Summer Classes

We've been receiving a lot of requests for summer classes.
See below for new times we've arranged before our summer break.

****We're closing the shop for 3 weeks starting on Monday, July 25th.****
We'll re-open on Saturday, August 13th.
Be sure to get your lesson in before its too late!

To sign up, call us during store hours at 215-247-1909 or stop in!

Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday-Saturday: 10:30-6:00

Sunday: 12:00-5:00

Basic Wire Working

Saturday, July 16th 11:00-1:00

Cost: $50
Materials: included 

This class begins with an introduction to different types of wire and common tools. Learn hands-on basic wire working techniques such as a simple loop and a wire wrapped loop. Use your new skills to create a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set to wear home. The size of this class is limited to 4 people.

Leather Wrap Bracelet

Friday, July 22nd 3:00-5:00

Cost: $45

Materials: not included 

You've probably seen them in designer catalogs and boutiques and they cost a fortune! Now you can learn to make these stylish bracelets yourself for a fraction of the price. Each student will choose their own beads, leather cord and button closure. This doubled bracelet can even be worn as a short necklace!

All Knotted Up
Saturday, July 16th 3:00-5:00

Cost: $45
Materials: included

This class is "knot" difficult! You will learn to make a unique necklace using colorful silk thread and a variety of fresh water pearls and semi-precious stones. The size of this class is limited to 4 people.

 

Five Minute Wire Ring  

Sunday, July 17th 3:00-4:00

Cost: $20
Materials: not included

Learn the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to make a ring. The materials for a sterling silver version only cost about $4 and the most difficult part may be choosing which bead to use next! ...but why choose? Make a ring for every finger! The size of this workshop is limited to 6 students.

Earring Basics
Saturday, July 23rd 11:00-1:00

Cost: $50
Materials: included

Learn basic earring making techniques and leave with three distinctly different pairs. The earrings will be composed of sterling silver findings adorned with pearls, semi-precious and Czech glass beads. The size of this class is limited to 6 people. 

Class Policies:

- Full payment is required upon sign-up.

- In order to receive a refund, cancellations must be made by calling BumbleBeads and informing a sales associate at least 48 hours before class time. If you are unable to cancel in time you may have a friend take your place. Within 48 hours of the class NO refunds and NO transfers will be given. NO exceptions.

- BumbleBeads MIGHT call to remind you of your class, but it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to remember and attend class.

- You may bring your own materials/supplies to class only if the class description specifies "Materials not included".

- Class fee includes the use of tools during class.

- Students receive 20% off their entire purchase of supplies on the day of the class*. (*Some exclusions apply)

- BumbleBeads reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment. You will receive a prompt refund if
your class is canceled.

- Bumble Bucks and other coupons do not apply toward class fees or discounted purchases the day of the class. 

Children's Parties

We've been receiving a lot of inquiries about our children's parties and with the school year coming to a close, a beading party is just the thing to keep those tiny hands busy...

Our parties are $19/child. This price includes a 2 hour reservation of our beading table plus the supplies and guidance of one of our sales associates to help each child make 1 necklace and 1 bracelet. We offer a wide variety of beads for the children to chose from including glass, ceramic, wood, and semi-precious stones -- never plastic! Our beading table is set up in the front of the shop overlooking Germantown Avenue and can sit up to 10 children. We allow food and snacks so feel free to bring a birthday cake and other treats!
Call or stop in to set  up a party or ask any questions.
215-247-1909 / 7833 Germantown Ave., Phila, PA 19118

PARTY POLICIES:
A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of half the total is required upon booking. Our children's  parties are appropriate for ages 6-13. Food and drinks are welcome however, please keep in mind that you are responsible for clean-up. We also ask that all food be served before the beading begins. Any party that extends past the scheduled time will be charged a $35.00 overtime fee for each additional half-hour. No refunds will be given if the children complete their beading projects before the scheduled end-time. Parties that include up to 10 children must take place during store hours. If your party exceeds 10 children, it must be scheduled after store hours and will incur an additional fee of $60.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner; May 8th! If you're looking for some great gifts to give that special lady in you life, see our ideas below...

GENELL

Growing up, my mom always wore this gold necklace that had 2 teeny, tiny gold finger rings each set with a birthstone for my brother and I. This birthstone slider necklace has a similar idea. Each sterling silver ring is embellished with either glass or semi-precious stones in the same color/style of the birthstones for each month. This way, you can add a ring to represent each sibling in your family and create a very personalized gift.

DEVIN

I love working with wire and also love the idea of giving a personalized gift. With a little sterling silver wire, some patience and practice, I've created an entire alphabet in pendant form. Each letter is hand-formed and then slightly hammered for extra strength. They look great alone on a simple silver chain, or you can add other charms for embellishment.

Best of all, you can combine these two necklace ideas into 1 and have the initial of the recipient along with beaded sliders for members of your family! Come on in to the store and we'll help you put together the perfect gift to give.

We hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day filled with memories,

BumbleBeads

Our 1st Video!

We've received a request on Facebook from a loyal fan (my mother!) asking us to create a video on how to make a flower cluster earring. So, since we love our fans (and our mothers), we've decided to do just that! You can watch it below and leave a comment if you'd like! We'd love to hear your feedback.

Thanks!

Genell 

Inspiration

GENELL: I've always been inspired by renaissance paintings. Every time I go to a museum, I head straight towards that time period and my favorite paintings are the portraits; then I get to see a close-up of the jewelry and the clothes. I love the detail and the style. Some things are so simple whereas others are incredibly intricate. Today, I found a wonderful portrait and decided to try to recreate the necklace. The portrait is by Piero del Pollaiulo, a renaissance painter from Florence. I couldn't find out who the girl is in the painting or any other information but I enjoyed the inspiration I gathered from it and had a great time piecing together the necklace.

DEVIN: I'm always inspired by nature's beauty and the change of seasons never fails to spark my creativity. Last Friday, while walking along Germantown Avenue, I was struck by the delicate shape and color palate of a lovely flowering tree. I snapped a picture and upon returning to the shop, immediately began crafting a necklace that I feel embodies "Spring". I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It would even look beautiful on a bride! Enjoy! 

Spring 2011 Classes

See below for a complete list of all our Spring 2011 classes. 

To sign up, call us during store hours at 215-247-1909 or stop in!

Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday-Saturday: 10:30-6:00

Sunday: 12:00-5:00

Basic Wire Working

Saturday, April 2nd  11:00-1:00
Saturday, May 7th 11:00-1:00
Saturday, June 4th 11:00-1:00

Cost: $50
Materials: included 

This class begins with an introduction to different types of wire and common tools. Learn hands-on basic wire working techniques such as a simple loop and a wire wrapped loop. Use your new skills to create a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set to wear home. The size of this class is limited to 4 people.

Leather Wrap Bracelet

Saturday, April 2nd 3:00-5:00
Saturday, May 7th 3:00-5:00

Saturday, June 4th 3:00-5:00   

Cost: $45

Materials: not included 

You've probably seen them in designer catalogs and boutiques and they cost a fortune! Now you can learn to make these stylish bracelets yourself for a fraction of the price. Each student will choose their own beads, leather cord and button closure. This doubled bracelet can even be worn as a short necklace!

Basic Stringing

Sunday, April 3rd 2:00-3:30
Saturday, April 16th 11:00-12:30

Sunday, May 8th 2:00-3:30

Saturday, May 21st 11:00-12:30

Saturday, June 18th 11:00-12:30

Cost: FREE

Materials: included

This class is catered towards beginners only. You will learn the basics of stringing and clasping a beaded bracelet using an array of Bumble Beads baubles! Materials are NOT included. Call to reserve your seat. Quick! Only 5 spots available. 

Rock Candy Rings

Saturday, April 9th 11:00-1:00

Cost: $45

Materials: not included

This new technique is as close as you can get to creating a strong, chunky and sparkling ring without the use of a torch or solder! It's called cold forging and we will learn the process of choosing the right shaped stones, cutting and hammering thick gauge fine silver wire, punching our own holes and using a simple wire wrapping technique. This class will accommodate up to 3 people.

Fused Silver Bracelet  

Saturday, April 9th 3:00-5:30

Saturday, May 14th 11:00-1:30
 

Cost: $55
Materials: not included

Create a chain bracelet using fine silver wire. This fusing technique requires no soldering, enabling you to readily create a substantial and beautiful bracelet using a small torch and firing brick. The size of this class is limited to 6 people. Basic wire working is a prerequisite to this class.

All Knotted Up
Sunday, April 10th 2:00-4:00

Saturday, May 28th 3:00-5:00

Saturday, June 11th 11:00-1:00 

Cost: $45
Materials: included

This class is "knot" difficult! You will learn to make a unique necklace using colorful silk thread and a variety of fresh water pearls and semi-precious stones. The size of this class is limited to 4 people.

Forged Clasps
Saturday, April 16th 3:00-5:00

Saturday, May 21st 3:00-5:00

Saturday, June 18th  3:00-5:00

Cost: $40
Materials: not included

Can't find the perfect clasp to finish off your newest creation? Make it yourself! Learn to forge three different types of clasps out of heavy gauge wire: toggle, hook-and-eye and "S" hook. We will be using a variety of pliers as well as a steel bench block and chasing hammer. Be sure to bring earplugs for a LOUD and fun hands-on class!  

 

Five Minute Wire Ring  

Sunday, April 17th 3:00-4:00

Saturday, May 14th 3:00-4:00

Saturday, June 11th 3:00-4:00

Cost: $20
Materials: not included

Learn the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to make a ring. The materials for a sterling silver version only cost about $4 and the most difficult part may be choosing which bead to use next! ...but why choose? Make a ring for every finger! The size of this workshop is limited to 6 students.

Earring Basics
Saturday, April 23rd 11:00-1:00

Saturday, May 28th 11:00-1:00

Saturday, June 25th  11:00-1:00

Cost: $50
Materials: included

Learn basic earring making techniques and leave with three distinctly different pairs. The earrings will be composed of sterling silver findings adorned with pearls, semi-precious and Czech glass beads. The size of this class is limited to 6 people.  

Herringbone Earrings
Saturday, April 23rd 3:00-5:00

Saturday, June 25th 3:00-5:00

Cost: $55
Materials: not included
*Prerequisite: Basic Wire

Learn to frame pearls, glass and semi-precious stones in an intricate wire weave. This technique adds a unique touch to your projects that is sure to be admired. In this class you will make three different pairs of earrings!

Calder Pendant
Saturday, April 30th 11:00-1:00

Sunday, May 15th 2:00-4:00

Sunday, June 5th 3:00-5:00

Cost: $45
Materials: not included 

Encase a special stone in a lovely, scalloped frame of heavy gauge wire. Inspired by the incredible work of Alexander Calder, this fun and flexible wire-wrapping technique accommodates a bead of almost any size or shape. You could also take a cue from Calder himself and encase something unexpected like a beautiful fragment of broken pottery. Whatever you choose, this technique will surely become a treasured addition to you jewelry-making repertoire.

Falling Leaves Necklace

Saturday, April 30th 3:00-5:00

Sunday, June 12th 3:00-5:00

 
Cost: $40

Materials: included

 

Learn to wire wrap these lovely top drilled Czech glass leaves and attach them to a delicate chain. The briolette is a very popular and eye catching teardrop shape. They requiring a few more steps then your basic wire wrap.  This technique will open a whole new world of possibilities! 

 Earring Components From Scratch

Sunday, May 22nd 12:00-2:00

Cost: $40
Materials: not included
Store bought chandelier components can be very expensive. In this class you will make two pairs of sterling silver chandelier findings and a pair of hammered hoops from scratch. Get ready to hammer out your aggressions!

Class Policies:
- Full payment is required upon sign-up.

- In order to receive a refund, cancellations must be made by calling BumbleBeads and informing a sales associate at least 48 hours before class time. If you are unable to cancel in time you may have a friend take your place. Within 48 hours of the class NO refunds and NO transfers will be given. NO exceptions.

- BumbleBeads MIGHT call to remind you of your class, but it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to remember and attend class.

- You may bring your own materials/supplies to class only if the class description specifies "Materials not included".

- Class fee includes the use of tools during class.

- Students receive 20% off their entire purchase of supplies on the day of the class*. (*Some exclusions apply)

- BumbleBeads reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment. You will receive a prompt refund if
your class is canceled.

- Bumble Bucks and other coupons do not apply toward class fees or discounted purchases the day of the class. 

Happy to bee here

Welcome beaders and craft enthusiasts to our very own blog!

We've been thinking of ways to communicate with our customers about our ideas, inspirations and exciting news regarding the shop. For 6+ years Bumblebeads has developed close friendships with our loyal and creative customers. We love exchanging stories about projects, accomplishments and new endeavors. To expand on this, we hope to share even more with you including pictures, inspiration boards, in-depth information about gems and stones, artist biographies, etc...

With this blog we'll share all that information and more with you so be sure to check back regularly for new posts.

Happy beading,

Bumblebeads