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

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

Stuck for ideas for Christmas pressies?

Are you stuck for ideas for Christmas pressies for your nearest and dearest? Well, the Little Bead Shop might be able to help you out!

We offer gift vouchers, for any amount, which are redeemable against everything in our lovely little shop, as well as all our classes, including metal clay!

A perfect present for the handmade craft enthusiasts in your life. And, even better, there's no expiry date so the vouchers can be used at the most suitable time for you!

For more information. pop in to see us, visit our website or call us on 0131 228 5058 :)

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Beady Stocking Fillers!

Christmas is fast approaching and if you're looking for a crafty stocking filler for someone special, we might just have the answer!

We've got a lovely range of beady goodie bags in the shop just for Christmas - perfect for keeping big kids and wee kids alike occupied for an hour or two.

We've also got a whole range of craft kits coming soon, so we'll keep you posted!

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop x

Get ready for Christmas with The Little Bead Shop: Christmas Present Making Class: Sunday 12 December

The season to be jolly is coming ever closer, so to get you into the festive spirit, The Little Bead Shop is running a special Christmas present making class on Sunday 12 December.

Come along and sit by our roaring log fire for some mulled wine, mince pies and make some pressies. The class costs £45 and will run from 11am - 4pm. Findings are included but beads will need to be purchased separately.

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

Love,

The girls from The Little Bead Shop x

Festive Frolics at the Little Bead Shop: Monday 8 November

We've all got festive fever down at the Little bead shop and, with that in mind, would like to invite you to our extra special Christmas present making classes!

Come along for mulled wine, mince pies and some festive frolics where we'll show you how to make earrings, necklaces and bracelets as Christmas presents for your nearest and dearest.

Our Christmas classes will be on Monday 8 November 6pm-9pm (cost £25) and Sunday 12 December 1pm-4pm (cost £45). Both classes exclude the cost of your beads.

We look forward to seeing you for some festive cheer!

Love,

The girls from the Little Bead Shop x

Your Chance to win a Handbag Charm Kit Designed by Jeanette Sloan!

Last week we told you all about the fantastic handbag charm kit, designed by Jeanette Sloan, exclusive to the Little Bead Shop - and now we're delighted to offer you the chance to win one in our fantastic Pretty Pampered Pooches competition!

To enter, just post a picture of your dog wearing a fantastic bit of bling to our Facebook fan page and the best dressed pooch will win!

If you need any inspiration, here's a pic of Beau, Gil's dog, looking extremely regal!

The closing date is Friday 12 November - we can't wait to see your pics!

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Exclusive to the Little Bead Shop: Flowery Bag Charms by Jeanette Sloan

The Little Bead Shop is delighted to announce that we are now stocking Flowery Bag Charm Kits custom designed by our favourite textile artist Jeanette Sloan.


Each kit contains all the materials you need to make these beautiful knitted handbag charms* and make a fantastic crafty and creative present for any occassion - and at £12 per kit, would be just perfect for Christmas!

We have a limited supply of these wonderful kits in stock, so please pop in to see us or phone us on 0131 228 5058 if you would like to reserve one!

Love,

The girls at The Little Bead Shop x





*Please note, knitting needles are not included.

Children's Beading Parties at the Little Bead Shop

Looking for a creative and fun way for your child to spend their birthday? Well look no further!

Our children's parties are an ideal and fun way for your little ones to have some fun.

All parties are held in our lovely shop allowing you to leave your children to safely enjoy themselves.

Our parties are suitable for children from ages six and upwards. We find that groups of no more than eight work best.

Each party project is decided upon after discussion with you and your child. If she is unsure which project to choose then we will happily give you some advice on the kind of projects suitable for your child's age.

Our parties cost £12 per child and last approximately one hour. All children will leave with their completed project and their own beady goodie bag.

For more information or to book a date, please pop into the shop to see us, call us on 0131 228 5058, or visit our website.

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

New Class: Funky Wire Work Necklace: Tuesday 2 November 6.30 - 8.30pm

We've all gone a bit wire crazy over at the Little Bead Shop these days, so we thought we'd share the love with this brand new wire work class!

In this lesson you will learn to combine wire loops with beads to create this fun and striking necklace.

The class runs from 6.30 - 8.30pm and is suitable for beginners.

Cost: £15 excluding beads.

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

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

New Class! Wire Crochet Necklace: Saturday 23 October 1pm-3pm

Have you always wanted to know how to make beautiful crochet necklaces but weren't sure where to start? Well, this could be the class for you!

In this brand new class we will teach you how to make this gorgeous beaded wire crochet necklace. Suitable for beginners, no experience in crocheting is necessary.

The class is on Saturday 23 October and will run from 1pm-3pm.

Cost: £15 and includes findings and loan of tools.

Please note, beads are not included.

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

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Scottish Bead Fair - Sunday 22 August!

It's that time of year again and we're all looking forward to taking the Little Bead Shop down to the Scottish Bead Fair in Perth on Sunday 22 August!

We'll have our usual fine array of sparkly goodies on offer as well as some brand new jewellery kits and, for all those of you who follow us on Facebook, twitter or on this blog, you'll get a fantastic 10% off any beads you buy* - just tell us which site you follow us on when you come to make your purchase!

This year our very own award winning metal clay and lamp work artist Emma Baird will be doing a free demonstration on art clay. This year, she'll be showing you how to make one of her famous lamp work bead rings as featured in Making Jewellery magazine.

So remember to pop over and say hello to Deanne, Emma, Gil and Helen (who will no doubt be bedecked in their traditional glittery Bead Fair finery!)

Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

Love,

the girls from the Little Bead Shop x


*Please note that this lovely special discount applies only to our beautiful beads. Metal clay, tools, products and findings are not included.

Beginners Bead Stringing - Monday 31 May

At the Little Bead Shop, we know that there's nothing more satisfying than the first time you make a piece of jewellery, apart from of course having someone compliment you on something you've made yourself!

The easiest way to learn how to make jewellery is to start making it - and once you've mastered a few basic techniques, the sky's the limit!

We're pleased to be able to tell you that we are running a Beginners Bead Stringing Class on Monday 31 May 6.30-8.30 pm. Perfect for beginners, this class will teach you the basics from how to use crimps and tigertail, different types of threads and when to use them as well as teaching you about the different types of finishes available.

By the end of the class you will have made a beautiful necklace or bracelet of your own design and leave with the techniques to make the kind of jewellery you've always wanted to!

The class runs from 6.30-8.30pm and costs £15 which includes findings, excludes beads.

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

Love,

The girls at the Little Bead Shop x

Parties at the Little Bead Shop

We love a good party at the Little Bead Shop. Yesterday we had a little girl's beading party in the shop and I thought I'd share some of the pictures with you!

This is one of several beautiful pieces made by the birthday girl herself!

Parties can be held in our shop, where they are fully supervised, or in your on home. We hold parties for children ages six and up and each party project is decided on after discussion with you and your child. We're also happy to advise you on the most appropriate projects for your child's age if you're unsure.

As well as leaving with a piece of jewellery that they made at the party, everyone also gets a complimentary beady goody bag!

Please call in to see us, give us a ring on 0131 228 5058, or visit our website for more information.

Love,

the girls at the Little Bead Shop x

An update on our lovely new shop

Well, what a week it's been. We've moved, we're merrily unpacking and are all totally in love with our fantastic new shop!

We've still got a fair bit of reorganising to do (and shelves to put up!) but we're all feeling rather impressed by how much we've got done in such a short space of time.

If you would like to see some pics of how the decorating is going, have a look at our pictures on Facebook

We've been running our classes as normal throughout (you may have seen us sitting at our lovely new beading table in the shop window if you've been strolling through Bruntsfield lately), and I just had to share this beautiful tiara that one of our students made at the weekend!

New dates for our tiara workshops will soon be on our website so we'll keep you posted!

Love,

the girls from the Little Bead Shop x

PS. As alway happens during any move, something has to go wrong, and unfortunately we've been having some problems with our phone line this week. We're hoping to get this sorted out asap, but if you would like to speak to us, you can reach us in the mean time on 07593768127 or email us via our website.