Adrienne Gaskell's Journal 2005

November 29, 2005

The South Florida Bead Society continues to generate much interest with the local jewelry and beading community. We are 50 members strong and growing. With the number of new members we have at each meeting I think we should start planning the 100 Member Party. This month we are lucky to have Ralph West join us for a talk on Native American Jewelry, it's history and techniques. Ralph is also an authority on ancient beads and trade beads. He has offered to let us bring our beads to the meeting so we can learn more about our collections.

November 14, 2005

The Coral Reef Yacht Club Art Show in Coconut Grove Florida was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet some new clients. The show was so sucessful that I have been working non-stop ever since so that I will have some new pieces at the remainder of my winter shows.

October 10, 2005

We returned from Bead Fest in Philadelphia just in time for Hurricane Wilma. I had to cancel all November Bead Society activities as well as my Miami studio classes. Bead Fest was the first time I've taught my "Fringed Necklace" and "Flower Double Lariet" but will be offering both the classes in Miami soon. Kits will also be available soon on the web site.

September 29, 2005

Lions and Tigers and Beads, Oh My!
Okay, I know, they don't have tigers in Africa, but I couldn't resist. We really didn't want to leave South Africa or Zimbabwe. I have admired and recreated Ndebele beadwork for many years, but now feel priviledged to have spent a few blessed weeks with the Ndebele people. Their humble generousity and general good nature in the face of much hardship should be an iinspiration to all of us living in a rich, free society.

August 30, 2005

What a wonderful summer it was in Northern California. The first annual Soft Flex Art Glass and Bead Show at the Sonoma Lodge was a great event. My classes were well received in Sebastopol and I look forward to teaching there again next year. The American Craft Council Show in San Francisco showcased many extraordinary artists. Maybe next year I will be one of them.

March 14, 2005

South Florida Bead Society Becomes a Reality!

First Meeting: Wednesday May 25th. Social 6:30PM–7:00PM. General meeting: 7:00PM–9:00PM. This meeting will be a planning and idea forum, so please plan to attend so you can be a part of the future and direction of the society.

Monthly meetings will start in June and will be twice monthly to accomodate as many schedules as possible. Both meetings will cover the same topic.

Location: Coconut Grove Woman's Club, 2985 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove, Florida. Free on-site parking.

Weekday meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month. Social 11:30AM–noon.
General meeting: noon–2:00PM. Bring a bag lunch.
Evening meeting: 3rd Wednesday of the month. Social 6:30PM–7:00PM.
General meeting: 7:00PM–9:00PM

Anyone interested should contact either Adrienne Gaskell at 305-301-4976 or via email at Adrienne at AdrienneGaskell.com or Joyce Nelson at (305) 505-1147 or email Groveite at bellsouth.net.

March 7th, 2005

The Helio Art Gallery Show in Key West was a fantastic event. I was honored to have my fringed turquoise & coral necklace featured in the local newspaper.

I was flattered to be invited by the local bead artists to teach a techniques class on the mechanics of my finishing techniques to add clasps to bead woven jewelry with sterling silver wire for a more professional look. As soon we confirm a date, I will post the class information on my schedule.

February 21, 2005

The Shake-A-Leg Miami Art-By-The-Bay Festival in Coconut Grove was a huge success. Great weather, a wonderful crowd and lots of jewelry sales. There was a lot of interest in my bead weaving jewelry classes and I expect the February 26th and March 12th classes to fill quickly. There are a few seats left and I will be introducing some new kits so be sure to sign up soon. I met so many wonderful people and I really appreciated the enthusiastic response to my work. I had to reschedule the March 6th class because I have been invited to join several other art jewelers for a jewelry show at the Helio Gallery in Key West March 4th - 6th. I am looking forward to seeing some of my other jewelry friends and hopefully meet some new ones. I can't wait to see what new creations everyone has been working on. I'll be sure to get some photos to post.

February 7, 2005

What a fun class we had last week. Both Noel and Jeannette were able to finish their necklaces during the class and I think they were surprised that they came out looking so professional. They can't wait to start the next project. I found some wonderful new pearls and semi-precious stones on my shopping trip this week and will have some great new kits available for the next 2 classes. If you are thinking of taking one of the Ethnic Origins necklace bead weaving classes be sure to register soon because they are filling up fast. Hope to see you there.

January 31, 2005

I have 2 openings for my "Ethnic Origins" class next Sunday February 6th. This is a beginner bead weaving class. You will learn the basics of chevron chain as well as three different techniques for embellishing this easy necklace with combinations of semi-precious stones, crystals and pearls. Class kits will be offered in a variety of stones and colors. I also have opening for the "Spiral Pendant" class on Sunday March 6th. This is also a beginner bead weaving class. You will learn basic spiral rope stitch, as well as embellishing techniques, and a sturdy method of incorporating large beads and attaching a pendant. Go to Schedule to register.

January 24, 2005

We had a beautiful weekend at the Pincrest gARTens Art Festival. I was delighted to have received the award for "First Place in Jewelry" and will therefore have the opportunity to have a week long show later this year at the garden. I am looking forward to doing something new and exciting for that week and will be sure and let everyone know as soon as it is scheduled.

This show was the opposite of last weekend; great weather, small show (only 37 artists) and an incredible picturesque environment to top it off. Again I had an enthusiastic response to my jewelry with some interest in custom pieces as well as my jewelry classes. I was not surprised to hear that many people had attended the Beaux Arts Festival the previous weekend but had not seen me, but was surprised at how many who saw me there and came to this show because I had told them about it. Art patrons are a very fun and enthusiastic group of people.

January 17, 2005

It was a dreary but successful weekend at the Beaux Arts Festival at the University of Miami. I was honored to have received a “Patrons Award”, and now Janice Cresap Pryor is the proud owner of my fabulous shell necklace featured in the Archive. Even with rain throughout the day on Saturday a fair amount of die-hards showed up in rain gear prepared to have a good time in spit of the weather. Which was very smart because they were able to enjoy the show without having to fight the crowds.

This was my first time doing this show and was a little concerned about the weather and also that the show was too big for people to visit all the booths, there were over 360 artists. But my concern was unfounded and I was overjoyed with the enthusiastic response to my jewelry and incredible interest in my jewelry classes and kits. I will definitely plan on attending next year. Thanks to everyone who visited my booth.