Back Home in North Carolina

As you may know I was at the Bead Parlor this last weekend in Bloomington Illinois. Wow, I had forgotten just how much colder it is in central Illinois than here in central NC. In beautiful downtown Bloomington you need to repark your car every 90 minutes to avoid a parking ticket. My first trip outside I figured I'd just dash about - not bothering to put my coat on - opps! I defiantly had my coat zipped up tightly on my next trip out.

It was a great trip - I had the opportunity to meet many people who shop at and teach classes at The Bead Parlor. Everyone is super friendly and has enough enthusiasm about beading that one can't help but catch the fever! If you have never been there, get your coat and get going!

Here are a couple of pictures of my Trunk Show set up using Shelley's wonderful wooden props:



And here is a picture of the display Shelley has of my beads at all times at the Bead Parlor. I just love the way the wood and clay beads go together - I'm in love with that look.


Early in the day on Friday the very talented Carol Butler whipped together these earrings, using my flat bead circles and Vintaj findings found right there at The Bead Parlor. It was fun for me to watch Carol's creation evolve. She experimented with different jump rings and crystals and the result is stunning!


Also, this necklace is on display. Once again, I am loving the mix of metal and clay.



Stay tuned - I'll soon post pictures of a bracelet I made while there featuring these metal seed beads. Thanks for stopping by and say Hi to everyone at The Bead Parlor on your next trip.

A trunk show in Bloomington, IL !!!!!

Hip Hip Hooray!!! It is finally going to happen!!!! I have dreamed of having a trunk show in this lovely bead store along the renovated streets of Bloomington, IL for quite a while now. Shelley Nybakke, owner of The Bead Parlor, offered this opportunity to me long ago, but I am only now able to work it into my schedule. As many of you may know, I was born and raised in rural Illinois not to far from Bloomington so this is really a special trip for me. To get to meet Shelley's customers, who have been long time supporters of Elaine Ray beads, will be great fun and I'll get to soak in the essence of another fine bead shop.

Date: Friday November 21st, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday November 22nd, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: The Bead Parlor
318 N Main St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 827 - 7708

Here is a sampling of what I'll bring with me - if you'd like more ideas, browse previous posts here on the blog. Feel free to post comments indicating what type of beads and pendants you'd like me to bring along with me to The Bead Parlor. Hope to see you there!

- Elaine Ray

Trunk Show October 3rd and 4th!

Good news: Ornamentea has added a class on Friday, October 3rd, the first night of my trunk show. Cynthia will be teaching Working with Waxed Linen. The class is just $10 and they will provide the waxed linen. Above you can see an example the Cynthia made in the past with a tree pendant and several assorted beads. You can learn a few knots, come shop at my trunk show, and then do a little "ta da" and show me your finished project!

Hope to see you there!

- Elaine

Bead Box

Now you can buy Elaine Ray beads and pendants at the Bead Box in Boone, North Carolina. The Bead Box sits right in the heart of historic downtown Boone at 585 W. King St. and has been a vital part of that area since 1995. In 2005 "Greatful Grounds" was added so now you can shop for beads and get a great cup of coffee to give you all the inspiration needed to create a personalized piece of art. What more could you ask for while visiting the beautiful mountains of eastern North Carolina?!?

New item: Hourglass drops

Summer is flying by here in North Carolina and already it feels like we need to at least start to get ready for the next school year. I've been busy in the clay as you can see here on Cynthia's Shiny Little Things Blog.

Here is a peek at new items soon to be available at Ornamentea.com :

Can't you just see the sand flowing through the hourglass? Sometimes I wish I could stop the sand and make time stand still and sometimes I wish I could tap on the side of the glass and make that moment go on to the next a little bit faster.

Hope everyone is having a great summer. Get out there and get some sun - remember, the vitamin D is good for your bones!

- Elaine

Beads by Blanche

Hi - Some great news:

Beads by Blanche in Bergenfield, NJ has just started to carry Elaine Ray beads and pendants. I'm excited to have moved into another state! They are located at 106 North Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. If you are in the area, make sure to stop by and take a look. Here is some of what you may see:



Thanks for stopping by,

Elaine

New Items at The Bead Parlor

If you are anywhere close to Bloomington Illinois, make sure to stop by The Bead Parlor and take a look around. I just sent a new shipment to Shelley and she has it out and on the floor already. Here is a peek at what is there:


While you are at The Bead Parlor, take a look at the large selection of metal seed beads they carry in the store and online at: http://www.thebeadparlor.com

Here are some sample ideas of what you can make with those beauties!



I have never worked with metal seed beads, but given that metal and clay are both naturally occurring on our earth, I bet they would look great together!

If you see Shelley or Diane at The Bead Parlor, tell them I said Hi!

- Elaine