Friday, April 22, 2011

Blooms and Looms


If you've been to Poppyfield you know there is always something "blooming". Whether it is the live blooms of orchids or geraniums or the beaded blossoms of the Renaissance Rose and the Phoenix Phlower class projects, flowers abound. Now I've got looms in addition to blooms. I have 2styles of bead looms for sale. Our simple intro loom is made of hard plastic and is $6.50. It is perfect for the Keep It Simple Bracelet Class, now open for registration.
Intro loom by Eagle Crafts
and a book of fabulous loom projects

Versa Loom from Sova Enterprises (a local business!) is known nationally as an innovative adjustable loom. It is available for $24.95.





One of my customers, Paul Toya, makes native loom work into leather biker cuffs, with studs and all. He brought his own custom loom in the other day to pick some colors. I had to share his ingenuity with you. He created his loom from a discarded small door frame and 2 old combs.

Paul's Loom - Pretty Clever!

Poppyfield Product Update
Now available for purchase:
  • Ultra-suede
  • Lucy's Stiff Stuff
  • Size 13 Czech Charlottes
  • 4 mm Preciosa Crystal Bicones (3mm coming soon)
  • Bead Buddy Beading Boards with Lids (great for stringing)
Class Update
  • Phoenix Phlower MONDAY class - SOLD OUT!!!
Seats available in:
  • Renaissance Rose SATURDAY class
  • Keep It Simple Loom class (MONDAY)
  • Phoenix Phlower SATURDAY class (6/4, 6/11, 6/18)
Check the Classes and Shows Page on this blog for more details about classes

Friday, April 15, 2011

Milestones

Everyday at Poppyfield brings growth. This past week was marked by our inaugural class, The Poppyfield Chain, on Monday evening. Eleven students registered. Several were brand new, and had never ever stitched seed beads! It felt historic, with Bead Master Margo Field leading an intro class in Studio Poppy, our brand new classroom / beading studio. By the second hour, the newbies were beaming as their little floral chains grew by the work of their own hands. On Thursday, 3 of the students were back in the store discussing their projects. Eli, my 12 year old son, was just completing his own Poppyfield Chain and joined in the fun, comparing color ways and accent beads.

Studio Poppy at Poppyfield Bead Company

Margo's instructions are EXCELLENT, as usual and easy to follow, even without the live class. The Poppyfield Chain instructions are available at the store for $25. I've made up mixes of accent beads for easy and affordable shopping for this project.

Pressed Glass Flowers in Unique and Affordable Mixes


PRODUCT UPDATE

Notice the delica display in the above photo. I have 224 delica colors NOW available, but that is just the beginning. A second display with just as many colors will be out soon.

Delica Teaser - Don't You Want To See Them ALL???

Clasps Galore now available - A variety of toggles, multi-strand sliding clasps (from 3- 5 strand capability), and snap clasps are ready for purchase.

CLASS UPDATE

Registration is open for Renaissance Rose, Keep It Simple Loom Bracelet, and Phoenix Phlower. Check the Classes and Shows Page on this site for photos and class schedule.

POPPY REMINDERS
  • Monday is late nite - we are open from 2 - 8 pm. Come relax and peruse the beads after work - or even after dinner.
  • Class instructions are available for purchase after the first class meets.
  • Open beading in Studio Poppy during store hours (except during classes)
  • Now accepting Visa and Mastercard
  • Wheelchair accessible parking and interior


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Wired Up!!


Poppyfield Bead Company's Wire Department

Poppyfield is finally WIRED! I have a large selection of brightly colored copper wire in gauges ranging from 16 to 34. Colors are nothing less than exquisite and enticing - peacock blue, fuschia, and chartreuse, red, tangerine....COME IN AND SEE. I also have some natural colors such as gold, silver, and natural copper. The colors will not tarnish, and neither will natural copper, non- tarnish silver, and gold. However, I made sure to order tinned copper and bare copper which will tarnish and can be patinated. The beauty and depth of oxidized metal is not to be overlooked. I know some of you are experienced twisters and will be excited to try out these colors. I have some great new books with woven designs, which are the latest wire craze and a beautiful new Chain Mail book from Lark Publishing. There are books on crochet and knitting with wire, and that's what those really fine gauges are for. For those who've never worked with wire...don't be intimidated. I will have some classes for starting up. But, until then, I've got some great beginner books such as All Wired Up by Mark Lareau (the book I used to teach myself) and Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry from Interweave Press. With these books and a basic tools, you can start making your own findings, such as bails, clasps and earring wires. I've got lots of tools for a variety of purposes, including pliers, mandrels, hammers, and various cutters. I also have 2 really nice wig jigs and a variety of peg sizes.

CLASS UPDATE

Inaugural class approaching! The Poppyfield Chain Bracelet class taught by Margo Field is THIS MONDAY evening from 6-9 pm. It is appropriate for all levels, including new seed beaders. $25.00
Poppyfield Chain Bracelet
by Margo Field

Bobbie Yoakum's Renaissance Rose Necklace is now open for registration. The class meets two Saturdays from 1-4, May 7 and May 21. There are 2 weeks between classes to allow for time to get all the components finished so you can assemble the final piece at the second class. This piece is large and beautiful, but not complicated. Advanced beginners can take this class and create something very special. The center is a 30 x 40 cabachon. $45

Renaissance Rose by Bobbie Yoakum

Keep It Simple Bracelet is a loom project that can be completed during class. Bobbie Yoakum, well-known for her incredible creations on the loom is teaching this. This is an all levels class and a perfect introduction to the loom. Learn from the start with a master! 2 Mondays: May 16th and 23rd at 6-8 pm. A bargain at $25.

Keep It Simple Bracelets in Blue and Red
by Bobbie Yoakum

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field. A 3-session advanced project with Margo. Even if you've sworn you'll never do another flower, you won't be able to resist the Phlower on this necklace. The center is a 14mm rivoli and the rest is Margo's secret recipe. Stop in at Poppyfield and see it for yourself. 3 Mondays: April 24, May 2, May 9 at 6-9 pm or 3 Saturdays: June 4, 11, 18, at 1-4 pm. $65
Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field

***A reminder that your place in the class is reserved upon payment. You may pay by credit card over the phone. Classes are non-refundable.