Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Silent Snowfall Pendant by Ivona Šuchmannová

Join us for our FREE weekly beading event this Friday 12/1, 4:30-6:00 in our studio.  We'll be making this pendant. Sylvia is working on hers right now - it has bugles in F463K - a beautiful matte metallic pink/ brown / green iris, our new pink metallic Demi beads, and a gorgeous rivoli 
in rose champagne. 
As you can see, this is a unique frame and bezel for a Swarovski 14 mm rivoli.  The pattern is free and will be available at the event.  We'll have some refreshments, as always.  This pattern uses small seed beads, such as 15/0's and 11/0 Demi beads, so bring your "beading glasses".  Because the beads are so small, and there is a front and back to be stitched, it will be difficult for first time beaders.  I'd classify it as advanced beginner level.  

For our remote customers, the pattern will be available for free with purchase of the bead bundle in the sample color way (pinks with the iris bugles).  It will be available on our webstore next week.  

Hope to see you!

Supplies Needed


**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**

14 mm Swarovski Rivoli (1)
3 mm Bugles (48)
11/0 Demi Rounds (108)
*11/0 Japanese Seed Beads (6)
15/0 Japanese Seed Beads (36)
Thread
Beading Needle

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Swarovski Sliders

This Friday's Happy Hour pattern (Khione Bracelet)  comes from a new book by Carolyn Cave called Stitching With a Handful of Beads.  Kalmbach Publishing has given me this pattern to share with you for our FREE beading event.   
Khione Bracelet by Carolyn Cave
(Supply List Below)

It uses SuperDuos, bicone crystals, seed beads and Swarovski Sliders.  Many beaders are familiar with Rose Montees, a sew-on crystal with criss-crossing channels in its metal setting.  Sliders are a very different type of sew on crystal, and are harder to come by.  Sliders are chatons in a substantial setting with 2 parallel holes.  They are an elegant component that adds a lot of class to a design.  We have a nice selection of sliders available at the shop and also on our e-commerce site here

Lisa Kan's Catherine Bracelet
Beaded by Wendy Speare

 I discovered this component when Lisa Kan's book Bead Metamorphosis came out.  You can see them in the center row of the Catherine Bracelet in Emerald set in gold.  They work well to connect the components, which are beaded separately.  I found a source for this unique product and had the sliders custom made.  I still do, and so there is a 6-8 week wait for them.  Our sliders hold a 29ss Swarovski chaton, which is about 6.5 mm in size.  If you want to fall in love with a crystal component, come pick up some sliders.  

Swarovski Sliders in Black Diamond in Gold Plated Settings
Available here

Wendy uses Swarovski sliders in her Sonja's Bracelet pattern, which she is teaching on Saturday at the shop. Here they sit on top of tiles as focal embellishments.  This pattern is a fun way to work with sliders.  
Sonja's Bracelet by Wendy Speare

So, if you've never worked with sliders, and want to give it a go, join us on Friday (no registration) for our FREE beading event (Khione bracelet), or Saturday (registration required) for the Sonja's Bracelet class.    

Khione Bracelet by Carolyn Cave
Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**

6.5 mm Swarovski Sliders (9)
4 mm crystal bicones(36)
SuperDuos (11g)
15/0 Japanese Seed Beads (2g)
3-strand Clasp
Jumprings or Thread Protectors (6)
Fireline
Beading Needle

Hope to see you!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Sonja's Bracelet: A Variation


I've been working on a variation of Wendy's architectural cuff called Sonja's Bracelet.  Wendy's design is a very clever use of the geometric and multi-holed CzechMate beads  The original bracelet  is quite substantial and showcases a middle row of  Swarovski chaton sliders.   I have made a variation that will suit tiny wrists and also those who want more of an edge, than a sparkle.  By substituting bricks for one of the tiles, it is 6 mm slimmer.  It also turns out that 6 mm 2-holed pyramid studs are an easy switch for the Swarovski sliders.  You can make one of the changes, both, or none. It is fun to make and wear in all its forms. 
Wendy's Original Cuff

Here's a new color way by Wendy. I've made 3 of the bracelets and she's a done a bunch too.  It is just one of those patterns that you want to make more of.  

Come join us this Saturday for this brand new class. We still have a few seats available.  Call or come by the shop to purchase your place.  

Sonja's Bracelet by Wendy Speare
Saturday, November 18th
1:00 - 4:00 PM
$35 (+supplies)
Advanced Beginner and up

Hope to see you soon!

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Happy Hour Project - Pauline Pendant by Carole Ohl

Beaded by Sylvia Abeyta

This clever pattern uses prongs and CzechMate beads to bezel a 14 mm rivoli.  The new Paradise Shine crystal from Swarovski is a mysterious mix of blues and greens, with a hint of purple.  I chose a matching palette which creates a textured frame in these same colors.  This pendant is reversible, and the flip side shows a different look - less bling, more vintage.    

Join us at the shop on Friday, November 10th, 4:30-6 for a FREE event, with refreshments,good company, and supported beading from our own, Sylvia Abeyta. 

Beginners will enjoy this pattern.
There's no registration.  
Just Show Up!


For our long distance friends and customers, click the link below for beads in the Paradise Shine colorway.  Or browse our webstore and create your own.  Priority shipping gets you your beads in snap.  

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**


14 mm Swarovski Rivoli (1)
Bar Beads (24)
Prong Beads (24)
8/0 Demi Rounds (72)
8/0 Japanese Seed Beads (1g)
*11/0 Japanese Seed Beads (2)
*Thread Protector (1)
Jump Ring
Thread
Beading Needle

*The pattern calls for a jump ring, but we prefer a thread protector with 2 11/0's at the end, shown here .  

Hope to see you soon!