Saturday, March 17, 2012

What's Old is New


Fun With Filigrees - Vintage Inspired Designs You Create

We are pleased to announce a new class to introduce a new line of products at Poppyfield. The Fun with Filigrees classes on Saturday, May 5th and Monday, May 14th will feature customer designed jewelry using filigrees and vintage-inspired metal components. There are so many ways to embellish and connect these pieces to design everything from simple earrings to elaborate necklaces. The classes will include cold connections, such as riveting and wrapped loops, manipulating the filigrees into settings, and layering with crystals and decorative glass beads. We will also work on design concepts using mixed metals, custom components, and chain segments. With samples, ideas and demonstrations of technique, each participant will be able to design and complete one or more custom pieces. Register for either session for $25 or take both classes for $40.

Celebrate Spring
(Mixed Metals- Riveting - Vintage Inspired)

Vintage Inspired Flower Tassel Earrings
(Glass Beads and Oxidized Brass Chain)

Open Heart Earrings

In keeping with the vintage theme, I will be offering a free wire class on Thursday, March 22nd from 1-2 PM. Back by popular demand is the Open Heart Earrings class that I offered on Valentine's Day. This is the design that led to the vintage-inspired line. I had bought a bunch of square filigrees to try out. When they arrived, I realized that I could capture a rivoli inside and use the filigrees as settings. I had so much interest in this class that I ran out of filigrees. Now I've got lots of the squares, and other filigree components too. I will offer a kit with the filigrees, jump rings, chain and earring wires. You choose the rivolis, crystal bicones, and wire. Check the Free Wire Class page for details about tools and supplies.

We've had 2 rounds of the Intro to Beaded Kumihimo Class, and it was a huge success. It was so rewarding for me to see the excitement as students grasped this new technique. It was as if a whole world of possibilities had opened up. And actually, it has. Right away, the questions began as to what's next? What's possible? In that vein, I am offering a stacking bracelet class. I will teach 3 kumi designs with beads and colored fiber that work together. You can make any of the 3 bracelets (or all) and wear them together: A "Kumi Bangles" concept. Class is Sat, April 21st from 1-4 PM. Kumi brand-new newbies can take a one hour Kumi Prep class at 11:30 that morning that will teach braiding and get you ready for the class at 1:00. Pictures coming soon. Stay tuned!

Intro to Bead Embroidery Pendant


Pendant on Kumihimo Braided Rope

There is still room in the Intro to Bead Embroidery Class this Monday, March 19th at 6:00 PM. If you've ever wondered how to make those gorgeous beaded collars and bezeled cabochons, this is the class that will get you started. You could be the next Sherry Serafini, but you won't know if you don't try. I've got everything you need at Poppyfield. If you want to give it a go, call and register, and we'll pick cabs and beads together before class. It will be a blast!

Who will be the next Sherry Serafini?
(Book Available at Poppyfield)

There are still a few places left in Margo's Dogwood and Pussy Willows Class on Saturdays, May 19th, 26th, and June 2nd. Class is $65 for nine hours of instruction and a fabulous pattern. It has been too long since the last Margo flower made of 15's. Don't you agree? Give us a call or come by Poppyfield to see the piece in person.

Dogwood and Pussy Willows
Necklace and Earrings by Margo Field


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Spring Forward

Dogwood and Pussy Willows by Margo Field

I saw my first tumbleweed this morning, rolling down Wyoming Blvd. The winds have gone mad already. So, Spring can only be just around the corner. Perhaps it's even here. To celebrate, we have a new spring class by Margo Field: Dogwood and Pussy Willows. It is some serious beadwork that you can really sink your teeth into. Isn't it fabulous? Margo strongly recommends Tulip beading needles for this project. These are the new, nearly indestructible needles from Japan. They are almost a pleasure to thread - they are flexible but straighten back out immediately. They are less likely to split thread. I have been using the 10 and 13 sizes for a project I am working on with embellishments that require tight beading. I can only say that they are indispensable, and I would not be able to complete the project without them. They are more expensive than the Pony brand, but you probably will only need to replace them when you lose them. They are available in only a handful of bead shops around the country, and I am pleased to say...we are one of them!

Upcoming Poppyfield Classes

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo this Monday evening! March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM, $40.
Intro to Bead Embroidery, Mondays, March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM, $40.
Dogwood and Pussy Willows, Mondays April 16th, 23rd, 30th 6-9 PM, $65.

The Intro classes are geared toward beginners, but suitable for all levels.
The Dogwood and Pussy Willows class is for intermediate to advanced beaders only.

New Products

  • We've got a great new selection of toggle clasps: Stars, Hearts, and more... as well as the old favorites . Most are available in silver plate, copper plate, and brass.
  • Brass Cuffs in 1" and 2" widths
  • New Delica colors are out for your purchase and pleasure
  • Select colors of Swarovski 3 mm bicones: including Jet 2AB (as well as our regular supply of Preciosa crystal)
  • Sugar skull charms in brass and silver
  • Every expanding Kumihimo department - disks, plates, satin, nylon, leather cord
  • April issue of Bead and Button - only 5 left.
Poppyfield Reminders

Monday is late night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Studio Poppy - bright, well lit, and smoke free, is available for your beading pleasure at no charge.(as long as we don't have a class running)

Hope to see you soon!!!