Friday, July 29, 2011

Drop Everything and TWIST!


*****ANNOUNCING*****
DROP EVERYTHING AND TWIST!
FREE WIRE HOUR
EVERY TUESDAY 1:00-2:00 PM
and
THE OCCASIONAL MONDAY 6:00-8:00 PM

The FREE WIRE HOUR last Tuesday was a great success!! 11 people filled the tables of "Studio Poppy" to learn the secrets of making perfect wire loops and spirals. We had a lot of fun doing low- key twisting. Everyone left with new "tricks", nice loops, and pretty good spirals. I have received requests from a number of customers to offer a similar class after the work day. I can offer an hour or 2 on Monday evenings when there is no class scheduled and Solange, my trusted employee, is here to mind the store. This Monday evening, August 1st, I will offer 2 hours from 6:00 - 8:00. We will cover everything I taught this past Tuesday, plus what I will teach next Tuesday. You don't need to register or call. Just show up. There are no printed instructions, so bring something to jot down a few notes.

NEW FREE PROJECT - FIRECRACKER EARRINGS

Firecracker Earrings by Julia Hecht
(2 colorways shown)

The inspiration for these earrings was this 4th of July's amazing fireworks display in Pine Plains, NY . The big bead is the heart stopping BOOM and the wire dangles of color are the works.

I will teach these fun earrings during D.R.A.T. (Drop Everything and Twist) this coming week. The earring class will begin during the 2nd hour of Monday evening's 2-hr free wire class on August 1st, and again on Tuesday August 2nd from 1 -2 PM. It is an opportunity to practice and perfect wire loops and wrapped loops while creating something pretty to wear or give. Work with 2 different gauges of wire, seed beads, a large bead and accent beads. You will need: round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, flush cutters, nylon jaw pliers, 20 ga wire and 22 ga wire (copper based or dead soft wire recommended), size 11 seed beads in 1-3 colors, 2 size 6 beads, 4 mm accent beads, 2 12 mm beads ( I used Swarovski pearls), and earring wires. ALL supplies and tools are currently available at Poppyfield Bead Company. The class is FREE. There is no registration. Just show up!

CLASS UPDATE

Mexican Fan Earrings class tomorrow has SOLD OUT!!
Gingko Leaf Necklace with Diane Fitzgerald on Nov 4th has SOLD OUT!!

Registration is OPEN for:
Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings with Julia Hecht, 8/15 6-9 PM, $25
Fan Dance Necklace with Margo Field, 8/13, 20, 27 1-4 PM, (a few places are left) or 9/12, 19 and 26th 6-9 PM, $65.
Almost Infinity Bracelet with Julia Hecht, 9/10 and 17 6-9 PM, $40
Moorish Tile Beaded Beads with Diane Fitzgerald, 11/5, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, $85
Tropical Bauble with Diane Fitzgerald, 11/6, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, $85

See the "Classes and Shows" page for pics and details of these classes and for the class policies.

PRODUCT UPDATE

5 mm x 7 mm Czech Teardrops (drilled from top to bottom) in 20 different colors - Now at $3.00 for 25 beads. These are hard to find drops and may not be available after selling out.


Sunday, July 24, 2011

Come Twist With Us!

Come learn basic wire skills for FREE at Poppyfield. I am offering a free wire intro during Open Beading this Tuesday, July 26th 1-2 PM. I will pass on the techniques and tips that I learned from wire masters who've taught me. I will teach wrapped loops and spirals which are the basis for all other wire designs. You will be able to approach wire designs in books and magazines with a solid foundation. Get ready for the Almost Infinity Bracelet Class in September.
For Tuesday's class, you will need nylon jaws pliers, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and flush cutters. Bring your own tools and wire, or purchase what you need at Poppyfield. I currently have everything in stock. I recommend a copper based wire between 18 - 22 gauge.

NEW CLASS - ALMOST INFINITY BRACELET

Almost Infinity Bracelet by Julia Hecht

Learn wire weaving with and without beads to make this unique bracelet. Students will learn to use the jump ring mandrel, and 26 gauge wire to create these original links. Connect them and add a handmade clasp for a 100% handmade bracelet. Stop by Poppyfield to see this bracelet in person.
2 Saturdays - September 10th and 17th, 1-4 PM $40.oo

CLASS UPDATE

Mexican Fan Earrings Class with Julia - soon to sell out

Mexican Fan Earrings by Julia Hecht

A few places are left in Saturday's class. Use delica beads to create a bezel around a large bead and then embellish with crystals. You create a beautiful pair of earrings. PLUS - It is the jumping off point for more complex versions which I will demonstrate in class.

Margo's Fan Dance Class in August (3 Saturdays) is filling up and will likely sell out. If you are interested, now is the time to grab your place. There is also a Monday evening class in September. Check the classes page details, or stop by the store to see the real deal on display.

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings with Julia (me) is still open for registration - Monday Aug 15th 6-9 PM

Update on Workshops with Guest Bead Master Diane Fitzgerald
Gingko Leaf Necklace - SOLD OUT
Diane's other 2 classes - Tropical Bauble and Moorish Tile Beaded Beads are filling and are likely to sell out.

All classes can be found on the Classes and Shows page - with pics, detailed descriptions, dates and cost. You can register for all classes in person at the store, or call during store hours with a credit card. Payment holds your place.

JUST IN - ONE G THREAD BY TOHO

I am now carrying this new popular thread by Toho. It is a less expensive alternative to fireline- that doesn't snag and fray like nymo and is more fluid than fireline. It comes in 50 yard bobbins - I have black and white and a variety package of all the colors. Try it! Why spend on thread what you really want to spend on BEADS!
Thank you Dana A. for encouraging me to carry it.

REMEMBER

OPEN BEADING - TUESDAYS 1-4
LEARN TO TWIST WIRE, BEAD WITH FRIENDS, OR GET HELP FROM JULIA

LOOK FORWARD TO MONDAYS!
IT IS LATE NITE AT POPPYFIELD
OPEN EVERY MONDAY EVENING TIL 8:00 PM









Monday, July 11, 2011

Shine On!


Swarovski Crystal Pearls

The Albuquerque summer keeps shining on - and so do our beads. Today was my first day back in New Mexico after 10 days in New York. It was a lovely family trip, but I was excited to get back to Poppyfield. The New Mexico sun hit me hard after all that moist haze and shade. Then, I walked into the cool of the store and was reminded of how lucky I am. I spend my days surrounded by the shimmer of colored glass, punctuated by visits from all sorts of creative people. Solange and I had a busy day today and it was just great to be helping pick colors and selling beads.

Product News
I am getting ready to teach some more wire/ metal classes - including forging (hammering). In preparation for that I've now got chasing hammers and bench blocks for sale. Stay tuned for more on this class and other upcoming wire classes.

Class News
A Medallion Mix

There is still some room in the Mixed Media Medallion Class this Saturday 1-4 pm. This class sold out last month and was very popular. You will learn a variety of techniques including a peyote stitch bezel of a cabachon, working with paper, fabric, and adhesives. There is also instruction in making a wire spiral and wrapped linked bail - all this in 3 hours for only $25. This is the last class for this project -so don't miss out! Appropriate for all levels.

Other upcoming classes with a few spaces left are:

Margo's RAW Bon Bons on Saturday, July 23rd from 1-4 for $25 - You can make a bracelet with 7 gorgeous rivolis or substitute an 8 mm pearl or bead for a different look. ( Not for brand new beaders.)

My Mexican Fan Earrings class Monday July 18th 6-9 or Saturday July 30th 1-4 for $25. All levels class - appropriate for beginners too.
This teaches another very versatile technique for bezeling and embellishing a large round bead.
Delicas and crystal bicones - YUM!

Check the Classes Page for pics and more details about these and other classes in August and September.

Gingko Class With Diane Fitzgerald Soon to Sell Out
I've promised to let you know as Diane's November classes fill up and this one is almost full. You can register by phone with a credit card (Master or Visa) or come in to the store. I've got a sample on display. Diane promises to send me samples of the Moorish Tile Beaded Beads and the Tropical Bauble at the end of the month.

Remember- Tuesday is OPEN BEADING from 1-4 - I am available to help you with your beadwork and wire work.