month.  You are free to make whatever you would like with them, and add to them from your stash as well.  You don't have to use all the beads sent, although we would prefer you used at least a few of each.  We'll post a picture to our blog of your creation, and one here on Facebook as well, in our new Customer Gallery photo album!

This month, we are giving away this lucious, summery set of beads:

Included in the giveaway for July are:
1 12 gram box each of:  Delica beads #DB625 in Silver Lined Light Pink
                                      size 11 seed beads #F134 in Matte Transparent Chocolate Brown
                                      size 11 seed beads #403D in Opaque Dark Cream
                                      size 15 seed beads #654 in Silver Lined Gold AB
24 pieces of Mocca 4mm Swarovski crystal
24 pieces of Light Rose AB 3mm Swarovski crystal
1 Golden Shadow 14mm Swarovski rivoli
1 bobbin of pink One G thread

So come over to our Facebook page, and win yourself some excellent beads!

Mobile New England Beads Store!

Today we activated our Mobile website optimization. What this means is that you will now be able to access the http://shop.newenglandbeads.com store from your mobile device without the need of a software download! Everything is done on the web. Click the link using your mobile device and you will be taken to the eStore. All of the functionality of your laptop on your phone. It is a really cool addition!!

GRAND OPENING!!

Click on announcement to enlarge

July Classes

We are back in the swing with classes my creative friends.

July's classes are in the calendar.

Give us a call to register for classes at 603-352-7192.

This is our line-up so far for July 

Crocheted Rope & Crocheted Rope Join

Pearl Knotting

Cab Wrap

Herringbone Lariat

Beginning Beading- includes earrings                              Drop Crochet

Work is progressing quickly now and our eStore will be online very soon. We can't wait to show it to you!

Mother's Day

Dave and I hope all of you Moms out there had a wonderful Mother's day!

Beaded Leatherette Class

This is BEADED LEATHERETTE to be taught May 21 from 6 to 8pm. The class is $25.  For the clasp you may use a favorite button or bead that is approximately 15mm or I will have some to choose from, along with the rest of the supplies.

My REPAIR BUSINESS continues so if you are local to the Keene area, and have any broken strands of beads that you would like repaired, give me a call at (603)352-7192.

Bead Happenings

We are getting closer to making the website real to all of you!  To see a sample of the e-store go to www.newenglandbeads.com and click on the preview.
We ARE here for your bead emergencies and NEED for bead shopping, just call! For those of you who are local or traveling to Keene, come see us at New England Beads' new home, which is our home, just call (603)352-7192 first to make sure we're here and get directions, you can still see and touch the beads!

***News Flash*** JUST ARRIVED! 100, yes, one hundred new colors of Swarovski 4mm bicones.  It's SO exciting!

Okay back to the blog, it's just that all of those beautiful crystals grabbed my full attention!
Tomorrow night at 6pm is Open Bead 'N' Chat at 135 Old Homestead Highway in Swanzey.  Next Wednesday and Thursday nights beginning at 6pm is a BEGINNER BEADING CLASS, that is, May 16 & 17(same place).  Please call us at least 24 hours in advance, if you would like to attend the class, you need to preregister.  Beaded Leatherette will be taught on Monday May 21.
That's all for now, we hope you're enjoying spring, we are!

*Please follow us at nebeads.blogspot.com for the MOST up to date news.   Don't  forget the calender of classes is at the bottom of the blog page. 

*Remember you can find us on facebook under New England Beads - don't forget to "like" us.
*For more information - our website www.newenglandbeads.com which will soon have the shopping cart included in it.

Do you want to shop for BEADS, findings, accessories, wire...?

NEW ENGLAND BEADS/Earth Treasures is REOPENED!

It's easy,
CALL us at (603)352-7192 (yes we still have the same store phone number), we'll give you directions and 
YOU CAN COME SHOP!
We are continuing to work diligently to get the online store up, it's just time consuming.
We can't wait to see you,
Dave, Jo & Sadie

RAW

Just a reminder of a Right Angle Weave Bracelet class, tonight, Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Give us a call at 603 352-7192 for more information, and to let us know you are coming.
We will embellish it with Swarovski crystals for lots of sparkle or if you prefer, seed beads for a more subdued look.  It's a wonderful, strong, supple, off-loom beadweaving stitch that you will want to use again and again.

Remember you can find us on facebook under New England Beads,
don't forget to "like" us,
and for more information - our website www.newenglandbeads.com
Don't forget the calender of classes is at the bottom of the blog page.

Dianne Fitzgerald

Last Thursday I went to Lexington, MA with some members of the Bead Society of New Hampshire to see Dianne Fitzgerald speak.  Dianne had wonderful slides, including some of very old beads in her private collection, and gave a great talk. There were lots of laughs, opportunities to meet new beaders, even time afterwards to talk to Dianne and buy her kits and wonderful books.  By the way, she gave two classes in the following days, which was a wonderful opportunity for you all.  To have such top caliber instructors available to us in the east is a treasure you want to take advantage of, if you possibly can.
Many thanks to Beadesigner International, Inc. for inviting Dianne and sharing her with guests, we all had a very nice evening and appreciated your hospitality.

BSNH Weekend/New Beads

Last weekend I vended at the Bead Society of NH Retreat. As always it was a wonderful weekend with magnificent, talented ladies.  What do we do?  We bead and eat!  I did manage to get in a hike, also.  We all leave with finished and newly begun beaded items, beading inspirations, new beads, magazines, prizes and warm feelings of camaraderie.  People share beading techniques and ideas and great stories.  We even made pretty paper boxes to hold beautiful creations.  One of our members even came from Florida for it!
Dave helped vend at the wholesale beading show in Springfield MA.  He bought some new beads which I will bring to Bead "N" Chat tonight and next week.
All in all it was a great weekend.
We are getting set up, slowly, in our house.  I HOPE we can open the shopping cart online in the next couple of weeks.

Easter weekend happenings

Happy Easter everyone.
We hope you enjoy the day with your loved ones.  Dave and I (and Sadie of course) are going to Vermont to see my parents, at 90 and 88 they are a wonder, still living in their condo and doing great.  I only wish our children could join us.
On the BEADY front we have over 400 bead pictures and descriptions entered into the computer so far, and we'll work hard this week to complete lots more, I can't wait for the site to go public!  Saturday I taught private bead classes in Rochester, NH, with promise and possibilities of more private and public classes in that area to come.
Sadie says she misses all of her visitors.
Have a great day,
Jo & Dave

New location of Bead "N"Chat

The move is now behind us (and we survived!), the organization is ahead of us, the uploading of inventory is our present daily goal.  We took lots of pictures of 11/o seed beads today and we are getting better at it.
Our first Bead "N" Chat at our new location, 135 Old Homestead Highway (Rt 32), Swanzey, is tomorrow from 6-8pm.  Suite 102 around the back of the building and down the stairs.  Hope to see you there.

New England Beads.com website

With all the changes that have occurred over the last month, we have taken some time to redesign the website to better reflect our new web based business. You can get to the site by going to www.newenglandbeads.com or www.nebeads.com.  (If you have previously "book marked" our site in your web browser you might have to delete that book mark and  add the new one.)  We have added this new logo for the business and hope you like it as much as we do!!

Beads are flying out of here!

WOW, the guys are fantastic, beads are flying out of here right and left.  It's great to have the help.  The trailer gets loaded up and off it goes.  We're renting a truck this afternoon.

New England Beads Website

Last evening our website was taken off line for maintenance and updates it is now up and available to be accessed more information will be forthcoming about our new online store and classes.  A reminder that there are only two days left in our Main Street location.

Down to the wire on Main Street

Saturday is the last day of our Main Street store.  There are still lots of goodies to purchase on sale, but we have also packed up and moved many products out.  We are tired and sore but still moving.
We have had some very nice people come in to make their purchases and wish us well with our new online venture.  We appreciate all of your kind thoughts and good wishes, thank you.  Bead "N" Chat was very heart warming last night during our wonderful celebration of new beginnings.

Downtown Update

What a windy day!  Brrr...  
Tomorrow is the last Bead "N" Chat at the store, 6 to 8pm.
We still have lots of things for sale and ON SALE, FIXTURES, TOYS, BEADS, MINERALS, LIGHTS, CANDLES, ASTRONOMY BOOKS, BEADING BOOKS & TOOLS, SHELLS, EARRINGS, EVEN PINS IN THE SHAPE OF NH... 
PLEASE COME SEE US, 
THIS IS OUR LAST WEEK BEFORE WE MOVE TO THE INTERNET!
We will be closed by Sunday.  The end of our storefront era!

New Logo

Still LOTS at the store!  Come visit and get some GREAT DEALS.
We are modifying our new logo - coming soon.  I hope you like it.
Starting to move back-stock and set up our basement at home,
changes, changes, changes!
Sadie, Dave and I sure will miss seeing our customers, but we are very excited about helping so many more of you with your beady needs.
I'm so glad we are still able to offer classes and Open Bead "N" Chat!
Have a great day, it's so beautiful and warm out.

Cabochon Sale

All cabochons are 50 % off!
We are still putting out new products, please come check us out.
You would be amazed at what we're putting on the 
50% off tables;
toys, minerals, hangers, books, candles, beads, kites, lights, fibers... 
9 days left!
We're looking forward to seeing you.

Display Units for Sale

What a gorgeous day today!  We had a great time in the Beginning Beading class yesterday, such pretty necklace and earring sets were created.
As you can see we still have PLENTY of beads for sale and ON SALE. We are still putting out products from our storage area in the basement, oh so many display units - including the bead display units in the top picture, minerals, toys, beads, posters, even print drawers. Come in soon and check it out, we're only open until the end of this month.  http://www.newenglandbeads.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-England-Beads/199862463364245

Class

Our last Beginning Beading class in the shop on Main Street is this Saturday.  
Come join the fun!

Sat, March 17, 10:30am – 5:00pm

$30 12 Main Street Keene, NH 603-352-7192 What a great place to start! You will complete a necklace and a pair of earrings and leave with lots of knowledge on tools, stringing materials, findings, seed beads, and basic wire work. This class is a bargain! Please ask for supply list when you register. Please have your supplies ready so we may start at 10:30, and yes we will take a break for lunch.

Bead "N" Chat

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful and talented group of people who come to Bead "N" Chat, whether beginners or more advanced.  Great conversation and ideas, I appreciate each individual.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-England-Beads/199862463364245

store update

Just an update;
there were lots of happy customers last week, excited about the good deals they got, and coming back soon to check out the items we're putting out this week. Thank you for all of your support.  We hope to see you soon!

Magical Findings and Stinky Stellar

Bead Society of NH was fun today, there was a $5 bead swap, which everyone enjoyed. I demonstrated a new Magical Crimping Tool and Magical Findings, then sold the 3 that I brought. It makes stringing multi-strand pieces a snap! I'll have more at the BSNH retreat in April, let me know if you would like one so that I'm sure to have enough.


Okay, now I know spring is near. The baby of our family is an 11 month old miniature horse. When I greet her I usually say "Hi Sweet Stellar".  I'm now calling her STINKY STELLAR, she evidently played with one of those striped "black and white kitties"! PHEW!

Tell a friend

Please tell a friend about our move and sale, we have great prices for you and will continue to do so.

SALE Specifics

During our transition all mineral specimens and bookends are 50% off! Remember all beads are 10% off - unless otherwise marked - up to 50% off!!! All of the fixtures are also for sale.

SALES!

All Czech pressed glass beads and fire polished crystals are 30% off in the store. Our minerals and fossils are 50% off!  Come check out the sales and the new goodies we're putting out.

STORE MOVING, GREAT DEALS!

David and I have exciting news to share, we have decided to make a change in our lives by moving our store to the web. We will use our same website - www.newenglandbeads.com and add a shopping cart to it.  We will carry most of the same products and since we won't have the overhead, most will be at a lower cost.  We will  be up and running in April, but for right now stock is 10% to 50% OFF!!!  This is a GREAT DEAL.  We are cleaning out our back stock and bringing things up from the basement including silver, gold, copper and black colored jump rings for chain maille at 50% OFF!!!  After 21 years there are A LOT of TREASURES.  Please TELL ALL of your beading friends, carpool with them.and make a day of fun.  We're looking forward to seeing you!

More Beads

David slipped on the ice behind our house last weekend and sprained his ankle, to go along with his bad back, so I've been a little busy.  We're getting through each day with the store, the house, our five miniature horses and our pup, and guess who's doing it?  Yep, me, I must say I'm a little more tired.  The GOOD thing is I've got David tubing beads like crazy, that means more for you, HOORAYYY!   Come check it out.  I'm also working on some winter clean-out and bringing all kinds of different items up from the basement, so come see us soon.

Savings

At the Bead Society of New Hampshire on Sunday, there were four bead store owners/managers on the panel.   We spoke on saving money while beading and so many tips were offered.  The appreciation was felt and we all had a good time .
Some of the tips included:

• Checking prices between box stores and bead stores, big box stores tend to put their money into packaging therefore giving you smaller amounts of beads.  What I've found when comparing is that per bead you pay less at our store. 
• Seed beads take longer to work with to develop the stitches and design, so you are saving money per hour.
• Organize your supplies so you don't re-buy what you already have.
• Plan ahead, go to the store with a project in mind, a list, and a budget.
• Take classes to develop a good knowledge of how to do techniques, then you won't have to re-do projects.
• Practice techniques in wire working with inexpensive copper cored wire, then move into sterling and gold filled.
• Be informed, watch your local bead store's website, blog, and Facebook for specials, sales, coupons and ask if they have frequent buyer cards.  We have a bead card where after 5 purchases you get the average of those 5 purchases FREE in beads, and all you have to do is ask for it!!!

The general consensus was to remember to support your local bead store because they go the extra mile for you, with personal service, helping with ideas, solutions to problems, offering classes, and ordering special things for you, therefore saving you lots of time and money.  When we go to shows we high-grade by hand picking the best in quality for you, we do not mail order any stones or pearls.

February news

Tomorrow I will be on a panel of four at Bead Society of New Hampshire, speaking about "shopping wisely for beads", it should be interesting.  Stay tuned for more on this.
Don't forget that we have Valentine necklaces, beginner kits with larger beads for those with younger or older fingers, and finished jewelry in case you aren't able to make your own.

We have Valentine gifts for you.  Gift Certificates, too! 
Tell your honey you would like to take a class with us!

New England Beads website

Our new website is operational!  We had left the old site up while technical issues were taken care of, and  those issues have been resolved and the site that served us for many years has been retired. NEBeads.com has been redirected and you can reach our new site at either of the following web addresses - we look forward to seeing you!   www.newenglandbeads.com  or www.nebeads.com 

Thank you for visiting!
Happy Beading

Met Innmon coming to New England Beads in April

Met Innmon will be teaching for us April 20 - 22, 2012!!!
Jolie Navette on Friday - $90
Bali Breeze Necklace on Sat. & Sun. - $180
OR 
All three days for $250!!!
Come join the fun!
www.metbeads.com and pictures coming soon.

Class schedule

At the bottom of the blog page you'll find the February classes in the calender.

Valentines

NEW :
Valentine Charm Necklaces 
A token of love 
for someone special.

New England Beads New website has launched

To our valued customers and friends;

This evening our new website has launched!   

The new site is located at

www.newenglandbeads.com 

Our contact email address has also changed it is

 newenglandbeads@gmail.com

 We hope to make this a very interactive experience for our guests, full of information, tips, and learning experiences.

Our old website will remain operational for a short time while some technical issues are worked out, soon the www.nebeads.com will become a portal to our new website.

We are very excited about the changes and hope you enjoy!

We are very interested in what you think so please don't hesitate to give 

us feedback and don't forget you can follow us on 

Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or our blog

Thank you for your continued support & Happy Beading!

Joanne & Dave

Bead Bop

Our first Bead Bop 2012 meeting was very inspiring and exciting yesterday. Mark your calenders for September 15 to 22.

New class

This two hour class is a new offering for $25 and is best suited for beginners.


Beaded Leatherette can be made to look masculine or given a feminine flare depending on the materials you use.


 Currently scheduled for Feb. 15, 2012, Wed. from 6:00 - 8:00pm. 

Letter to our customers & friends

Open this letter in pdf format

Tubes are out triangles are in.
Anything in the store that is triangular is 25% off!  
Stone, glass, metal, beads, tools, 
ANYTHING that is triangular.

Special Sale

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  
Everything in the store that is in a tubular container (round, cylindrical) is 25% off!  That's a LOT of beads!!!
When will this sale end?  One never knows.
Don't forget about our 50% off pedestal on the check out counter, there have been some GORGEOUS strands in there!