New Beginnings

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo by Julia Hecht

I've been easing my way back to work and it's been a really nice experience. We had a great wire class last week: The Herringbone Weave Bracelet. Tomorrow I am teaching it again from 1-4 PM. We've still got some places left. So, if you are thinking about wire - this would be a great class - Participants will learn wrapped loops, weaving with narrow gauge wire, and creating your own clasp. A great deal for $25. Give us a call to find out more, or sign up.

New Classes

Introduction to Beaded Kumihimo Weaving with Julia Hecht (see pic above):

2 Saturdays, Feb 18th and 25th 1-4 PM or March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM. $40.

Learn the ancient art of Japanese braiding with the portable, modern Kumihimo disc. Weave a fiber necklace in a distinct spiral pattern, tie off and finish with findings - great for hanging beadwork. With the basic technique mastered in session one, we will use session 2 to weave with beads on every strand and create a fully beaded bracelet. Kumihimo will open a world of possibilities for creating beaded ropes in a variety of patterns. Geared to Beginners.

Bead Embroidered Pendant and Kumi Rope by Julia Hecht

Intro to Bead Embroidery with Julia Hecht: 2 Mondays March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM

$40. Learn to create a beautiful beaded and embellished focal piece and bail using embroidery and bezeling techniques. Geared to Beginners.

Coming soon: Advanced Classes

Modern Heart Necklace with Julia Hecht

Dogwood and Pussy Willow Necklace with Margo Field

New Poppy Products

We are happy to announce that we will be selling precious metal seed beads in smaller more affordable tubes. We are dividing the larger tubes by thirds and they will be sold for 1/3 the price. The 30 g tubes will still be available for purchase, but will not be hanging, so please ask at the counter. This is a process...we are starting with the size 11's. We would be happy to get a tube ready for you if it isn't out yet. Just let us know.

The new Beadwork magazine has arrived.

On the Way: Expected Next Week

18 mm Rivolis

Tulip Beading Needles sizes 10, 11, 13 (flexible but don't kink or stay bent!)

Tulip Fine Awls

Full stock of Kumihimo supplies including satin cord in 1-3 mm widths and leather cord. Kumihimo findings including end caps and bails.

More books and magazines

Hope to see you soon!!!

Have A Heart

The Modern Heart Necklace by Julia Hecht

I'm glad to be blogging this afternoon. I've been coping with a health problem that has kept me out of the shop and at home. Most days I have not been able to bead. However, I am happy to report that I am starting to regain my strength. It has been a slow process - everyday focused on doing what I need to take care of myself and recover. I am also happy to report that on the days that I could bead, I did. With Valentine's Day looming ahead, I had my heart set on a heart - specifically a contemporary 3-D puffed heart. After much trial and error I have The Modern Heart Necklace. This sleek, sculptural heart is made using delica beads and herringbone, peyote, and brick stitches. It measures just under one and half inches long and wide and is stuffed to puff up half an inch. Some of you may recognize that buried in that heart are teardrops from Diane Fitzgerald's book Shaped Beadwork. But isn't that fitting? The rope is done in tubular herringbone with built-in beads to add texture, color, and dimension. I had planned to have the class ready before Valentine's Day, but alas...the reality of my situation is that I will teach this class in the near future. But I can't set a date today. I will wait til I've really regained my health before I set up the class. I also want to do a few other versions - same heart with different graphics and colors, so you can be inspired by a design that reflects your passion.

INTRODUCING.....KUMIHIMO at Poppyfield

We now have a wonderful array of supplies for Kumihimo (Ancient Japanese Braiding) including a 6 inch foam braiding disk, 3 mm satin rattail and S lon cord in a variety of colors, 6 new styles of bead caps, and 2 books on the subject. The books retail at $21.95, but I am selling them for $15.50 - to help you get started. There are so many ways to combine beads and kumihimo. You can add beads after you've made your braid by sewing them onto the braid, or you can incorporate them in the braid as you go. The books outline everything step by step. You can teach yourself, or stay tuned for an upcoming class. Look for Kumihimo books and supplies in our Fiber department.

New Seed Bead Colors

We've got a bunch of brand new colors in size 11 seed beads. Stop in and check 'em out for yourself.

Upcoming Classes

Giant Poppy Ensemble with Margo Field, 2 Saturdays: 1/14 and 1/21, 1-4 PM, $40

(Prerequisite: Ornamental Poppy)

Herringbone Weave Bracelet with Julia Hecht, Monday 1/16 6-9PM, or

Saturday 1/28, 1-4 PM, $25 (Beginners Welcome)

The Modern Heart Necklace: TBA

Click on the "Classes and Shows" page at the top of your screen for pics and more details about the classes.

Update on Open Beading and Free Wire Classes

At this time I am not teaching free wire classes. I hope to resume when my health allows. STUDIO POPPY, features cushioned chairs, great music, and a smoke-free, friendly environment. Come bead or twist at your leisure, bring friends or meet new friends. The studio is open for walk-in beading as long as there is no class in session. When my health allows I will again be available to help you with your beading and wire projects on Tuesday afternoons.