We filmed new classes!!!!

Last week we went into the Shootio and filmed two new online wire classes with Barb Switzer. What a terrific time! We shot Pinwheel Pendant and Highway Chain.

Wonder how the process works? After we choose the new classes (after checking out the samples passing them around to determine the "OOOOHHHH" factor) we schedule the shoot.

The day of the instructors arrival is always exciting. We set up the Shootio with the camera, lights and sound equipment. Sometimes we have to run out for last minute items (like the time we needed to buy an iron to press the cover for the table. Wrinkles really show up on camera.) Make sure there is no underlying noise (like the refrigerator...we have to unplug it...AND remember to plug it back in.) Plug in the battery charger for the camera...(sometimes FIND the battery charger for the camera.)

Barb from the back...

The instructor comes in and sets up their project. All of the steps are ready to go and we go over the tools and materials, what the steps for the project will be and in what order the steps are to be filmed.

Barb's stuff...

Now...3,2,1...action. We film, and film, and redo, and back up and clarify and film and film some more. We goof and save those outtakes for a future gag reel.

The instructor is always a good sport. You may think that we have an expansive state-of-the-art film studio. But really, it is a rather small office where we can't run fans or air conditioning during filming (noise, again.) Sometimes we just have to break because it can get pretty toasty in that room!

Barb being a good sport!

You'll see these classes posted in the next month or so...we still have to edit the video, check the handouts, write copy and a few more other tasks before we can launch. These are going to be two great classes. We'll keep you posted!

New Design Stamps

We love seeing our family of Metal Design Stamps growing by the week. Check out the new ones we just added to the Shoppe including 3 new Beaducation Exclusive designs. You won't find them anywhere else!

3 New Classes!

After much hard work our riveting classes are finished and ready for you to purchase!

New to riveting?
Check out Introduction to Riveting with Kate Richbourg. In this class you will learn how to create two types of rivets. First, make a simple pendant using a wire rivet and second, take your skills up a level by making a second pendant featuring a tube rivet.

Looking for a new riveting project?
You already know the basics of riveting, but you're looking for a fun new project. Riveted Rock Band with Kriss Silva is for you! This class teaches texturing, shaping and riveting as well as creating nailhead and balled headpins. Transform flat wire into ring bands and individualize your piece with favorite sayings and design stamps. Lastly, rivet on a gemstone to complete your creation.

Feeling the need to felt?
We love metal and gemstones as much as the rest of you, but we also fell in love with these felted beads! Brightly colored and lightweight, these beads will work well in many of your jewelry projects. Learn how to make them in Gail Crosman Moore's  Free Felted Beads Class. We shot 2 other felting classes with Gail which will be launching soon so use this free class to learn the basics.

Lowercase Letter Stamp Set, Poll Results

Over the past month you have been voting on what you are looking for in a lower case font set....here are the results from a total of 114 votes.

• Block type font - 8%
• Looks Handwritten - 18%
• Script - 7%
• Something with character, a bit whimsical - 65%
• Childlike Writing - 0%

So good news, you, like me are mainly looking for something with character that looks handwritten and that is exactly what we are having made!

I am not quite ready to show you the finished font (wait for it!) but I will tell you, that it was hand drawn by me and it's REALLY awesome. I researched and found out how to create your own font. Let me just tell you that creating and rendering this font took over 20 hours, but it was well worth it and I learned a lot.

Oh and one more bit of good news, these font sets will be under $200.

Wait for it.....
Lisa

yummmm!

Today is Kate's birthday (29 AGAIN!) and Colin bought her cupcakes from the new trendy bakery down the street.

They are so beautiful, we had to share them with you. Who wants a bite?

Submit your Design Stamp ideas!!!!

We are crankin' out the Exclusive Design Stamps for metal stamping here at beaducation.com. Our line has expanded from our first one (the Spiral) to 12 stamps and we have 3 more on the way.

We usually don't show you the new stamps before they are for sale but we are so excited about these 3 that we can't wait!!!! So here they are....

We have received samples and they stamp great. They should be in inventory sometime in the next week or 2.

We have an ongoing list of new design stamp ideas. If you have suggestions, we would LOVE to hear them. Just send your suggestions to lisa@beaducation.com, or add a comment to this blog. We just respectfully ask that you don't send links to other people's work as "ideas". We are not interested in copying other folk's stamps that they have had custom made and have spent a lot of money on! We have 15 on the list now and are constantly adding more. We will announce them as we get the artwork finalized and approved.

I would like to give a big shout out and THANKS to Barb Switzer who does our graphics on these stamps. There is a lot involved in making the perfect stamp. We submit the idea and a rough image to Barb and she perfects the image digitally. She is one talented designer...THANKS BARB.

A Note from Kate

Just thought I’d update you on a few goings-on here at Beaducation Central. A few weeks ago Lisa introduced me as Beaducation’s new Director of Education. Wow! Let me tell you, I’ve been “in office” for a little over a month now and have we gotten the ball (or bead) rolling. Classes and teaching is my passion and I am so excited to be able to share my love of jewelry fabrication and design with all of you.

We have a bunch of new classes in the editing bin (I know you have been eagerly waiting for riveting to come available) and quite a few more on the schedule to shoot this fall. Barb Switzer has a couple of new and fabulous wire designs and our chainmaking guru, Colin Mahler, has quite a few new chain styles to share. We are also chatting with a few new instructors regarding some fabulous new classes.

Did someone say resin? We thought you might like to learn how to work with the hottest new medium around. We are looking at a whole new line of resin-friendly castings and are chatting with a nationally-known resin master to teach classes. I’m not going to reveal her name yet, but you may already have her book! You’ll see resin pop up later this fall.

Speaking of new classes, I just finished filming the Introduction to Riveting class (up soon, very, very soon) and am preparing to get started on our Metalsmithing Series. Metal is my favorite medium (okay, I may have said that about PMC) but there is something about being able to manipulate metal and create your very own original ideas for your designs that makes me a bit giddy. I don’t know if giddiness around a torch is a good thing, but I’ll do my best to maintain my decorum. You’ll see our metal classes debut this fall and into next year.

So what do you think? Questions? Comments? Class requests? I want to hear it all. We do this for YOU, and I want to know what new classes you’d like to see on our site.

Talk to you soon-
Kate