Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year (2011)

Pudgy Beads sends a sincere “Thank you” to all of our customers who have supported us this past year. Here’s hoping your new year will be filled with love, happiness and prosperity. If you are like many of us I’m sure you have at least a couple of resolutions.

One of our resolutions at Pudgy Beads is to expand our “Beading Therapy” program. Every year before Christmas we donate beading inventory to one or more local non-profits. For several years the Returning Women Vets program at several VA hospitals have enjoyed our kits. We didn’t just supply the kits but participated along with several volunteers in helping to the women put together their necklaces or bracelets…so much fun and so rewarding to see the smiles and joy something so small can bring. This year we supported a program for children and families at Memorial hospital.

This year we plan on increase our philanthropic efforts to at least several more non-profits.
We are so impressed by what people do unselfishly to help other people and that will be our goal during the year to do more of what we’ve been doing.

Speaking of helping others we were so impressed with a dear friend and customer “Jodee Huddleston”. For the past few years she has opened up her home for a fundraising party for the “Spark of Love Toy Drive”. Jodee’s party has become quite the ticket for the season with the price of admission being a new unwrapped toy. Jodee had over 200 people who attended. The drive is sponsored by channel 7 news and local firefighters.

Jodee congratulations this year you really pulled out all the stops. Because of your efforts so many children had a wonderful Christmas.

If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life this year you can visit https://calfund.org/ or better yet stay tuned for the programs Pudgy Beads will be supporting this year and get involved. If you’d like to be notified please shoot us an email and we will keep you informed.

See how one person can make a difference!

Jodee's Fundraising "A Spark of Love Toydrive" 2011

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Open House & Xmas Sale

You are invited to our Xmas Open House



Join us this Sunday December 18th for our annual "Open House". We will have special hours 12pm-5pm. Free demo's. Hourly beady give-a-ways pulled from our stocking. Red Velvet cake and drinks. Print and bring the coupon below and take an extra 10% off your purchases.

40% Off...Sunday only! Open your email, Print and bring your coupon to get 40% off on your purchase. You must spend at least $40.00 before tax. (offer excludes sterling silver, showcase items and chain).

Can't make it on Sunday. From Dec 18 until xmas you can still enjoy a 30% discount if you spend a minimum of $30.00 (see details in your email)

Monday, November 21, 2011

November Class Schedule (2011) & Pudgy News

Pudgy Beads just released a Free video. We will be presenting a series of free classes on youtube and on our website and facebook page. Our first video "Waterfall Earrings" are absolutely beautiful and simple to make. If you would like to purchase materials or a kit for this project please contact the store or you can order through our website at http://www.pudgybeads.com/
Enjoy!
"WaterFall Earring Project" 



Pudgy Beads Annual Black Friday Sale
30% off
On the entire store. Discount does not include Sterling Silver, Gold-filled, Chain or Clasps. Must spend a minimum of $30.00 to receive the 30% discount. Store opens as usual at 11am.
Can't make it on Friday, use your coupon for 25% off ( with $25.00 purchase) during the following week. (Nov 26 - Dec. 3)


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER CLASSES

RING TRIO - Wire crazy, You learned the hoops, let's move on to rings!!! Quick, easy and a simple way to kick off your creativity, this ring trio can be as simple or as intricate as you like. We will be manipulating wire to form the rings and adding the beads of your choice. Bring your creative ideas for this class to create great inexpensive gifts this holiday season. Class Fee $35.00, Materials not included. Dates: 11/26, 12:30pm – 4:pm



BASIC BEADING WORKSHOP I/Bracelet This is our basic beginner’s stringing workshop.  In this class, you will learn how to choose and attach clasps. You will learn about the different stringing materials and tools required to design with. You will leave with a finished bracelet. Class Fee: $15.00, Materials not included. (Kits Priced from $7.00- $25.00) Sunday 11/27/11, 1:00pm – 3:00pm


BASIC BEADING WORKSHOP 2/EARRINGS   So you’ve learned the basics of making necklaces and bracelets, and now you’d love earrings to go with all your new creations. In this class, you’ll learn all you need to know about constructing earrings, including making perfect loops.  An earring class wouldn’t be complete without making chandelier earrings.  You will finish at least three pairs. Class Fee $25.00, Materials not included. (KIT PRICES FROM $15 - $30.00). Dates: 12/4/11, 1:00pm – 3pm 


SOLDERING WORKSHOP I/Bracelet Learning to solder can open up a whole new world of jewelry making to you. Though the process is fairly simple it does take practice. In this class you will be learn to solder Sterling or Copper square rings then fabricate them into a bracelet. We will spend some time on safety aspects and learning how to handle and adjust the flame. Class Fee: $60.00, Materials not included. Dates:Saturday 12/10,12:30pm – 4:00pm 


STAMPING & FORGING - In this class you will learn how to stamp metal shapes with words and texture. We will cover cutting your own shapes from metal sheet and using heat, patina or Alcohol inks to color your creations. We will show you how to use a dapping block to add curves to your forms and how to create perfect holes in your project. We will also show you how to create cold connections without an expensive rivet machine or tool. This is definitely a fun and informative class. Class Fee $45.00 Saturday 12/11,1pm-3pm.




Monday, October 10, 2011

Class Schedule, October 2011 - Pudgy News


Basic Beading Workshop
Wire Wrap/Rosary Wrap

If you are new to working with wire then this class is for you. You will learn everything there is to know about making and perfecting the rosary wrap. The rosary wrap is made with wire that you use to secure your beads or charms onto a chain or finding. You will perfect this technique by connecting your rosary wraps into chain, making a necklace and a pair of earrings. Class Fee $25.00, Dates: Saturday October 15, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Materials not included. (KIT PRICES FROM $15-$30.00).

Crochet Necklace



To make this beautiful necklace or bracelet you will need to know how to chain stitch. You will be using the chain stitch with wire for this project. You will incorporate the beads of your choice into your design. This is Perfect one for holiday gifts. Class Fee: $45.00, Date: Sunday October 16 pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Materials not included.




HOOP EARRINGS 



Hoop earrings are all the rage. This is a beginners wire project. You will be forming your own wire hoops so you can make them any size you want. You will be wrapping crystals or beads of your choice around your hoops to create stunning earrings. You will even get a little fabricating experience by forming and hammering the ends of your earrings..FUN!  Class Fee: $35.00, Date: Sunday October 23pm, 1:00pm – 3pm, Materials not included.


Copper Clay Workshop


Discover the new and exciting world of Copper clay by making your own pendant and earrings! If you have wanted to explore Precious Metal Clay then this class is for you. The same skills you learn can be applied to PMC. Copper clay is not only beautiful but inexpensive especially when you compare it to Precious (silver) metal clay. Copper clay can be molded, shaped, stamped, carved and cut to create original and unique pendants. Come prepared to play with clay. Class Fee: $60.00, Date: Saturday October 29 pm, 12:30pm-4:00pm. Materials not included





Pudgy News/On sale

Autumn is finally here and this time of year is a great time for beading. I do more beading during the winter months than I do in summer. A favorite way to spend my evening after work is to snuggle up with my bead project and a cup of tea. I’m in full gear now and I’m making my holiday gifts. I’ve settled on what I’m making and pretty much gotten all of them laid out. Now the fun begins.

Please join us for a trunk show with “Fusion Glass” On October 22nd and 23rd . Hours: 11am to 5pm Saturday and 12pm to 4pm Sunday. For those of you unfamiliar with Fusion Glass They produce beautiful Dichroic glass beads and jewelry. Their work is absolutely amazing and their prices are the best around since they manufacture the product themselves. To see their beautiful work visit their website at http://www.fusionglassco.com/

On Sale!!!
Jewelry cleaning cloths – $1.50 each  6” x 5 ½”

Velvet covered padded displays. They measure 4 ¼” wide and  8 1/8” tall. We have them for $3.00 and they are available in black and white.


Holiday Shows to Sell
If you sell your jewelry this is definitely the right time to sell. Pre holiday sales during the next couple of months should be brisk, especially for handcrafted items. Here are some show leads to get you selling. Most of these have deadlines to apply so get your application in by the deadlines.

Show and Sell Art Affair
Sunday November 13, 2011
Signal Hill Park Community Center
1780 East Hill St.,
Signal Hill, CA
Deadline for applications is Oct 26th
For more info contact: fosha@verizon.net or call 562-822-5260

Farmers Market
Airport Business Park
5000 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90815


I think this is the best Farmers Market in Long Beach. Located at Spring and Clark. This market has Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, magicians, jugglers, stiltwalkers, rides and many activities. Hours are 8:30 am to 2:00 pm every Sunday. Parking and free admission. For vendor info contact: fer1681@aol.com  or call 818-859-2001.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

September Class Schedule (2011) & Pudgy News

BASIC BEADING WORKSHOP - BRACELET - This is our basic beginner’s stringing workshop. In this class, you will learn how to choose and attach clasps. You will learn about the different stringing materials and tools required to design with. You will leave with a finished bracelet. Materials not included. (Kits Priced from $7.00- $25.00. Saturday, Sept. 10th, 1pm-3pm.
SOLDERING WORKSHOP 1/BRACELET - Learning to solder can open up a whole new world of jewelry making to you. Though the process is fairly simple it does take practice. In this class you will be learn to solder Sterling or Copper square rings then fabricate them into a bracelet. We will spend some time on safety aspects and learning how to handle and adjust the flame. Class Fee: $65.00, Materials not included. September 17, 12:30pm – 4:00pm


Crochet wire cuff- If you have never worked with wire before then this class is for you. You will not only learn how to frame a wire cuff and you will also learn how to design a pattern around your frame with a smaller gauge wire. You will decide just how much wire or beads/crystals you want on your cuff. After learning the basics in this class you will be able to alter it to meed the needs of your prefered art form. (YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO DO A SINGLE CROCHET OR CHAIN STITCH).Class Fee: $40.00, Materials not included. September 24, 1pm – 3:30pm


Earring Trio - These three pairs of earrings would make great stuffing stuffers. You will use these wire designs over and over, especially the chandelier findings. You will learn trade secrets for making perfect bends in your wire without nicking or marring it. If you are new to working with wire you will be able to make these. I you are experienced with wire you will definitely learn some new techniques. Class Fee: $40.00 October 1, 1pm-3:30

PEARL KNOTTING - You will learn how to complete an elegant pearl necklace using the traditional European method of knotting between each pearl, which is an elegant way to protect the pearls or beads from rubbing each other and is a safeguard against loss if the strand breaks. You will master the use of finishing with French Bullion, which is found on most “better” pearl strands and attach the clasp. Materials not included. Class Fee: $25.00 October 8, 1pm-3pm .


Monday, August 29, 2011