Saturday, March 30, 2013

Beading at Lodi's Beads

This year, on my way to Bead Fest Santa Fe, I had the good fortune to be invited to teach two classes at Lodi's Beads in Bosque Farms, just outside of Albuquerque NM.  What a wonderful experience beginning with a welcome DIANE HERTZLER sign in front of the store.  Lodi's Beads provides an extensive supply of all beading necessities, including SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  Lodi's classroom is large, bright, cheerful, and always a hum of industry.  The warm, comfortable, atmosphere attracts a sizable enrollment of regular, serious beaders who are as friendly as the surroundings.  Saturday's class (Tucson Bangle II) utilized cylinder beads and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  Students completed a representative segment of the bangle and left with the skills needed to finish the project at home.  Sunday's class (Four Strong Winds Bracelet) also employed cylinder beads and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  The class included repeat beaders from Saturday, and I have already begun receiving photos of completed projects.  The overall experience was accented by the relaxed, congenial, atmosphere, the tasty, catered treats (by Lodi's husband), and the comedic talents of several of the beaders, e.g.  "Diane, will you tell me if I'm where I think I am?"  Before class concluded, we had already begun planning for next year.  Below is a group photo of Saturday's class.  www.lodisbeads.com