But for today, I'm starting a share-a-thon for my Bead&Button Show classes and those of some of my friends. I want the word to spread far and wide to get maximum exposure for our classes. Read on for more information and how you can help.
Here's a sneak peek:
I know what you're thinking: "But the classes at the Bead&Button Show are expensive!" Yes, I know they are. There's no sugar-coating it. This is the biggest consumer bead show in the world, and there are a number of costs that have to be covered. But there are a number of benefits as well:
- The cost for the class includes the materials and written instructions for the project.
- You get access to teachers who were hand-picked out of many, many applicants submitting many, many classes. Only the best get in.
- In class you can meet people from all over the world. Who knows? You might meet your new best friend.
- You can get one-on-one help with any tricky aspect of the design or technique. That's a lot better than trying to figure it out yourself or having the designer try to help you over the phone or in e-mail!
- You'll probably walk away with some extras. I know I always include extra stuff when I teach - tips, tutorials for another design or two, chocolate, etc.
- You get that fabulous Bead&Button Show tote bag! It's huge (for all those great bead purchases during the show and for groceries or whatever after the show), and it always has neat freebies and coupons. I love these bags. The lavender one from a few years ago matches my brand really well, so I use it to carry business things I need while vending.
- When we're all super famous in 10 years, you can say, "Hey, I took a class with her ages ago, and she was really great! I'm so glad she's doing well!"
It's extremely important for jewelry-making teachers to do well at Bead&Button as well as at other bead shows and local bead stores. Why? Honestly, everybody wins. You win because you've learned new techniques and have beautiful jewelry to show for it (and that new best friend mentioned above). The bead show/store wins because if money is coming in they can keep the doors open and continue to provide you with all the new beads, books, and classes. The teachers win because they will get the pleasure of meeting you and the satisfaction of teaching you.
But to be blunt:
A teacher also wants her class(es) to be successful so she can make money. If a class does well, she can afford her travel and kit-making expenses and possibly can expand her business. She can continue to make great designs or develop new techniques, which in turn benefit future students. The jewelry-making community is better off with lots of folks who are successful and creative. I'm always astounded at what people keep thinking up, and I'd hate for that to go away because teachers frankly can't afford to stay in business.
So, with all that said (thank you for sticking with me on this), let's look at the classes I'm teaching and those of some of my friends!
When I moved to Milwaukee in 2008, I had no friends (apart from my new husband). I joined the Loose Bead Society of Greater Milwaukee, and now I have many friends who do so many different types of jewelry making! There are a few other folks in the Society who are teaching at the Bead&Button Show, but the ones I'm showing you today represent a wide range of techniques (and are good friends of mine).
Since it's my blog, I think I'll go first. :)
Traci Otte
My primary focus is bead stitching/weaving. My favorite beads to design with right now are SuperDuos - the possibilities are endless with two-holed beads, and these play so nicely with each other!
Here are my classes:
SDN15 – Intertwined Pyramids
Saturday, June 6, 2015
9:00a - 5:00p (with two hour break)
Level: Intermediate
Class fee: $187
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151636.html
Would you believe this bracelet started with a bunch of flat triangles? Learn how to stitch the basic “SDN15″ triangle, make a pyramid out of it, intertwine two pyramids into a single unit, and stitch them together for this bold, lacy bracelet. Instructions for earrings will be included.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
9:00a - noon
Level: All levels
Class fee: $106
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151414.html
Dance with Super Duos, Rizos, and crystals as you stitch back and forth to add scalloped edges to a modified Right Angle Weave base. Instructions for matching earrings will be included.
How you can keep in touch with Traci Otte:
- Creative Pursuits website
- Creative Pursuits Facebook page
- Pinterest (check out the My Jewelry Designs and Can't WAIT! boards)
- Twitter (although I really don't tweet much at this point)
- Follow this blog (see the right sidebar for how)
Jan Falk
Jan does felting, and she's a really good teacher! I've taken a few classes with her, and I've purchased a few of her pieces.
Here is Jan's class:
Fabulous Felted Flower PinSunday, June 7, 2015
9:00a - noon
Level: All levels
Class fee: $105
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151865.html
Wet felt a slight 3-D flower form using Merino wool, soapy water, and your hands. Add inclusions for sparkle and interest while wet, then add beads of your choice when dry for a remarkable fiber art accessory.
How you can keep in touch with Jan Falk:
Joann Haas and Kat Feldman
Two great designers and teachers have teamed up for a wire-working class that includes metalwork and soldering! I love the name of the class, although I have to admit I had to look at it for a minute or two to figure it out. :)
Here is their class:
KaJo Bangle and Pendant
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
4:00p - 7:00p
Level: All levels
Class fee: $115
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151258.html
Create a bangle and pendant with steel wire, and embellish with crystal montees. Discover the versatility of steel wire and how easy it is to work with; use 16-gauge dark, annealed steel wire to form the bangle and pendant; use a lighter weight wire to attach the crystal montee embellishments.
How you can keep in touch with Joann Haas:
Marilee Rockley
Marilee is a rock star of the tatting world, and her first class at the Bead&Button Show has only one seat left (as of this writing), so don't delay! If all else fails, you can catch her on Craftsy.
Here is Marilee's class:
Shuttle Tatting Basics
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
9:00a - 5:00p (with one hour break)
Level: Beginner
Class fee: $212
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151344.html
If you're looking for a fun, portable craft with Victorian flair, this is for you. With step-by-step, individualized instruction, you'll soon find yourself tatting the basic double stitch, and creating lace patterns with chains, rings, and picots.
How you can keep in touch with Marilee Rockley:
Judy Menting
Using Brenda Schweder's Now That's a Jig!, Judy teaches ergonomic methods of wire-wrangling. She has lots of tips and tricks up her sleeves, and her pieces are so bold and unique!
Here are Judy's classes:
Now That's A Jig Presents: Wily Wire Cuff
Saturday, June 6, 2015
9:00a - 5:00p (with two hour break)
Level: All levels
Class fee: $175
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151713.html
Judy, a NTaJ! designer and retired physical therapist, will show you how to create a multilayered cuff using several strands of thick steel and copper wire while using ergonomically correct methods to wrangle your wily wires on the Now That's a Jig!. You’ll wrangle multiple wires at one time, decorate with solder, and polish your statement piece.
Now That's A Jig Presents: 100 Earwire Designs -- Shape Your Signature Style
9:00a - noon
Level: All levels
Class fee: $105
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151437.html
Create a bevy of signature earring wires easily with three design tools: Judy's EarWire Shape Chart, Now That's a Jig! system, and pliers by Wubbers. Working with dark annealed steel wire, you will efficiently shape your own signature earring wires while using good body mechanics and tool alignment to protect your hands from stress. You will go home with 100 prototypes, one finished pair of sterling silver earring wires, and a few Swarovski crystals to dangle from your new signature designs.
How you can keep in touch with Judy Menting:
Tammy Rae Wolter
Tammy Rae is a Borosilicate glass lampworker, and her pieces are just stunning. She's teaching a whopping six classes in seven sessions this year, so let's not waste any time getting to them!
Here are Tammy Rae's classes:
Beginning Borosilicate Glass Bead MakingSaturday, June 6, 2015
9:00a - 5:00p (with two hour break)
Level: Beginner
Class fee: $265
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151787.html
No experience necessary for this borosilicate glass class – and all materials will be provided except for the special glasses to protect your eyes. You will make colorful and amazing borosilicate beads as seen in this photo! Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.
Borosilicate Disk Beads
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Noon - 3:00p
Level: Intermediate
Class fee: $135
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151780.html
For the intermediate-level lampwork student, this borosilicate glass class will cover the creation of beautiful and colorful disks on 1/4-in. mandrels (provided for your use in class) using a variety of techniques. This class is perfect for students who feel confident making beads either on soft or hard (borosilicate) glass. Soft glass students with no borosilicate experience are welcome. Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.
Borosilicate Glass Color Study for Experienced Soft Glass Artists
9:00a - 4:30p (with 1.5 hour break)
Level: Advanced Beginner
Class fee: $255
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151794.html
This class was created especially with the experienced soft glass lampwork artist in mind but experienced borosilicate glass artists struggling with color can take this too! Students will study the development of great color while using borosilicate glass and torches designed by Milon Townsend. You will make beads using silver and copper saturated glass and learn how to get that borosilicate glass to sing pretty! Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.
Borosilicate Cabochons/Interchangeable Jewelry Toppers
4:00p - 7:00p
Level: Intermediate
Class fee: $215
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151798.html
Friday, June 5, 2015
5:00p - 8:00p
Level: Intermediate
Class fee: $215
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b153064.html
If you are an intermediate-level lampwork artist, get in on this new jewelry craze – interchangeable borosilicate glass pieces to be worn as rings, pendants, and bracelets. Taking advantage of the incredible durability of borosilicate glass, you will create beautiful glass toppers of various colors that will give you fun jewelry options as seen on www.tammyrae.com. These little beauties can be used as traditional cabochons in bead embroidery, silversmithing, and wire wrapping designs. Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.
Borosilicate Ring Stands
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
6:30p - 9:30p
Level: Intermediate
Class fee: $135
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b151802.html
This class is designed for the intermediate-level soft glass or borosilicate glass artists -- make ring stands that are both functional and beautiful using borosilicate glass. As an added bonus, you will learn a pendant design using similar techniques. Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.
Borosilicate Flower Headpins
Friday, June 5, 2015
1:00p - 4:00p
Level: Advanced Beginner
Class fee: $155
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b153109.html
Borosilicate Flowers! This class is perfect for students who have a little experience making beads either on soft or hard (borosilicate) glass. Soft glass students with no borosilicate experience are welcome. Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.
How you can keep in touch with Tammy Rae Wolter:
All done!
That's an awful lot of classes by some really talented people! So now's the time for the "Call to Action" that I always read about in blog posts about blogging.
What we'd like from you:
Most importantly, we would love if you would register for one or more of our classes. We would be gleeful and jump up and down. Seriously.
Whether or not you do, though, we really would appreciate if you would share this post and encourage your friends and family to share it. It doesn't matter where in the world you are because the Bead&Button Show has attendees from everywhere. Share it on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter (include @TraciOtte so I can see it, please!), or wherever you can. We want as many people as possible to see this post so we can maximize the possibilities of filling our classes.
Apart from that, please follow us on the social media links listed up there for each artist. Repin their pins, share their Facebook posts, retweet their tweets, and whatever else you can for the things you like.
If you go to the Meet the Teachers Reception during the Bead&Button Show (held the evening of Wednesday, June 3rd), please stop and see each of us and say hi and that you read about us on this blog.
And finally, we'd love for you to leave an encouraging comment here on this blog post. If you've decided to take a class, please tell us which one so the appropriate teacher can be gleeful and jump up and down. If you decide not to take a class, tell us why (be nice, please!) or just wish us good luck.
Okay, it's time! Ready? Set? Go! The Great 2015 Bead&Button Show Share-A-Thon is off and running!
