Being a TBS member has many benefits
By Sue Henry
Welcome to our new and returning members! We know you have joined – but we want to make sure you take advantage of all the benefits of belonging to the Toronto Bead Society.
We all know about the monthly meetings – but you might not know about the rest!
1. Entry to all monthly meetings
-
We meet monthly at Ryerson University, Room POD250, 380 Victoria Street (east of Yonge Street, between College and Dundas).
-
The second Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 pm. Occasionally there is a schedule conflict with Ryerson – but these are posted in advance – check the website.
-
Meetings are every month from September to June, with no meetings in July and August.
2. Advance notice of registrations for special meetings and events
-
Sign up early for the Bead Fair tables (which sell out quickly)
-
Sign up and get first pick of classes on technique nights (once or twice a year)
-
Early sign up for Bag of Beads challenge. A terrific event held each year where each member pays $10 to receive a selection of beads. You then have 2 months to "make something" using at least one of each bead type in the bag. Great fun to see everyone’s efforts 2 months later.
3. Discounts at numerous local stores and on-line suppliers
-
The list is growing – lots of local bead vendors welcome your business with discounts to members. Check the Member Links page on our website and, next time you shop, ask if the merchant gives a discount to TBS members.
-
Carry your membership card for the discount.
-
Members of TBS receive a 10% discount on your Ontario Crafts Council membership.
4. Sales space at a monthly meeting
-
You can have ½ a table in the “Marketplace” area at designated TBS meetings to sell supplies, jewellery and related materials.
-
No charge, first come, as space is available.
-
Not allowed at all meetings – check the website.
5. Link from the TBS website
-
www.torontobeadsociety.org
-
If you have a bead-related website you would like to promote to members (or the world) you can have a listing on the Member Links page.
6. Garage Sale meeting in June
-
Members only meeting
-
Participate in the "Garage Sale" and sell your "bead related mistakes and miscalculations" (or anything bead related)!
-
Great bargains and yummy food too!
7. Show your work in the Bead Gallery on the TBS website.
-
Members can have up to 3 images in the various photo galleries. Just send them in to the Webteam.
8. Access to lots of experts
-
Join the TBS chat group on Yahoo to keep in touch through your e-mail
-
Receive and share bead news and events
-
Ask a question - at a meeting, at the Bead Fair, via Twitter or on our Facebook
9. Submit a photo for the Bead Calendar
-
Members can submit photos of work for consideration in the TBS yearly calendar
-
Numerous images selected for publication
10. Volunteer Opportunities
-
Make a difference in the life a budding beader!
-
Make friends and help out as a volunteer - you will learn lots!
-
We have fun!
Sparkling Swarovskis will twinkle at our Feb 8 meeting
The TBS recently acquired over $1000 worth of Swarovski product, which began raffling off at our January meeting. I'm sure that the winners were very happy with the product and that our charity will be thrilled with the money we've raised so far. Get ready for another Swarovski raffle this Wednesday night. As before, raffle tickets are $5 for one three for $10.
APRIL 11 TECHNIQUES NIGHT
All classes are $10. Sign-ups begin at the February 8 meeting and continue through the March 14 meeting. There are only 8 spaces in each class.
1. CINDY GOLDRICK – PATINAS -- SPIT AND POLISH
This class will review the different methods there are to give your metal pieces an interesting look, from distressing, polishing, adding patinas such as liver of sulphur, inks or gilder's paste to waxing your piece to ensure it keeps its lustre and doesn't transfer the patina to your skin or clothes. We will practice, on copper blanks, various texturing and finishing methods and, although we won't be completing a specific project in class, you can use your pieces to assemble a pendant in class or at home. No Kit Fee.
Instructor will provide all materials, tools and finishes for you to try as well as a hand out explaining the different methods, expected results and when to use them for best effect.
2. TRACY NEIDHARDT – SQUARE STITCH QUILT PATTERN
This class will teach you how to do a Square Stitch Blosck you can make into a Quilt Pattern. No Kit Fee.
Students would need 3 colours of delica beads, size 12 needles, and size D nymo thread. Plus thier glasses if needed and any other magnification needed.
3.RONIT FLORENCE – ODD COUNT PEYOTE
The strip features the TBS logo and can be turned into an earring, a ring or a key fob and, by repeating the pattern, into a bracelet.
Students don't need to know peyote - Ronit will be teaching her favourite techniques for starting peyote, beading odd-count peyote and shaping the edges of a peyote strip. Instructor will provide the delicas, needles, thread, peyote patterns and the sheet protectors & dry erasable pens she uses to follow a pattern. The kit fee will be $10.
Please bring beading kit ie: scissors, beading matt, and magnification if needed.
4.ROXANN BLAZETICH – OZOLS – TURKISH LOOP BEAD CROCHET
Even if you have never crocheted before, this version of bead crochet will get you hooked! Yes, you will still have to thread a few beads on the fibre, but trust me, you will have sampler made in no time. There will be lots of samples of different bead combinations to inspire you to raid your stash for all those "What will I do with these beads?" No Kit Fee.
If you can, please bring your beading mat, little teaspoon, small scissors and own crochet hook (best size would be 1.75 to 2.5 mm) and I will provide the instructions, fibre and beads. There will be extra hooks for you to use should you not have one of your own. Also please bring magnification if needed.
5. JO-ANN WOOLVERTON – TUBULAR HERRINGBONE
This is a very versatile stitch for making chains to hang pendants off of and for freeforming. Instructor will provide the beads, thread and needles. No Kit Fee.
Students should bring beading mat, light and magnification if needed.
6.HEATHER TAYLOR – HOW TO CAPTURE A CABOCHON WITH BEAD EMBROIDERY
Students should bring a cabachon that they want to mount with a selection of beads in a selection of sizes from 15/0 - 8/0 and some delicas.
Instructor wil bring kits which will contain a cabachon and matched beads for purchase (variety of prices depending on the cab). Students will need needles, thread and bead mat. They will also need to purchase Lacey's Stiff Stuff in a variety of sizes. No Kit Fee.
7. MARILYN PARKER – STITCH TRANSITIONS
Sometimes when working on a piece it is helpful to be able to change from one stitch to another in a seamless way. This is a place where you can explore different ways to shift from peyote to RAW or to netting or to ndebele. A variety of stitches will be explored. No Kit Fee.
Bring needle, thread, beads, scissors - instructor will supply them but if you have something ylu want to change stitches in that you are working on, you could bring that. Magnification if needed.
8. NADINE FOSKIN – WRAPPED LOOPS
Want to get a handle on making wrapped loops? Review the technique step by step and then work on a project of your choice. Get a great finish with these instructions. We will also practice making simple loops. No Kit Fee.
Bring your own beads, and 22 gauge wire to work with. You will also need 2 pairs of pliers, a round nose and a chain nose pliers, (2 round-nose can work as well) and cutters. Don’t forget to bring a beading mat if you have one. Please bring magnification if you need it.
9. RAE HUGGINS – FUN WITH WIRE WORK
Let’s play with wire and have fun!!! In this class you’ll learn:How to make wire beads, Horizontal Wire Wrapping, Coiling around a bead. No Kit Fee.
Just go into your stash.
You'll need: 6/o seedbeads (approx. 5g), 22ga & 20 Artistic or Parawire, a square or rectangular bead, 2 14mm beads and a ball point pen
Tools: Wire Cutters, Chain-nose, Flat- nose pliers, Round- nose pliers, Nylon Jaw pliers (optional) and a beading mat. Magnification if needed.
10. PAMELA KEARNS – SPIRAL ROPE
Spiral rope is an easy beading stitch that creates a strong rope for necklaces and bracelets! Students will learn this versatile stitch using various combinations of beads, supplied by instructor. No Kit Fee.
Pease bring beading mat, needles, thread, scissors and magnification if needed.
MARIA RYPAN - VERTICAL NETTING
Great intro to beadweaving! There's the textured net and many variations. This is the absolutely the best one to try in-hand beading because everything is flat, open and easy to see how bead counts make a difference in how the beads sit. Learn the basics of netting with this updated necklace. Not only does it teach meshwork, but also shows how different sized beads and their placement add textural interest. Netting is easy thanks to clearly illustrated directions. See how everything relates to previously strung beads. No Kit Fee.
Materials: Coordinating 6/, 8/ and 10/ seed beads OR three colors of same sized beads (base, contrast and accent colours); beading thread or Fireline® 6lb; beading needle.
Please bring beading mat and magnification if needed.
Calling all TBS members with bead-related businesses
By Sue Henry
One of the benefits of joining the TBS is learning all the places to buy more beads – right? Isn't it great to find there are actual bead stores around town – and Michael's wasn't the only place to spend your money! And even better, there are places I can take classes and learn more about bead techniques and materials.
Well we have over 50 members in the Toronto Bead Society who are involved with related businesses but some of them are trying to keep it a secret! Can you believe it? They are undercover bead suppliers, teachers, designers, and who knows what else! Perhaps there is a password system or secret handshake required to find them. "Psst – Katherine told me you sell beads – what can you show me? I won’t tell a soul where I got them – I promise!"
If you are one of these secret bead people – please come into the light. Show yourself on the Member Links page of the Toronto Bead Society website. We have a section just for you to promote your business to not just our members, but the whole world! If you are a member with a bead related business we would be happy to include you on the Member Links page.
Please send us:
-
the name of your business
-
the name of the main contact or owner
-
type of business, short description of the service or supplies you provide
-
store location or on-line sales
-
website address
-
any discount for TBS members
-
a graphic you would like posted beside your listing
Have a look at the Member Links page for an idea of how we set it up. If you are already on the page – thanks for sharing and please ensure we have included all this information for your possible customers.
Those of us looking for new supplies, or classes, or that perfect piece of jewellery "designed just for me" – appreciate you letting us know you are out there! Recognize there is no other listing on the Internet with this collection of bead resources for the Toronto Area. Let's keep building it!
Please send your information to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2012 Calendar Sponsors -- Thank you!
Article by Sue Henry
The 2012 Calendars are nearly gone, but I wanted to take one more opportunity to thank our wonderful sponsors who supported the Calendar project this year!
These are the businesses – big and small, that pay for the printing of the calendar. This allows us to give our selected charity every cent of the calendar sales.
Remember these are the supporters of our bead society – and they deserve your beading dollars. Shop here first.
Drum Roll please!
Accbead.com www.accbead.com
BeadFx www.beadfx.com
Bead Junction www.bead-junction.com
Canada Beading Supply www.canbead.com
Canadian Beading www.canadianbeading.ca
Flirt Designs www.flirtdesigns.ca
John Bead www.johnbead.com
Manhattan Bead Company www.manhattanbeadco.com
Maria Rypan www.rypandesigns.com
Rainbow Minerals www.rainbowminerals.com
Silver Dawn www.facebook.com/silverdawnjewels
The Bead Gallery www.beadgallery.com
The Glass Shoppe Studio www.theglassshoppestudio.com
Unicorne Beads www.unicornebeads.com
West Toronto Beading Guild www.westtorontobeadingguild.ca
How to get more out of the Bead Society
By Sue Henry
Reminds me of the expression:
The more you put in – the more you get back!
We are soon half way through the 2011-2012 year for the TBS and it’s time to start thinking about replacing members of our Steering Committee who will be stepping down. Each SC member serves in the position for two years and we will have several openings and elections this May.
Can you help out?
It’s a terrific way to connect with like-minded people and help the Bead society continue to provide the quality programs, classes, bead fair, and other events. All the things that make the Bead Society such fun and valuable to our members!
It won’t happen without you.
Now is the time for you to step up. And by doing so early you can “shadow” the position you are considering. We are happy to have interested parties work with current SC members to get insight into the position and the requirements.
Bring a Friend!
Worried it might be too much to handle – bring a friend and team up. We are happy to have a “team” fill a position. It’s easier all around! Please contact any member of the Steering Committee. Through the website is the easiest, go to Contact Us at www.torontobeadsociety.org
Members' News
BEAD FX is now set up in new digs! Go visit and get lost in the new spacious store at 19 Waterman Street. Go to
www.beadfx.com for more information!
From Flo Sherbanowski:UFO Retreat at Five Oaks, PARIS Ontario May 11-15. Cost is $210 shared and $250 single. Arrival 4:00 pm Friday...depart on Sunday, 2:00 pm. There is a large workroom with large windows and a kitchen beside the workroom. Three meals Sat and two meals Sun and snacks. 10 min from Paris and Mary Maxim and 20 min from Robert Hall's studio. If you are interested contact Carole Thomas at 416-691-3694 or send an email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
. Please put in the subject line "Five Oaks". Maximum number is 18. Participants are beaders, quilters, knitters, handworkers, sewers, crocheters, so anything goes.
And check out our FB page for constantly updated member news. Stay in the know!
If you have something you'd like us to know about, please send it to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
.
