Tuesday 18 September 2012

Supplier Showcase - The Whimsical Bead



Dani Rapinett


For as long as I can remember I have loved to ‘create’. I began beading and creating jewellery in 2004 after attending a short 2 hour class.  Soon my beads were over the house and I had enough to start a small shop……literally! In 2006 The Whimsical Bead was born.

Somewhere during that time I discovered Beading Forum.com.au and was introduced to a wonderful medium that I had not heard much about – Polymer Clay. It did not take long before this enticing medium – particularly a technique called Mokume Gane -  captured my full attention and I was hooked!  I just love the versatility of polymer clay. It never ceases to amaze me and, for me, it never becomes boring – there is always something new to learn.
 
Whilst polymer clay is our passion, you are sure to find something that suits the medium you work in - metal clay, resin, beading, mixed media - we've got a range of products to suit.
Along with our full range of Premo polymer clay, we also specialise in blanks and bezels and stock a large variety of other products such as stamps, texture mats, cutters, inks and paints, jewellery findings and lots more.



Here at The Whimsical Bead our focus is on high quality products and good, old fashioned customer service.  We pride ourselves on our high level of customer service and attention to detail, which means you receive a pleasant, hassle-free shopping experience. We're not interested in stocking products "just for the sake of having them".  We only stock quality products – products that we would use ourselves, so you can buy with confidence.




We also run classes in a variety of mediums from our relaxed studio environment in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Victoria, (only an hour from Melbourne) as well as other various locations.







I've had the privilege of meeting a lot of wonderful people over the last few years and as a result, as well as making some great friends, I have access to highly experienced, professional tutors in mediums such as polymer clay, precious metal clay, lampworking, chainmaille/wirework and seed beading.

I love to pass on my knowledge of polymer clay and I feel very lucky that people want to learn from me.
There is nothing like empowering someone with knowledge and watching that knowledge grow as their enthusiasm does.
Many of my students are amazed by what they have been able to achieve in class and leave with such a huge smile on their face and an eagerness to keep creating.
It is a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve helped create that happiness and enthusiasm.
All workshops run through The Whimsical Bead are listed on our website. You can also book online if desired.










Saturday 15 September 2012

Glass Bead Makers Challenge Sept/Oct 2012

The challenge inspiration has just been posted over on the Glass Bead Makers Forum - Challenge Thread.

Challenge runs from the 15th September 2012 to the 31st October 2012 - head over to the  forum for more information.

This months inspiration is a wonderful Agate image - loads of colour to play with on this one.



Sponsors for this Challenge are 

&

Friday 7 September 2012

Artisan Beaders of Australia Blog Now Live!!!

Artisan Beaders of Australia Blog is now live and running!!! - for the first few weeks there will be a lot of updating of all of the links for our fabulous artists.  If you are listed please check your link - if you would like it linked to something else just leave a comment and let me know.  If you are not on the list, just leave me a comment as well and we will get that fixed up.



Topics that you can expect to see on the blog are listed below 


7 topics per month

Artist Interview
Supplier/Retailer Showcase/Specials
Monthly Market Roundup - what markets are you at!
Tutorial Showcase
Etsy Treasury
GBM Challenge - Winners/Challenge Inspiration
Finished Jewellery Design


Every month an image will be selected for the blog banner, this image will also be used on the ABA facebook page as well.  This months cover comes from the wonderful ceramic artisan Natalie of Peruzi

There will be opportunities for advertising which will be launched very soon as well as free advertising for those sponsoring the Glass Bead Makers Challenges.

Please check out the "Bead Shopping" - this is where you will find the latest Etsy Treasury - this will be updated every month as well.

This blog is for all to enjoy, embrace and to create an artisan community to share with the rest of the globe.

Cheers Tania


Since a blog post isn't a blog post in my view without an image - here is the lucky winner of the last GBM Challenge


Jan Cahill - GBM Challenge Winner July/August 2012