It's That Time Again...

Greetings Beady Friends!  It seems holiday season is already upon us.  I can already feel the energy changing.  Those lazy last days of summer are gone now.  Even our beautiful sunny autumn afternoons have a crispness that says "get busy".  Beaders here in New Mexico are well into making gifts, ornament covers, and Native American regalia (traditional garments and religious items) for holiday festivals. I am gearing up for the holidays with new inventory and FREE CLASSES ideal for quick and beautiful gifts. 

Last Chance for Margo Field's Joias Bracelet - it works up quick and makes a gorgeous gift for the holidays.  TOMORROW, Monday 11/11 6-9 PM, $35.  We still have a few places left.  Give us a call after 2 PM and reserve your seat with a credit card.  

CHANDY FEST EARRINGS  Tuesday, 11/19 6-8 PM, Instruction is FREE as $10 to register includes a $10 gift card.  
Stop in after work and make these beautiful chandelier earrings that showcase the latest daggers from  the Czech Republic.  Learn to wrap loops with 24 gauge wire using side drilled beads.   I have everything you need at Poppyfield…chandelier findings available in pewter or gold plate, a wide selection of daggers, wire, and tiny bicones.  





RADIANCE BRACELET - INTRO TO MICRO-MACRAME - Tuesday, 11/26 6-9 PM - instruction is FREE as $10 to register includes a $10 gift card.  I created this sparkly square knot bracelet to welcome you to the world of micro-macrame.  






CHRISTMAS / HANUKAH DE-LIGHT CHARM BRACELET - This popular class will be offered twice:  Tuesday, 12/3 6-8 PM and Saturday, 12/14 9-11 AM.  $10 to register includes a $10 gift card.  Practice your wrapped loops as you dangle lamp work holiday beads and charms, flowers, crystals, and whatever else you'd like.  Christmas version shown here.  I also have some great Judaica charms to make a Chanukah gift, and if you take the first class, you can get one made before the last candle burns.    

JUST IN….

NEW POPPY PRODUCTS

• New Seed Bead Palettes -  I put new beads out just yesterday
• 3 mm Druks in wonderful colors, including matte iris, picasso finish, matte metallics….and more
• Czech 2 holed bead studs in new colors - see the cover of the current Beadwork Magazine 
• Glass THORNS - the latest shape … just arrived!
• Miyuki Hybrids in size 8/0
• New Superduo Colors in Neon and Pastels - new colors arrive every week

COMING SOON…

• S-Lon MICRO nylon bead cord
• Miyuki Picasso Hybrids in size 6/0
• TILA Picasso finish Hybrids

***REMEMBER*** 

Monday is late night - We are open til 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Stuck??

We have so many wonderful new products just in and great classes scheduled! I easily get wrapped up in the excitement of it all.  Sometimes, I will find myself zooming to the store with a one-track mind.  I can become frustrated with whatever gets in my way.  Recently I was on San Mateo Boulevard heading south to the shop when I found myself stuck behind a bus in the right lane.  It stopped and I was forced to stop too.  Frustrated, I lamented my fate - wasn't this why I left New York City?  Grrrr.   As I sat there, a string of people climbed down the steps and headed on their way by foot.  Others were lining up to get on.  I noticed that some of these folks did not look so healthy or well-situated.   The bus pulled away from the curb and we proceeded on our way, me creeping along behind my ungainly leader.  Again, it stopped.  I sat in my air conditioned car, well-fed, and comfortable, and waited to head to my beautiful business.  This time I looked closely at the situation and I was suddenly grateful for all that I have and how blessed my life truly is.  I took a deep breath and felt my shoulders drop and my grip on the wheel loosen.  My whole body relaxed.  As the bus moved on down San Mateo Boulevard, I took my turn west towards Poppyfield Bead Company.  I was humbled, and at peace and no longer in my whipped-up frenzy.  

Nowadays when I find myself on the road, impatient and full of myself and how I NEED to get somewhere, I look for the nearest city bus.  I pull behind it and ride a few blocks - We stop, I breathe, and give thanks.  When I get my dose of humility,  find my center, and "chill out",  I patiently change lanes and move on with renewed calm and appreciation.  Sometimes, being stuck behind a bus is just what we need.    

That being said...Here's what's so exciting:

NEW PRODUCTS

11/0  Delica Beads with a Permanent Galvinized Matte Finish - If you like our DF and PF series of seed beads, you'll love these new beads.  If you don't know what I am talking about, come on in and ask us.

 PIGGY BEADS ARE HERE!!!

These are two-holed concave lentils.  We have a great selection of colors to get you started including a gold dabbed light emerald, silver, matte copper, and turquoise picasso (and MORE).   You can see piggies in the inner round of embellishments, cupping other beads in this beautiful medallion found on a Hungarian bead blog   (http://emoke1.blogspot.hu/2013/08/cecily-medal.html).  

A beautiful ring pattern using piggy beads called Piggy Linda  is available for purchase from Europe  HERE.  The pic is locked and can't be shared.  But you can see it on my Modern Beadwork board on Pinterest HERE.

 PASTEL SUPER DUO'S

These beads have a unique and brilliant finish.  They are not exactly my idea of pastel, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. They are begging to be used with Piggy Beads and Swarovski crystal pearls.  My wheels are spinning!

Day of the Dead Charms and Beads

Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet 

Free Class Offered

We have a great selection of these charms from a variety of fabricators.  Use basic wire work techniques to mix these with glass beads for a Day of the Dead treat.  If you need some guidance, sign up for our Day of the Dead Charm bracelet FREE class.  You must register to attend.  Check out the details HERE.

MORE CLASSES

 Let It Snow by June Malone

Click HERE to see this amazing ornament class 

and our other October classes.  

CUSTOMER KUDO'S

Congratulations to 

• Linda Hirtz for her blue ribbons at the NM State Fair. She took home 2 and a Best In Show.  Keep on Beading, Linda!
• Bobbie Yoakum for her wonderful cat bracelet in Bead and Button Extra.  Yay Bobbie!  
• 
  

***Remember - Monday is late night - We are open til 8 PM***

Hope To See YOU Soon

Be Your Own Clay

Greetings Beady Friends.  It has been a BUSY back to school season for me.  Both of my children started new schools and it has been a whirlwind for all of us.  At my daughter's "Back to School Night" on Thursday one of her teachers described a curriculum that the school is using to help the students identify aspects of character.  He mentioned grit, zest, self-control, and others.  But, not before saying, "We are already who we are, but the students are still forming and becoming who they are going to be." Really?  Yes, I understand what he meant about the students. But I wanted to say, "Umm, Teach, speak for yourself, because I am still forming."

Twelve years ago my life did seem set on a path.  I had completed many years of schooling and training and was enjoying a career as a pediatrician with a faculty position at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and Medical Director of the New Mexico School for the Deaf.  My husband and I owned a house and because of our chosen careers, we were blessed with financial stability.  We had a social life with friends (many of whom were also physician couples).  We had a little boy,  and were planning and hoping for a second child.  We were, in my mind, "healthy, wealthy, and wise".  Perhaps, if all had continued along as such, I would have felt like this teacher claimed, "already who I was."

But,  in 2001, my life started to shift, like the inevitable slide of tectonic plates along fault lines.  It was one thing after another. I had a profound emotional reaction to the attack of September 11th that lasted for months.  I became pregnant and delivered a beautiful daughter. I was struck ill after her birth and was hospitalized.  Over months, I slowly recovered (discovering beads in the process). My husband became critically ill, and then, thankfully, recovered also.  I was forced to begin a process of healing that led to even more changes...divorce and the loss of my social world, lifestyle changes, leaving my medical career, buying Poppyfield Bead Company and learning a whole new business. Most recently,  it has been the end of a 9 year relationship, and now, adopting a dog.

The control and goal-oriented stability that characterized my earlier years before 2001, seem matched in degree to the upheaval and transformation of the the years that have followed.  If there is one thing that has been steady "post 2001", it has been Life pushing me to let go of my own ideas about myself.   At first, I envied, those I thought "had it all together":  Long term marriages where the couples raised their children in a single household.  Healthy people, without my particular issues.  My friends who are now seasoned, experienced and confident in careers they've had for 20 years.

Lately, there has been another shift for me.  Yes, I am beginning my 50th year, and on my own.  I am in a profession that I know little about.  I have health issues that demand my close attention to how I live and care for myself.  I realize now, that my particular path - the twisting, turning, rugged one, has been a beautiful life full of self discovery and interior adventures.  Letting go of who I have "thought I was" to just be the person I am meant to be, is a holy journey for me.  It is the only way I stay sane.  At times I am just empty, and at a loss.  I feel like a lump of clay, unformed and unfinished, wondering,  "Who am I?  What is next?"  "How do I do this?"  But then I open my mind to listen to my spirit.  This is my essence, my inner guide in this life.  For I am and must be, both the sculptor and the clay.  And then... I begin again.

...NOW ABOUT BEADS...

LABOR DAY SALE  - ONE DAY ONLY

15% off all Toho Permanents and Miyuki Duracoats - 

(all colors beginning with P or D - this includes the new and lovely PF and DF colors)

BOHEMIAN WRAP BRACELET - ROUND 2

SAT 10/5 10AM-NOON

Monday's Labor Day free class filled within 3 hours of my posting.    Monday 9/2 at 2:00 I will start accepting registration for "round 2" which is a repeat of the class at the date above.  Pay $10 to register and get a $10 gift card at the class. Since I am selling you the class, I do have to pay tax to the state...so you will too. Still, 70 cents is a good deal.  I have handouts on the technique, which I will give to you.  Thanks to Bonnie Vigil, for directing me to that online resource.  

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Margo's Floral Fantasy (9/21, 28, and 10/5) and 
Wendy's Diamondback Pendant (9/3) 

due to lack of enrollment

NEW CLASS

Intro to Kumihimo with Wendy Speare Sat, 9/21 10-noon, $25

STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATION...

Hollywood Sparkle by Julia Hecht
Inspired by Laura McCabe
my long-time inspiration

Hollywood Sparkle with Julia (me) on 3 Monday evenings

9/9, 9/16, and 9/23 -  6-9 PM $75

Peyote Premiere with June Malone - 2 Tuesday evenings
9/10 and 9/17 - $55

RARE VINTAGE TINY STRIPED BEADS

Very rare and very tiny next to a Japanese 15/0

These are very unique, very tiny, and of very limited supply.  
I brought them back from New York City on my last trip. 
They are now tubed in very affordable quantities. 
Larger quantities are available on request. 
When they are gone they're gone.

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

We are overflowing with books on beadwork and wire work.  

There are great new titles and old classics.  

Melinda Barta's DVD on beaded clasps. 

Marcia DeCoster's Beads in Motion.  

Come see our "Lark Books" section and all the great books we've got.  Get Inspired!  

THE NEW BEAD AND BUTTON IS HERE

Featuring a cool "Bead Stud" bracelet by Maggie Rorschyk. 
Yes, we do have bead studs available for purchase
to create Maggie's hip and trendy design!

PERLEN POESIE TO SHIP ON 9/6

If you ordered issues 17 and 18 in advance, I'll have one for you.
If you missed this great opportunity, don't fret.
I will be taking orders for the winter issue sometime in the fall.
I'll be posting when the Fall issue arrives and again when 
it is time to order issue 19.  
It will be possible to order back issues.  

I do ship for an additional charge. 

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Ebb and Flow

Margo Field's Floral Fantasy Class

Greetings Beady Friends!!  One month since my last post and I am a renewed woman! It is amazing how life ebbs and flows with ups and downs, struggles and ease.  We often think a difficult patch will end up being the rest of our lives.  But always, things change.  In the last month,  I have had a wonderful time reconnecting with y'all at the shop.  I was also able to take my children on a trip to New York to visit family.  I saw loads of my closest cousins, who I haven't seen in several years.  I even had the opportunity to reminisce about first grade with friends from that far back.  

 If you follow Poppyfield Bead Company on Facebook you know that while I was on this trip, I picked up over 30 pounds of unique and vintage beads. I got delayed at airport security in New York City because my bead-stuffed backpack was impenetrable on X-ray.  After being "swiped" for explosives, we were allowed through. But not before a long line of frustrated travelers formed behind me.   Less than 12 hours after my plane touched down in Albuquerque, I was hauling that pack over to the shop to start unpacking and drooling.  I am so excited to share these unique beads with you.  I discovered that I have purchased vintage Swarovski crystal under the older label DSW,  which date from before 1949 .  In addition,  I have teeny tiny 15/0 and 16/0  beads from "Czechoslovakia"(not Czech Republic) which are more than 20 years old.  Even some of these labelled 14/0 are smaller than a Japanese 15/0.  

I am rolling out the NEW BEADS as I get them inventoried.  Available now are: 

47ss Dentelles /Chatons

• Vintage Czech 47ss  Dentelles/Chatons in Light Sapphire. These are approximately 10.5 mm faceted stones with a pointed back and a flat top.  They have a gold foil back and are in beautiful condition. I am selling packs of 4 stones for $3.50.  These are vintage and in limited supply. When they are gone, they're gone.  

• Vintage Swarovski 18mm Margaritas in Crystal AB.  Big and beautiful and in perfect condition. I am selling these for $3.20 each.  These are also in limited supply and when they are gone...they're gone. 

Upcoming Classes 

Braider's Choice Beaded Kumi with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday - 8/20 - 6-9 PM $35

Dancing Diamonds Pendant with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday 8/27 - 6-9 PM $35

Diamondback Pendant with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday 9/3 - 6-9 PM $35

Hollywood Sparkle with Julia Hecht 

3 Mondays - 9/9, 9/16, 9/23 - 6-9 PM, $75

Peyote Premiere with June Malone

2 Tuesdays - 9/10 and 9/17 - 6-9 PM $55

Floral Fantasy with Margo Field 

3 Saturdays - 9/21, 9/28, 10/5 - 1-4 PM, $75

Click HERE for pics and details of classes

Save the date:  Free Class on Labor Day at noon!  

I will announce the project soon.  The shop will be open after the class at 2:00.  

Last Chance for Perlen Poesie Magazine orders!  

This is Europe's premiere beading magazine.  The current issue, No 18, will be available in English.  Previous issues are all in German with English translation inserts.  I am taking orders for No. 18, the current issue, and No. 17, the previous issue, which we missed after our crash.  They are $20 each, which is a low introductory price.  To place your order you must pay in advance.  

You can come by or call and pay with a credit card.   The order goes in on Wednesday, 8/14 at 5:30 when we close our doors.  Long distance customers can order and we will ship to you for an added charge.  

***Remember*** 

•  Wireworkers of all levels meet at Studio Poppy in the shop every Tuesday from 1-3 PM. Come give it a try. It is FREE and FUN.  
• Monday night is late night - We are open until 8:00 PM

Hope to see you soon!!!

Going With The Flow

 Cheerful Studs Bracelet by Akke Jonkhof

Greetings Beady Friends!  Finally, I am back in front of my computer, eager to bring you news from Poppyfield Bead Company.  But, first, I feel I must catch you up.  Recently, I was in Israel with my children for two weeks.  For me, it was an intense, moving,  and sometimes painful and saddening experience.  While I came back eager to jump back into the beads and reconnect with you all, it has taken some time to absorb, process, and recover from my trip.  I also feel a bit battered by recent events in the news.  As I've discussed here before, my life has set me on a healing and spiritual path. So always, I ask myself what my pain and struggles can teach me.  For now the "divine download" seems to be "Go with flow, and respond towards well-being".  I have a feeling this one is going to serve me well every day.

Until yesterday, I've been very tired and having a hard time accomplishing what I intend and want to do.  The whip-cracking "shamer" in my head calls me "lazy".  But going with the flow means I allow myself to be just "tired", "jet lagged (9 time zones!)", and "emotionally exhausted".  "Responding towards well-being" means I ask myself what I need to be well.  Ummm????  My wise inner guide tells me "rest, peace of mind, healthy eating, light exercise, laughter, connect with people who love and care for me, tell the truth about how I feel, don't push myself."  It sounds simple, but for some of us, that prescription is not easily followed.  For me, it takes commitment and deliberate effort.  I have to say "no" to my natural tendencies many times a day.   But I see that after 10 days of doing just that, I am feeling better today.  So here I sit...sharing with you - and it feels just right.  Yay!!

Meanwhile, during all these days I've been "away" absolutely fabulous things have been happening at the shop.  Here's a partial run - down:

• Bead Maps for Customer Use - Handy binders with the location of every tube of size 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads are now available.  They are easy to use and we'll show you how.  
• June taught her first class!  - Peyote Premiere, an introduction to flat peyote stitch was a great hit. If you want to learn the ins and outs of peyote stitch while making fabulous beaded jewelery- stay tuned for June's upcoming classes.
• "Cowgirl Dreams" color palette of new seed bead colors is here.  Lots of pinks and browns including a new metallic iris with pinks, golds, and browns.  Check out the "New Seed Bead" display for these and all our new colors.  
• New Inventory of Czech Glass - round druk beads, fire polish, beautiful buttons
• New Crystal Rose Montees
• Diamondback Rope -   Wendy's got a new beaded kumi necklace she will teach in August
• Classes scheduled through August and September - Click HERE for details -

Diamondback Rope and Reversible Pendant
by Wendy Speare

MEET AKKE JONKHOF

Akke Jonkhof is a beader and a blogger from the Netherlands, who invents wonderful patterns.  I discovered her work on Pinterest.com and I've been following her there.  She loves 2-holed beads.  This is her hexagon bracelet with Super Duo's and size 11/0's.  The stud bracelet at the top of the blog is also hers (yes, we sell Czech glass studs).  Her patterns are available in English at very low prices on Etsy. Click HERE to go to Akke's tutorials for sale.  

FREE WIREWORK MEET UP TUESDAYS 1-3 PM

Sylvia Abeyta, our wire warrior is back in action after her car accident.  Starting July 23rd you can come and learn, practice, share wire work ideas, and of course laugh with us in Studio Poppy.  It is free and you can bring whatever you'd like (including lunch).  We have tools, wire, and of course beads, if you need to purchase.  

GET YOUR POPPY REWARDS!

Our new rewards program is running smoothly. Many of you have already claimed your first or second rewards cards.  There's no limit and no rush.  Our software keeps track of your purchases. Every time you reach $100 of accumulated sales you will receive a $10 gift card at your next visit.  (Please note: You can take as much time as you want to reach $100. But gift cards must be used during the calendar year they are received. ) 

COMING SOON

• More DELICAS  - the new "luminous" series is on its way to me.  Also more colors in 10/0's and 15/0's
• New TILA colors
• New 2-holed Czech-Mate tile beads
• New spike beads (a new size) 
• Our next "new" seed bead palette

KUDO's

My Light of the Soul Necklace is the centerfold project in the August issue of Bead and Button Magazine.  Yay to me this time.  Send me your beady achievements and I will brag for you here. Don't be shy...we all need to celebrate each other.  

Light of the Soul (Luz del Alma)

 by Julia Hecht

REMEMBER:  MONDAY IS LATE NIGHT - WE ARE OPEN TIL 8:00 PM

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

PEACE AND BEADS 

Moving Along...

June's Peyote Premier
Pendant

We are moving along towards the last stages of our restoration.  As you know, we re-opened on May 15th, 6 weeks after our unexpected "drive through" crash.  Our new bead display cases are set up, full of size 15's.  We've got about 550 different colors in just Japanese 15/0's.  I am busy moving the 11/0's and hoping to have it all set by Wednesday.  Then we'll get the "maps" made. We are planning on seed bead maps for customer use, so you can find your way to your favorite colors.

We've been busy replenishing our stock.  We've got a full inventory of Super Duo's, Twins, Rizos, and Rullas.  The new Two-Hole-Tile beads (Czech mates) have been extremely popular - and a bunch of new ones are on their way.  Our new seed beads (Southwest Sunset palette) have been a hit.  In fact there's one particular color that sells out every week - It is a turquoise AB that comes in both 11/0 and 8/0.  We've also got some new hybrid 11/0's and magatamas that you wont want to miss (they are also going fast).

Coming Soon

• New Czech Glass Buttons
• 30 mm Bugles (these take "forever" to hand sort - but we're getting there)
• New Delica 10/0's
• New 3 mm Fire Polish colors
• New Daggers and Spikes
• Miyuki Thread

Classes

Hollywood Sparkle
by Julia Hecht

We have rescheduled our "crash canceled" classes.

Peyote Premier with June  -  Saturday, July 13th 10AM-1 PM, $35

Hollywood Sparkle w/ Julia, Mondays, Sept 9th, 16th, 23rd 
                                                                6-9 PM, $75

If you registered before the crash then you are automatically enrolled.  Please let us know if you plan to attend.  If not, you can receive the instructions or a refund (but not both).  We will offer both of these classes again.  For more details about these classes please click here.  

Kumihimo Classes with Wendy:

• Intro to Kumihimo - Saturday, August 10th, 10-noon, $25
• Rope Fiesta - Monday, August 19th, 6-9 PM, $35
• Dancing Diamond Pendant - Monday, Aug 26th 6-9 PM, $35

For more details about these classes please click here.  

Poppy Rewards

Our new rewards program went into effect on June 10th.   From that date, all purchases go toward earning Poppy Rewards.  When your sales history reaches $100 you will earn a $10 gift card. You will be notified and can pick it up, and use it, at your next visit.  All purchases are included in the tally, and the gift cards are good for all items, including classes.  We think you'll like it.  This is now the only discount / reward offer that we are honoring.  Some of you have already received an email or phone call from us. Don't forget to come in and claim your reward!

Kudo's

Beadwork and Metal Designs by Katrina Lum

Poppyfield customer, Katrin Lum has beadwork on exhibit at the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe during the Tako Kichi Japanese Kite Exhibit 6/9/13 - 3/23/14.  She writes "the Goldfish set was done with beads from Poppyfield Bead Company".  
Yay, Katrina! 
 http://www.internationalfolkart.org/exhibitions/tako-kichi.html

REMEMBER...MONDAY IS LATE NIGHT...WE ARE OPEN UNTIL 8 PM

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

RE-BOOT

My absence from the blogosphere for a month reflects my focus on the concrete aspects of both getting the store open and the demands of daily living.  Once we got word the carpet was coming, the timeline compressed an enormous amount of work into a matter of days.  Everything on the floor (directly or indirectly), was packed up in boxes, or wrapped up tightly and placed on movers. The back wall of Studio Poppy (our classroom and beading studio) had to be disassembled.   All our back cabinets and storage shelves had to be emptied.  Then, over the course of 2 days it was moved into 4 different arrangements so all of the floor could be exposed.  The old, damaged and glass covered-carpet was removed and the new carpet was laid.   Just thinking about it now makes me tired.   We opened our doors on May 15th and despite my fears that no one would come back, 33 customers came in that day.

Trying to smile through it all

Even the storage had to be emptied and moved

All wrapped up!

I held my breath through it all!

Studio Poppy gone for a time 

"AFTER"  Our new carpet, reassembled studio, and beads back in place

It definitely feels like a reboot.  You know... that vulnerable period when you power on the computer and it goes through all kinds of exertions before it finally gives you the screen you know and have come to rely upon.  We are still unpacking boxes and cleaning up the studio. We finally rescheduled some classes (see below).   Our inventory is all available - but perhaps, not in its final "nesting place".  Our clearance sale is ongoing with great discounts.  We still have seed beads on the clearance table, and hope to bring out some other interesting beads we discovered during the restoration - also at great discounts.

"Bead Parfaits" for 99 cents on the sale table

NEW PRODUCTS

New seed bead colors 

New hybrid beads- 11*'s, 8*'s, and 3 mm magatamas

30 mm bugle beads (we are hand-sorting to ensure high quality)

Rose montees (4 mm -6.4 mm)

 Click here for a free bracelet tutorial using 4 mm montees

POPPYFIELD REWARDS PROGRAM

Congratulations! You are automatically enrolled.  There is no fee or membership required. You only need give us your name.  Every time your sales history reaches $100 you will receive a $10 gift card for Poppyfield Bead Company.   There are many benefits to this program over previous discount offers:  No membership dues to other organizations, everyone is eligible, all sales count towards the reward, and your sales accumulate over time.   We are hoping to begin our new program on Monday, June 10th.  Once we start up, this will be the only reward / discount plan.  We think you'll be very satisfied.  As usual, we are asking for your patience as we learn the new software that makes this program possible.  

CLASSES ARE BACK!

Saturday 6/8   10 AM - 1 PM - Dancing Diamonds Rope (beaded kumihimo rope with Wendy Speare)

Saturday 6/15 10 AM - 1 PM - Dancing Diamonds Pendant (beautiful superduo star pendant with Wendy Speare

Saturday 7/13 10 AM - 1 PM - Peyote Premiere (flat peyote earrings and pendant with June Malone)

(Check the classes page in the header above for details)

If you've registered for these classes already, you are automatically re-registered.  Please do let us know if you can make it.  We will offer these again, to try to accommodate those of you who cannot make it to these dates.  If you registered before our accident, and would prefer a refund, I am happy to accommodate you, provided you have not received instructions.  

Hollywood Sparkle is tentatively slated for Monday evenings September 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 6-9 PM.  

My Magic Carpet Bracelet appears in the June 2013 Bead and Button Extra online for subscribers. There it is on the bottom left - renamed Diamond Odyssey by the editors.  Kits are available in both color ways shown for $28.50 plus tax and shipping.  Shoot me an email if you are interested.  

****REMEMBER*****  Monday is late night - we are open until 8 PM

Thanks again for "hanging in" with us.  Hope to see you soon!

Spiritual Speed Hump

Greetings friends, and thanks for checking in.  Kind and well-meaning people ask me daily about the shop.  They are shocked that we are still closed.  I am not.  Life is full of unexpected bumps in the road.  We get to decide how to ride them.  I am choosing to see this crash as a "spiritual speed hump" sent from The Beyond.  I expect that the full meaning and gifts of this divine interruption will only become apparent to me in hindsight.  Meanwhile, I can share some of what I've learned through this experience.

Forgive Accidents - It feels really good. 

Acknowledge difficulty - It helps diffuse the stress

Don't Dwell - It makes things feel worse than they are.   

Laugh When Possible - It feels really good.

Accept Help -Needing others is not a sign of weakness, but of being human

Stay in the Present Moment - Anxiety is usually caused by imagining disaster that never happens  

(such as my customers will not return, insurance won't come through, my business will never recover)

Have Patience for Things That Take Time  - Change takes time

Be Grateful 

(for good health, good help, good friends, good landlords, 

well wishes, nice people everywhere)

Beads Make Everything Better - This I already knew! 

Restoration Update

New Windows Installed

We are getting closer.  Windows are in, and security gates too.  Carpet is supposed arrive this week.  When I have a date for the carpet installation I will let you know. 

Product Update

Rose Montees

New seed beads ordered in "Southwest Sunset" palette. It is a variety of turquoises, oranges, reds, and browns in 11/0's, 8/0's, and 15/0's (wherever available). Truly beautiful and according to my recent trip to the mall, "in fashion" right now.  

Rose Montees - in 4 mm and 6 mm - These are crystals in silver plated settings with "sew-on" channels built into the the setting.  Available in packs of 12 and 24 pieces, and several colors.  There are some free patterns on the web using these, and I will have links for you when we re-open.  

15/0 Delicas - Yup, already tubed and on display. Available in affordable 3.5 gram quantities.  

Thanks for hanging in with us!  

Peace and Beads, y'all.

The Pow - Wow and the Tribe of Wannaknow

The work of Naomi Bebo worn by her 2 year old daughter

 Last year at Poppyfield Bead Company,  in the weeks before the Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow, I could feel the energy building.  I had Native American customers from all across the country showing up in a state of "seed bead emergency" to finish up or repair their garments or their children's.  I don't know how people from as far afield as New York, Idaho and Oklahoma found me.  But they did and I was excited that I was pulled into this great event in my role as bead supplier.  This year I was hoping to get the word out about the shop in the weeks prior to the event.  But, God laughed at my plans.  With the shop closed for restoration after our car crash, I was relegated to absolute outsider, with nothing to offer.  

This year, I noticed that I could not feel that same energy.  I knew that it was happening, right here in Albuquerque. But without my shop in action, I saw that my thread of connection to The People, was absent. My mom and I ventured out to the Pit, as respectful and ignorant spectators.  It is a role I am learning to accept, even as it can feel wholly uncomfortable. 

Astonishing Regalia

As we approached the Pit, the traffic increased, and parking lots packed with cars had their "LOT FULL" signs standing.  Crowds of people on foot,  were waiting for the light at corners, or crossing.  Some were dressed in full regalia.  As I stood beside them, I instantly felt excited and connected.  Their intricate seed bead covered garments, medallions, and hair decorations spoke to me.  

Women of Service representing the

 US military stand for the Buckskin Dance

I was happy, even as we had to wait in line for entrance (as the Pit was full to capacity).  Families sat on the grass playing with children. Young and elders milled about in absolutely astonishing regalia. The long line we were on was comprised of patient, calm people.  We entered into a very crowded arena, just in time to stand for the Buckskin Dance of Elders; a dance by women over 55 years old to honor mothers and grandmothers.  Perfect and meaningful for my mother and me.   We only had a short time to spend.  We strolled through the market and saw absolutely fabulous beadwork.  But I must say, the most stunning was the beadwork worn by the dancers.  I felt a tremendous sense of reward that I am in some way connected to such amazing art and rich culture.  I have a renewed sense of purpose in Poppyfield Bead Company.  

Farmington Lad

Selling seed beads in New Mexico these past 2 years I've had an opportunity and need to interact with Native bead artists.  At the same time, I know that I know relatively nothing about these people surrounding me.   My ignorance is right up in my face and I feel an imperative to educate myself.  I have started this exciting and humbling journey through books, Native narratives, museums, and Native radio shows.  I will keep striving to seek, listen, and learn.   I am not a Wannabe (I have my own culture - and we actually have tribes too.)  I am a Wannaknow.  That is my second tribe.  

Restoration Update

We are still boarded up.  The first of our 4 deliveries has arrived: the security gates. We are still awaiting windows, window frames, and carpet.  Although Wendy, June, and I are finding much to keep us busy, none of it impacts the re-open date.  I just don't know...it's all out of my hands.  So I am practicing the spiritual gift of "letting go".  But, being human and of a type not prone to letting go, this practice has its limits.  So, June and Wendy keep me sane. I will keep you posted as new information becomes available.  Again, if you are in dire straights due to business or ceremonial need for beads, please get in touch with me.  Thanks for hanging in with us...