birthday parties in your home!

Well, we had a great Sunday! We went to a private home to have a birthday party for a 6 yo girl and had a blast! This is the first home party we "entertained" at and it was a lot of fun. The kids loved being in their friends house AND having a wonderful craft party.

If your interested in having us come to your home for a 1.5 - 2 hour party, call me today to block your space. The package was the #1, we brought the kits, (beads, supplies, balloons, table covers and tee shirt).

Call today to lock in your date!
847-966-2323 Luz (Lucy)

Handmade Holidays for 2008

There is so much talk about the economy, finances, Presidential race, and what YOU should be doing or looking out for. For many of the boomers as they start to retire they have taken the biggest kick in the seat when they switched to bond funds and now two of the undoubtably largest, Freddie and Fannie are down and out.

This is reminicent of the great depression the economist say. SO like then we can move forward and push the same values and concerns to todays time.

Given the anemic environment, Wells expects discounters to keep faring well as shoppers focus on price. Joshua Thomas, a spokesman for Target Corp., which has been hurt in this weak economy because of its emphasis on nonessentials such as trendy jeans and housewares, said the chain is focusing on gifts under $25 in its holiday marketing.

Just by reading this blog, your aware we are a full service bead store, a small little niche market in a smaller global economy. We buy our beads from around the world and besides the cost of shipping, manufacturing and inventory holding time, everything is getting more and more expensive thus making the margins of profit smaller and smaller for the retailers.

Above is a logo and link of a pledge we took. Shopping locally helps everyone in our communities and fostering HANDMADE items restores the warmth, love and consideration of those who you either make or buy it for.

Whether your a beader, quilter, painter, artist or wood worker, check out the site and this holiday season, let's all band together to make it a HANDMADE HOLIDAY!

Class schedule for the remainder of 2008

Well, it's almost the hardest thing to do in the bead world! Try to create a schedule that has new items, times where most people are interested or available and have that work around the times when the store isn't busy so you can get the most out of your class.

Once again, I think I did it! If not, just call me and we can schedule a private class for you and your friends or children.

The picture above is a new class. Made of Swarovski bicones and seed beads, this beginning weave is a great beginning to test your eyes and learn new skills. Pick your colors from over 64 available and let's get busy!!

Call me today @ 847-966-2323 to schedule your class.

August classes online

Whew, where has this summer gone? Kids go back to school in a couple weeks, it will be getting colder soon and yet it seems like the Summer just began.

In case you haven't noticed, I've been trying different classes, times and days of the week. Seems everyone who inquires has a different schedule and I always knew I couldn't please everyone (Thanks P.T. Barnum) but there has to be a happy medium out there! Give me time, i'll find it! LOL

Ednahs wire scuplting classes have really begun to pick up!

I really appreciate you and the time that you take to come by Morton Grove and come into the store. Thank you very much.

Sadly, our neighbor across the street had to close his foundry (jewelry) shop. He manufactured pendants and jewelry tubes an spacers in any metal and finish. Eddie will be missed, but, before he left he was nice to us and pretty much donated much of his lapidary and watch repair kits to us. So each night we've been working and growing our knowledge to give you some more great options to compliment your "STYLE".

The repair depart of Adelia's has been very busy. Not only do many of you want to fix your jewelry, but I'm having a blast working with you to rework your existing jewelry and create really attractive NEW jewelry for you.

Next weekend we will be at the EDISON PARK FEST. Due to scheduling we will be closed on Saturday August 16.

See you soon, Luz (lucy)

July classes are online!

Hello, in addition to announcing that the July schedule is online, I've also added a different feature. You know like our "Open beading night" on Tuesday's? Well I realize that many of you have kids, spouses, work, traffic but.... I also know many are retired, have flexible schedules (Nursing/service sector jobs/teachers on vacation) so I've added, sort of a BREAKFAST CLUB type of open beading. It's on every other Thursday morning from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.. Obviously you can stay longer!

For more info, give me, Luz, a call today @ 847-966-2323 to learn more!

Also, if your planning for your daughters birthday party, i'm getting alot of inquires and bookings this week for July and August. I'm sure September will be filling up shortly too, so don't hesitate to check and lock in your date!

Luz

Latest update on Krystal

Well, we received good news and bad news on our puppy. For those who haven't known us yet, we are, in our opinion, the the biggest animal slobs around. Jay feeds the strays on our porch, front and back, we have too many cats to mention and ONE big old Saint Bernard, Krystal.

In April, a day before Jays birthday, Kristal turned 12! Can you believe it, a 12 year old, 140# Saint. So, she's been moving kinda slow and our daughter in law took her to the vets for another checkup. Her heart, blood and other tests are fine, but she only has perephial vision and the vet things in a few weeks she'll lose her vision. That's sad, but hey, she woofed down a doublecheese burger tonight in record time, found it and sucked it down! Her nose works fine!!!!

Now she's looking for Jay to cook her eggs!

Oh yea, she hasn't stepped on any cats, isn't he lucky?

Happy graduation to all the graduates and parents!

This weekend is the BIG event for Northwestern graduates. Congratulation on a job well done! And to all the parents of students who will be or have recently graduated, pat yourself on the back for climbing and overcoming a great feat.

Adelia has always done our part to help you guys. Remember when you come in to show us your college id's and you'll automatically receive 10% off any of your purchases. Hint, Moms, bring the kid along and have them pay, this way you can save also. High School grads who haven't yet received the college id, just bring in and show off your diploma. yup, you'll get to stamp Adelia too!

For those of you who love our $7.00 table, we will be getting that in shortly. But, be aware, the price has gone up to $8.00 a strand. Seems the price of fuel and shipping from the manufacturer to us has really climbed. It goes from mining, to the lapidary shops to the ocean container, to the shipper and over to our store. You'll notice we can save you money by purchasing directly from the manufacturer and cutting out one layer. This is how we pass the savings on to you.

This summer i've signed up to be at the Glenview Summer Fest and the Edison Park festival. If your planning on going to these, stop by and say hi! (Jay will be tending to the booths, if you haven't met him yet, make it a point)

Adelia's Closet - full service bead store ~ Morton Grove, IL ~ 847-966-2323

Adelia's Closet - full service bead store ~ Morton Grove, IL ~ 847-966-2323

Jun 14, 2008: Adele Rogers Recklies Bead Crochet Snake Bracelet

Time: 9:30 - 3:30 [Break for lunch]

Location: Adelia's Closet 9227 Waukegan Morton Grove, Illinois

Level: Intermediate or Advanced

Limit: 12 students

Pre-requisite: Knowlege of bead crocheting

Price: Members $50 - Non members $95

Supplies: Kit $35

alternatively supply list availble contact Pat Jeffers jeffersdesign@aol.com

Materials/Tools to Bring: Task Light (optional), bead dish, size 10 beading needles, size 7 sharps sewing needles, scissors, pencil, paper, straight pins.

The class is open to Intermediate or Advanced bead crocheters. Students will learn the an alternate method of stringing, the bead single crochet stitch, increasing and decreasing, and working on two sides of a foundation chain. The adjustable snake bracelet can be finished off with a rattle or a loopy tail made of seed beads, crystals, and glass flowers.

Adelia's Teacher and students

Hey, i'm in the process of updating the new entry. Be sure to check back and see the bio of our teacher and, a wonderful student is shown off!!!

* also, LOL, I had to do something to move the last entry down. I didn't want to delete it, but the new strand table will be here shortly. The last one sold out, hope you got some.

$7.00 strand table is BACK!

Just received, today, the latest shipment to add to the table. New products, more coral and some funky semi-precious things, i'm not sure of........

Hurry in for best selection.

Many changes are happening

WoW, what a week. First off, if you are not aware, we belong to an alliance of full service bead stores. To join there was a list of criteria which we had to satisfy, out of all the full service bead stores in Illinois, we were chosen! That was last year and, Well, this alliance is really starting to grow.

The alliance, LOCAL BEAD STORES has recently updated it's web site to offer better content to you! The alliance is made up of a select group of stores in the USA and Canada and are reviewing stores from other countries as well. What we offer that is different, better, more complete than other alliances is sourcing, (meaning group buying to save you money) sharing of knowledge, trading products amongst ourselves and working to teach each other new skills, tips and tricks of the trade in order to be able to give you the best buying experience we can offer.

Last week, I put out a sample of AGATE slices. If you didn't come in to see them, you missed them, they are all gone! We ordered more and they will be in shortly.

A local women in town, Amy Grabowski is raising money for the Avon walk for breast cancer and asked us to help her. She handcrafted some pretty neat jewelry holders made of cotton fabric and screen. We posted them on our online store for you to see and maybe assist her in raising money?

And how did you spend your Sunday morning?

How about this Hillary Clinton?

No matter what your political affiliation, hopes and or dreams are, ya gotta love her jewelry!

Except for Pelosi and her pearls, Hillary has brought out an incredible endorsement for the bead business in recent history.

Time of the year = PEARLS

Well, my $7 dollar table is gone! sigh,,,,, but, I've reached into my storeroom, you know the one behind the door that i'm embarrased of? yeah, that one. This week i'll be stocking up the pearls. I've also been "baggin' and taggin'" all Sunday. Now I've got to hang it!

Below is an article from Sher Matson a writer of many articles. I thought it was appropriate to post it here as it was written in March and fits in great with this topic.

Pearls never go out of style - they are always a classy and traditional wardrobe accessory that will never disappoint you. But this year they are a "front and center" fashion statement! So with more people in the market for pearls now is a good time for some "pearl talk."

The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewelry - classic and seeped in tradition. Well things they are a changing! The pearl is has had a very glamorous make over! Yes, the classic strand still exists as it always will. But we warned we are seeing some vary daring looks from the pearl this season. Extra long lengths, tasseled multi strands, pearls with semi precious stone accents, pearls on gold or silver chains. The pearl has been transformed into a fun and fashionable accessory.

So if you're going to be in the market for pearls this year here is what you should know.

The opera length necklace simply never disappears from the fashion scene. They measure 36" or longer and they can be worn as a long single lean line, doubled up, tied in a knot, wherever the moment takes you. These long strands are terrific for dressing up a pair of jeans or semi casual look.

This season for first time, we are seeing pearls mixed with colored gems such as Amethyst, Peridot, or Topaz. They compliment each other nicely - pearls with their soft and subtle shades mixed with semi precious gems with their vibrant and bold color. Picture it - what a fashion statement!

· Pearls mixed with silver is also new this season. Long silver chain dangle earrings accented with pearls, or freshwater droplets set on silver.

· This season the pearl is all about the color. Pearls are available in many hues but this season the "hot spot" is "lavender" and the lavender family ranging from pale iris to plum.

Remember when you freshen your wardrobe for the spring, freshen your jewelry too and Make Your Fashion Statement!

This is copied from the website of Sher Matsen

Spring class schedule

Hi, just a quick update to let you know that the class (workshop) schedule will be available at the end of this weekend. I've got some new items on it that should tickle your fancy.

The hardest part of doing a schedule for this is trying to please everyone with the time requirements you've mentioned. We've thought about being like some stores and only offer the classes on a specific day, but that will limit most of you. Trying to be as customer friendly and considerate, i've spattered the classes about throughout the week and times of the day.

If I can get a number of you to reply with what the best time of day, day of week works the best, maybe I can focus more clearly on the schedule and you will be able to have a better time!

Talk to you soon,
Luz

What to do with a 1,000 sq feet.

Last night was a late night. After the store closed, Jay and I rearranged some of the store. Sometimes when you look at the walls, you have a great "master" plan. The good and bad of a location is just that, location. Our store is 50% windows, and therefore we loose 50% of our available retail hanging space. We do gain great street awareness and exposure. So, my main challenge is where to put the merchandise and still have it visually appealing and easily accessible!

I imagine when we've been here 15 years or so, we'll have a tremendous amount of inventory, left over from the years, of items that haven't moved. Then we'll look like older stores with boxes and bins and nooks and crannies to stuff. But, for now, we're happy having the space so we can accomodate birthday parties.

See, we have the worktables in the store, offer open beading on Tuesday nights and welcome everyone to come in and use the tables. We'll let you borrow our shop tools and several people do use them for this purpose. The tables are also great for husbands to read the paper and the kids to do some coloring in the coloring books that are available. We also use of the space for the birthday parties. So filling up the front with too many tables and displays only makes it unworkable when we have a party. Ahh the challenges of a bead store owner!

Now that I have made room, it's time for me to get busy on Monday, "bagging and taggin" all the findings in the back room!

Have a good week,
Luz

Wow, what a weekend!

Last weekend was a blast! Four birthday parties in the store! Friday night, Saturday night and two on Sunday. The neat part, is seeing the girls again after being here for their friends birthday party.

Now if we can get these Hannah Montana songs out of our head.......

I had a scare Monday Night

My puppy, Krystal, a 12 yo Saint Bernard tripped and fell on the ice while I was walking her. She managed to limp home and I had a vet check her out. She's fine, happy and healthy. Vet said the body of an 8 year old! We did make her a new bed and she got new food and water dishes, the tall one so she doesn't have to bend as much.

Free jewelry making classes!

Adelia’s Closet is offering all of their beginning beading classes for free!

Conveniently timed at 9:00am Monday through Saturday!

Adelia’s Closet, located in Morton Grove, is offering all of their beginning beading classes for free for the second quarter of the year. Shop owners Luz (Lucy) Lee opened the doors on September 24th, 2005.

I'm excited to be able to bring a bead store to the north shore burbs. There are so many people interested in beading and i'm very excited to teach and introduce others to the wonderful world of beads. Keeping with this excitement, I want to encourage all who are interested in jewelry making to come and visit and take as many free classes as you’d like."

Adelia’s Closet offers a full range of beads from semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, Lampwork beads by nationally recognized artists, Czech glass beads, pendants, charms and a large assortment of beading and jewelry making supplies. Along with the beads, we offer a collection of sterling silver jewelry for those looking for gifts, gift certificates and affordable repair services and birthday parties!

Adelia’s owners have put much thought into making the store comfortable for everyone. “We have tables where you can sit, relax and use our tools to make some jewelry.

Adelia’s Closet is located at 9227 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, IL 60053, one half mile south of Golf Road. The pace bus stops in front of our plaza as well.

Adelia’s Closet’s is open six days a week. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday til 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday is reserved for birthday parties.

For more information or shop directions, please call 847-966-2323 or visit us on the Web at http://www.adeliascloset.com/

# # #