So, what does “Serendipity” have to do with our BEAD STEW jewelry-making kits? We believe that beads are “destined" to be together and meant for you to create scrumptious jewelry. At Suzie Q Studio, we artfully hand-select the bead combinations for all of our BEAD STEW Kits, in extremely limited edition kit quantities, and once the edition is sold out, we never make the same combo again… So, get ‘em while they’re still on the menu!
Also, because beads always look yummy enough to eat, our BEAD STEW kits all have fun, food-theme names such as:
Our Serendipity BEAD STEW, Easy Jewelry Making Kits contain all of the scrumptious ingredients needed for you to create a one-of-a-kind, bangle-style bracelet, with absolutely no “crafty” experience required, so no matter how you add the beads to the “memory” bracelet wire... PRESTO!… You’re guaranteed to have fab, professional results with a creation you’ll be proud to say, “Look what I made!”
And, what’s extra-cool about our BEAD STEW jewelry kits, is that even if you and your friend have the same kit, the bracelets will be unique to each of you. To see this for yourself, take a look at the results when 5 friends created BEAD STEW bangle-style bracelets with the same kit called “Maple Syrup on Snow” by CLICKING >>> HERE.
DO YOU WANNA GET STRETCHY?
If a bangle-style bracelet isn’t to your taste, or you don’t have access to the two basic tools needed to make one, our BEAD STEW kits now include STRETCHY BRACELET CORD for you to have the versatility to make individual, "roll-on" bracelets to wear separately, to layer up in a stack or even to make as a gift for your bestie, with only a pair of scissors required to create them. You can even mix it up and make both styles of bracelets.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BEAD BOX...
Yet more options for creativity… There are three essential, but super-easy, skills in jewelry-making that are perfect to use with the fab bead combos in BEAD STEW kits, along with the addition of some extra components that aren’t included --- maybe from your own stash? --- to make other types of jewelry such as: earrings, charms, a necklace, etc. And even if you only know or learn 1/3 of the techniques… The design possibilities are endless and surprisingly simple to make professional quality jewelry, custom designed by you!
So, what are the three essential, easy-to-learn, jewelry skills that will have you creating all kinds of custom jewelry with our Serendipity BEAD STEW kits?
If you were to learn only one jewelry-making skill, learning how to “crimp” is definitely the way to go! "Crimping” is the technique used to securely attach a clasp onto a bead-strung piece of jewelry such as a necklace, bracelet and anklet. Knowing how to do this easy-to-learn skill opens the door to endless jewelry-making projects.
BEAD STRINGING “CRIMPING" TOOLS REQUIRED:Crimping Pliers, Chain Nose Pliers, Japanese-Style Pointy Cutter, Bead Stoppers, Velux Beadwork Mat, Ruler
BEAD STRINGING SUPPLIES REQUIRED:FYI… Very soon, Suzie Q Studio will have instructional videos available to demonstrate the three basic skills of jewelry-making, but until then, the internet has a ga-zillion DIY videos for your to learn from… Just be sure that the video shows you how to use a proper “crimping” plier and away you go!
With the wearing of cloth masks during the pandemic, I decided to see if there are enough beads in a BEAD STEW kit to create a mask chain and shown above is what I came up with using the kit “Tropical Sherbet”, and not only can you use it as a mask chain, but I worked out a way to also wear it as a necklace and a wrap bracelet… How versatile and pretty FAB, right?!
If you’d like a PDF of the instructions to make this project, shoot me a quick email by CLICKING >>> HERE.
Knowing the basic skill of how to make a “Loop” and a “Wire Wrapped Loop” lets you turn beads into charm dangles to use when making earrings, necklaces and bracelets, as shown in the image above. You can also do a wire wrapped loop at both ends of the bead in order to “connect” beads together in a chain… You’ll see a sample of this at this in the necklace near the end of this article.
What’s the difference between a simple “Loop” and a “Wire Wrapped Loop”? A “Loop” leaves the circular shape open with a slight gap and should only be used when you know that the dangle you’ve made won’t be under any kind of stress to cause the loop to open up, resulting in the loss of your dangle. A “Wire Wrapped Loop” is when wire is wrapped around the base of the loop and is the best way to ensure your dangle is secure.
As mentioned earlier… Very soon, Suzie Q Studio will have instructional videos available to demonstrate the three basic skills of jewelry-making, but in the meantime, the internet has a whole ton of DIY videos for you to learn from by googling “Wire Wrapped Loop” in your search bar.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR LOOPS & WIRE WRAPPED LOOPS:
Round Nose Pliers, Side Cutter, Chain Nose Plier, plus a second pair of pliers of your choosing: Chain Nose, Bent Chain Nose, Flat Nose
EXTRA SUPPLIES REQUIRED TO MAKE CHARM DANGLES:
BEAD STEW Beads (or other beads) and the following not included in BEAD STEW kits; Head Pins and/or Eye Pins, plain or decorative and available in various colours of metal, plus any other desired accents such as Bead Caps, etc.
In jewelry-making, jump rings are small circles made of round metal wire, and available in all kinds of diameters, gauges (thicknesses) and colours, and are used to connect beds and jewelry components together, as well as decorative elements. They’re available permanently soldered closed or with a cut in the circle so that the jump ring can be opened and closed. “Open" jump rings are also used in the more advanced art of chain weaving to create beautiful chains with intricate patterns. However, for most jewelry-making applications, you need only to learn the very basic skill of opening and closing them properly, which means after opening a jump ring, getting it to close back together as tightly as possible, and you’ll hear a “click” to let you know that the closing is good and tight.
To learn Basic Skill #3, use the search term “open close jump rings” and a plethora of websites and YouTube videos will be available to you… And, Suzie Q Studio “How To” videos will be available soon!
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR OPENING & CLOSING JUMP RINGS:
Two pairs of jewelry pliers of your choosing: Chain Nose, Bent Chain Nose, Flat Nose
Incredibly, no extra beads beyond the BEAD STEW kit were used to create this wonderful, multi-tiered necklace!
The extra supplies, not included in the kit, as well as the skills that were used are as follows...
BASIC SKILL #1: Bead Stringing (Crimping)… Soft Flex Bead Stringing Wire (medium weight), 2mm X 2mm Crimp Tubes, and Crimp Covers
BASIC SKILL #2: Making a Loop, Wire Wrapped Loop… Headpins (various gauges & lengths), plus fine gauge Round Wire for "Double Wire Wrapped Loops", used to connect beads together for one of the necklace strands
BASIC SKILL #3: Open & Close Jump Rings… Open Jump Rings (various gauges and sizes)
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES: Chain (two styles/weights), Lobster Claw Clasp, Tassel
FYI… This spring, Suzie Q Studio will be adding all kinds of jewelry-making components, such as chain and some of the other items mentioned above to our website, so please stay tuned!
So, what will YOU create with your BEAD STEW jewelry-making kit?
Whether you decide to make a bangle-style bracelet or a stack of stretchy “roll-on” ones, or choose to go "Beyond The Bracelet” by adding extra supplies and utilizing some basic jewelry-making skills, Suzie Q Studio BEAD STEW kits provide you with irresistible bead combinations that will give you heaps of “Good Creative Fun” and fab results, no matter what type of custom jewelry you make!
You can SHOP our current selection of yummy BEAD STEW kits by CLICKING >>> HERE.
YOU’RE INVITED!
Creating a BEAD STEW bracelet is perfect for a group setting because this project doesn’t require intense concentration, which means that you can still be social with your fellow participants, at the same time as creating your bracelet… Fun, or what?!
At every Serendipity BEAD STEW Class, both public and private, included with your purchase of a bracelet-making kit, you’ll receive FREE expert instruction and design help with the creation of your one-of-a-kind “Bangle-icious” Bracelet, plus it’s always great to be inspired by other attendees.
The next Serendipity BEAD STEW Bracelet Making Class is happening on SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1-4PM, at A & B Fiberworks, with limited spaces available.
FOR MORE DETAILS, please continue reading below...
A & B Fiberworks is a retail store located at the Crossroads Market (which is where the BEAD STEW CLASS is being held on January 19), as well as a fibre farm and fibre processing mill that is located approximately 100 kms north and east of Calgary, near the town of Linden.
Shown above and on the right, is the owner of A & B Fiberworks, Anne Goodwin-Estes. Anne has been involved with spinning and weaving fibre arts since 1979, was an avid knitter before that time, and she enjoys all aspects of working with fibre, including operating her fibre farm for the last 20 years.
On the left is Anna, who is an extraordinary felting artist, and she also teaches and works part time for Anne at the A & B Fiberworks store.
In the centre of the photo collage above, is Ian, who is another felting artist featured at A & B Fiberworks. Every weekend, Ian demonstrates the art of felting, while making his whimsical, and very detailed, felted figures, bottle covers, dryer balls, etc., so be sure to check out Ian’s pieces the next time you’re at the Crossroads Market.
On either side of Ian, are PICs of some of Anna’s gorgeous creations… shawls, scarves… her colour combinations are fabulous, and wearable art pieces are exquisite!
So, meanwhile back at Anne's Fibre Farm, all kinds of fibre-related activities are happening!
Anne raises some sheep, with exotic-sounding breed names such as: "CVM, BFL and BFL cross sheep”.
I’m not sure which breed of sheep is shown above, but his name is “ABE”. Isn’t he handsome?!
Anne raises Alpacas too. She currently has approximately 65 of these incredibly adorable animals at her Fibre Farm.
Not all of them have names, but the cutie on the left is “Tarzan”. Anne tells me that they’re very shy creatures, but maybe not so for the curious one on the far right.
The sheep and alpacas are sheared once a year.
All of the fibre is then sorted, washed and processed in the fibre mill into roving and yarns, which are available for sale at Anne’s shop at the Crossroads Market in Calgary.
Anne also does custom processing for other fibre processing farms from all over Canada.
In addition to her own custom fibres, Anne also stocks cotton, tencel, bamboo, cotton chenille, linen and other fibres from a Canadian company called “Brassard”.
A & B Fiberworks is a dealer for the Canadian weaving equipment company “LeClerc”, spinning and weaving equipment by “Louet” and “Ashford”.
As well, Anne carries the supplies for both needle and wet felting techniques.
With all of the colourful yarns at A & B Fiberworks, I think it’ll prove to be inspiring surroundings to create a Serendipity BEAD STEW “Bangle-icious” Bracelet at my Bead Stew Class on Sunday, January 19, 1-4PM!
BTW… To register for YOUR SPOT in the upcoming Bead Stew Class at A & B Fiberworks, please see the details at the bottom of this Blog Post :-)
EASY-PEASY!
If you’re not already familiar with Serendipity BEAD STEW, easy-to-make jewelry kits, each “Bangle-icious” Bracelet kit contains all of the yummy ingredients you’ll need to make one bangle-style bracelet, including unique, premium quality beads made from various materials such as: metal, stone, glass, enamel, resin, crystal, acrylic and more. Each one-of-a-kind bracelet will have that ultra-cool look of multiple bangles stacked on your wrist.
Whether you feel that you have no artistic talent, whatsoever, or you’re a long time maker-type, Serendipity BEAD STEW bracelet kits are the perfect, no-stress solution for some good, creative fun, because no matter how you string your beads onto the bangle bracelet "memory wire”, you’re guaranteed to have fabulous results with our gorgeous, high-quality, unique bead combinations.
With our BEAD STEW Limited Edition kits, we save you the time and stress that can be involved in gathering your supplies (all supplies are included in every kit), plus making these eye-catching bracelets requires very little in the way of tools and, best of all, no experience at all!
To see how it's done, click this LINK to watch a VIDEO>>> “How To Do The Stew”
Want to get a better idea of just how easy it is to make a Serendipity BEAD STEW, “Bangle-icious” Bracelet? Check out this "How-To" VIDEO with Suzie Q Bead Gal, Lynn>>> She’s an amazing “Bead Whisperer”!
Need some BEAD STEW Inspiration? Peruse our NEW BEAD STEW GALLERY by clicking here >>> BEAD STEW GALLERY
And, for some more specific DESIGN HINTS, take-a-look at the following >>> DESIGN INSPIRATION TIPS
In addition to BEAD STEW Jewelry-making Classes at A&B Fiberworks, I’ll be adding other BEAD STEW Class venues, as well as offering “Private Parties” for all kinds of occasions: Birthday and Retirement Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Bridal Showers, Christmas Lunches or After Work Get-togethers, and lots more!
Hope to see you on Sunday, January 19, 1-4PM at A&B Fiberworks for our BEAD STEW Bracelet-Making Class.
Being creative feels good, and now's the perfect time to start making your holiday gifts!
~ xo Suzie
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 ️
Hello Suzie Q Friends!
2019 has been a roller-coaster of emotions and pivotal events for me. Most significantly, my Dad’s passing in January, plus, the launching my new line of jewelry-making kits in April, as well as turning my “round” birthday of 60 years in May.
All of these life-changing moments have inspired me to both reflect and look ahead to how I want to spend my time moving forward — time seems to be speeding faster and faster, with not enough hours in the day to squeeze everything in!
So much of the past 17 years of being in business has given me immense satisfaction and pleasure, but upon reflection, there are two things that have consistently not worked for me. One of them is my tendency to spread my energy over way too many aspects of my business, resulting in constant scrambling and feelings of frustration at never giving any one thing the attention it deserves. Secondly, over the years since starting my business in 2002, it very quickly became all-consuming, pretty much 7 days/week, from early morning until the wee hours of the night, so there’s been very little time for my non-business passions and interests, and for socializing with friends and family.
Since launching my new DIY jewelry-making concept “Serendipity BEAD STEW”, it’s been very well-received… people are loving it and having heaps of fun being creative. I have tons of ideas to make the line even more fabulous, but zero time to develop or implement them because most of my time is spent promoting the various aspects of my Suzie Q Studio Shop at the Crossroads Market, especially my longtime love of “Trollbeads”. As a result, I once again, find myself embroiled in the situation that I described above, so as much as I absolutely love Trollbeads and my retail location… something’s gotta give.
So short story long, I’ve decided to CLOSE my Suzie Q “Jewel-Box-Shop” at the Crossroads Market so I can focus my full attention on seeing what I can create with my Serendipity BEAD STEW DIY concept.
While I’m incredibly sad to be saying “good-bye” to Trollbeads (I was the first retailer in Canada to offer them in 2003!), I’m hopeful that my Trollbeads friends might give Serendipity BEAD STEW a try at one of my upcoming Bead Stew events, so that we might still stay in touch.
As I mentioned, I’m bursting with ideas for Serendipity BEAD STEW, so please take a read/look below, to get a sneak preview:
Being Creative Feels Good and is proven to be healthy for you too! My new Serendipity BEAD STEW jewelry-making kits are a great way for anyone to add some creativity to their lives, even the people who insist that they aren’t “artistic” or “creative”. The artfully combined beads are so “yummy” that no matter how you add your beads to the bracelet wire, you’re guaranteed a fabulous finished piece.
So of course, it’s my first priority to get the 60+ Limited Edition bead combos of Serendipity BEAD STEW kits uploaded onto my Suzie Q Studio website and out into the world for people to enjoy. I’ve had interest from as far away as Kentucky, so yup, it’s the big “Giddy-Up” on this for me in August!
Suzie Q Bead Gal Lynn and I had a lot of requests for BEAD STEW kits for younger jewelry-makers, so we’re working on them now, and they should be launching very soon.
Angelica, pictured above, is a highland dancer, with long gorgeous hair… Isn’t she sweet?! Angelica was so excited by our Bangle-icious Bracelet kits that she decided to get the grown-up version “Pink Grapefruit”, so that she could make her own bracelet right away, instead of waiting for the upcoming “Little Miss” version.
Have you heard of those “Paint Night” events? Because our Serendipity BEAD STEW “Bangle-icious Bracelet” kits are so ultra-easy and fun to make that you can socialize while creating them, I think they'd be the perfect project for a “BEAD STEW” Night… Don’t you think? I think our kits would also be great for “Grown-Up” Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties, etc., so I’ll be working on these types of events to happen this fall… I’ll keep you posted!
As I mentioned above, the last 17 years in business hasn’t allowed me much time for one of the things that I love to do… Prairie Road Trips, so I have this FAB idea to combine my love of Road Trips with my BEAD STEW kits and bring them to smaller communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan, hopefully the Spring of 2020… YAY!
Also, I’ll be doing BEAD STEW “Pop-Ups” and probably doing some of the Calgary Craft Shows, especially leading up to Christmas… they’re the ideal Stocking Stuffer.
Like I said… so many ideas and soon, much more time to make them happen. If you couldn’t already tell, I’m super-excited!
Back around 2008-2014, I used to go Las Vegas for business trade shows. On one of my trips, I went to see the spectacular Bette Midler in her “The Showgirl Must Go On” Show. I loved the show so much, that over the course of a couple of years, I went to Bette’s show TWO more times!
Out of the bazillion special things about the show, my favourite part was when Bette would sit alone on the edge of the stage and accompany herself on the Swarovski-embellished ukulele as shown in the pic above. One of these stunning instruments was available in the gift shop for US$3500.00 (signed by Bette) which, of course, was beyond my budget, and as I didn’t win one of them like the guy in the picture above, I became obsessed to “Suzie Q-Dazzle” a ukulele for myself!
First, I ordered my ukulele from the US with some birthday money that I got from my Dad around 2014. In 2015 I ordered all of the Swarovski “flatback” crystal stones, from various companies. With the chaos of several moves of my business, plus rebuilding and running my business, looking after my Dad, etc., I've made absolutely no progress on my ukulele project.
With the new priorities in my life, once I close my shop on July 28th, WITHIN ONE YEAR, I’m committing to getting my ukulele “Suzie Q-Dazzled”, learning a tune on it, videoing myself performing it, and uploading it on YouTube… Stay tuned for updates with my progress… nothing like a deadline to keep me on track!
Whether you’re a Suzie Q Friend from the first version of my shop in the little orange and chartreuse house on 10th Ave. SE in Inglewood, or you came along at one of the various locations through the years since 2002, I thank every single one of you for your past support of Suzie Q Beads/Studio, from the bottom of my heart and am grateful for all of the warm memories!
Be sure to take a look at my upcoming eNewsletters for all of the fabulous Closing Sales to take advantage of some incredible savings before my shop closes on July 28th.
Also, even if you’re not in need of Trollbeads or Sterling Silver Beads on Sale, if you’re in the vicinity of the Crossroads Market over the next two weekends, please stop by for a visit… I’d love to see you!
As well, it's my greatest hope that I’ll continue to see at least some of you, in one capacity or another, around Calgary in the coming years.
Once again, thanks so very much for everything!!!
~ xo Suzie ️
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