Fandangle photos from Thursday's "Ladies Bead Night Out"

Fern picking out chain to match her vintage pendant, a lovely piece of ceylon colored ivory shell with delicate etching.

Gwen, that wine goblet needs some beads to go with it!

Jane weaving a "Tiffany Bracelet" for her bridal show this coming Sunday at

Fandangle Bead Store's "Ladies' Bead Night Out". If you missed us tonight, you can join us every Thursday from 6:30-8:30PM. And yes, the shop stays open for business until 8:30PM every Thursday night. Snacks & libations optional (ie. byo)!

New Shipment of Czech Firepolish Beads Just Arrived

Ms. Mariel hard at work tagging all that new Czech firepolish that just rolled into Fandangle Bead Store today. It's going up on the wall this very moment. Bronze, silvers and turquoise travertines that everyone has been begging for included in this shipment.

Don't forget: Tonight is "Ladies' Bead Night Out"

Don't forget: Tonight and every Thursday night is "Ladies' Bead Night Out" from 6:30-8:30PM at Fandangle Bead Store. Additionally, we're keeping the shop open for business until 8:30PM every Thursday night--you asked for later hours, we're going to try it out! Bring a project to work on and let's start making beady-eyed connections!

Kids ONLY! Bead Class Photos from Wednesday

Wow....such focus! And yes, Fandangle Bead Store does offer birthday parties and special events for kids 10 and older. Call the shop at 804.327.9992 to discuss possibilities for your little darling's special day!

Vintaj Seashore Ensemble Class this Saturday, August 6th

There are only 2 spots left in Fandangle Bead Store's "Vintaj Seashore Ensemble" class this Saturday, August 6th. Call 327.9992 to reserve your seat now. The "Vintaj" line is completely nickel-free and even better, never needs polishing!

Justin & Betsy beading away at Tuesday's "Lunch Bunch"

Betsy shows up week #2 at Fandangle's Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch to continue work on her woven 3-D bead boxes using tiny little Miyuki seed beads. Amazing detail!

Justin working on his beaded bird necklace at Fandangle Bead Store's "Tuesday Lunch Bunch"

Fandangle Bead Store Now Open Until 8:30PM Thursdays

You asked for it, we did it! Starting this coming Thursday night, Fandangle Bead Store will be open every Thursday night until 8:30PM. As if that weren't good news enough, every Thursday night from 6:00-8:30PM is "Ladies' Bead Night Out!". Just show up with a bead project to work on (or we'll get you started on one if you need help), pull up a chair and prepare yourself for making new beady-eyed friends, getting fresh tips, techniques and feedback on design elements, etc. Best of all, it's FREE! Just another community service brought to you by the beady-eyed gals at "The Little Bead Store That Could!".

New Czech Fire Polish Beads on the Way

Fandangle Bead Store just put in an order for new Czech fire polish beads in 4mm, 5mm and 6mm. These beads are inexpensive and serve many purposes including use as a filler bead, to punch up your sparkle, woven into those leather "Sundance" bracelets everyone is making right now and even used in ladder stitched bracelets (yes, we offer classes on all of these techniques!). Per your request, we ordered lots of 5mm silver and 6mm turquoise and travertine fire polish which seem to be everyone's favorite colors. Shipment should be up by end of the week.

i-Contact List for Sale Coupons, Discounts & Unannounced Classes

Fandangle Bead Store is setting up an i-Contact account so that we can notify you direct about unannounced sales, discount coupons and newly added classes which do not appear on our quarterly newsletters. If you'd like to be added to our i-Contact list, please send an email to: FandangleBeadStore@gmail.com and tell us to add your name to our favored customer list.

Two MORE jewelry making classes this Saturday--yep, that makes FOUR classes!

It's true: Fandangle is offering not one, not two, not three, but FOUR jewelry making classes this coming Saturday, July 30th. On yesterday's blog post we posted samples from two of these four classes, ie, "Less is More" (leather beaded necklace and earring ensemble) and photos for the "Intro to Resins" class.

We are also offering two more classes which are really bonus classes in that you will learn two different sets of skills in each of these two classes. Denise will be teaching the "Copper Bezel Polymer" class wherein you will learn image transfer on polymer clay so that you make make inexpensive yet fabulously creative one-of-a-kind pendants for all your jewelry designs.

Denise will also be teaching the "Viking Knit Bracelet" class which uses a clever new tool that greatly simplifies and expedites viking knit. The bonus we mentioned in both of these classes is that Denise, who is the Queen of Wire Work, will also show you how to create impressive wire wraps for your finished products as well as how to make your own bead caps and findings to finish off your core projects. What this means for you is: savings! Creating your own simple findings can shave off a lot of your investment in expensive materials such as pre-made findings.

There is still room in all four classes this weekend. Call 327.9992 to reserve your spot now.

"Less IS More" Ensemble for this Saturday's Class

Sweet, huh? Cool, clean lines complete this nifty little Summer ensemble that can be worn with a crisp white Summer t-shirt or a little black dress. High-mileage jewelry fit for a queen!

Sample photo for this Saturday's Intro to Resin Class

Yes, you can make these fabulous resin pieces too! In Saturday's class we'll put together our resin pendants which can be picked up two days later (after they've cured). Once home all you do is add bling! Couldn't be easier and is way too much fun to make--and wear.

Resin Class, Saturday July 30--there's still room!

There's still room in our "Introduction to Resins" class this Saturday, July 30th. Learn how to create unique pendants/earrings/charms using resins, up-cycled materials and metals. This class will put a whole new spin on all your designer jewelry creations. $65 includes 3 hours of instruction and all your materials. Call 327.9992 to register now.

Fandangle's Bead Crochet Class: Work in Progress

Drats, Diane has to pick a knot--oh well, it's all part of the crochet process.



Michelle masters bead crochet!

Mother-Daughter Bead Crocheting

New Leather Cording Arrived Today

Our new line of leather cording arrived and just went up in four different diameters: .5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm & 2mm. New colors too: turquoise, distressed grey, antique brown, turkish red, and "beach". Also in this shipment, new antique silver cord ends that pair perfectly with these cords. We also carry copper and brass "pinch" end cap hook & eyes which means no glue!

Fandangle Photos: Samples for July 23rd Beading Classes

Shoreline Bracelet Sample: Learn Baisic Ladder Stitch

Beaded Crochet Necklace

FUNdamentals of Basic Beading

Bead Classes this Saturday, July 23--still room!

There's still room in the following three beading classes this Saturday:

* "FUNdamentals of Basic Beading" - our 2-hour start up class for folks who have never touched a bead. Learn the "all" of basic beading in this two-hour techinque class that will keep you busy for months and years to come. Hours: 10-12:00

* "Beaded Crochet Necklace" - Our most popular class! Yes, everyone is wearing them--probably because they're so quick and easy to make. You'll learn some basic wire wrapping/finishing skills too in the 2-for-1 class. Hours: 10-1:00

* "Shoreline Bracelet" - Think cooling summer sand & sea colors because those are the colors we'll be using in this simple ladder stitch bracelet. If you've never tried any weaving stitch before, this is a great intro class--it uses larger beads too (not seed beads, though you could), so it moves quickly.

Posting pictures in just a few...

Melanie teaching Kids Only! Intro to Beading Class at Fandangle

Kids Only! Beading Class Today

Xandra hard at work on her beaded necklace at today's "Kids Only! Intro to Beading Class". Check out her leather beaded bracelets--she made them. You can too!

New bracelet buttons

We were just notified that those adorable miniature silver buffalo and Indian head nickel buttons are back in stock and on their way to Fandangle Bead Store. These sold out in no time when last we had them. They are they perfect accompaniment to the new leather cording that we just ordered (also in by the end of this week). These two components make the perfect "Sundance" leather beaded bracelets everyone is wearing right now. Best of all, we teach a class in how to do it and once you get rolling you can easily whip up these best sellers in an hour or so.

New Leather Cords Ordered & on the Way

You asked for it--we got it: new leather cording in .5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm & 2 mm diameters. Lots of new colors including a line of "naturals" which we love--no shiny finish, just a lovely understated distressed look perfect for all those "Sundance" leather beaded bracelets that Denise teaches here at the shop. Shipment should be in by Friday.

Don't Forget: Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch Meets Tmw

Just a reminder:

Our "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch" meets tomorrow (Tuesday--yes, every Tuesday)
from 11:30-1:30. Bring a project, snack/drink if you desire, and seek your inspiration.
We do! Eight fabulous ladies showed up last week--hey guys, you can come too. We seek
inspiration from everyone regardless of gender!

Hilltribe Silver Jewelry Components Just Arrived

You know, I was just thinking: Hilltribe silver is also perfect for pairing with the new white shell strands we got in last week--or with coral for that matter. Great summer looks--light & refreshing.

New Hilltribe Pure Silver Jewelry Components Just Arrived

New Hilltribe silver components just arrived. We've added some beautiful angular drops (think lighting bolts or squiggles), textured spacer beads, bead caps, large access beads and loads of tiny dangles and rose pendants. Also very popular are small & medium peace signs perfect for bead crochet necklaces or earring drops. The difference between Hilltribe silver and sterling silver is that Hilltribe silver is .999 PURE silver, ie., no junk metal alloys added to it.

Kumihimo Bracelet Class in Progress & Projects are Lookin' Great!

Fandangle Bead Store Now on "Yelp!" and "CitySearch"

Hey Everyone, we have a favor to ask of you! Fandangle Bead Store is now listed on "Yelp!" and "CitySearch" which offers feedback from the public re local businesses. If you have just one little second, would you please go on both of these two websites and write a little comment about your experiences at "The Little Bead Shop That Could!". We want everyone to know why it's important to shop local & support local businesses which not only provide products & services, but provide color & dimension to our local neighbors. Thanks again for helping us get the word out!

Fandangle Bead Store Now Open Thursday NIghts!

Yes, It's True---Fandangle Bead Store will be Open Thursday Nights!!!

Woohoo, you asked for it--again, we listened! Beginning Thursday, August 4th, Fandangle Bead Store will be open on Thursday nights until 8:30PM --AND-- if that we're not enough, we're extending our "First Thursdays Beading Night" to EVERY Thursday night! The response was so phenomenal re our new "First Thursdays" Bead Night that customers began asking us if we'd do it every Thursday night ,so we're willing to give it a shot if our customers come out to support our late hours on Thursday evenings. As always, just show up with a bead project (or begin one!), pull up a chair and start to work, or, just stop by to seek inspiration, share tips, techniques, whatever the night offers...

Our new "Girls' Bead Night Out" hours are 6:30-8:30PM, every week for as long as our beady-eyed customers continue to support our effort to provide better customer service and more convenient hours for all your beading endeavors. Just our way of saying thank you again for shopping local!

New Shipment Just Arrived!

New shipment of summer shell beads just arrived & going up first thing in the morning! White 3mm & 6mm l6" strands of summer shell, 24" strands of white 2-3mm heishi (for all you surfer types out there!). Also just arrived: an assortment of silver basement beads including large hole silver beads that you can use as spacers with the "Pandora-esque" bracelet blanks and large hole faceted beads we sell. Lastly, new pewter cones, twisted jump rings and spaers--all going up tomorrow!

Kids Only! Intro to Basic Beading Class this Coming Wednesday!

You asked for it, parents--Fandangle Bead Store got it! Yes, we're offering a "Kids ONLY! Intro to Basic Beading Class" this coming Wednesday, July 20th, 10:30-12:30. Kids 8 years old and up and learn the FUNdamentals of basic bead stringing with two projects: a dainty summer necklace with their choice of a sterling silver charm (we've selected 3 charms that we think the kids will love), and then they will make a matching bracelet to complete the ensemble. $35 covers two hours of instruction AND all their materials--now THAT's a deal! Call 327.9992 to register now!

Thought for a Summer Day....

While on my early morning run I found myself wondering how I can organize my crazy-paced life to allow for increased creativity? After all, it is what brings balance back into my life. How is it that I seem to let life take such tight hold on my schedule that I sometimes lose my grip on that which brings me back to center? On this note, I am going to make a public commitment here: Today I WILL pick out a bead project, get my materials set out where I can see them....and begin. Even if it's only 30 minutes that I have to spare a day, I'm going to commit to doing this--for myself. Just for today this will be my commitment to myself to keep the balance, stay in the creative flow, and enjoy my bead projects as a process--not as an end product. So, how do YOU integrate creativity into YOUR life? Comments please? Let's get this dialog going!

Fandangle Bead Store: Photos from Fandangle Bead Store's Second Gathering of the "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch"

Fandangle Bead Store: Photos from Fandangle Bead Store's Second Gathering of the "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch"

Photos from Fandangle Bead Store's Second Gathering of the "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch"

Second Gathering of Fandangle Bead Store's "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch"

Wow, what a great group that showed up today for Fandangle's second gathering of the "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch"! Eight ladies showed up with bead bags & boxes in tow, ready to bead, share tips & design suggestions--not to mention there was a whole lotta laughing going on inbetween bead discussions. If you missed today, not to worry. Join us next Tuesday and every Tuesday from 11:30-1:30. Just pop your bead box/bag in your car, join the group for some laughs and beading advice.

Tuesday Lunch Bunch Meets Tomorrow!

If you missed last week's "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch" gathering, not to fret--you can join us tomorrow from 11:30-1:30! Just bring a project to work on, pull up a chair and we can bounce ideas and/or tips off one another. Bring a drink, lunch or a snack if you like.

Summer C-Lon on the Way!

Just an update: We just reordered our two most popular summer colors of C-LON, hot pink and aqua. Boy, did they sell out quickly but not to worry, the shipment should be in by Wednesday and up by Thursday. Also, are received some new brass and copper end cones, perfect for using with the Vintaj oxidized brass line.

Two Shipments Just Arrived!

Two shipments just arrived! Vintaj restocks (finally!) including seahorse, starfish & flip-flop charms, new hearts w/ beautimous little swallows on them, chandelier earring components...think summer. Also new Czech firepolish in hotsy-totsy metallic sparkle colors, also 6mm & 8mm Czech firepolish in bronze hues that people have been asking for, new wide copper & silver end caps that look hand forged. Perfect for woven tubular & leather bracelets/necklaces.

Dawn Livingston Demonstrating Bead Tatting

At "First Thursdays" beading night (held last night for the very first time!), we were all in awe of Dawn Livingston's bead tatting. This truly is a lost art, but not for Dawn! She even gave Mel an impromtu lesson--who came away inspired and ever hopeful that one day she too will be able to tat as fast as Dawn--AND talk--at the same time!

"First Thursdays" Beading Night a Smashing Success!

Wow! We held our very first "First Thursdays" beading night last night and we're happy to report nine women were present with beading projects in tow, ready to make new beady-eyed friends and to share/seek inspiration. Dawn Livingston showed up with her bead tatting. Oh my! Talk about inspiration! We'll be posting some pictures of Dawn's work shortly but for now will mention that Dawn insisted Melanie pull up a chair for an impromtu lesson. Talk about total focus--there is no way Melanie could carry on a conversation and focus on getting that tension jusssssssst so....

We had bead weaving going on, bead stringing projects, tatting, you name it. Given it was a holiday week we were so thrilled that nine of us showed up--you can too! Join us the first Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:30. Just bring a project, pull up a share and join in the fun. No RSVP necessary!

Saturday July 9th Classes--Yes, there's still room!

It's not too late to sign up for this Saturday's classes with the Queen of Everything Metal, Denise Galloway! Denise will be teaching a metal etching class wherein she uses blanks--that's right--you DON'T have to saw metal for this class! Denise will show you how to make your v. own unique pendants & earrings using a very simple bio-friendly etching process. After the etching is complete you may opt to finish out your pendants with wire-wrapped drops or just keep it simple as in wearing it on a simple leather choker. Either way, it's your own unique design!

For folks who would like to venture into some simple wire-wrapping techniques, Denise will be teaching a beaded wire-wrap bracelet. Looks fab, is simple to make, fluid & can always be "changed up" using a variety of wires such as german wire (the look of silver without the cost--yes, we sell it at Fandangle!) or, if you just got paid, we sell sterling too. Either way, this is a high-mileage bracelet class with loads of options down the road for you to put your own unique spin on--all you need is a little technique first and we can deliver that in three hours or less!

New Shipment Just Arrived!

We just got in a shipment of C-lon--hurrah! Lots of you have been asking for more of the Micro- and Fine C-lon in black & brown, so get it while it's here. These are our two most popular colors and is perfect for bead crochet. The medium and Tex-400 are also best sellers, with the Tex-400 being perfect for micro-macrame' jewelry projects.

Also just in this same shipment: Some v. kewl little fire polish morsels! Think iris-blue-greens, pale minty-teal, gold-lined crystals, some neutral fillers with silver tones, bronzy-coated blacks and tawny colors that are great filler colors as well. Get 'em while they're here!

First Gathering of the "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch"!

Yes, it was a hit! The first gathering of our "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch" was help at Fandangle today. Below are pictures of Diane & Susan, who camed armed with weaving projects. Susan needed a little bit of help getting her downward diagonal stitch going but after about 5 minutes of brainstorming, we had her up & weaving again like the pro she is! She's working on a fabulous tubular peyote bangle--wonder if she'll have it done by next week's gathering? Diane, on the other hand, brought in not one but two beautimous weaving projects to share with us! She spent the afternoon weaving Miyuki's newest Tila beads (the really cool double-drilled "chicklets") into a stunning woven cuff. She's topping off the cuff with a beautiful little picot which is beadnacular for a lacy little stitch that will embellish the core stitch. That's for the inspiration, ladies!

If you missed today's lunch, not to fret. Come join us every Tuesday from 11:30-1:30. Or, if you can't make it then, join us for our "First Thursday" gathering which will kick off this coming Thursday, July 7th, from 6:30-8:30. Bring a project or an idea, be prepared to gather and/or share some tips & belly laughs while you meet beady-eyed kindred spirits who share your passion for beads and creativity.

Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch started today!

Do We "Do Parties" ? You bet we do!

Do we "do parties"? Why yes, we do! We've hosted home school classes, Red Hat Clubs, Prayer Bead classes for local church groups, Girls' Night Out, Bridal Parties, Staff Development & Team Building Workshops, and birthday parties for groups l0 years and older. Call 327.9992 to reserve your special event. Sure to be festive AND you'll go home with basic beading techniques & beaded baubles too!

Creativity Ignited!

What a blessing last week to attend the "i.e.*" launch, Richmond's newest creative think tank! I'm still fired up--the wheels are def turning. Mission accomplished, i.e.* ! How DO we channel our creative talent into fulfilling projects, small businesses, and how do we best support each other as we pursue our unique creative pulse (in whatever form that may be) within our creative community? To be able to create art that moves me, and to run a business that supports other artists and my community in general, fills me with gratitude and the hope that this cycle of inspiration I find myself in right now will not only continue, but thrive and blossom in the respective lives of the people we've touched at Fandangle Bead Store. As Paula Radke says, "Circles within circles, the spiral of life, the urge to create beauty moves within us all."

On that note, don't forget that starting next Tuesday, July 5th from 11:30-1:30 we'll have open studio hours at Fandangle Bead Store for what we're calling our "Beady-eyed Lunch Bunch". Just show up with your bead project, a snack if you wish, and be prepared to meet some kindred spirits while you work on your project, laugh, chat or simply seek inspiration. Best of all--it's free! Our studio will be open for the "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch" every Tuesday through October. As long as you show up, we'll hold court--come meet some friends, share tips, techniques or just bounce ideas or questions off each other. Let's let our cup of inspiration & information runneth over!

If you work during the day and are unable to make the Tuesday "Beady-Eyed Lunch Bunch" gathering, not to worry. Once a month, beginning Thursday July 7th, from 6:30-8:30, we'll be hosting our new "First Thursdays Beading Night". This event will offer up the same format as the lunch group, but once a month for starters. If we gather a good enough following we'll certainly consider doing it every Thursday night. Give us some feedback on what works for you--creating community that inspires & supports each other is our goal here. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a true "Beady-eyed Gal", just show up for fun, laughs & don't forget to bring a project!

i.e.* Conference, 6/23/11 -- Amaaaazing!!!

Wow, I am still reeling from a meeting of the minds last week with some of Richmond's most creative and forward-thinking geniuses who's destiny it is to make Richmond, VA, the creative capital of the country! The folks present at this think tank were a mix of small business owners, marketing companies, and representatives from some of Richmond's most innovative and community-oriented movers and shakers. I'll be pondering the possibilities of harnessing creative energy for weeks to come, but for the time being will throw out some of the 'Shout-Outs' heard throughout the day:

* "Small changes can lead to MASSIVE results!"
* "Always change--never change!" (ie., stay true to your mission, yet flexible in approach)
* "Common threads from uncommon backgrounds" (ie., shared vision & diversity = creative
results)
* "Inspiration is for amateurs--the rest just show up & get to work!"
* "Embrace the weird...coordination of ideas with a rational plan".
* "Do stuff that matters".
* "Be MORE than great--be good".
* "Be accommodating and service oriented."
* "Own your own work--no matter how small".
* "Educate and stimulate yourself constantly so you can hit 'Reset' ".
* "Be SCRAPPY!!!"
* "Every contribution matters".
* "Drill down!" (ie., Research the end user of your product/services)
* "Be your own competition".
* "Ask 'Why': Small questions lead to clarity, ie., answers".

All of these quotes can be applied to daily ventures, whether in personal pursuits such as exploring our own creativity or growing a small business or career. Let's keep each other fired up! In the meantime check out www.ie-rva.org

Kicking & Screaming into the Age of Technology

OK everyone, we're going to try this again. Yes, the Bead Empress is taking a blogging class. Who says you can't teach an old Empress new tricks? Stay tuned for some v. kewl new info/ideas. In the meantime, if you have an Etsy site, website, or are interested in having us
feature you and/or your work on our website/blog, please send us your contact info. We hope to have lots of links, general information about your work/contact info. Let's make beady-eyed connections--everyone wins!