Goodmorning to all!!  I have been painting and and painting and there is still more painting to be done at my little shop.  I will be opening Katherine's Beads at 116 E. Calhoun St. in Woodstock Illinois on Saturday July 6th whether I am ready or not.  I am hopeful that I will be ready enough..My sign is finished and Ken from Starline did a great job!!

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I also have some other wonderful news.  I just became a Grandma!!  Little Wyatt Patrick came into the world June 18th on my husbands birthday.  What a gift..

A sneak peak at my new location off the Woodstock square

 I took a ride to Woodstock today and took a few pictures of my shop to be.  I also was hoping the folks occupying the space were almost out but it's not June 1st yet. They are still working in there.
For those of you reading my blog for the first time and know me from the Starline Gallery in Harvard this may come as a supprise.  I am moving my studio just off the square in Woodstock and am opening up retail hours at the Blossom Shop, (soon to be called Katherine's Beads) in June.  My target date to open is June 15th but this isn't written in stone.  I have lots of painting and redecorating to do before I open my doors.  But I plan to work day and night until its done.  I am bubbling with excitement about my new space.  Once I am in I don't plan on going anywhere for a long, long time...
My shop will be open retail hours Tuesday through Saturday.. I don't have my hours down yet but I will keep you updated.  At this time it is only me running the shop but as time goes on I hope to bring in some part time help and expand my hours opening Monday and possibly Sunday afternoons.
Here are some picture but I plan on brightening this place up a bit.  I see some flower planters in its future and maybe some hanging baskets to bring the place alive.

Blossom Shop soon to be called Katherine's Beads

Planters with some flowers will look nice..

I have yet to find out more about the shop next to me...

We are across the street from the back of Seasons By Peg which is on the square.

We are kiddy corner from the King Smokehouse which is known for having great Ribs...

Hi Friends,
My last blog post I mentioned I was moving my studio to the Woodstock square in June.  With that said I will be in and out of my studio periodically and will be closed for retail hours during the month of May.  I will open to appointment though.  Feel free to call me at 815-276-3399 and we can set a time.  Thanks for your understanding.  I have lots of stuff to move...

Aprils 4th Friday was another wonderful night filled with lots of newcomers to Starline.  It's so fun see the reaction on peoples faces as they explore the Factory with awe.  I had lots of new and returning customers.  Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support of my bead and jewelry studio. 
This Saturday April 27th my doors will be closed to retail hours.  My daughter is home from college for the weekend and we are spending time shopping for baby items for my little grandson who will be born sometime in June. Then my daughter in law will be having her first baby shower on Sunday. 

I do have some news about the status of my studio at Starline.  I will be making yet another move. Call me crazy but I am leaving Starline at the end of May to reopen Katherine's Beads located off the Woodstock square at 116 E. Calhoun St. Through lots of pray and long talks with my husband we have made the decision to leave the beautiful Starline.  Business has been slow and we realize Woodstock would be a better location for  retail.  We are taking over the Blossom Shop on Calhoun St. right on the perimeter of the Woodstock square.  What I love about this location is number one, the shop space itself is larger and brighter than my old space on the square and number two it has a parking lot right beside it for my customers.  What more could I ask for. 

I will be staying at Starline through May and will be participating in the two events planned.  May 10th is a open studio night for the public to come and join the artists as they feature their new upcoming spring arts and crafts and of course the May 4th Friday event.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon. 

Good morning!  Today April 6th my little bead shop won't be open until 12:00.  I look forward to seeing you then....

Greetings friends,
Today March 29th and March 30th I will not be open at my studio.  If you decide you would like to come please give me a call and we can set an appointment.  Just call me on my cell at 815-276-3399.  Have a great Easter weekend...

Marches 4th Friday at Starline came and went without me doing any preboasting. Time slipped through my fingers this month and before I new it 4th Friday was here.  In spite of the fact I never got postcards out to my wonderful customers and friends it was still a successful evening. I met lots of new people and my pilates instructor showed up to boot. Yes, that's you Anita. Anita is the kick but pilates instructor from Woodstock rec. center. Anyone within 15 miles of Woodstock should come and join her class. It's great but let me warn you, she has no mercy. (LOL) I keep going back though...

Here are a few pictures of some of the Friday night visitors I had. Check out the lady in the sunglasses. I use them as a prop but I got two offers on them that night. I just wasn't ready to part with them. I didn't know the two guys on the sofa but they sat and stayed a while. The guy with the bow tie loves vintage and took an interest in some of my antiques but wasn't ready to pull out his wallet that night. Maybe next time...

Barb shot this pic of me at the end of the evening...

Do you think he is wearing a toupee?

Starline visitors...

These guys were hanging out enjoying themselves.

Erin and her hubby...