Gallery Applications Available

for March Opening 

 

We are now accepting applications for gallery spaces. If you would like to display your jewelry or fashion accessories, please click the link below for more information including space sizes and prices. http://www.fashionaccessoryguild.com/membership-info/

 

Fashion Accessory Guild

A handcrafted Marketing Group               

 

If you handcraft jewelry, hats, scarves or any fashion accessory our newly formed guild will help you sell what you make. Since opening our retail store I have recognized a need to help designers brand and market what they make.

 

Years ago I recognized a need for an organization whose primary purpose is marketing and branding. I am excited about being able to finally see our group become a reality.

 

For those of you who are not familiar with my background I have been in the fashion accessory business for over twenty years. I have sold my designs to almost every major department store and hundreds of boutiques. My jewelry and custom designs have been worn by many celebrities. My book "You Made It Now Sell It" is now in its' fourth printing and is distributed and sold in the United States and Europe.

 

My current handbag line is being sold in several major catalogs and at high-end boutiques across the United States and Puerto Rico. Marketing any accessory in our current economic marketplace is challenging but not impossible if you choose your client base carefully.

 

Join us in our mission to share, embrace, empower and build your brand. For more information visit our web page at  http://www.fashionaccessoryguild.com/

 

Tea & Bead Bar

Coming Soon! We are in the final stages of finishing our tea/bead bar. We will have a place for you to sit with your friends...and enjoy your favorite pastime, beading and tea. Our tea bar will provide hand selected hot and cold tea along with specialty sweet treats provided by a local artisan bakery. What can be better than beads & tea.

 

 

 

Basic Beading/Crimp boot camp - 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. Free class must purchase $15.00 Beading Kit. Date: Saturday, 2/23/2013, 1:00pm - 3:00pm  

 

August/Sept Classes/News

I love summer but somehow it seems to fly by. We hope your summer was filled with sun and fun. Ours was filled with work and orders from our handbag line….so no fun or sun. Unfortunately our classes have had to take a back seat because of our tiring work schedule but we are offering a few classes in the next few weeks.


Store Hour Changes
We are also changing our store hours and days…so please note the new changes: We will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 6pm, Saturdays 12pm to 5pm.
We will be closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Our sidewalk sale
will be Saturday Sept. 29th. We are scheduling it later in the month in hopes that there will be cooler weather. We are making space for new inventory and freeing up our storage space…so join us for a fun day. Icy cold lemonade and unbelievable deals that have been dug up from the bead vaults. We will be wheeling and dealing with closeouts on tons of items.

Our New Gallery
Pudgy Beads will be adding a selling gallery to our retail store so big changes are ahead. Our target date to open is November 1st just in time for the holiday selling season. If you would like to be put on the list to receive additional information, call or come in.

Classes:

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. Date: Saturday, 8/25, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

BASIC WIRE WRAP/CABOCHON In this class you will learn basic wire wrapping skills. You will use wire to create a structural frame or saddle around a glass or stone cabochon. The frame will securely hold the piece and convert it into a pendant. This class is a must for enhancing your beading repertoire. Materials not included. Class Fee: $35.00, Materials not included, Dates: Saturday 9/1/ 1:00pm – 3pm.

Intro to Polymer Clay:  Stamping and Glazing Techniques  If you’re completely new to polymer clay, or have used it but want to learn these specific stamping techniques, this class is for you! Learn how to condition the clay, stamp it, bake it, and glaze it. Create faux ceramic and/or metallic pendants and earrings that you can incorporate into other beading and wirework projects. Bring stamps, textures sheets, bead, buttons…. anything that can create texture and be pushed into clay.  Come enjoy creating beautiful bright pieces, and gaining basic tips on how to work with this wonder medium. Date: Saturday Sept 8^th 1pm tp3pm Class Fee: $40.00 (materials not included).

Wrap Bracelet - Julia Roberts wore one in the Movie "Eat Love Pray" and Chan Luu made them popular...now everyone’s wearing them. You should all know that we are talking about the wrap bracelet. Wrap Bracelets are hot! In this class we will show you how to master a version of this bracelet. After this class you will be churning them out with your eyes closed. Clearly this arm party train isn’t stopping and it’s about time you get on board. Class Fee: $40.00 Saturday September 15, 1pm to 3pm (materials not included).

Bella Beautiful This is a fun and fanciful design that is easier to make than you would think. After learning this technique you will be beading by the yard! Its time to get started on your christmas list and with just a few design twists you will be making all your friends the same thing and they all will look a little different. This  beading technique can be made as a pendant, earrings, or a necklace. In class we will be making the earrings. Class Fee: $40.00, Saturday Sept 22, 12:30pm – 2:30PM

JUNE/JULY CLASSES 2012

Summer is finally here...I'm always happier in summer. Pudgy Beads is in the mist of filling orders for our handbag and jewelry line. We got into a major catalog and we are excited but busy. Trying to keep my day job of running the store and filling my orders is exhausting but we are seeing light at the end of a tunnel. The first issues of the catalog will be in the store late August or early September. Be sure to drop by and check it out.

Stay tuned for our "Bead Store yard/Sidewalk sale" sometime in July. We are consolidating and clearing out inventory and will have lots of odds and ends at rock bottom prices..so stay tuned for our July Newsletter with all the details.

Remember stay cool and enjoy the beautiful summer we are having.

Classes  Below

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 6/23,12:30pm – 4:00pm

  

WIREWRAP COMPONENTS - This class is for anyone who wants to take their wirewrap and fabricating skills to another level. You can even take this one if you are a beginner to wirewrapping. We will be making components and connecting them into a necklace. We'll be working with a large gauge of aluminum wire to make your components easier to construct. We will also fabricate your pieces using a bench block and a ball peen hammer. This class is perfect to make the long necklaces that so in style now. Class Materials not included. Class Fee $45.00, June 30, 1:00pm-3:00pm

BASIC WIRE WRAP/CABOCHON  In this class you will learn basic wire wrapping skills. You will use wire to create a structural frame or saddle around a glass or stone cabochon. The frame will securely hold the piece and convert it into a pendant. This class is a must for enhancing your beading repertoire. Materials not included. Class Fee: $35.00, Dates: June 24, Sunday 1:00pm – 3pm

 

WORKING WITH CRYSTAL CLAY WORKSHOP  - Crystal clay is the latest thing to use to set chaton crystals. You will be mixing two clays together and shaping it to the shape of your bezel. You will handset your crystals into the clay to give your finished item as much or as little bling as you want. You will work with different bezel shapes to create stunning pendants, rings or bracelet parts. This is a hands on workshop, so come prepared to have fun and work with this new product. Workshop Fee: $15.00 (materials range from 15.00 up depending on how many finished items you want . Workshop Date: Saturday 7/7, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

April/May Class Schedule and Pudgy News

Happy Spring!! Although our spring days seem to be interrupted by some gloom and rain..Summer is just around the corner. The bead scene like everything else in our world seems to be in constant change....some good, some bad.

We haven't posted classes this year because we've been busy filling orders for our handbag and jewelry line. It's exciting getting back into the selling arena but it truely can create drama when you are trying to stretch yourself by keeping your day job (pudgy beads). Anyway forget the excuses here are some of the basic classes we are offering. Stay tuned for the next update, we will have some classes we haven't offered before.  

Think the shows are where you will find great prices? Think downtown is where you will find great selection? Think online is where you will find the deal?

Announcing a new addition to our store…”The Wall”.

‘The wall’ is where you will find gemstones, pearls and beads at unbelievable prices. Nothing on “The Wall” is over $3.00. You won’t believe the incredible selection. We bought out a gem dealer who was going out of business and decided to pass the savings on. ”The Wall” will leave your wallet intact and your bead stash in primetime. We have been working really hard on getting the gemstones and pearls ready for their debut. We still have lots more to add so come in often for our ever-changing amazing inventory.

Besides we have no parking meters and traffic…no surprises when you open the beads you ordered online. Come on, what are you waiting for? Discover the lowest bead prices and the best selection in Southern California…discover “The Wall” at Pudgy Beads.

CLASSES FOR APRIL/MAY

BASIC BEADING WORKSHOP 3/Rosary Wrap You will learn everything there is to know about making and perfecting the rosary wrap. You will perfect this technique by connecting your rosary wraps into chain, making a necklace and a pair of earrings. Class materials not included. Class Fee $25.00,. Date: Saturday 4/28, 1:00pm – 3:00pm



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. Date: Sunday,4/29, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

BASIC WIRE WRAP/CABOCHON  In this class you will learn basic wire wrapping skills. You will use wire to create a structural frame or saddle around a glass or stone cabochon. The frame will securely hold the piece and convert it into a pendant. This class is a must for enhancing your beading repertoire. Materials not included. Class Fee: $35.00, Dates: 5/5/ 1:00pm – 3pm

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. Class materials not included. Class Fee: $25.00, Date: 5/06/ 1pm – 3pm. 

Beyond Hoops - If you love working with wire and you love hoop earrings this is the perfect class. You will learn to manipulate artistic/non tarnish wire into three different styles of gorgeous hoop earrings. The tree of life earrings are truly beautiful and you can twist any beads or tiny gemstone chips into the design. Expand your earring collection by signing up for this 2 hour class. Class materials not included. Class Fee: $35.00, Date: 5/12 1pm - 3pm

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

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)

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.