The Bead Shop Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH BEAD SHOP GONE!

2010-10-12T21:54:00.002+13:00

Some very sad news .. will post more info at a later stage, but all those that may have been following this blog, our Christchurch shop is no longer operating.

Due to the earthquake, our beautiful building was badly damaged and we are unable to operate from it.

We have retrieved our stock and for the time being have closed the doors on this very special place.

Hopefully we will not be gone for long... so watch out for news.. will keep you posted and who knows we may well find somewhere equally beautiful to run our special shop again in the future.

Thank you to everyone who has been apart of this shop for the 7 years we have operated... we look forward to seeing you again soon hopefully.

In the meantime, we will concentrate on our Queenstown and Dunedin shops .. so if you are in that area.. pop in and say hi, we would love to see you!

Cheers for now.

Losing Fiona!!!

2010-08-29T15:31:00.002+12:00

She thought after 5 years she could just delete herself off the Christchurch Bead Shop Blog... well she has another think coming... cos I need to say to everyone out there who just may be reading this blog A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO FIONA for all the wonderful work, time and effort she put into the people, the shop, the jewelry, John and I (Mum and Dad!!) for the 5 years she was with us.

Go for it Fiona, we all miss you and wish you the very best with everything you do... make sure it's not too much!!!

Thank you's are simple and we mean it..

Saturday Markets at THE BEAD SHOP

2010-08-29T14:53:00.002+12:00

Is there anyone out there wanting to display/sell their jewelry ... we are offering an opportunity at The BEAD Shop where you can bring your beautiful beaded pieces every saturday from 10.30am - 12.30pm to sell!!! Using our back room through the court yard, we will choose 5 people each saturday to market their talent!!

Why are we doing this??? Well, we are very aware that there are a number of very talented people out there that are just not getting the exposure they need and deserve and we would LOVE to encourage you wherever you are in Christchurch!!!

Cost??? Nothing ... we won't charge for the space, but if you do sell we will take a small commission on each item.

Bring a sample of your work into us first, as we do insist on quality work.

So if you are keen, get in contact with us at the shop Lee, Angie, Brie or Sawako and we can let you know which saturday is available for you and your work!!

Get Beading, get Creative, GET TO THE BEAD SHOP!!!

Class starting 13th Sept

2010-08-29T14:40:00.002+12:00

This is the final 4 week class for 2010, covers everything you need to know and probably more!!

Loads of fun for now and forever, get those Christmas gifts organized early and add a personal touch. You will end up with something gorgeous that won't cost a fortune and will be an on going skill, that gives purpose to travel, (beads are so easy to transport and unique to areas you visit) memories to cherish, gifts to give a life time of fun!

Book now as places are limited, we keep our classes small, so that we can give individual attention.

Manager Wanted

2010-08-15T20:50:00.002+12:00

We are looking for a keen, energetic, creative, hard working person to manage our beautiful shop.

This is the most fantastic retail position for someone who can work as a team, whilst be a team leader, who can create but be taught, who can listen and give advice, someone who is patient but can work fast and finally LOVES beads!!!

If this is you and you are serious.. please drop in a CV, we would love to meet you!!

Next Class

2010-08-14T11:42:00.002+12:00

Next scheduled courses start on:

Monday 13th September 2010 6:00pm – 8:00pm
.

Max 6 people per class.

.
Phone 03 379 7424 and speak to Lee or Angie for enrollment or more details See Contents
"Classes" for more information posted on this blog about the classes.

2010-02-22T16:13:00.004+13:00

Next scheduled courses start on:

Monday 13th September 2010 6:00pm – 8:00pm
.

Max 6 people per class.

.
Phone 03 379 7424 and speak to Lee or Angie for enrollment or more details See Contents
"Classes" for more information posted on this blog about the classes.

BEAD BUFFET

2009-10-04T14:29:00.004+13:00

Check out our Bead Buffet deal at The Bead Shop Christchurch.

School Holidays is a time when parents are trying to find the most fun activities for the most economical price. Well here's a solution for you.

The BEAD BUFFET price is $20 per head and you can make a Necklace and a Bracelet. You choose your beads from the Bead buffet, design your own creation, thread it together on sturdy tiger tail wire and then we will help you to put the latches on.

There is a Great Selection of beads in the Buffet. Good Colours and Shapes.

Bring the Kids in over the school Holidays and give them the Bead Buffet experience.

Classes Up and Coming

2009-10-01T13:51:00.002+13:00

Next scheduled courses start on:
Tuesday’s 19th Oct 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Monday’s 23rd Nov 2009 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Max 6 people per class.

Phone 03 379 7424 and speak to Fiona for enrollment or more details See Contents

"Classes" for more information posted on this blog about the classes.

( don't forget to scroll down to see all the postings on classes)

WOMEN'S LIFE STYLE EXPO Special 2009

2009-10-01T12:16:00.004+13:00

FREE PAIR EARRINGS SPECIAL DEAL..............just for Women's Life Style Expo participants

Westpac Arena Saturday/Sunday 3rd & 4th October 2009.

Well done! You have done it ! you have found where to find the code.

The deal is .........that if you have been to the Women's Life Style Expo and received one of The Bead Shop Blog address tickets, then all you have to do is write down the special code (below) where specified on the back of the ticket and bring that ticket into the shop to present it for your Free Pair of Earrings !!......it is as simple as that.

We look for to seeing you soon................

Code: Dooleedoo 8808

Conditions of promotion:
Redeemed at the Christchurch Branch.
All earings for this deal are the ones specified in store for this Expo promotion.
This deal can not be redeemed for money or exchanged for any other product.
Ticket from Womens Life style Expo must be presented with code word written on it.
Only one ticket per person will be accepted.
Promotion offer finishes on the 20th November 2009

Classes Up and Coming

2009-06-25T12:21:00.004+12:00

Next scheduled courses start on:

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

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

Max 6 people per class.

Phone 03 379 7424 and speak to Fiona or Angie for enrollment or more details

See Contents "Classes" for more information posted on this blog about the classes. ( don't forget to scroll down to see all the postings on classes)

New Beads May 09

2009-06-02T15:52:00.009+12:00

GLASS FOILS

Rounds 10mm assortment of colors

only .60 cents each.

Squares 10x10mm assortment of colors

only .80 cents each.

Hearts 10x10mm assortment of colors

only .80 cents each

Be Quick! as foils are very quick sellers......and stocks won't last long.

SEED BEADS NEW RANGE

2009-06-02T15:38:00.006+12:00

Yipeeeee! New Beads!
Always a treat any day of the year.

We at the Christchurch branch of The Bead Shop have made a committment to ourselves to expand on our range of Seed Beads. We are aiming to stock good quality Seed Beads for as good a price as we can!

The Seed Beads pictured here are priced at $2 for 10grams.

With Mix media being a new artistic direction, where all the crafts are coming together to produce some amazing expressions, we see it as most important to stock up with some of the great basics of beads...yes I am meaning the tried and true Seed Bead! Lots of colours and lots of sizes - we are wanting to be there for all you Quilters and all you Cross Stitchers and all who love to use beads. Keep a regular eye out for our building range of Seed Beads in the coming months. Cioa !

Angie

2009-05-11T10:56:00.014+12:00

Angie started working for The Bead Shop Dunedin in The Octagon and was there 2 years before moving
up to Christchurch.
Angie brings with her the talents of extreme friendliness, helpfullness and has a beautiful clarity of styling to her jewellery making. Angie is the main person you will see on a Monday and Tuesday. She is ready to help answer or find solutions to your questions.

She is also the main person for taking our classes.. fabulous person as she as the patience of Jobe and always ready to learn something new and teach it too!

Funky Glass

2009-05-04T15:48:00.005+12:00

Wow !! How Gorgeous are these new funky hand made Glass Earrings and Pendants. Just arrived a week ago.

Earrings $33 -$35 and Pendants $29 - $35

Fantastic colors combination. YUM!

I am thinking we will be seeing some more of these instore in the future.

If you're in the neighbourhood then pop in to check them out in person.

ACIENT COIN REPLICA'S

2009-04-30T13:58:00.006+12:00

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

2009-04-27T21:15:00.003+12:00

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:

2009-04-22T16:36:00.009+12:00

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

2009-04-18T13:41:00.007+12:00

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

2009-04-18T13:32:00.008+12:00

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?

2009-04-18T13:00:00.006+12:00

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

2009-04-18T12:52:00.004+12:00

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

2009-04-18T12:41:00.003+12:00

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

2009-04-06T15:50:00.003+12:00

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!