Wise Weeds Botanicals

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Personal Development Wednesday Night Classes

Wednesday Night Classes
Late Winter/Spring 2007

7 to 8 p.m., $5.00
Please arrive ten minutes before class starts.

Held at Beads N Botanicals, 227 S. Market St., Hoopeston, IL 60942
217-283-6380


January 10, 2007…… The Seven Chakras
What the “wheels of light” represent

January 17, 2007…… Meditation for Relaxation

January 24, 2007…… Herbal Incenses and how to make them

January 31, 2007……..Healing Circle

February 7………Crystals Used For Healing

February 14….Valentine’s Day Meditation on Love

February 21………Meditation for Relaxation

March 7……… Tapping into Your Intuition

March 14……..…Healing Circle

March 21..…Spring Equinox

March 28…. Intro to Traditional Tarot
The 22 major arcana cards and their meanings Part 1

April 4…. Intro to Traditional Tarot
The 22 major arcana cards and their meanings Part 2

April 11………Meditation for Relaxation

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

New at the Shop

Just in at Beads N Botanicals...

New blank journals for writing down your innermost thoughts, dreams, recipes and garden plans. Some pretty, some practical, all special.

Books, Books, Books...

While we are not a "Book Store" with a capital "B", we offer a nice selection of beading, jewelry making, aromatherapy, medicinal herbalism, self development inspirational, spiritual and recovery books. With some odds and ends thrown in for good measure.

Just in...Divining the Future, a guide to deciphering dreams, symbols and signs to deepen self-knowledge and help you make the most of opportunities in your life.

The sweetest boxed set for Valentine's Day, or any day....Passages from The Perfumed Garden, Erotic Instructions in Love and Desire, which offers humorous and good advice on relationships. The boxed set includes a bottle of oil perfumed with an oriental fragrance.

And, of course, Beads N Botanicals offers custom made jewelry. If you want something special for a Valentine's Day gift, you still have time to place your order.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

How organic are Wal-Mart 'organics'?

How organic are Wal-Mart 'organics'?

This article discusses a concern that the mega-marketer, Wal-Mart, may be misleading consumers about the so-called organic products they are now offering.

If I am reading this correctly, the biggest concern is NOT with the products themselves, but with signage about these products which could mislead consumers into thinking products that are NOT organic are.

I am no fan of Wal-Mart, although I shop there a lot simply because of economies of scale and the simple fact that, in Central Illinois where I live, there just are NOT a lot of choices, UNLESS I want to drive more than an hour away.

However, it seems to me that if you are a consumer interested in organic products, you should also be a LABEL READER. I always check the ingredient labels on "organic" foods to see if they are claiming organic and only the main ingredient is, or if ALL the ingredients are organic.

But I guess we have to "protect" less savvy consumers from being "fooled" into thinking that a non-organic product on a shelf NEXT to an organic product, is an organic product.

READ LABELS PEOPLE!!!


How Organic are Wal-Mart 'organics'

Friday, January 19, 2007

Newsletter for January/February/March

Beads N Botanicals Newsletter
January/February/March/April 2007


Offering a first-rate selection of new and used books on Beading, Jewelry Making, Natural Healing, Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Origami, Inspiration, Spirituality, Self Help, Recovery & other topics.


Time to Plan That Garden
By Catherine Novak

Planning a garden? In January? Why, of course!
There’s almost nothing more cozy than curling up on the couch with a stack of seed catalogs and a cup of tea in the middle of winter.
Whether it is a flower garden, fruit orchard, vegetable patch or herb planting (or a mix of all four, my favorite), early planning can make for successful planting.
Part of planning your garden means remembering what plants went where last year, including the locations of perennial herbs, flowers and fruits. If you are starting a garden from scratch, you still must take into account available gardening space, soil conditions, and the amount of sunlight that reaches the planned location of the garden. There’s no sense in putting tomatoes in the shade or impatiens in the hot blazing sun. Matching plants to planting conditions is important.
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking herbs have the same requirements as vegetable gardens. In many instances, herbs will actually thrive in soil and conditions that would stunt flowers or vegetables.
Come to our class on Planning an Herb Garden on Tuesday evening, March 27, to find out more. —C.N.

Catherine Novak has served as an adjunct faculty member for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., been a featured speaker at Barnes & Noble; and spoken about medicinal herbs on the Health Nuts NJ radio show She is available for individual consultations and classes at her office at Beads N Botanicals, and can be reached at at 217-283-6380 or beadsnbotanicals@gmail.com


Winter/Spring Classes 2007

More Classes May Be Added to the Schedule.
Check at the Shop for Updates.

Jewelry Making & Decorative Beadwork
Herbal & Aromatherapy Classes
Gardening &Origami Classes

Pre-registration is required. Reservations will only be held with payment in full. We will reserve a class over the phone with a credit card. Coupons do not apply to class fees. Classes start promptly. To be fair to your fellow students and teachers, if you are more than 15 minutes late, you may not be admitted to class and will forfeit your deposit. Please allow enough time for traffic and parking (we have plenty of parking in the lot across the street from the store.) Please do not bring guests or children to class.

Beading & Jewelry Making Workshops

Tools for Wire Working classes are available for purchase at the shop. A limited amount of tools will be available for use at the classes. Bring round-nose pliers and flat nose pliers if you have them.

Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earrings:
This is a great starter class! You’ll learn the basic techniques involved in creating earrings with head pins, eye pins and ear wires. You’ll make two pairs of earrings, one with a dangle. A few other earring styles will be demonstrated as well. $20, 1 hour, materials included.
January 18, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
February 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
March 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Basic Stringing: Bracelet Design:
Want to learn how to put together a bracelet, but not sure how to begin? Or, how to end it? In this class you’ll learn how to work with specialty beading threads, what a crimp bead is, and how to use it, jump rings, and clasps to finish off your bracelet. $15, 1 hour, materials included.
January 25, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
March 22, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Intermediate Wire Working: Rings & Things:
A fun way to create both elegant and funky jewelry to match any outfit! You’ll learn two techniques involved in creating decorative rings with wire, beads and semi-precious stones. You’ll make two rings, one with beads and stones, another with shaped wire. Learn tips on hammer-finishing wire. $22, 1 ½ hours, materials included. ( Basic Wire Working: Earrings is a prerequisite.)
March 1: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Intro to Bead Netting Techniques:
If you’ve ever wanted to make beaded bottles or ornaments, but didn’t know how, this class is the perfect opportunity to learn how. Once learned, bead netting can be used to cover just about anything, from lighters to bottles, to shirt overlays, or anything you can imagine! In this class, you will learn to net a decorative rounded jar. Materials included: jar, beads and thread. $22, 1½ to 2 hours
February 24, 2 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday

Basic Stringing: Necklace Design:
Want to learn how to put together a necklace, but not sure how to begin? Or, how to end it? In this class you’ll learn how to work with specialty beading threads, what a crimp bead is, and how to use it, jump rings, and clasps to finish off your necklace. Learn about the differences between choker and other-sized necklaces. $18, 1 ½ hours, materials included.
February 8, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
April 12, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Advanced Wire Working: Making Your Own Clasps:
Learn how to shape wire by twisting and hammering to make beautiful, unique clasps for bracelets and necklaces. Hands-on. Wire will be provided. $20, 1 ½ hours, materials included. (Taking Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earring and/or Intermediate Wire Working is suggested as a prerequisite.) (Six person limit)
April 5, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Advanced Wire Working: Wire Wrapping Pendants:
Do you have a stone that would make a wonderful pendant? Techniques for caging tumbled and rough rocks in cages of wire will be taught. Hands-on. Wire and stones will be provided. Bring a special piece if, you want. $22, 1 ½ hours, materials included. (Taking Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earrings and/or Intermediate Wire Working is suggested as a prerequisite.)
January 11: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
March 29, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

NEW!!! Prayer Is Universal
Prayer Beads From Around the World:

From Buddhist Bead Malas and Catholic Rosaries, to Hindu Japa Mala, Muslim prayer beads, called tasbih or dhikr beads, Greek worry beads, pocket worry beads and more secular prayer beads, join us in seeing how universal prayer can be and how you can design your very own prayer beads, to suit your needs. $25, 2 hours, materials included.
April 14, 3 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday

Herbal & Aromatherapy Workshops

Lifting Out of Depression Herbally:
Alternative approaches to lifting out of depression. Differences in types of depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder, the Blues," Post-partum, Pre-menstrual, menopausal. Lifestyle considerations. Dietary considerations.$12, 1 ½ hours
February 24, 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday

Meditation For Relaxation:
Take a break for yourself. Learn how to quiet your mind, relax and release stress from your life. No prior experience necessary. $5, 1 hour, Wednesday
January 17,
February 21,
or April 11: 7 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Secrets of Herbal Teas & Tinctures:
Tasty and healthy brews. The differences between a cup of tea, medicinal teas and herbal tinctures. How to prepare a medicinal herb tea. $10, 1 hour
January 30 , 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Overcoming Stress Herbally:
Find out about alternative approaches to overcoming stress.
Distinguish types of stress: resulting from overwork, physical injury or emotional upset. Includes information not only about appropriate herbs but also essential oils and other natural aids.
$12, 1 ½ hours (Ten person limit)
March 6: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Introduction to Aromatherapy:
Learn about aromatherapy--its historical and modern development. Discover the therapeutic uses of essential oils for healing, and why they work. Gain confidence in your own abilities to evaluate, purchase and blend essential oils.
$10, 1 hour
February 6, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday

Keeping Healthy With Kitchen Herbs:
Learn about common kitchen herbs and spices that can contribute to your health and that of your family. Staying healthy can taste great!
$10, 1 hour
February 20 , 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday

Making Solid Perfumes:
Solid perfumes are spill proof and make great gifts, especially when they are made in nifty little containers. Learn how easy basic solid perfumes can be made, for personal use and for gift giving..
$20, 1 ½ hours, materials included.
March 10, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday

Planning an Herb Garden:
What kind of landscape do you have? Best times to plant certain herbs. Soil requirements. Seasonal aspects of herbs. Best times to harvest certain herbs. $10, 1 ½ hours
March 27: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Origami --Paper Folding Workshops
Introduction to Origami

Learn how to make the traditional Japanese crane, peace dove and frog using colorful papers and the simple but fun paperfolding techniques developed by the Japanese. According to their traditions, anyone who folds a thousand cranes will have their wish granted. Great for kids of all ages, but especially for kids 8 years of age and older. $5.00, 1 hour, including all materials.
February 10: 12 noon.-1 p.m Saturday

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Dyeing with Cochineal Workshop Lancaster, PA

Dyeing with Cochineal
A workshop with Linda Kluge-Mansfield of Avalonblue
Sponsored by Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC
Saturday, January 20, 2007 11 am until 3 pm

Join us as Linda shares techniques for traditional dyes, a skill going back
at least 6000 years. From the realms of magic and tradition, she'll fascinate
us with lore about the dyers, who were considered skilled alchemists and
keepers of secret knowledge. In the hands-on portion of the workshop, each
person will dye a silk scarf in a dye-pot we will set up together using
Cochineal, which gives a range of beautiful pink & mauve colors. Additional scarves, silk camisoles and other goodies will be available for purchase.

Cost for the workshop is $45, & includes one silk scarf. Register at
Radiance, or send your check & registration information to Herbs from the
Labyrinth, LLC, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA 17603, or go to
_www.herbsfromthelabyrinth.com_ (http://www.herbsfromthelabyrinth.com) to
register online.

Space is limited to 8 people, so register early! You may choose to come at 1 pm just to use the dye pot if you prefer, cost is $20.

The workshop will be held at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, across from the Central
Market in downtown Lancaster. Phone is 314-3246.
Wear clothes that can get messy, and plan to have fun!
Green blessings