Fall Greetings:

Dale Carnegie, a famous self-improvement coach, said “the essence of all art is to have pleasure giving pleasure”. Aren’t we fortunate to have a taste for beading?

For the month of October, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) has a Big Thank you Contest in progress. You could win $750 plus a goodie box of products from small businesses across Canada if you send a thank you note to your favourite small businesses through the CFIB. There will be a draw every week for four weeks. If your contribution is picked, the small business you nominate wins $2000 . There is no limit on how many small businesses you can name.

Many of us feel a strong creative urge as we think about the holiday season approaching. So many people appreciate personalized hand made gifts and for beaders the opportunities are vast: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, cards, wall art, bookmarks, broaches, key rings, eyeglass holders, purses, tree and window ornaments, wine glass identifiers, napkin rings and the list goes on! Many of these items are good ways to use our leftover beads but some will take time to complete which is why we are mentioning them now.

Winter holiday decorations are usually sparkly! Our array of Chinese crystals are inexpensive and may be a way to supplement your stash. A new shipment is arriving this week and it will be fun for us and hopefully you to see some new colours especially the 2mm crystals which have been popular.

We are looking forward to seeing old friends and hopefully making new acquaintances at our last two shows of the year. As we think about Thanksgiving weekend approaching, we know we have a lot for which to be thankful, including all of you!

Very best wishes for a happy and creative October!

Meredith, Brent and Carrie