With our EOFY online sale over, we have a very quick newsletter this month, to let everyone know of our current monthly special (running until the end of the month), our upcoming classes at our Cheltenham store and the craft shows we'll be attending at the end of the month.

With wild weather down here in Victoria, it seems we're truly in the depths of winter - perfect beading weather!

These fantastic colourful beads are currently on sale: were $4 now only $1 per 25gram pack.  Sale prices are available online and instore, until the 31st July.

Also on sale:

• BULK beading wire - were $15, SALE $8 per set (online & instore)
• BULK hangsell bags - were $1.50-$2.50, SALE $1-$2 (online & instore)
• Mixed charm packs - were $3, SALE $1 (online & instore, stock varies)
• Select colours of glass pearl - were $3, SALE $1 (online & instore)

Our latest set of beading classes is now available to see on our website! Come along and join in on the fun and excitement of jewellery making, with classes available for those just starting out, to the more advanced. Class numbers are limited, so call and book into the class of your choice today. Classes are held at our shop in Cheltenham, Victoria. Don't forget that we have a great range of free beading instructions available for download.

A beginners stringing necklace must be completed before attempting an advanced class. Advanced classes change every month - keep an eye on our website for the latest list! Our upcoming classes are:

Wednesday 3 August, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

***ADVANCED – $18 per person, includes all materials***

Using hardened memory wire eliminates the need to use a clasp, making putting a bracelet onto your wrist a snap! In our 1.5 hour class, you will work with memory wire, glass crystals and metal tubes to create a simple yet effective bracelet.

Colour of findings is silver, gold, copper or bronze - students are able to choose colour of beads on the day. Class sizes limited, so call us on 9584 1678 to book in today.

Saturday 20 August, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

***ADVANCED – $22 per person, includes all materials***

Working with tigertail, glass pearls and metal tubes, in this class you will learn how to bring three strands into one, finishing with a bead cap to keep everything neat and tidy.

Colour of findings is silver, gold, copper or bronze - students are able to choose colour of beads on the day. Class sizes limited, so call us on 9584 1678 to book in today.

Melbourne Craft & Quilt Show - we'll be at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from July 28th (Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 4.30pm).  Make sure you swing by and checkout the bargains to be had (stand number A21).

Canberra Craft & Quilt Show - we'll be at Exhibition Park In Canberra in Mitchell from August 11th (Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm).  Make sure you swing by and checkout the bargains to be had (stand number A10).

Tourmaline is a complex and varied gemstone.  Coming in a huge range of colours (including red, pink, black, brown and even colourless), the really special pieces can have several colours in the one, the most well known variety of such being called watermelon tourmaline.

The frog on the left, found at the GIA headquarters in Carlsbad, California, is one such example - it has been exquisitely carved from a single piece of tourmaline by the extremely talented carver, Gerd Dreher.