ACIENT COIN REPLICA'S

Hi Fiona here. Yes it True!

We have a wonderful selection of Ancient coin replica's in pewter in store now.

16 fabulous different coins types for you to choose from. Get creative in how you use these.

Great for Jewellery designs such as necklaces, braclets, rings, earrings, key rings, let your imagination go wild.

We have a card telling you the coins history date, maybe something for the kids to play with and learn about........what ever your need for them we have them instore now in varying degree's of rusticness.

Come and check them out.

The bead shop in the world

View The bead shop in the world in a larger map
This map shows you where our beads and jewelry are going!
Let us know where YOU are taking them to
Use the zoom options and arrows on the left-hand side of the map to see more

CONTACTING US:

The Bead shop Christchurch
170-172 Manchester Street
Christchurch 8011
New Zealand

tel: +64 (0)3 379 7424
fax: +64 (0)3 379 7425

Staff profiles: Claire

Claire is a self-educated jewelry maker. She takes her inspirations from Europe, where she learned the jewelry-making. She started to create earrings just for herself and for fun, and little by little gained experience. Before leaving France, she was the jewelry provider for her friends and workmates, working only on commission. She also exhibited earrings and necklaces in a fashion shop in Berlin, Germany.

Claire is here to help you several days a week with advice, repairs, commission work, children parties....

You can also meet her on the markets sometimes, selling her "french-style jewelry and fabric acessories".

Staff Profiles: Past Manager

Fiona was the manager of the Christchurch branch of The Bead Shop from 2004 to 2010.

Fiona also is off to Cambodia again Sept 2010 to Project Wat Opot, there she will be teaching jewellery making as a trade for Wat Opot to make for the tourist market. The Bead Shop has supported her intitive by allowing her to run Donate A Bead, where customers can by beads instore or bring old beads and place them into the collection jar. 18 kilos have been donated by customers so far! So watch this blog for updated news on her trip to Cambodia.

What's happening at the Bead Shop?

Jewelry made to order !
For all occasions, Weddings, Balls, or even gifts for a special person.
We can make Jewelry to order! Whether it is your design or ours we are happy to help.

Repairs
We repair and restring most custom jewelry
Restring
- Necklaces $14 per strand
- Bracelets $ 8
- Knotting Pearls $25 (40-45cm length)

Gift Vouchers
You can purchase these at any price you require and they are valid for 1 Year.

Pounamu Braiding
For only $23.50 we can braid up a new longer lasting cord for you precious piece of Greenstone. Included in this price is a greenstone toggle for fastening.

Classes
If you are keen on learning the secrets to making necklaces, earrings or bracelets then come on in and pick up a Class Schedule. We have a range of classes that will suit beginners through to those who want to tidy up their skills in Jewelry making.

Group Evenings
We take groups between 7 & 20 people for a private function after hours. This is great for birthdays, Hens Nights, Team building or just a good old get together.
Phone Fiona at the shop for more details and prices.
(tel: +64 (0)3 379 7424)

Children parties
We like this to be stress free for the parents, so we have set prices available with a pre selection of beads and wire.
Necklace only $ 15 per head
Necklace and Bracelet $ 18.50 per head
Phone either Fiona or the team to arrange to book a date!

Time out?
If your feeling a little stressed out by your weekly work load then take an hour or two off to come in and be creative. The Bead Shop has a wonderful atmosphere where you can feel relaxed and listen to a great selection of music that plays.

You might even want to get a couple of friends together and grab some takeaway coffees and enjoy a couple of hours catching up on the gossip whilst making your selves some beautiful additions to the jewelry collection.

We look forward to seeing you soon……………………….

Up and coming classes 2009

Tuesday’s 13th July 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm Monday’s 17th Aug 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pmTuesday’s 13th July 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm Monday’s 17th Aug 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pmCLASS SCHEDULE - Autumn 2009

“The Beginners Feast”
Jewellery Making
4 Week Course

Next scheduled courses start on:

Tuesday’s 13th July 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Monday’s 17th Aug 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm

This course is fabulous for beginners or for those who would like a refresher in fundamentals of beaded Jewellery making.

We focus on helping you master the base foundation techniques of the craft of Jewellery making. You will come away feeling confident to create.

“Your Only limitation will be your Imagination” BE INSPIRED !

Week 1: Floating necklace and earrings

Week 2: Multi-strand necklace
Week 3: Chaining & Linkage

Week 4: Wire Mesh Winter Brooch

$85 + Materials per person
Deposit $20 required (No refund on cancellation)

Maximum 6 per class

Next scheduled courses start on:
Tuesday’s 13th July 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Monday’s 17th Aug 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Kazuri beads from Kenya

In 1975 upon her arrival in Kenya from Tanzania, Lady Susan Wood (picture) set up a fledgling business making beads in a small shed in her back garden. She started with two single women as assistants. Before long she discovered that there were more women in need of jobs and so Kazuri Beads began its long and successful journey as a help centre for needy women, especially single mothers who have no other source of income.

In 1988 the small shed became a brand new factory. What started as a small enterprise has now expanded hugely and employs over 120 women and men. The factory is now located on what used to be part of the Karen Blixen estate, of ‘Out of Africa’ fame, at the foot of the Ngon’g Hills, about 30 minutes from the bustling Nairobi city centre. Here the women apply their skills to produce the ceramic beads and jewellery. It is skilled and delicate work, but the women prove to be well suited with their nimble fingers. The factory also acts as a social gathering and the hum of voices continues throughout the day.

In the early 1990’s the Gulf War gave Kazuri its first real setback as its principal market, the tourist to Kenya, vanished overnight. The decision was then made to diversify into pottery and thus create a product that could be sold in the home market. After much trial and error and with the help of a ceramic expert from England a pottery business was borne, reminiscent of the pottery industry of England 100 years

Today Kazuri, the Swahili word for ‘small and beautiful’, produces a wide range of hand-made and hand-produced ceramic jewellery and pottery, which are designed to reflect Kenyan art and culture as well as being designed to appeal to the worldwide fashion market. Kazuri’s beautifully finished products are made to an international standard and they continue to attract interests both inside and outside Kenya.

These standards are maintained through the training of our workers in all aspects of production both in pottery and jewellery. Kazuri now has in place a highly trained and highly motivated management tam and workforce.

In 2001 Mark and Regina Newman bought the company and their goal is to further increase the size of the company, primarily by exploring and developing the company’s export markets. As part of this initiative, in 2004 Kazuri became a member of the International Fair Trade Association.

However, the guiding philosophy remains – to provide employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society.

Pictures in this article are taken from Kazuri west. For more information about Kazuri beads, visit this website

Welcome

Welcome to the bead shop's brand new blog!

We want it to be a place to exchange ideas, see pictures of the shop, the range, the team, get information about our lessons and workshops (a new season is starting very soon!), find out more about us, and much more.

In other words, we hope to provide you an extension of the shop on the web: colourful, fun, and full of interesting stuff!

Have fun!