Its A Small Beady World

The Cube Queen Visits

Virginia Jensen, The Cube Queen

Yesterday,  a browsing customer remarked that I don't carry 2 mm cube beads.  I happen to be very proud of my cube inventory and thought to myself indignantly,  "Who does she think she is...The Cube Queen"???   It turns out it was Virginia Jensen, the author of the new book on beading with cubes, Contemporary Cube Bead Designs.  I have dubbed her The Cube Queen and she happily autographed her books that I have in stock.  We chatted about cubes and other things.  She was visiting from Grand Junction, CO, where she lives.  We discovered that my son and her granddaughter are in school together and know each other.   Small beady world, isn't it?  

My mom had already tested Virginia's book on her last visit to New Mexico and gave it a thumbs up. She remarked that "the instructions are very clear and easy to follow".  She thoroughly enjoyed making her bracelet.  It worked up quickly and is beautiful.  It will be on display at Poppyfield soon.  Come get an autographed book and some cubes and work up your own.  


I hope Virginia will come teach at Poppyfield one day.  If she does, I may even start carrying 2mm cubes.

HYBRIDS ARE HERE!!!!

Some of my customers who are on the cutting edge of bead products asked me about Hybrid beads.  HUH???  Again, it's a small beady world.  In this age of global exchange, Japanese bead company TOHO and Czech bead makers have collaborated to bring us the best of both worlds:  mixed breed beads - commonly termed hybrids.   These seed beads have the best of Japanese seeds - high quality, uniform size and shape, and large holes, with the unique finishes of Czech fire polish beads. The are marbled, lustrous, and sometimes metallic,  and have finishes that are called Apollo, Picasso, and Vega.  I have 25 new hybrids out.  I am starting with size 11's and 3mm Magatamas.  These will look great in your seed beads designs.  Try the magatamas in Kumihimo braids.  Ask us where and we'll show you these new additions.  More colors, shapes and sizes will be forthcoming.  

A sample of the unique, new "hybrid" beads

FREE DEMO - METAL STAMPING!!

Memorial Day 1:00- I will conduct an hour long free demo to illustrate the basics of metal stamping - (see the Moth and Moon on the previous post).  It is a great, fun, creative way to personalize your creations.  The store will open at 2:00 for shopping.  Poppyfield will be open our regular hours over the holiday weekend.    

Change of Plans

We have 2 upcoming Kumihimo classes open for registration through the Bead Society.
Intro to Kumihimo is on June 4th 6-9PM.  The class is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. 
I have had to change the date for the 2nd class, Kumi Bangles. It will be July 9th (Monday evening) from 6-9 PM.  Also $20/$25.  Call or come by Poppyfield to register.  Bead Society members may also register on the Society's web page.  

More Poppyfield Classes

Fun With Filagrees  with Julia Hecht, July 16th 6-9 PM - Design and Cold Connections, Basic wire and Riveting. All levels  $35
Enchanted Primrose with Margo Field - Intricate Seed Bead Necklace.  Intermediate to Advanced Level only. 3 Mondays:  June 18th, 25th, and July 2nd 6-9 PM or 3 Saturdays, August 4th, 11th, 18th, 1-4 PM, $75.

New Poppy Products

New TILA Bead Colors - yellows, pale greens, oranges, - Perfect for spring and summer
New Swarovski Bicones in Double AB's - Siam 2 AB, Jet 2AB, Amethyst 2AB, and more
Kumihimo Endcaps - Bullet Style now in Copper and Gold Plate sizes 4mm-8mm
Kumihimo Tubular Bails in Silver, Gold and Copper.  
New Swarovski Crystal Pearl Colors: Lavender, Brown, Rose Peach (toooo gorgeous)

Coming Soon

Beadsmith's Bead 'n Go Junior (The new small sized fold up bead mat and tray)
Tinier seed beads - More on these when they arrive  

...And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

by Julia L. Hecht

Let us not forget the season of the Miller Moths and the Super Moon - I commemorate these fleeting occurrences of nature in this necklace.  It was created using techniques from the Fun With Filigrees Class.  On Saturday we had a fun-filled, jam-packed class.   Students modified filigree components, mixed metals,  twisted wire into wrapped loops, and riveted.  I had a special a la carte table of individual beads and components for sale - a veritable smorgasbord of design possibilities.  Some students made replicas of my designs, while others came with their own ideas, and let them flourish and grow using new techniques and guidance.  We had beginners who'd never done a thing with wire and experienced twisters mixed together in this "something for everyone" class.  It was my first go at such a class, and I am pleased that everyone left satisfied and inspired. Some students were really surprised at what was possible - with really little or no other experience.  The class is being offered again on Monday, May 14th 6:00-9:00 PM.  It is $25, and a great deal for so much teaching.  

Kumi Bangles by Julia L. Hecht

Kumi Bangles is back!!  I had a sell out class last month and I am offering both a beginner braiding and the bangles class through the New Mexico Bead Society.  Intro to Kumihimo (Monday, June 4th 6:00-9:00 PM) offers beginning braiding, setting up the disk, and finishing.  You will leave with a finished satin rope double spiral necklace that is perfect for hanging a beaded pendant or focal piece.  The Kumi Bangles is the following week, Monday, June 11th, 6:00-9:00 PM.  Students learn several techniques that build on the basic 8 strand round braid (ie, the Intro class).  We will add seed beads and drops during braiding and learn how to plan a kumihimo design.  You can complete a beaded and fiber bracelet during the class.  Instructions include patterns for 2 more bracelets that you can do at home.   Anyone can register for these classes by calling or coming to Poppyfield Bead Company, or through the Bead Society (members only).   Bead Society Members are offered a reduced price at $20 each class.  Non-members are still eligible to take the classes at the regular rate of $25 each class.  


Speaking of Kumihimo...I've got all my Kumi Books back in stock.  They've been selling out in second.  So if you've been waiting for one, now's your chance.  End caps are back in stock in a variety of metals and ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm.   I also have some new  Kumihimo decorative bails that just arrived in copper and brass.  Just slide them on your braided rope and add a treasure to create a smashing necklace, in almost no time at all.   I've got beading cord (super nylon) in lots of colors for kumihimo or micro macrame with beads.   I am also carrying Joan Babcock's Micro Macrame book - It is very easy to follow and I've made several of her designs using this book myself.   


Brand new books just released are now available at Poppyfield:  Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies, and Contemporary Cube Bead Designs by Virginia Jensen.  They both look great - and I only regret that I am so busy with the store that I can't dive in and bead up these treats myself.  If you are intrigued by cube beads but just don't know what to do with them, Virginia's book is for you - lots of great bracelets!  


Check out our ever-expanding inventory of Swarovski double AB bicones in 3 mm and 4 mm.  Our complete inventory of high quality (but more affordable) Preciosa Czech crystal is always available in 3, 4, and 6 mm bicones.  

The new Bead and Button and Beadwork magazines are both here, but won't last long.  

Hope to see you soon!