We've moved our blog to Wordpress!

From today, our lovely Little Bead Shop blog has moved to Wordpress!

Come and visit us at http://thelittlebeadshop.wordpress.com/

Love,

The girls from the Little Bead Shop x

Right-Angle Weave Bangle: Saturday 30th April 11am - 2pm: £15

Our favourite guest instructor Rebecca Anderson is coming back to The Little Bead Shop to teach you how to make these beautiful, colourful bangles!

These stunning bangles are made using right-angle weave, an amazingly versatile jewellery making technique that requires no more than a needle and thread and some beautiful seed beads in the colours of your choice!

This class is suitable for beginners. Some experience of working with seed beads would be helpful, but is not essential as you will be given full support on the day. And don't worry if you don't get your bangle finished in the class - you'll be given full, detailed instructions to take home with you!

This wonderful class costs £15 which includes tuition, all threads, and any findings required but excludes the cost of your seed beads which you can select on the day!

We're expecting this class to fill up fast so pop in to see us, visit our website or give us a ring on 0131 228 5058 to book a place!

Love,

The girls from The Little Bead Shop x

Beautiful Czech Bead Give Away!

Spring has well and truly sprung at The Little Bead Shop and to celebrate, we're going to give away a fantastic bead goody bag worth £5 made up of our favourite, stunning Czech glass beads!

To enter, just tell us what your favourite thing is about spring! The lucky winner will be chosen at random at 5pm on Monday 11 April.

Good luck!

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop x

The Little Bead Shop and Art Clay Scotland are teaching at the Edinburgh Bead Fair 8th May!

The Little Bead Shop and Art Clay Scotland are delighted to be able to tell you that we're teaching at the Edinburgh Bead Fair on 8th May!

Here is our fantastic list of classes!

Right Angle Weave Bracelet - 11:30 - 1:00

With just Seed beads and thread you will create this beautiful banglein whatever colours take your fancy! You will learn how to stitch right-angle weave, a very versatile stitch that can be used to make silky fabrics or self-supporting structures. You may not finish the whole bangle in this class but will be given with complete instructions and materials to complete it after class! Some experience of working with seed beads will be helpful not essential.

Swarovski Crystal Bracelet - 1:30 - 3:00

Simple clean lines are often the best. Using Swarovski Crystals, you will create this fabulous sparkly bracelet. Once you know how, you can make this bracelet in a range of different sizes by simply changing the size of the crystals. This one uses 6mm Bicones. Most students should finish this bracelet in class, even total beginners!

Beginners - 3:30 - 5:00
This is an ideal introduction to the basics in beading. If you really don't know your crimps from your tiger tail, then this this class is for you. Covering the basics in bead stringing from the different types of threads available, and when to use them, to the different types of finishes available. You'll make a bracelet or necklace with the emphasis being on your own creativity! But don't worry - there are plenty of design examples on hand to help get those creative cogs turning.

Chainmaille - 11:30 - 1:00

This is an ideal introduction to chainmaille for a beginner. The lovely loose weave is perfect for a bracelet and adding seed beads to the outside rings gives it that extra “something”. Choose to make in either sterling rings or silver plated. You’ll complete most of this bracelet in the class and will be given a set of instructions to take away with you.

Magical Silver Clay - 1:30 - 3:00

This is a fantastic opportunity to try your hand at Silver Clay. You don’t need any experience to attend this workshop and you’ll make a pendant or charms. Learn the basic techniques including: handling the clay, shaping and forming it, pre-finishing, firing times and temperature, finishing and polishing. 7g of clay is provided. Pieces will be fired after the class and be ready for collection at the end of the day.


Starburst Pendant 3:30 - 5:00

Learn how to make this beautiful swarvoski pendant. Using a beading needle and thread you will first encase your 16mm swavoski rivoli using a circular peyote stitch and size 11 toho seed beads. You will continue the pendant with 3mm swaroski bicones and the 11 tohos. When finished, your piece can be used as either an pendant or brooch. Full instructions will be given so you will be able to continue making more at home.

ALL CLASSES JUST £12!!

To book simply call The Little Bead Shop/Art Clay Scotland - 0131 228 5058.

Full payment is required to secure a place.

Easter Holiday fun at The Little Bead Shop - New children's class timetable!

It's almost the Easter Holidays - HURRAH! The schools are off from 4 - 21 April and, if you're looking for something to keep your wee ones occupied, look no further!

The Little Bead Shop will be running a special series of classes just for Easter including this fabulous daisy chain (above), caterpillars, charm bracelets and memory wire bracelets!

All of these classes cost £12 ALL INCLUSIVE.

So, without further ado, here is our fantastic Easter holiday timetable!

Friday 8 April 12pm - 2pm Daisy chains!
£12 all inclusive
Suitable for children 8 years +

Spring really has sprung with these adorable daisy chain necklaces! All the beads you need, as well as loan of tools are included in the price of this class and at the end of your two hours, you'll come away with a finished necklace!

Saturday 9 April 12pm - 2pm Wrapped wire loop charm bracelet
£12 all inclusive!
Suitable for children 8 years +

Learn how to make wrapped wire loops to make this gorgeous charm bracelet using beads from our extra special bead bowl! Tuition, all materials and loan of tools is included in the cost of this class.

Monday 11 April 12pm-2pm CATERPILLARS!
£12 all inclusive
Suitable for children 8 years +

Ok doke, this class gets capital letters because it's one of our favourites! For £12 we'll give you all the beads, materials and loan of tools to make these beautiful beady caterpillars! This class is always popular with little girls and the bigger girls who work here too - and we always have great fun working out if they're boys or girls and what to name them... :D

Saturday 16 April 12pm - 2pm Memory wire bracelet
£12 all inclusive
Suitable for children 8 years +

Another Little Bead Shop favourite class! In this class, we'll show you how to make this lovely colourful bracelet - just perfect for summer :) As with all the others, the cost of this class includes all materials and loan of tools.

If you would like to book your child into any of these fantastic Easter classes, please pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058!

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop xxx

Mother's Day at The Little Bead Shop

It's mother's day next Sunday (3rd April) - did you remember?

We're going to be running some special "make a present for mum" classes next week - we'll keep you posted! But remember, you can pop in to make a special pressie for your mum and use the lovely little craft table at the front of the shop at any time and, the best bit is... it's totally FREE of charge!

We'll also give you a loan of tools, again, totally FREE! All you need to pay for is your beads and materials you use to make your creation!

So make sure you pop in to see us before next Sunday!

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop x

Full Day Bridal Workshop: Saturday 9th April 10:00pm - 4:00 pm £50.00

Are you looking to make the perfect piece of bridal jewellery for your big day? Well, this special bridal workshop could be just for you!

This full day bridal workshop is ideal for brides to-be and bridesmaids.

In the morning you will design and create a tiara using a variety of techniques with the beads and crystals of your choice.

After a break for lunch you will make either a necklace, bracelet or earrings to match your tiara.

Don't worry if you have little experience your tutor will help you at every stage. Class numbers are kept small to give you all the assistance you need!

Refreshments are provided.

This fantastic bridal workshop is running on Saturday 9 April from 10am until 4pm and costs £50.00 which includes a tiara band, wire and a £5.00 voucher towards your beads.

To book your place, pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058.

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop x

Stunning Czech Dagger Bead Bracelet: Sunday 20 March: 1pm - 4pm

We're very excited to bring you this fantastic new class where you can learn how to make this beautiful Czech dagger bead and swarovski crystal bracelet.

Designed by The Little Bead Shop's taleneted owner, Gil Baird, this class is exclusive to our premises.

The dagger beads give this striking bracelet an amazing texture which allows it to drape softly around your wrist.

The bracelet is made by bead weaving but if you're new to this jewellery making technique, have no fear! We will be there to help you at every step.

You will be given full instructions for you to take home as you may not finish the bracelet in the three hours allotted to the class.

The class is suitable for beginners and costs £40 which includes tuition, all threads, findings AND your beads.

To book your place please pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058!

Love,

The Girls at The Little Bead Shop x

The Little Bead Shop at the Scottish Bead Fair Sunday 13 March!

It's all go down at the Little Bead Shop today as we continue preparing for our stand at the Scottish Bead Fair this Sunday 13 March!

Our very own Emma Baird will be doing a demonstration on the basics of using Precious Metal Clay at 3pm - a must see!

Not only that but we'll be bringing along all of our most special beads, including our favourite Czech glass, a good supply of magazines for inspiration as well as precious metal clay and metal clay tools and goodies!

And, as if that wasn't enough, we'll also be running special offers for our lovely customers on the big day!

We're all really excited and looking forward to seeing you all there!

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop x

The Little Bead Shop at Perth Bead Fair Sunday 13 March!

Our lovely Little Bead Shop is on the move again!

On Sunday 13 March (just over a week away!) we'll be taking our gorgeous selection of beads (not to mention the lovely ladies of the Little Bead Shop) over to Perth for a fun-filled day at the Scottish Bead Fair.

Not only that, but our very own Emma Baird will be doing a demonstration on the basics of using Precious Metal Clay!

We'll be bringing all our beautiful beads and precious metal clay and will also have some special offers for those who come along to see us! More details to follow - we'll keep you all posted!

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

New Class! Feather Necklace: Sunday 26 March, 1pm - 4pm, £15

One of our favourite instructors, Rebecca Anderson, is coming to Edinburgh specially to teach this fantastic class at The Little Bead Shop.

Using Swarovski crystals, Rebecca will teach you how to create this unusual, delicate-looking necklace with sprays of nylon-coated wire feathering off to each side. Using crimps and calottes, you will learn how to attach clasps and extension chains.

It's a stunning piece of jewellery and we guarantee it'll attract compliments whenever it's worn!

This class, which costs £15 is suitable for beginners - no previous experience is necessary.
Price includes tuition, all threads, findings but excludes your beads.

Swarovski and czech dagger bead flower: Saturday 5 March: 1pm - 4pm:

Spring is finally in the air and to celebrate, we thought we'd share this lovely new class with all our favourite customers!

Made from czech glass dagger beads, seed beads, swarvoski crystals and a 22mm rivoli you can make this beautiful, glittering daisy which can then be made into a pendant, brooch or even a pin.

The class uses bead weaving techniques which are suitable for complete beginners and will run on Saturday 5 March from 1pm until 4pm

Price £30 includes tuition, all threads, findings and your beads.

To book your place or for more information, please pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058!

Love,

The girls from The Little Bead Shop x

Full Day Bridal Workshop: Saturday 9 April: 10am - 4pm

Calling all blushing brides and beautiful bridesmaids!

The Little Bead Shop is delighted to be able to tell you that we will be running a full day bridal jewellery workshop on Saturday 9th April from 10am until 4pm.

In the morning we'll show you how to make a beautiful tiara and in the afternoon you can make a stunning piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings to match.

This amazing class costs £55. This excludes the cost of your beads but includes all tuition and use of tools. Within this cost, you also receive a £5 voucher to put towards the cost of any beads you buy on the day.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

For more information about the class, please pop in to see us or call us on 0131 228 5058.

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Sparkling Swarovski Bracelet: Saturday 19th February 1:00pm - 4:00 pm

Designed by Gil Baird and unique to the Little Bead Shop, this gorgeous, glittering, spiral weave bracelet will certainly make a statement.

Made with seed beads and swarovski crystals, this stunning bracelet drapes beautifully on the wrist and is a really rewarding piece of jewellery to make.

Previously Gil had taught this design as a necklace, which students are more than welcome to come and make instead, but please be aware that a necklace would take much longer than the duration of the class, would certainly need to be finished off at home, and extra beads would be required. We would anticipate that most students choosing to make the bracelet will complete or be close to completing the bracelet in class.

The class is suitable for beginners and will be held on Staurday 19th February from 1pm - 4pm. Price includes tuition, all threads, findings but excludes your beads.

For more information or to book your place, please pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058.

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Dagger Bracelet Class: Sunday 6th February, 1pm - 4pm

Come and learn how to make this stunning dagger bead and swarvoski crystal bracelet.

The bracelet's beautiful Czech dagger beads give it an amazing texture which allows it to drape softly around your wrist. It is made by weaving the beads with needle and beading thread.

If you are new to bead weaving no need to worry, this class is suitable for beginners and we will be there to help you at every step. You will be given full instructions for you to take home with you as you may not finish the bracelet in the three hour class.

This fantastic class takes place on Sunday 6th February from 1pm - 4pm and costs just £20, which includes tuition, all threads and findings but excludes the cost of your beads.

For more information or to book your place, please pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058!

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Love

Silver Smithing with Jared Sanders Sunday 6 and Saturday 19 March

I'm sure you've heard the buzz online from Emma Baird about the new member of our team- everyone at the Little Bead Shop is delighted to introduce you to the very talented Edinburgh jeweller Jared Sanders.

Jared, who has been making and selling his jewellery for more than 20 years will be running a range of silver smithing classes exclusive to the Little Bead Shop.

This is an exciting opportunity to learn from a professional jeweller - not to be missed!

Jared's first two workshops will be running on Sunday 6th And Saturday 19th March. More details to follow shortly.

Please pop into the shop, visit us online or call us on 0131 228 5058 to register your interest.

Love,

The girls from the Little Bead Shop x

New Class! Exploring Silver Cay

We're getting the New Year off to a bang with a whole host of new classes!

On Sunday 30 January and Sunday 27 February we will be hosting full day classes exploring Silver Clay.

You will learn the differences between the three frequently used types of clay - lump form, syringe and paste. You'll also learn how to handle the clay, condition it, shape and form it, dry it, prepare it for firing, how to fire and how to polish. We will also teach you how to torch fire your pieces, as well as how to fire them in a kiln.

The most exciting part of this course is that you have the whole day and 20g of clay to truly explore the potential of this wonderful material.

If you are a total beginner you can choose to make charms or pendants, if you have a little experience you can choose to spend your time designing and making a more challenging piece. You can experiment with textured pieces, non-textured pieces embellished with the syringe and even add sparkle with gemstones. As ever, there will be a wide variety of projects on hand to inspire you!

Whether you are new to Silver Clay, or have a little experience you will receive expert guidance from our Award Winning Artist and Instructor - Emma Baird. The course costs £120 and includes 20g Art Clay Silver, cubic zirconias, use of a syringe, use of paste, tuition and a loan of all tools. There will also be unlimited tea and coffee and biscuits available through out the day.

Suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience, these classes run from 11 - 5.30pm on Sunday 30 January and Sunday 27 February.

For more information or to book your place, please pop in to see us, visit our website or give us a call on 0131 228 5058.

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x