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