Once again, a Big “THANK YOU” to all of my Suzie Q Friends who visited and supported the last two versions of my shop at the Crossroads Market, as well as an extra Shout Out to those of you who have followed me over the years since 2002.
I greatly appreciate getting to know each and every one of you and hope to continue to see some of you at my upcoming Serendipity BEAD STEW events… That would be super-sweet!
And, speaking of “BEAD STEW”… I have so many exciting things to tell you about, so please read on…
Just in case you missed recent Suzie Q eNewsletters, Facebook posts, etc., Suzie Q Studio at the Crossroads Market is NOW CLOSED, as of July 28th, 2019, in order to focus on my new easy-to-make jewelry kits, “Serendipity BEAD STEW”, which I’m incredibly excited about!
If you'd like to know more about the reasons for closing my shop at the Crossroads Market, take a look at my previous blog post>>> "DON'T WORRY I'M ONLY CLOSING MY PHYSICAL SHOP"
So, what have I been up to since I closed my shop three weeks ago?
Well, I’ve been busy, busy, as usual; however, it’s been so fantastic to tackle tasks that always seemed to get pushed to the bottom of my never-ending “To-Do” Lists when I had my shop.
PLUS, I’m working on some bigger, long term “beady” projects that I’m super-stoked about!
(Please see below for more details)
FINALLY… Business cards for “Suzie Q Studio”… YAY!
Between having something pressing to promote or do for my shop every week and my ultra-busy graphic designer, I never had the extra time to get a business card designed and printed.
But, everything happens for a reason, I suppose, because had I created a business card design when I first opened at the Crossroads Market, it wouldn’t have anything about “Serendipity BEAD STEW” on it because it was only launched in April of this year, so I’m extra-happy to have a card that’s totally current with the direction of my business!
What do you think?… Pretty FAB, right?!
Other lingering, unaddressed issues because I was too busy with my store?…A multitude of Social Media situations!
Since closing, I’ve been updating my Suzie Q Studio platforms, including taking a very long look at my Google Business Page, something I had always been too busy to pay too much attention to, even during the years prior to my shop at the Crossroads, and boy-oh-boy, was that ever a big mistake!
A Google Business Page is what comes up on the right-hand side of the page of whatever business that you’re “googling”. Since updating my page with current info and, more importantly, appropriate and engaging photos, WOW!… As of today, I’ve had close to 2500 “LOOKS”, in ONLY two weeks, at the first image that you see at the top of the page!!!
Other Social Media Plans:
• RE: Instagram: @suzieqstudio … I promise I’ll be finishing my “Suzie Q 6-OH! Birthday Trip Story” on my Suzie Q Studio feed as soon as I can, and so sorry for the big pause in the story! As well, my goal is to be posting on a more regular basis, once I get some of my other projects out of the way.
• I’ll be creating a second Instagram account for Serendipity BEAD STEW to feature new kits being added to the website, pics of bracelets created by BEAD STEW online purchasers and at BEAD STEW events, etc.
• I’ve signed up for some Pinterest training to improve my skills (almost non-existent right now) in this department. I’ll keep you posted on Suzie Q PINTEREST developments.
• RE: Facebook: /SuzieQStudioYYC - Please “LIKE” my page, as well as “LIKE” and “COMMENT” on my posts so they'll appear in your own News Feeds :-)
• I’ll eventually be creating a new Facebook Page for Serendipity BEAD STEW too… I’ll let you know when this happens.
• I’m also working on a new website with my “Web-Wizard” sister, Rita… YAY! Of course, this is a longer term project, with all of the other more pressing things to do right now.
I’m very happy to tell you that Serendipity BEAD STEW Bracelet Kits will be available to purchase on the Suzie Q Studio website this September, with oodles of choices for anyone who's inclined, to easily create a wonderful, one-of-a-kind bangle-style bracelet!
AND, here’s some FAB NEWS... If you’re in the Calgary area, I’ve arranged for a local “Pick-Up” location, so that you don’t have to incur any shipping charges. More details to come about this in upcoming eNewsletters :-)
That’s right… The bead combinations that we artfully, hand-select for each Serendipity BEAD STEW Kit, are so unique and fabulous, that no matter how you add the beads in your kit to the bangle wire, you’re guaranteed to have an eye-catching bracelet that you’ll be proud to say, “I made it myself!”… No previous beading experience is needed.
Because the beads are pre-selected in our kits, not only does it save you tons of time in getting your supplies together, but this project is so easy that it’s perfect to create it in a group setting, because you can socialize at the same time as making your bracelet… Fun, or what?!
And speaking of getting creative in a group setting, I’ve got some exciting news!...
Since closing my shop at the Crossroads, I’ve also been working on lining up venues to have Serendipity Do-The-Stew “Nites” & Parties, for participants to feel good being creative with like-minded people and friends in a group setting.
I’m thrilled to announce that the first place that I’ve arranged for BEAD STEW activities is at my friend Sandy’s new store called, “Dream Dog Boutique”!!!
For all of the DETAILS, please check out my Q-Blog post>>> BEADS & DOGS… OH-WHAT-FUN!
More BEAD STEW venues TBA in the upcoming weeks… I’ll keep you posted :-)
HEY!… FYI… There’s now a Serendipity BEAD STEW Gallery on the Suzie Q Studio website… YAY! >>> BEAD STEW INSPIRATIONS
The BEAD STEW Gallery is full of inspiring photos of FAB bracelets, the makers who created them, action shots and much more. As well, this gallery will be updated on a regular basis, so take-a-look often!
~ xo Suzie ️
… For All The FAB Beady FUN!!!
A BIG Thank YOU to everyone who came to Suzie Q Studio for our Trollbeads Glass Artisan Event! It was truly dazzling to see rods of glass being melted, twisted and turned into miniature pieces of one-of-a-kind glass art... pretty amazing!
For those of you who also took advantage of some Super-Sweet Trollbeads SPECIALS, I wish you much enjoyment from your recent Troll acquisitions!
The oh-so-lovely Ms. Mariela came all the way from Trollbeads Head Quarters in Princeton, New Jersey to enchant us with her glass bead making skills. From the sounds of the “oohs” and “aahs”, everyone was amazed and mesmerized!
See Mariela in ACTION in this short VIDEO… WOW, right?!
Pictured here is Marie, having her custom glass bead created by Mariela.
Marie is one of my earliest Trollbeads collectors, starting way back in 2003 or 04, when my shop was located in a little bright orange and chartreuse house, off-the-beaten-track, on 10th Ave. SE in the charming neighbourhood of Inglewood.
Marie has also taken a lot of Suzie Q jewellery-making classes and has created all kinds of wonderful, handcrafted jewellery… There’s always lots of fun to be had when Marie comes to visit!
This is Liz G. Liz is a longtime, avid Trollbeads Collector. She loves her Trollbeads to be big ’n’ chunky, just like me!
Liz is from Argentina so she asked Mariela to create an over-sized glass bead in the colours of the Argentinian flag… very cool idea, Liz!
The bead Mariela made was on the large side, as requested, so it had to cool down slowly overnight in a special blanket. When Liz returned on Sunday to pick up her “Flag” bead, as you can tell from her expression, she was thrilled with the results!
Shown above and below are only some of the glass beads that Mariela made. Some of the beauties went home with their owners before I could snap a PIC, but the ones that I was able to take pictures of, are very unique, representing a different story for each person, which is one of the best things about individually, handcrafted Trollbeads, especially with the beads that Mariela made for all of us who participated.
Can you guess which one is mine?
As you may have noticed, A LOT of people requested oversize glass beads to be made and Mariela happily complied… YAY!
I’ve always been of the opinion that, “Bigger is Best”, so of course, the glass bead that Mariela created for me is the largest one shown in these pics, featuring two of my favourite colours: bright orange and light blue :-D
Rae Parry, Director of Artist Relations for Beads of Courage Canada was on hand at our Trollbeads Glass Artisan Event to explain the Beads of Courage program to attendees of the event.
Rae is an incredible glass bead artisan herself and created all of the beads in the necklace that she’s wearing in the above photo-collage, including the whimsical “sock-monkey” bead… isn’t it sweet?
To hear about the Beads of Courage program, and to see Rae in action with her glass bead-making expertise, please check out the VIDEO below.
The proceeds from the sales of the custom glass beads that Mariela created will be going to Beads of Courage Canada and I’m happy to announce that $850.00 will be donated to this truly amazing program... A big “Thank You” to everyone who participated and generously donated to such a worthwhile cause!
Beads of Courage Canada from Beads of Courage-Canada on Vimeo.
Thanks to everyone who entered our Trollbeads Glass Artisan PRIZE DRAW!
The WINNERS are as follows:
“Wishful Sky” Limited Edition Trollbeads Bracelet: Georgette F!
“Northern Lights” People’s Bead: Lynn Ann G.
Trollbeads Canvas Tote Bag: Liz G.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Suzie Q Studio is OPEN Friday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM... and there's lots of FREE PARKING too!
Hope to see you there this weekend.
~ Ho! Ho! Ho! Suzie Q
The Crossroads Market Ltd. is Calgary's "Hidden Gem" of Shops, with tasty eats, as well as unique and eclectic "gifty" items, including Suzie Q Studio, of course!
Amber from BT Breakfast Television takes you on a tour of a small sampling of what’s in-store for you when you visit the Crossroads Market, FEATURING a VISIT with ME at my shop… Suzie Q Studio! >>> Unique Holiday Finds at the Crossroads Market.
You can also find lots of yummy treats at the Crossroads Market...
Meet the Oh-So-Lovely, Crossroads Christmas Tree Gal, Elise! Because she's outdoors selling her beautiful 🎄trees🎄, she decided to keep warm in style with a Suzie Q Swarovski SPARKLE Toque... Get yours (available in various colours) before they're all all gone!
After doing your Xmas shopping at the Crossroads, you can visit Elise at the Crossroads Christmas Tree Lot to pick up your fresh and fab seasonal tree!
Every Saturday and Sunday for the month of December from 11am-3pm, The Crossroads Market will have Spin to Win outside the market office door -- maybe you'll win a Suzie Q Studio gift certificate!
The Crossroads Market also offers Kids Holiday Crafts every Saturday in December from 10am-12pm. Join them outside their office to make fun holiday crafts like: paper snowflakes, Christmas cards, button wreaths, ornaments, string art on paper plates & mini yarn toques.
Want more information? Check out The Crossroads Market website>>>
You can find all your last minute Christmas gifts and treats at The Crossroads Market in Calgary. It's Calgary's hidden gem... but maybe not for long.
Suzie Q Studio and The Crossroads Market are OPEN Friday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM... and there's lots of FREE PARKING too!
Hope to see you there this weekend.
~ Ho! Ho! Ho! Suzie
Join Trollbeads and Suzie Q Studio for an amazing display of creativity and talent to see how every glass Trollbeads comes to life!
At our GLASS ARTISAN EVENT on Saturday, December 1, 10am-4pm, Trollbeads Glass Artist, Mariela Chavez, will show you how a single flame is used to manipulate rods of glass in ways to create the exquisite colours, bubbles, stripes, flowers and patterns that Trollbeads are famous for. You will be mesmerized by the meditative flow of fire and molten glass!
During this event, Mariela will be creating 15 Custom-Designed Glass Trollbeads. You can work with Mariela to design a bead of your very own!
What kind of glass bead would you have Mariela create for YOU?
Not sure what to ask for? You can always consult with Glass Artisan's Mariela's expert creativity; after all, she was trained by Trollbeads founder, Lise Aagaard, herself!
How can you be ONE of the "LUCKY 15" to have Trollbeads Custom-Designed glass bead created for YOU or a loved one?
FYI... Proceeds from the sale of the 15 Custom-Designed glass Trollbeads will be donated to Beads of Courage.
What is Beads of Courage about? Executive Director for Beads of Courage Canada, Victoria Plouffe explains the program in this heart-touching VIDEO:
The Custom-Designed Glass Artisan Trollbeads will be created throughout the day of the event on December 1st, approximately 3 beads/hour, and, just to let you know, they won't have a sterling silver core insert in them, which I think will make these creations all the more unique!
If you'd like to be one of the "LUCKY 15" to have a glass Trollbead created just for you, here's the SCOOP...
• The COST of each of the 15 Custom-Designed Glass Trollbeads is a $50.00 Donation to Beads of Courage (if you wish to make a bit larger donation, it would be greatly appreciated!)
• Be ONE of the first of 15 Trollbeads Fans to email me with the FOLLOWING INFO at: suzie@suzieqbbb.com
1. Name
2. Phone #
3. Time of Day that you'd prefer to attend the event to consult with the Glass Artisan to create your bead OR if you have a flexible schedule and can attend anytime during the event.
4. The amount that you wish to donate to Beads of Courage, $50.00 min.
5. Everyone who sends an email request to be ONE of the "Lucky 15" will receive a reply, either way.
GOOD LUCK!
For information about our AMAZING Trollbeads Glass Artisan Event SPECIAL OFFERS & PRIZES, please CLICK on this >>> LINK
Don’t miss this rare and wonderful chance to observe rods of coloured glass being heated, twisted and combined to create the unique glass Trollbeads you love, and to take advantage of some incredible TROLLBEADS $AVINGS, just in time for Holiday Gift Giving!
Get the early scoop on sales, promos and lots other juicy info by joining Suzie’s VIP Club!