Saturday, June 30, 2012

Czech Us Out



White and Copper Peacock Daggers
Matte Blue Peacock Daggers
Some wonderful Czech beads are here! Wendy and I have been busy getting them ready for you.  (Solange is on vacation and will be back July 5th). I've got a slew of new daggers including Peacock Daggers.  They look great at the end of fringe and tassels.  They are also artful enough to stand alone as a single embellishment.  Use them in the Triple D Earrings class (July 30th or Aug 25th) or create your own design.


******SPIKE BEADS******



A new bead shape is now on the scene:  SPIKE BEADS -  I have these edgy glass beads in 3 sizes and a number of colors and finishes.  Use some cute tiny spikes to embellish or make a large bead the focus of your design. If you like to try new things or "bead on the edge" come check out our spikes.  I predict these cool beads will be showing up in magazine projects soon.  I hope to spend today experimenting with spikes and size 15 beads.  Life is good!


Tinier Beads Have Arrived!  15/0 Czech Charlottes -  These are the ones that Laura McCabe made a necessity for peyote bezels. They also make beautiful, delicate 3-bead picot embellishments.   Available in Matte Silver, Antique Gold, Antique Gold Iris, and Bright Copper Plate.  Five gram tubes start at $4.50.


Size 12 Tulip beading needles from Japan now available.  Perfect for those tiny charlottes. 


Take your metal components to a new level with "patina" pigments.  You can apply them with sponges or paintbrushes.  Layer and blend them for an endless array of options.  Seal them with glaze.  Pigments and glaze by Ranger.   Find them in our Tools Department.  Mix media and surprise yourself!


Metamorphosis ID Bracelet
Brass Butterfly with "Patina" pigments by Ranger


We just wrapped up the first round of Margo's Enchanted Primrose Necklace class.  It was a jovial bunch.  One of the fun parts about hosting classes is hearing the laughter and happy chatter and seeing new friendships and connections made.  People often say that beading is their therapy. Some classes are just like that too.  Of course, I get to "color cruise" around the room and spy on everyone's color choices.  I never fail to be surprised by what combinations beaders will create and how beautiful they are. Nancy used 465A for her petals of the central flower.  It looked just great with 465C in the rest of the design.  Both are gold-lined and available in small 9 gram tubes.   Margo did one amazing color way in copper and teal (459H).  I can't wait to use those 2 together. 

 There is still room in several classes:  Enchanted Primrose (advanced seed bead) , Triple D Earrings (All levels brick stitch and fringe), Kumi Bangles (Kumihimo with Beads) , and Fun With Filigrees (cold connections wirework and riveting class).  Click on the "Classes and Shows" page on this site for details and pics.  Call with a credit card to hold your place, or visit us in person and Czech Out our new beads.


Hope to see you soon!

Please note that we will be CLOSED for 
Independence Day, July 4th.  
Have a safe and beady holiday.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Delicas, Daggers, and Dangles - OH MY!

Delicas-Daggers-Dangles "Triple D Earrings"
by Julia Hecht

Just as I am drawn to the Wizard of Oz, which I've seen so many times, I can't resist another twist of this classic and timeless earring design.  This stunning version uses Delicas, Swarovski crystal bicones, and long Czech daggers.  I'll be teaching it twice - on Monday, July 30th 6-9 PM and Saturday, August 25th, 1-4 PM. For seasoned beaders who like dangles, it is some fun, instant gratification. At the same time it is also suitable for new beaders, as the techniques are not complicated.  This is my Independence Day color way.  I've already done another one with double AB bicones that can't be beat.  Delicious.  Come by the store to check them out in person.  They'll be on display or on my ears.  I just love 'em. 

Welcome Wendy

Wendy is our newest addition to the Poppyfield Family.  Wendy has switched from silversmithing to seed beads and from computer programming to working in a bead store.  We are very happy to have her as our new sales assistant.  She's been busy learning beading and Kumihimo techniques and everything there is to know about our products.   Please don't hesitate to say hi and introduce yourself to Wendy.  

Poppy Classes

Several  classes are open for registration.  Kumi Bangles on July 9th, Fun with Filigrees - Cold connections, basic wire, and riveting on July 16th, Triple D Earrings (see above pic) on July 30th, Enchanted Primrose Necklace (advanced seed bead project with Margo Field) on August 4th, 11th and 18th, and Triple D Earrings again on August 25th.   Click on the "Classes and Shows" Page on this blog for more details.  You can register over the phone with a credit card, or come by the store.  Your payment holds your place.  

New Poppy Products

While I was away on vacation, Solange and Wendy were busy getting our  new products out on the floor for you.  We've got the Design and Go JR portable beading surface - which was requested specifically by some of our customers.  
Come see our expanding inventory of 3.4 mm drops and 4 x 7 mm long magatamas. I've got small affordable quantities of some of the most beautiful matte metallics,  and AB finishes.  These are great in micro macrame and kumihimo designs (not to mention seed bead projects). 
New Czech fire polish (3, 4 and 6 mm) are out - including matte iris finishes and lustres.  
New brass filigree

Coming Soon
New chain, Czech rondelles, tinier beads (not yet here, but soon), beginner micro macrame classes

Hope to see you soon!