Archive for the ‘Dragonfly Beads’ Category

Being a small business owner is hard.  In the retail world, it’s hard to please everyone all the time.  Customers are upset when you aren’t open on Sundays.  They wish you opened earlier and closed later.  Your own craft often takes a back seat to the daily tasks that pertain to business ownership.  The business owner is often “it”…the one who does the purchasing, inventory maintenance, merchandise arrangement, the fiscal books, cleaning, advertising, marketing, interfacing with customers, making sales and so on.  At the end of the day, you’re tired and not necessarily motivated to sit down and work on your own jewelry projects.  Sigh.

BUT

This past weekend was the prime example of the super fantastic benefits of owning a small bead shop, specifically one that specializes in Metal Clay!  I just spent two blissful days immersed in clay, surrounded by creative and talented individuals, and learning from a Metal Clay “celebrity”, Terry Kovalcik.  Terry has made a name for himself for the impressive mechanical hinges and closures he developed.  His background is as a seriously talented graphic artist and I am currently obsessed with these two awesome prints.  The NIGHT CHEF, which reminds me of one of  my absolute favorite books growing up, In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak, which is, apparently, a banned book?  Controversial at any rate, as Mickey (the main character) spends most of the book in the nude.  But anyway, I loved the illustrations in that book, and Terry’s chef reminds me of that.  Gosh, I haven’t thought of that book in ages!  Maybe that’s another reason the print appeals to me, it makes me reminisce on my youth.  I’d just love to have a large print of the Night Chef in my kitchen. Not because I cook, I leave that to my wonderful fiance.  But because it’d look so dang good hanging in the kitchen!

I also love Flying Pig.  How sweet is that pig?  His face is so hopeful, so happy.   He’s like “Look at me!  I’m a pig and I’m ‘effin flying”!  If I ever have children (when pigs fly?) that’s goin’ on their bedroom wall.

But I digress.  This weekend, I got to play hostess (as well as student) which  meant I got to spend some quality time just “chilling” with the Kovalciks, eating pizza and chatting the night they arrived, and unwinding after day one with a meal out at Seven Stone Steps (starting with delicious, honey-buttery pop-overs, mmmmm).  How cool is that?  I am able to contact an artist, say “hey, I’d love to have you teach here”, schedule them, bring in students from all over, and take the class!  I’ve taken classes with some of the “greats”, and I’m SO lucky that the stars aligned and I met Holly Gage and am apprenticing with her! The stars I’ve been lucky enough to learn from (in order of apperance in my life) Celie Fago, Jen Kahn (big ups Apprentice/Mentor!), Chris Darway (or should I link here!) Holly Gage, Lisa Cain, Julia Rai, Robert Dancik, Hadar Jacobson, Terry Kovalcik and coming soon to Dragonfly Beads, Donna Penoyer (WHISTLES WHOO WHOOT).  Not all of them have taught at my shop, but all of them have taught me SO MUCH, and all of this was made possible with help from the not-for-profit known as Dragonfly Beads! (Well, ok, I AM for profit, though technically, I do not distribute my surplus funds to the owner (me), but instead use them to help pursue the goal of staying in business)  Seriously though, I have been presented with some truly amazing opportunities, getting to rub elbows(…shoulders?  Noses?  What body part does that idiom refer to again?) with such talented artists (and their equally talented spouses).

Isn’t business ownership grand?

Here are a few shots from today.

 

Fresh out of the kiln!

Logo in the lid

Closure pin…it’s a little blurry and not riveted in place yet, but I’m SO proud of it!

I did a more “complicated” closure with Terry’s guidance…you push the small tab above the nose and it pops the pin out of the hole so the box opens!  so cool, i can’t wait to do more of these.

I am awaiting Corrin’s photos.  She snapped a bunch, and I’m sure she got some goodies!  Can’t wait to see them and share them with you.  I’m ready for a glass of wine, some popcorn and a night to unwind before we hang slat-wall at the shop!

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What a month it’s been!  We had our grand opening in Cazenovia, 20 days of rain, a few glorious sunny Spring Days, Ladies Night Out, classes, birthday parties, college club events, girl scouts and a mini trunk show with CNY Glass!  I just caught my breath!  I am so thrilled with the move.  It has been great to see familiar faces as well as meet and greet new customers and friends.  From day one, I have felt welcomed in Cazenovia by the fellow businesses, the chamber, and the residents.  The new space feels great; it’s warm and inviting with plenty of space for classes and creating.  Thank you for bearing with us during the move.  We’re still unpacking and sorting, and there are boxes of beads that have yet to find a spot in the shop!  But over the next few months, we’ll rearrange a few more times and have much more to show!

A few announcements I wanted to make.  First of all, we LOVE to help you create.  We are happy to teach you the basics of putting together a bracelet, a necklace or a pair of earrings, and this is offered for FREE if you purchase beads with us!  A private class can be arranged for $20/hour if you would like to bring in beads from home.  However, PLEASE make an appointment!  We’d hate for you to come in when we’re not available to help.  The store offers birthday parties, outings for girl scouts or school groups, and we also have vendors coming in who we meet with to bring in exciting new beads.  As long as you make an appointment, we can make sure we’ve set aside time to work with you!

Secondly, the store will be CLOSED on Saturday, May 14th.   Renowned Metal Clay Artist Terry Kovalcik will be teaching a class on making boxes and hinges in PMC.  This is a large class covering rather complicated techniques and for the sake of the students taking the class, I’ve decided to close the shop so they are undisturbed during the course.   It is very exciting to be able to offer these “Big Name” classes!  Ask for more information about upcoming courses.

Friday May 27th is Finally Friday in Cazenovia!  Shops will be open late, and Dragonfly Beads will be demonstrating some basic jewelry making techniques.  Take advantage of a late evening of shopping, learn something new, then go out for drinks with a friend!

Finally, we will be re-scheduling the Trunk Show with CNY Glass (Those of you who made it to Ladies Night might remember the “cute guy” who was here with his wife! )  Chris and Jackie Rice are incredibly talented artists who work with glass, steel, iron and wood.  The trunk show (formerly May 27th and May 28th) will be re-scheduled for sometime in mid June.

Thanks again for your patronage, those of you who have followed the shop from Manlius, and those of you who have just discovered us.  I feel rejuvenated and recharged, and can’t wait to see the store grow.  April Showers have certainly brought May Flowers and positive growth for Dragonfly Beads!

erin

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A reminder that we are happy to teach you basic stringing at no charge, but please make an appointment!

Tuesday, May 3rd, 1:00 pm.  Knot your Mother’s Pearls!

This class is being offered just in time for making a mothers day gift! Learn to string pearls!  What mother doesn’t love a hand-knotted pearl necklace?  Or perhaps you have your mother’s old pearl strand that you’d like to re string.  We’ll show you how!  $20 plus materials.  $30 if you bring your own pearls.

Wednesday, May 4th, 4:00 to 5:30 Girl Scouts

We’ll have our hands full from 4 to 5:30 on Wednesday evening, teaching some great girl scouts the basics of beading!  Call to schedule your own private event, 655-1050.

 

Thursday, May 5th, 5:30 to 8:30.  Ladies Night Out and CNY Glass!

Celebrate the Spring Season with a Ladies Night Out!  At 5:30, gather in downtown Cazenovia, where the shops will be open with refreshments and tastings provided by Nelson Farms.  At 8:30, gather at the Lincklaen House for appetizers, cash bar and door prizes.  Wear the most outrageous Hat of the Evening, and win a $100 Caz Bucks gift certificate.  Must be present (and wearing your hat!) to win.  Sponsored by the HCBD of the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, call 315-655-9243 or go to Cazenovia.com.

We will have a mini trunk show of CNY Glass beads.  Jackie Rice will be here demonstrating basic earring making, and the Rice’s will be back May 27th and 28th for a larger trunk show and class!  Check out the class sample (an awesome wire wrapped ring!) at Ladies Night!

Friday, May 6th, 4 to 6 pm.  Birthday Party

We’ll have our hands full from 4 to 6 pm on Friday evening with a birthday party!  Call to schedule your own private event, 655-1050.

Saturday, May 7th, 11-5.  Wabi Sabi Bells (Beginner-Intermediate)

These earrings are a design inspired by a trip to Arcosanti in Arizona.  These delicate metal clay bells make a tiny jingle.  You’ll find yourself nodding a lot more to hear their sweet sound!  Resident instructor erin has been working with PMC since 2003 and completed her PMC Certification in 2007.  She has been teaching PMC classes for the past four years and is a generous and practiced instructor  $135+ materials

 

 

Thursday, May 12th, 5 to 7 pm.  Peyote Stitch

Join guest instructor Laura who will teach you this versatile classic to make a beautiful bracelet.  The Peyote stitch creates a silky smooth bracelet that feels like a luxurious fabric against your wrist.  The patterns are endless! $20 plus materials

Friday, May 13th, Knot your Mother’s Pearls, 4-6pm.

Learn to string pearls!  What mother doesn’t love a hand-knotted pearl necklace?  Or perhaps you have your mother’s old pearl strand that you’d like to re string.  We’ll show you how!  $20 plus materials.  $30 if you bring your own pearls.

Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th, 9-5. Boxes and Hinges in Metal Clay with Terry Kovalcik.  Determined Beginner/ Intermediate

In this class, Terry and students will explore the process of making a box using silver PMC. It can be a small decorative box that sits on a table or slips into your pocket. It can be a pendant that holds something close to your heart. The choice will be yours.

The techniques we examine will entail pattern making, dry construction, rolling textures, hinges, riveting and closures. For those who wish to skip the steps necessary to make the hinge parts for the box, unfired parts will be available for purchase.  $375 plus materials.  Students may bring their own materials to class.  Call for a supply list!

 

 

Thursday, May 19th 5-7 pm.  Pearl and Crystal Bracelet

This lovely 3 strand bracelet would look gorgeous gracing the wrist of a bride, someone celebrating a first communion, a graduation…or just because!  $50 includes all materials. Please specify white, lavender or pink kit.

Thursday, May 26th Byzantine Cross Chain Maille Earrings

Learn to make these intricate earrings! A great introduction to the process of chain maille.   $30 includes all materials.  Please specify silver color or copper kit.

Friday, May 27th.  Finally Friday CNY Glass Trunk Show

It’s Finally Friday in Cazenovia!  Shops will be staying open late, and Chris and Jackie Rice of CNY Glass will be here with their wonderful beads and metal gift items.  Come check it out!

Saturday, May 28th 11-4pm CNY Glass Trunk Show!

Chris and Jackie Rice will be spending the day at the store for an awesome trunk show.  Chris and Jackie are lampwork artists and Chris is a welding wiz.  Between the two of them, they have some fantastic glass beads, finished jewelry and unique house wears: funky furniture, side tables, wine racks, business card holders, jewelry displays and much more!  Come meet this amazing couple and find some great one of a kind gifts!

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Check out this great article about yours truly in the local paper!  It’s nicely done, and I’ve already had customers come in, curious about Metal Clay!

Today I started work on a pair of cufflinks for a friend’s wedding.  They are so. freaking. cute.  Flying pigs.  I may just have to make a line of flying pig jewelry cause it’s so dang cool!

In other news, I’ve made it through my first full week at the new location and am well into week number 2.  I’ve re-arranged multiple times, and it’s looking better and better.  I still consider it a work in progress, I’m still trying to figure out the best configuration for the classroom area, and I still have boxes of beads in the back that need to find their place, but it’s getting there.  And I’ve decided to take some time to whittle down the list of commissioned projects that I need to finish!  Checked one off today (3 thumb print charms that have been sitting idle for 2 months, eep) and got started on the cufflinks and the images for 3 reliquaries.

Now to figure out time to plan for that wedding!

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Dragonfly Beads has entirely moved in to 53 Albany St, Cazenovia!  It was a very productive week.  We finished painting and started schlepping loads over to the new store.  By the time we got to the back room/storage area, I was starting to feel overwhelmed.  Just couldn’t motivate over that last little bit.  So Courtney, Corey , Carlton and my parents to the rescue!  We powered through on Saturday, and there is nothing left in the old shop.  It’s sort of like “the grinch stole Dragonfly Beads” over there!

“On the walls she left only hooks and some wire. And the few stray beads that she left on the floor will leave you wanting to come to 53 Albany Street for more”

I might have paraphrased a bit!

 

 

We made sure to document the spot where Carlton proposed to me:

 

 

Yesterday, the new store was overwhelming.  Packed with boxes, tables, chairs (minus their seats, my mom is re-covering them) and miscellaneous tools, painting and cleaning instruments strewn about.  But over the weekend, and with help from my friends (The Brinks, Carlton and Andi) we got a lot accomplished!

 

One of the major accomplishments this weekend was cleaning out the furnace and putting a screen under the cover…it was a little scary!  We found $1.32 and a cute little plastic piggy down there!

 

 

 

And just when you thought the painting was done…Courtney helped me re-paint a table today, and Paul Parpard got started on painting my new sign!

 

It is really starting to come together, and I love it!  It has been exciting and stressful, but wonderful to finally feel like the store is fully and truly mine, with my own aesthetic.  I can’t wait for Holly Gage to see it next weekend for her Repousse Effects in Metal Clay class!  I’ve got a lot more work to do this week, but I think the end result is going to be blinging.

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It’s official, we’re moving!!  I couldn’t be more excited.  The store has been great, but it’s never fully felt like it was “mine”. I’m looking forward to being on a main st in a cute little town with great shops and restaurants.  I was there until 10 pm the other night, and SO many people walked by!  The foot traffic alone is exciting!

 

 

The other night we had a pizza and prime party!  (We ate pizza and primed the walls!)  Even just a coat of white on the wall made the space look fresh and clean.  (Thanks Laura, Sam, Meg, Mick and dad!)

 

 

My dad did a lot of painting yesterday, and today we went back and are just about finished!  I was worried the color we picked would be too dark.  It’s always hard to tell from just a small test strip what the color will look like.

 

But I kept looking around, gushing at how much I love the color!  It’s warm, fresh, inviting and natural looking.  LOVE!  Looking forward to getting some furniture in there. (Thanks Casey, Bridgie, dad and mom for your help!)

 

I have to say, mentally I am done with my current location.  I have had some great times, I have great memories, and it will be bittersweet to say goodbye to the spot where I got engaged.  But, I can’t wait to make the move, and I just want to BE there!  I’m going to start boxing things up this week…we’ll see where I am come March 12th, I may have to move out a bit early, I’m just so anxious for this fresh start!

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CNY Glass Studio Trunk Show

Saturday, January 22nd, 11-3

 

Just a quick reminder to let you know that Chris and Jackie Rice of CNY Glass Studios will be at the store this Saturday, January 22nd from 11 to 3 with trunk show of their beautiful hand crafted beads and metal work. 

 

Jackie and erin will be teaming up again to bring you a class from 12 to 2.  Learn to make an open heart with Metal Clay, or make several metal clay charms and then we will teach you to make a wire wrapped bail to attach some of Jackie’s hand crafted heart beads!  A great gift for a loved one.  Class is $50 plus materials.

 

A reminder that Dragonfly Bead’s winter hours are now in effect.  The new hours are as follows:

Tuesday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Wednesday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Thursday 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Friday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

 

Thank you for choosing to support your local bead shop and local artisans! 

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Beading Parties

We have private beading parties held at our convenient Bead Bar for children and adults.  This is a great opportunity to make bridal jewelry, celebrate a birthday, get together with your coworkers, or make gifts for friends and family.  You provide the food and drinks, and we’ll help you enjoy a fun evening, where everyone leaves with a finished piece of jewelry!  Call for details 682-3207.

Friday, January 7^th, 1-5pm

Basic PMC-Urban Fairy Earrings  (Beginner)

These earrings were seen in Enchanted Adornments by Green Girl Studio’s Cynthia Thornton.  If you’re curious about PMC, but not sure how much time or money you want to invest in it, this is the class for you!  Resident instructor erin has been working with PMC since 2003 and completed her PMC Certification in 2007.  She has been teaching PMC classes for the past two years and is a very generous and practiced instructor.  In this class, you will have an opportunity to work with the material and use texture to make a stunning pair of fine silver earrings with a few accent beads.   $65 plus materials

Wednesday, January 12^th, 5-7pm.

Totally Tubular Peyote! (Beginner)

Guest instructor Laura will teach you how to make amazing tubular beads using the peyote stitch.  These beads are much easier than they look, and very impressive on their own, or make an entire necklace with them!  $25 plus materials

 

Friday, January 14^th, 1-5pm.

A Taste of PMC (Beginner)

If you’re curious about PMC, but not sure how much time or money you want to invest in it, this is the class for you!  Resident instructor erin has been working with PMC since 2003 and completed her PMC Certification in 2007.  She has been teaching PMC classes for the past two years and is a very generous and practiced instructor.  In this class, you will have an opportunity to work with the material and use texture to make a stunning fine silver pendant! $65 plus materials

Saturday, January 15^th, 11-5

Discovering Metal Clay (Beginner)

Discover this magical material with resident instructor erin and turn “clay” into silver!  PMC is not really clay, but .999 Fine Silver particles suspended in water and cellulose binder.  It looks and feels like clay, and can be textured, filed, carved, sanded and molded.  When fired in a kiln, the water and binder burn out, leaving you with a piece of pure silver jewelry!  This class teaches you how to work with the material and includes stone setting, paper, paste and syringe usage and texturing and cutting lump clay.  Students go home with a bracelet or set of earrings and pendant.  You will also receive a basic PMC tool kit as part of this class. Erin has been working with PMC since 2003 and completed her PMC Certification in 2007.  She has been teaching PMC classes for the past two years and is a generous and practiced instructor.  $135 plus materials

Wednesday, January 19^th, 5-7pm

Post Earring Sampler

Join guest instructor Laura who will teach you how to make three pairs of post-style earrings.  These creative earrings are comfortable to wear, and are even “telephone friendly!”  As featured in the Summer ’09 edition of Step by Step Wire Jewelry.  $25 plus materials.

Friday, January 21^st, 11:30 – 5:30

PMC Lentil Bead (Hollow Forms) (Intermediate)

Add more dimension to your PMC pieces and learn the basics of making a hollow form. Students will complete one to two “lentil” shaped pod beads in this class, and discuss other ways to make a hollow bead in PMC.  Resident instructor erin has been working with PMC since 2003 and completed her PMC Certification in 2007.  She has been teaching PMC classes for the past two years and is a very generous and practiced instructor.  $125 plus materials

Saturday, January 22^nd, 11-3pm

CNY Glass Studios Trunk Show!

Wednesday, February 2^nd, 5-7pm

Hammered Heart Earrings

Join guest instructor Laura who will teach you how to bend some spiral heart earrings and then texture them with a hammer.  Lightweight and apropos for the season!  $25 plus materials

Saturday, February 5^th, 11-5

PMC Rings  (Intermediate)

This class will cover a variety of ways that rings can be made in PMC.  Students will complete one ring in this class. Erin has been working with PMC since 2003 and completed her PMC Certification in 2007.  She has been teaching PMC classes for the past two years and is a generous and practiced instructor.   Spaces limited!   $125 plus materials.

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Happy 2011!  I have a feeling it’s going to be a really good year, and not just because I’m getting married this year!  January is a great time to commit to making positive changes in your life.  I won’t call them “resolutions”:  Instead, I like to think of them as goals.  So my goal this year is to have an even better year than 2010, and to provide you with more exciting classes with a strong focus on metal clay!  If you are strictly into beading, never fear…you need toggles, bead clasps and focal components, right?  Try your hand at metal clay to add a personal touch to your beaded projects!

Our first big metal clay class this year is March 26^th and 27^th with Holly Gage.  Holly  will be teaching Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay.  This class is suitable for all levels of experience, and Holly will push your abilities to their limits and beyond, all with patience, humor and skill!  You will leave class with a very personal piece that you can be proud of.

Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay

Saturday, March 26^th and Sunday, March 27^th, 10-5.  $375 total for both days.

All levels of ability welcome

Learn the secrets of transforming original photos or drawings into highly detailed, low relief images, which look similar in style to traditional Repoussé. Discover how to wet-work a reverse polymer mold of your image; manipulate silver metal clay and use tools to create different hand-wrought textural effects; and to carve details for the finishing touch.  The Repoussé effect is only achieved by this technique and is different from photopolymer plates. The results are unique and original, beautifully echoing the hand of the artist.

 Please sign up early!  Spots are limited and your space is not guaranteed until a deposit is made!

The store will be hosting another Rio Rewards PMC Certification Class this spring.  Friday, April 29^th through Sunday, May 1^st.  This is an excellent class, and I credit it for carving the path that has led me to where I am today with metal clay: traveling internationally to teach, being in an apprenticeship with Holly Gage, being featured in a magazine and calendar, creating memorial jewelry that has customers as far away as Singapore and Tasmania, and loving every minute of creating with this incredible material!  Terry Kovalcik will be teaching this course for us.  Terry is an extremely gifted artist and a kind and patient teacher.  He has been a professional illustrator for over 25 years, and his eye for detail has certainly translated well into the metal clay world.  His work has been featured in numerous books and magazines, and he recently won first place in the Cultural Symbolism Exhibit at the 2010 PMC Conference in Purdue Indiana.  He is currently the Featured Artist for Metal Clay Today

The Rio Rewards PMC Certification class will meet from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday, April 29^th, Saturday, April 30^th and Sunday, May 1^st.  The cost for the 3-day class is $495, which includes all the materials (and believe me, you’ll be getting a LOT of Metal Clay!).  Students will complete 7 projects, which will test student’s proficiency using PMC in a variety of ways.  New techniques will be taught and mastered.  For more information you can call Dragonfly Beads or to register, call 1-866-345-2698 or email education@riogrande.com.  After completion of the class, each student will be awarded a certificate and enrolled in the Rio Grande Rio Rewards program (which means discounts on clay and PMC tools!).  In addition, each student receives a one-year membership in the PMC guild, and will receive the gorgeous PMC Annual, full of inspirational work done in the field of Metal Clay.  And keep in mind how blissfully wonderful it is to be able to take 3 days and JUST PLAY WITH CLAY with a wonderful and patient instructor!  Class space is limited, so sign up early! 

Terry Kovalcik will be coming back to the store on May 14^th and 15^th to teach boxes and hinges.  I can’t tell you how excited I am about this!  I LOVE lockets, and Terry is a guru when it comes to hinges in metal clay

Hinged Boxes

Saturday, May 14^th and Sunday, May 15^th, 9-5.  $375 total for both days.

Skill level: A patient determined beginner, or preferably, intermediate. (Participants should have a few workshops under their belt.)

In this two-day workshop, we will explore the process of making a hinged box using Silver PMC. Make either a pendant that holds something close to your heart or a small decorative box that sits on a table or slips into your pocket. The choice is yours.

The techniques we will cover: Tab hinges, pattern making, dry construction, surface treatments, riveting, wire bending and creative closures.

Are you a friend of ours on Facebook?  If not, you could be losing out on exclusive offers from Dragonfly Beads!  Secret sales, discounts, promotions…you never know when we’ll announce the next one or what is going to be.  So become our fan and stay in the loop!

CNY Glass Studio will be here for a trunk show on Saturday, January 22^nd, from 11 to 3.  Chris and Jackie will be here with their beautiful beads just in time for Valentines Day!  Pick up some hearts, or Jackie’s popular “Heart and Key” necklaces!  Jackie and erin will be teaming up to bring you a class combining Metal Clay and Lampwork beads…details to come!

Over the winter, we are reducing our hours.  Starting Tuesday, January 24^th.  The store hours will be:

Tuesday 2-6

Wednesday 2-6

Thursday 2-6

Friday 11-6

Saturday 11-5

We will strive to continue to provide you with excellent customer service, innovative classes and a willingness to help you learn and grow as a jewelry designer!  The next time you consider buying beads at a big box store, please remember your local bead: Dragonfly Beads, Market Beads and Beads Unlimited! 

In the immortal words of David Bowie, “Turn and face the strange, Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes!”
 

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