Happy April!

I know these newsletters are getting later & later each month, but this year seems to be flying along so fast I'm struggling to keep up.
Add in the crazy weather we're having here in England (sunbathing in the garden one day and it snowing the next) and 2021 is just as crazy as 2020 was...
But I'm pleased to say I have been very busy with beading-related things such as adding new classes, writing patterns and finishing up the Summer 2021 Secret Beadalong which launches next month...

I've also been busy testing older patterns & projects with Preciosa crystals and I'm pleased to say that all the ones I've tested so far work great- no adjustments needed at all.
As I continue to do this I'll be letting anyone who did a relevant class, or purchased an appropriate pattern, know and, if needed, any necessary changes to the projects. But with 20 years of beading projects there's a bit of a backlog to test everything as I'm sure you can imagine.

One project I did test was my Lisa pattern (which launches for sale today so see below for more details) and I was really pleased to see that not only did the project work perfectly with the Preciosa crystals, but they looked beautiful too. Just as full of colour & sparkle as you could want.

I've added lots of new classes today (read on for more details) but also have some class news to bring you:
As those of you who were booked in to do a class with me at the Great British Bead Show were told last week, I won't be teaching there this year BUT the classes are still running (the same projects, same days, same time etc) and so if you were booked to do a Ceilte, Lemon Blossoms or Crystal Ribbons class with me (and still want to do the class) then get in touch with me ASAP as I am holding a space for you (if you weren't booked on those then there are already some spaces for all 3 of the classes which you can book).
I know most of you have rebooked with me but, for those of you who haven't yet, then I will hold the spaces for one more week before opening them up to general booking, so do let me know if you want to confirm your space (you can simply reply to this email to get in touch).
Also sadly Beadventures and I took the tough decision last week to cancel the cruise I was due to teach on this year... but excitingly it has been rescheduled for 2022 and you can see the full details here.

So, until my next newsletter, when I'll be bringing you the full details of the Summer Beadalong... I wish you good health, and, of course, lots of happy beading!

Lisa

Launching today is my Lisa pattern which contains all you need to know about creating a stunning & unique series of jewellery which can be used to create earrings, bracelets, pendants & necklaces.

This is an intermediate project that combines small seed beads (sizes 15 and 11) with Square crystals (Swarovski or Preciosa) for a wide variety of components and finished pieces

You can purchase the pattern here (and don't forget to use the 'Pattern Discount Code' which you'll find below to get 20% off when you buy this)

Launched Recently

In March I launched my Ochrana pattern to create a stunning & unique piece of jewellery which combines some of my unique geometric beadwork techniques with plenty of sparkle for a versatile and adaptable piece.
You can purchase the pattern here (and don't forget to use the 'Pattern Discount Code' which you'll find below to get 20% off when you buy this)

In February I launched my new Crosio pattern which uses Brick Stitch combined with seed beads, Cylinder beads (e.g. Delicas or Aikos) and 2mm round pearls (Swarovski or Czech) to make geometric motifs inspired by crochet.
You can purchase the pattern here (and don't forget to use the 'Pattern Discount Code' which you'll find below to get 20% off when you buy this)

In January I launched my Ligilo pattern which covers how to bead decorative crystal bezels and combine them with an ornate beaded chain for a striking & versatile series of jewellery.

You can purchase the pattern here (and don't forget to use the 'Pattern Discount Code' which you'll find below to get 20% off when you buy this)

Launched in December my Limona pattern shows how to create these intermediate CRAW components which can be used to make a wide variety of jewellery.

These components mix Swarovski Lemon Fancy Stones with 2mm Pearls (or similar) and seed beads to create beautiful bezels that frame and highlight the focal crystals.

You can purchase the pattern here (and don't forget to use the 'Pattern Discount Code' which you'll find below to get 20% off when you buy this)

Also launched in December, and to celebrate Rivoli Beadwork being 2 years old, I wanted to say 'Thank You' to everyone who purchased it and give you some more projects (including this stunning large ornament!) to accompany it so launched my More Crystal Cages pattern.
For this you need the book, as the instructions refer to multiple techniques in it, and if you use the discount code 'rivolibeadwork' in my shopping cart this pattern will be free for you

In November I launched BeJewels which is one of my most-addictive projects ever!
The instructions are available as either a written pattern with a full 42-pages of instructions, diagrams & photos or a set of videos (which also have all the written instructions plus over 90 minutes of instructions spread over 20+ videos).
Whichever option you choose (and you can preview a video here to see some of the BeJewels in action) then be sure to use the 'pattern discount code' or 'video discount code' to get 20% off

In October I launched Crashing Waves which is inspired by crashing waves & sea foam, whilst the rope is beaded in sand colours and its shape is inspired by the sand dunes I walk on in Cornwall.

This project uses Peyote Stitch for the Star and Cubic Right-Angle Weave (CRAW - full stitch instructions are included) for the optional rope and beaded clasp.

You can buy this 30-page pattern here and don't forget to use the 'Pattern Discount Code' to get 20% off (see the bottom of this newsletter for details)

The 'beading-along-together' part has now begun but of course the Winter 2020 Secret Beadalong (like all of my Beadalongs) can be beaded at any time. So if you fancy having some beading fun, whenever you want to bead it, then you can now sign-up for it here for written instructions or here for 50+ videos and written instructions.
Don't forget to use the 'pattern discount code' or 'video discount code' (details on both at the bottom of this newsletter) to get money off whichever one you choose

Virtual Classes

Already lots of my classes for 2021 are fully-booked (or have limited spaces) but I've just added some new dates (and brand-new classes) and, just like in 2020, some are one-day, and some are multiple-session.
Each class has different time zone options so you can choose a class to suit you - just scroll down on each class to see the time it runs in various time-zones and also a time-zone convertor so you can check if it works for you.
Please note that some of my classes are different prices through different venues and also some of these will be the last time I will routinely schedule them in as classes.

You can see all my classes here by date or here by venue (scroll to 'virtual' and below to see the different options and venues I'm teaching them through).

But if you're interested in anything in particular there here are some specific classes:

Estrella (these are the last times I plan to routinely run this class):

Stallur (these are the last times I plan to routinely run this class)

Faux Bead Crochet

Karratu (this is the last time I plan to routinely run this class):

1-day class on 5th August - time more suitable for Uk/ Europe/ North America

Mostra:

Crystal Ribbons:

Ceilte (these are the last times I plan to routinely run this class):

Lemon Blossoms:

Stars Master Class:

2-day master class on 15th- 17th July - time more suitable for Uk/ Europe/ North America

Geometric Beadwork Master Class:

2-day master class on 7th- 8th August - time more suitable for Uk/ Europe/ North America

Links of Interest

Fun Things
Here are some things I recently enjoyed on the Internet, or think you might be interested in.
As always you can access all of my previous newsletters here and in particular my March bonus one had lots of links for physical & mental health during this difficult time and April had links which may help you with your domestic or food situation:

If you have access to the BBC then excitingly a new jewellery making contest starts next week. The 6 episode series starts on BBC 2 at 8pm BST on Tuesday 13th April
Also on the BBC The Great British Sewing Bee returns next week. The new series starts on BBC 1 on Wednesday 14th April at 9pm BST
An article on some beautiful embroidery
An interesting article on what the knitting & crochet site Ravelry have been going through
Learn all about fake Murano glass here
What do you do if you can't find the crafting tool you want? Well if you're Amy Oxford you design your own!
I adore wax print fabric and here's a lovely article about a designer wearing & using it
A fascinating article about a couture dress designer
If you're itching to travel then this 'virtual trips' website with the free trips is amazing and the fun games on this website have taught me a lot about world geography and taken me to places I've never seen before
How beads made from ostrich shells have told historians a lot about early social networks
An amateur treasure hunter recently found a stunning piece... and you too can find your own treasure
I'm a huge fan of the work of Nick Cave and here is an incredible piece of beadwork
A fun story to end with

Pattern Discount Code

Simply enter 'newsletter' into the promo code box on my shopping cart (on my website and also now on Etsy (but use 'newsletterbeadalong' to get the 50% off previous Beadalongs on Etsy) to receive 20% off all individual patterns (not valid on any other kits, books or pattern sets or on any other websites).
You will also get 50% off Summer Beadalongs and 33% off any Winter Beadalongs after 2017 (any before that get 20% off)
Please make sure the discount is applied to your basket total BEFORE you finish checking out. Also ensure you type the code without the quote marks.

Video Discount Code

Simply enter 'newsletter' or 'videos' into the coupon code box on my Teachable site to get £5 off the Summer or Winter 2020 Secret Beadalong.
Please make sure the discount is applied to your basket total BEFORE you finish checking out. Also ensure you type the code without the quote marks

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