WireKnitZ® is in full bloom!

WireKnitZ® is in full bloom!
Our days have been full of exciting news….
We are honored and tickled pink that notable beading artists Melanie Potter and Cynthia Rutledge have both created kits with WireKnitZ® and debuting this summer at Beads on the Vine Retreat hosted by School of Beadwork in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA.
Melanie Potter "Flora"
“Flora” by Melanie Potter
Cynthia Rutledge "Jacobean Floral"
“Jacobean Floral” by Cynthia Rutledge
Photograph by Mark Rutledge
Melanie and Cynthia will share the spotlight at this retreat with artists Laura McCabe and Nancy Cain as they introduce new kits and teach classes as well.  For more information, please visit http://www.beadsonthevine.com/classes.html
The Masks of Arbel Shemesh Arbel Shemesh discovered WireKnitZ® last year and has since created extraordinary magical masks, headdresses and jewelry with polymer clay and WireKnitZ®.  Arbel is definitely responsible for my interest in polymer clay and her designs inspired me to attend a recent class taught by Julie Piccarelo and offered by the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild.
Arbel’s designs will be available for sale in July at the Oregon Country Fair.
Arbel is employed by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.
Arbel Shemesh
Arbel Shemesh wearing one of her headdresses.
Arbel and Claire Sierra
Arbel and Claire Sierra frolicking in the park.
Arbel Shemesh
Coquettishly playful.
Claire Sierra
Claire Sierra incognito
.Stylishly Claire
Claire looking stunning!
Arbel Shemesh earrings
Perhaps these were inspired by Carmen Miranda!Watch Arbel’s videoArbel, you were so kind to share your beautiful photos with us!Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild

Naturally, my interest was piqued when I saw Julie Picarrelo was offering a class with a wire mesh component!  Though my results were less than stellar, I had a great day and found Julie to be a fantastic instructor.   I didn’t polish my design but still may in the future, for now, I’m happy leaving it as is.  We intend to experiment more by combining polymer clay and WireKnitZ® and I want to thank Arbel Shemesh and Julie Picarrelo for their inspiration and guidance.
FYI, the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild offers an abundance of classes taught by notable beading and jewelry artists…besides the fact that it is very well run and a great group to belong to.
Find out more about the Guild HERE.

Norma's class results - front   Norma's polymer clay class results
The front and back of my polymer clay class results.

It’s been a busy month for us!

Findings Trunk Show in A2… follow up…

Thank you Gerry Dimond for hosting a successful trunk show and to Renee, Kathy and Judy for keeping everything humming along and well organized.  Helena, Marge and I enjoyed meeting and sharing WireKnitZ® tips with you and your devoted customers in classes and at that handy cabana demo table!

Marge Prezzato
Marge Prezzato wore the perfect dress to show off her Solar Flare Necklace…stunning!

Marge Prezzato's Solar Flare Class

Marge’s On A Roll Class

Helena's class
Helena’s Orbital Cuff class

Norma's Road Ahead Necklace
The class results from my “Barbed Necklace” class, a.k.a. “The Road Ahead Necklace”

Victoria Newton
Victoria Newton looking lovely in her new necklace.

Gem & Lapidary Show… follow up…

Last month’s G&LW Show in Livonia, MI had all the conveniences of home.
We’re looking forward to exhibiting again this October 4, 5 & 6…so mark your calendars!

These are just a few of the galZ that make these shows possible and responsible for keeping me sane…no pressure ladies ;)
Helena & Sheryl
Pre-show beading marathoners, Helena Hatten and Sheryl Lamarand, arrive for a couple of days of coloring (below, color inspiration), lots of laughs and beading frenzy.

Color board
A segment of our color inspiration groupings.

Norma, Sheryl, Marge & Cathy
From right to left: Cathy Ambrose, Marge Prezzato & Sheryl Lamarand with me

Helena Hatten
Helena directing traffic!  ;)

Thank you all, you’re the best!

Whew, what a month!

A few final notes…
Wrist Mandrels
Oh thank goodness, the wrist mandrels for shaping your cuffs have finally arrived!

Findings and Components
The Findings & Components page is updated on the WireKnitZ® website!

BEAD&BUTTON SHOW

The Bead&Button classes begin in 2 weeks on May 29.
~~~
Eva Sherman and Susan Hitchler present
“Developing Your Creativity With WireKnitZ
®
Wednesday, June 5, 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Launch your inner artist in this fast-paced, creatively challenging, and fun class. The instructors will keep you entertained while demonstrating the many ways WireKnitZ® can be manipulated and incorporated into your jewelry repertoire, as well as sharing tips and techniques to get your creative muses humming.
To register, click here

~~~

Stop by and see our new and improved booth making it super easy to identify what you need to make all our new designs!
We’ll be in the same location, booth #622

Although the Show week is May 29-June 10, the Bead&Jewelry Marketplace for shopping OPENS on Thursday evening, June 6, for REGISTRANTS ONLY (badge holders). This is the Private Preview night.

Thursday, June 6: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Bead&Jewelry Marketplace Shopping Hours for Everyone:

Friday, June 7: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
NEW:  
Friday night, June 7: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Shop for free!
Saturday, June 8: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

I have met so many wonderful people during my journey with WireKnitZ® and I thank my lucky stars for all of you!

I wish you all warm weather and WireKnitZ® wishes,

Norma Melton

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WireKnitZ Weekend at Findings

Trunk Show and Classes at This Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5 Join us on Friday for ongoing demonstrations… Register for classes… Learn manipulation techniques unique to designing with WireKnitZ® All skill levels are welcome. Saturday, May 4 10:00 – 1:00 Solar Flare & Festival of Flames Necklace 2:00 – 5:00 Orbital Cuff Sunday, [...]

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SEEKING SURFACE DESIGNERS, ART QUILTERS, LAYERISTS & MIXED-MEDIA ARTISTS

WireKnitZ

Have you tried knitting or crocheting with wire?   WireKnitZ® is the copper wire tubular knit offering your designs texture, pattern, color and structure. We are seeking art quilters, layerists and mixed media artists who wish to incorporate WireKnitZ® in their artistic repertoire.   For consideration, please send photos of your work, website and social media [...]

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In Memory of Louie

Louie's Garden

This has been a difficult week here at WireKnitZ, Louie; my constant companion lost his battle with Diabetes yesterday.   He brought such love and joy into all of our lives and we will miss him terribly.  In memory of Louie, here are a few photos of him hard at work and enjoying the summer sun [...]

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WireKnitZ® Trunk Show at Findings – Ann Arbor, MI

  Trunk Show Friday – Sunday May 3, 4, 5, 2013     Demos, classes and plenty of hands on instruction! Learn manipulation techniques unique to designing with WireKnitZ® All skill levels are welcome.  Register at Findings ▪ 3925 Jackson Rd ▪ Ann Arbor MI 49103 email: findings@beadseekers.com or call (734) 929-9751

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WireKnitZ® at the Bead Bonanza

The Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild host two wonderful Sunday shows each year and yesterday’s Bead Bonanza proved to be another great venue for us to reconnect with our local community of bead and crafting enthusiasts. Thanks to the galZ who helped prepare for the show and run the booth, Heather Regier, Sheryl Lamarand, Cathy Ambrose [...]

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A new take on the 18″ Braided Necklace

            Which WireKnitZ colors would you select to make this braided necklace?  See this FREE tutorial http://wireknitz.com/tutorials/18-inch-braided-wireknitz-necklace/

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The Tucson Finale

The Tucson Finale It’s taken some time to get things in order from the Tucson show, and we’re still working on many of the details, but we wanted to give you a taste of some of the new items we will be carrying that compliment WireKnitZ®.  For the glamour gal or guy as well as [...]

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Spring BEAD BONANZA

Spring  BEAD  BONANZA  A Bead Show and Sale sponsored by the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild Sunday, March 17, 2013 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Southfield Municipal Complex Pavilion 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI  between 10 & 11 Mile Roads  $5 admission with FREE parking Come and check out all the beads, baubles and findings from more [...]

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Elaine Moreira Designs for Tucson

Elaine Moreira Designs with WireKnitZ

                  This week we introduce designs by Elaine Moreira, the official jewelry designer for The Miss Universe Puerto Rico candidates.  So not to spoil the big reveal in Tucson, we’re only showing segments of her latest designs for now. At a young age Elaine would transform her [...]

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Tucson DAILY DRAWING, DEMOS & CLASSES

In exactly two weeks we will be arriving in Tucson in preparation of the To Bead True Blue Show opening at 10 AM on Sunday, February 3!  We’ve planned DAILY DRAWINGS, DEMOS and CLASSES that will continue through Monday, February 11 at The Tucson Bead Show.  That frenzied adrenaline rush keeps us on our toes [...]

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Beaded Bliss by Sheryl Lamarand

Beaded Bliss clasp

  Beaded Bliss by Sheryl Lamarand   Sheryl just shared her recently completed cuff beautifully beaded in green and blue hues giving an overall harmonious field of monochromatic tones.  The beaded ends with pretty button closure give it a nice finish and conceal the WireKnitZ® cut ends too.   Thanks, Sheryl, I look forward to [...]

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Sneak Peek At A New Design Idea…

…Still in the development stage and is a collaboration between two artists.  That’s all we can say for now

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“Developing Your Creativity with WireKnitZ”

                                    “Developing Your Creativity with WireKnitZ”   Please join Eva Sherman and Susan Hitchler for an enlightening and entertaining three hour class that will get your creative muses humming at the Bead&Button Show!  Registration just opened…here’s how to [...]

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FREE Download with Purchase!

Hello and Happy New Year! FREE Download with $75.00 Purchase! Let’s start the New Year with a Free Download. Purchase $75.00 worth of WireKnitZ® and other products and receive the Solar Flare & Festival of Flames dual Tutorial Free! Go to the “Kits” page and add this tutorial to your shopping cart. At checkout enter [...]

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That Bead Lady does it again…

That Bead Lady Design

The talented ladies at That Bead Lady from Newmarket, Ontario came up with another cool design…WireKnitZ and chain! Thank you for sharing girls!

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A Christmas Necklace

A Christmas Necklace by Susan Hitchler Susan Hitchler is definitely not shy when it comes to playing with WireKnitZ®, she understands that WireKnitZ® is capable of being pulled, twisted and shaped.  Susan made this festive Christmas necklace to wear on Christmas Eve and we’re certain she wore it well! We are so fortunate to have [...]

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WireKnitZ Prepares for Travel

WireKnitZ Travel Containers

Are you traveling this holiday season with gifts made with WireKnitZ®?  If so, they may already be decoratively boxed and wrapped, but if you are like me and working on your projects right up until the last minute, then you’ll need to give consideration to transporting your works in progress, not to mention your personal [...]

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A Bevy of WireKnitZ Bows

WireKnitZ Bows

 A bevy of bows made with love for gift or card embellishments.    The sculptural qualities of WireKnitZ® 3000 Series allows you to stretch pull and twist it to the limit to create these beautiful bows. Each color component started with a single layer scrap of wire mesh about 2 x 2″, or so.  Some [...]

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GIFT a Class!

WireKnitZ Ornament

Will you or someone you know be attending the 2013 Tucson Gem Show in February?  Perhaps gift a class to yourself and someone special.  We have finalized all of our classes and have them here for your review.  Please take a moment and see what’s on the horizon.  To learn more and register, just click [...]

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Order Soon – WireKnitZ will be closed Dec. 20 – 27!

Don’t put off ordering because before too long we will be gone for the holidays… December 20 – 27 Gift Ideas… “KITS”are now available for immediate download.  Our newest addition…  The Solar Flare & Festival of Flames Necklace is a dual three page tutorial with step by step color photographs.  Make the Solar Flare single [...]

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Solar Flare & Festival of Flames Workshop with Norma Melton – TUCSON – Feb.6, 2013

Solar Flare - Festival of Flames Necklace

          Solar Flare & Festival of Flames Workshop Create the elegant Solar Flare & Festival of Flames Necklace by stretching, twisting, and fanning the flames of the copper wire tubular mesh. I’ll share various manipulating techniques and ways to set and keep your design in place. A written tutorial with color [...]

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****Gift Certificate Giveaway****

The Beading Gem’s Journal is where Pearl melds all her passions offering nuggets of information and combining her love of writing, reading, crafts, history and science (a scientist by day) into her blog.  She stumbled on WireKnitZ® via Eva Sherman’s Etsy store Grand River Beads n Wire Thank you, Pearl, we are honored to have [...]

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New Video – Emboss with the Tube Wringer

The first in a series of videos by Norma Melton, the founder of WireKnitZ, demonstrating how various tools manipulate this unique copper wire tubular knit creating extraordinary patterns and designs.  Click here to view video. RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING for all U.S. orders over $100.00 through November 30, 2012. At checkout enter Customer Code: FREEship12 (case [...]

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“Solar Flare” Necklace Workshop

  This elegant yet edgy necklace is appropriate for ALL skill levels. Written directions, beads (in limited colors), tools and other supplies will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own beads and beading needle, and select the WireKnitZ® color of your choice. Date:   Saturday, October 27, 2012 Time:   11:00 am – 1:00 pm [...]

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October 2012 – Newsletter Subscribers Special Offer

Our sincerest thanks to you for your continued interest and support.  We are delighted to share design ideas and information and hope you will be inspired to give gifts of WireKnitZ® to your friends and family.  The holidays will be here before you know it and we know you have an infinite number of choices, [...]

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Queen Victoria Cuff – New Free Tutorial

  Do you have an old brooch, pendant, or beaded accessory that you just can’t part with but know you’ll never wear again?  Give it a new life by incorporating it in this elegant Queen Victoria Cuff designed by Eva Sherman of Grand River Beads in Rocky River, OH. View this free tutorial online or [...]

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Random Bag Results!

WOW!  Jenni Gerstle certainly confirms that nothing goes to waste!!!  Jenni’s experimental collection of designs are truly stunning and we are thrilled to show what can be made using the demo scraps and pieces from our Random Bags.  Thank you for sharing your first photo results! We are anxious with anticipation to see your next [...]

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Another WireKnitZ® Application

                      We received this lovely mixed-media piece from Poppy Sowingseed hand stitched with WireKnitZ® on fiber and paper and confirming once again nothing goes to waste!  Here’s Poppy’s story… When I take the clothes from the line outside, I can’t help it—I’m compelled to put one or [...]

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“SCREENPLAY” EXHIBIT AT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY includes designs with WireKnitZ®

We are honored to have been accepted into East Carolina University’s “Screenplay” – an interdisciplinary art exhibition highlighting the versatility of wire mesh.  WireKnitZ® founder Norma Melton along with designer Eva Sherman submitted three designs each and all were accepted.  The exhibition takes place in Mendenhall Student Center Art Gallery Sept 1 – 30th.  Guest [...]

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Free New Tutorial with Purchase

Sample Sets, Random Bags & Cheat Sheets NOW AVAILABLE! Have you been wondering which WireKnitZ® Series you would like to work with?  Order  Sample Sets providing 1-meter (39.37″) of both fine gauge knits, and 9-inches of all three heavy gauge knits.  Available in Earth tones, Jewel tones, and Pastels; select one or all of them [...]

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WireKnitZ “Convertibles” Workshop

WireKnitZ® “Convertibles” Workshop       Make one or several!  One creates a terrific bracelet; connect two for a choker, three for a longer necklace or several for a belt!  It’s all up to you! This design is appropriate for ALL skill levels. WireKnitZ® and clasps will be available for purchase; written directions, tools and [...]

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August – Spotlights…Artist, Kathy Messick & Canadian Dealer, That Bead Lady

Artist Spotlight Kathy Messick |Kath’s Elegant Accessories Kathy’s Stunning Statement Necklace and Cuff of Lucite Flowers in Pantone’s Fall Color Palette of Tangerine Tango, French Roast and Honey Gold featuring WireKnitZ® Embellishments. Kathy Messick from Occoquan, VA taught herself how to knit with wire to create jewelry in 2006.  While helping take care of her [...]

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July 2012 – It’s a Wrap…and a New Video

Bead&Button Wrap Up & Video The 2012 Bead&Button Show opened with trumpeted fanfare as the crowd sprung into action flooding the aisles.  It was super to meet so many new WireKnitZ® enthusiasts and reconnect with friends from last year sharing in their design discoveries. New Video…   One of our star performers at the show [...]

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Wire Mesh Brooch by Francine Sarault

Canadian artist, Francine Sarault, shared a couple of pictures with us.  See how Francine sculpted the coarse wire mesh shown here.  #4009 Goldenrod Coarse Knit WireKnitZ® is a beautiful compliment in two similar applications; one as a brooch on a collar, and the other as a pin on a scarf.  You can find more of [...]

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May 2012 – New Necklace Video

New Necklace Video Designed by Eva Sherman Video by JewelryMakingProfessor.com “Scrunchy Necklace”  This light and airy necklace is made with 1-meter (40-inches) of the 2000 WireKnitZ Series.  Click the picture to watch this video for easy instructions! We just added Findings & Components to the website and offer easy to use magnetic clasps in antique [...]

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April 2012 – New Creations with WireKnitZ

New Queen Victoria Cuff Tutorial    This just out… the spring edition of Jewelry Affaire magazine published by Stampington & Company.  You can find Eva Sherman’s Queen Victoria Cuff tutorial  on page 81.  What a great way to re-purpose some old or not so old jewelry. Thanks, Eva!  (my constant companion, Louie, taking a closer [...]

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Bead & Button Show

Coming in June we will be attending the Bead & Button show held at the Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee, WI.  Show starts for us on Thursday June 7th.  Please check us out at Booth 622.  We would love to see all of your smiling faces and can’t wait to see your newest WireKnitZ creations!  [...]

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March 2012 – WireKnitZ Launches E-Commerce Website

For those of you lucky enough to have an Authorized WireKnitZ® Dealer nearby, great!  But for the folks that have prompted us to offer an online shopping experience, well here you go!  We are here to help our Authorized WireKnitZ® Dealers spread the newZ by adding instructional videos, free tutorials, and Blog; interacting more personally [...]

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February 2012 – Goodbye for now Tucson, and we’ll see you next year.

 Welcome new WireKnitZ® Dealers and devotees! Thank you, thank you, and thank you again, to all who attended To Bead True Blue & Tucson Bead Show. We were so busy sharing ideas and making new friends and visiting with old that we forgot to take pictures! We hope to improve over time. Here are a few [...]

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Polymer Clay and WireKnitZ by Susan Bailey

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WireKnitZ 7″ Theatre Glove

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“On a Roll” Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

Materials Note: #2005 Light Gold fine gauge used on the outside of this cuff can be substituted with the 3000, 4000, or 5000 heavy gauge Series for texture and durability, if preferred.  1 – 9” length of #2005 Light Gold Tight Knit 1 – 9” length of #3001 Black Tight Knit Option: For bulkier cuff [...]

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Spiral Cuff Bracelet

Straddle the line between sweet and edgy with this spiral cuff designed by Norma Melton. Materials 1 – 9-inch length of 3000 Series WireKnitZ® (#3008 Champagne Tight Knit shown in photo) Braided Beading Thread or 28 – 30 gauge craft wire Approximately 39 – 3.5 to 4.0 mm freshwater pearls Extra fine beading needle Scissors [...]

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18 Inch Braided WireKnitZ® Necklace

This necklace is so versitile- you can wear it with jeans and a while blouse or with your favorite little black dress for a night on the town! By Norma Melton ● Basic wire wrapping and beading skills required ● Note: Necklace length will vary depending upon size of clasp, findings, and stretched length of [...]

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Cafe Noir Beaded Cab Cuff

This is a great project for our advanced and experienced beaders. You need to know how to do the right angle weave and peyote stitch to complete this project. By Susan Blessinger Supplies Needed: One package 9″ 3001 Black WireKnitZ® One Package 9″ 4002 Silver Plate WireKnitZ® One 1-1/2″ square Cabochon Five Grams #8 Flat [...]

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January 2012

Pasadena Bead & Design Show Hilton Pasadena January 12-15; 10:00 – 6:00 Daily www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com Stop by and meet our West Coast Account Executive, Susan Blessinger, as she demonstrates the various ways to use, manipulate, and finish WireKnitZ® designs. Booth #C179 (California Ballroom)     Lilian Chen, official Ambassador of CREATE YOUR STYLE with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS [...]

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December 2011

New TUTORIAL Now Available! “Cinched” Two samples of our new “Cinched” cuff have been sent to your local WireKnitZ® dealer along with its tutorial. Not one but TWO cuffs can be made from ONE 9-inch piece of WireKnitZ® Series 3000. Embellish each with your favorite beads, findings, wire designs or whatever your creative minds envision! [...]

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