TexasBeaders is a YahooGroups  list for beadwork artists living in Texas. Its purpose is to share info about local bead resources, bead gatherings and retreats, classes, shows, bead stores, traveling bead vendors, beading techniques, bead websites and members' latest work.  This website provides additional resources for those wanting to learn more about the art of beadwork in Texas.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasBeaders/

This is a low-volume announcement only list for Retreat news.

When
Optional Early Bird Start - Thursday, January 19, 2012, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Retreat Weekend:
8:00 a.m.  Friday, January 20, 2012 thru 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2012
 

Where    
Hilton Garden Inn
1749 Scott Boulevard
Temple, Texas 76504
1-254-773-0200
www.temple.gardeninn.com
Across the street from Scott and White Hospital
 

$80   King, plus tax, per night
$85   Double or Junior Suite, plus tax, per night
When making reservations, request the Texas Bead Retreat rate. 
Reserve before Dec. 21st guarantee availability.

If booking 3 or more people per room, rates will be slightly higher.  Handicap rooms are available but are in limited supply so please book early.

The event takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn,  However, if hotel rooms are no longer available at the Hilton Garden Inn or if you prefer to stay at a different hotel, these are nearby hotels. 

New hotel across the street from the Hilton:
Candlewood Suites
1850 Scott Blvd & 37th Street NW
Temple, TX  76504
1-254-773-8342

These hotels are also close to the Hilton. The first two are less than a half mile from the Hilton and the last is about a mile away.

Hampton Inn
1414 SW HK Dodgen Loop
Temple, TX 76504 US
1-254-778-6700
 

Fairfield Inn
1402 Southwest H K Dodgen Loop
Temple, TX 76504 US
1-254-771-3030
 

Residence Inn
4307 South General Bruce Dr.
Temple, TX
1-254-773-8400

Classes

Classes are taught by fellow beaders who volunteer their time to teach us a new project.  Classes are usually about two hours.   Everyone can sign up for three classes. But, since the spirit of the Retreat is that we share our knowledge, we all pass on what we learned to our table mates when we come out of class.  So you'll spend the weekend learning many new things. 

Bead Sales

Once again Jane's Fiber & Beads is our on-site bead store. Jane carries a huge assortment of seedbeads in every size, shape and color you can imagine. Plus she will have Czech pressed glass, semi-precious, books, tools and other bead supplies.  

Unlike many bead events, the focus of the Texas Bead Retreat is on doing beadwork and not the business of beads. Therefore, we have an exclusive arrangement with our on-site bead store to provide the supplies we need for the weekend.

Sales by retreat attendees of non-competitive items are permitted but table-space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to sell any items, prior approval is necessary. Please contact Sandy before the retreat to discuss your items.

Bead Challenge

We were unable to send out a bead challenge piece this year. Instead we're using a theme "Through the Fire". You can make a piece specifically for the challenge or enter a piece that is appropriate to the theme as long as it was made no earlier than 2011.

The theme is in recognition of both the wildfires in Texas this year as well as the "trial by fire" many people have felt this year as they go thru personal crises. You can be literal in your interpretation with fire colors or motifs, or the piece may be symbolic of your response to the theme. Regardless of your approach, you must include a brief artist's statement of how the piece relates to the theme.

Complete your project ahead of time and bring it to the Retreat.  We'll award cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places as well as a People's Choice award.  Participation in the Bead Challenge grants permission to Texas Beaders to post photos of work submitted to Texas Beaders websites and blogs.

Bracelet Swap

Make a bracelet in one of these sizes:  6½, 7, 7½, 8, 8½ inches.  You will swap for a bracelet of the same size that you made.  On Saturday there will be a table set up where you can place your bracelet.  Wrap your bracelet with your name on the inside and the bracelet size on the outside.

Door Prizes

We have great fun giving away so many wonderful door prizes donated by such generous people. Check out some of our generous sponsors below. Please contact Sandy if you have items to donate. Those selling at the Retreat are asked to donate an item for Door Prizes.

    
For more information, contact:
Sandy Pardo
Elizabeth Harkins