Valentine's Day Is On The Way

Chi Bracelet by Thomasin Alyxander

Beaded by Sylvia Abeyta

The designer of this week's Happy Hour bracelet sees the Greek letter Chi. I see hugs and kisses (XOXO).  So, Sylvia and I chose this bracelet and worked it up in Valentine colors.  It is fun and easy.  

Chi Bracelet by Thomasin Alyxander

Supplies Needed

(Available at Poppyfield Bead Co 

and on our e-commerce site here)

3-holed Beams (36)
2 mm Fire Polish (16)
8/0 Demi rounds (36)
11/0 Demi rounds (2g)
15/0 Japanese seed beads (1g)
Jump Rings (2)
Clasp
Fireline 4lb

Come Twist With Us!

Come learn basic wire skills for FREE at Poppyfield. I am offering a free wire intro during Open Beading this Tuesday, July 26th 1-2 PM. I will pass on the techniques and tips that I learned from wire masters who've taught me. I will teach wrapped loops and spirals which are the basis for all other wire designs. You will be able to approach wire designs in books and magazines with a solid foundation. Get ready for the Almost Infinity Bracelet Class in September.

For Tuesday's class, you will need nylon jaws pliers, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and flush cutters. Bring your own tools and wire, or purchase what you need at Poppyfield. I currently have everything in stock. I recommend a copper based wire between 18 - 22 gauge.

NEW CLASS - ALMOST INFINITY BRACELET

Almost Infinity Bracelet by Julia Hecht

Learn wire weaving with and without beads to make this unique bracelet. Students will learn to use the jump ring mandrel, and 26 gauge wire to create these original links. Connect them and add a handmade clasp for a 100% handmade bracelet. Stop by Poppyfield to see this bracelet in person.

2 Saturdays - September 10th and 17th, 1-4 PM $40.oo

CLASS UPDATE

Mexican Fan Earrings Class with Julia - soon to sell out

Mexican Fan Earrings by Julia Hecht

A few places are left in Saturday's class. Use delica beads to create a bezel around a large bead and then embellish with crystals. You create a beautiful pair of earrings. PLUS - It is the jumping off point for more complex versions which I will demonstrate in class.

Margo's Fan Dance Class in August (3 Saturdays) is filling up and will likely sell out. If you are interested, now is the time to grab your place. There is also a Monday evening class in September. Check the classes page details, or stop by the store to see the real deal on display.

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings with Julia (me) is still open for registration - Monday Aug 15th 6-9 PM

Update on Workshops with Guest Bead Master Diane Fitzgerald

Gingko Leaf Necklace - SOLD OUT

Diane's other 2 classes - Tropical Bauble and Moorish Tile Beaded Beads are filling and are likely to sell out.

All classes can be found on the Classes and Shows page - with pics, detailed descriptions, dates and cost. You can register for all classes in person at the store, or call during store hours with a credit card. Payment holds your place.

JUST IN - ONE G THREAD BY TOHO

I am now carrying this new popular thread by Toho. It is a less expensive alternative to fireline- that doesn't snag and fray like nymo and is more fluid than fireline. It comes in 50 yard bobbins - I have black and white and a variety package of all the colors. Try it! Why spend on thread what you really want to spend on BEADS!

Thank you Dana A. for encouraging me to carry it.

REMEMBER

OPEN BEADING - TUESDAYS 1-4

LEARN TO TWIST WIRE, BEAD WITH FRIENDS, OR GET HELP FROM JULIA

LOOK FORWARD TO MONDAYS!

IT IS LATE NITE AT POPPYFIELD

OPEN EVERY MONDAY EVENING TIL 8:00 PM

Wired Up!!

Poppyfield Bead Company's Wire Department

Poppyfield is finally WIRED! I have a large selection of brightly colored copper wire in gauges ranging from 16 to 34. Colors are nothing less than exquisite and enticing - peacock blue, fuschia, and chartreuse, red, tangerine....COME IN AND SEE. I also have some natural colors such as gold, silver, and natural copper. The colors will not tarnish, and neither will natural copper, non- tarnish silver, and gold. However, I made sure to order tinned copper and bare copper which will tarnish and can be patinated. The beauty and depth of oxidized metal is not to be overlooked. I know some of you are experienced twisters and will be excited to try out these colors. I have some great new books with woven designs, which are the latest wire craze and a beautiful new Chain Mail book from Lark Publishing. There are books on crochet and knitting with wire, and that's what those really fine gauges are for. For those who've never worked with wire...don't be intimidated. I will have some classes for starting up. But, until then, I've got some great beginner books such as All Wired Up by Mark Lareau (the book I used to teach myself) and Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry from Interweave Press. With these books and a basic tools, you can start making your own findings, such as bails, clasps and earring wires. I've got lots of tools for a variety of purposes, including pliers, mandrels, hammers, and various cutters. I also have 2 really nice wig jigs and a variety of peg sizes.

CLASS UPDATE

Inaugural class approaching! The Poppyfield Chain Bracelet class taught by Margo Field is THIS MONDAY evening from 6-9 pm. It is appropriate for all levels, including new seed beaders. $25.00

Poppyfield Chain Bracelet

by Margo Field

Bobbie Yoakum's Renaissance Rose Necklace is now open for registration. The class meets two Saturdays from 1-4, May 7 and May 21. There are 2 weeks between classes to allow for time to get all the components finished so you can assemble the final piece at the second class. This piece is large and beautiful, but not complicated. Advanced beginners can take this class and create something very special. The center is a 30 x 40 cabachon. $45

Renaissance Rose by Bobbie Yoakum

Keep It Simple Bracelet is a loom project that can be completed during class. Bobbie Yoakum, well-known for her incredible creations on the loom is teaching this. This is an all levels class and a perfect introduction to the loom. Learn from the start with a master! 2 Mondays: May 16th and 23rd at 6-8 pm. A bargain at $25.

Keep It Simple Bracelets in Blue and Red

by Bobbie Yoakum

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field. A 3-session advanced project with Margo. Even if you've sworn you'll never do another flower, you won't be able to resist the Phlower on this necklace. The center is a 14mm rivoli and the rest is Margo's secret recipe. Stop in at Poppyfield and see it for yourself. 3 Mondays: April 24, May 2, May 9 at 6-9 pm or 3 Saturdays: June 4, 11, 18, at 1-4 pm. $65

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field

***A reminder that your place in the class is reserved upon payment. You may pay by credit card over the phone. Classes are non-refundable.

My Saul Bell Design Entry

"Night On The Town"

I entered my "Night On The Town" bracelet in the Saul Bell Design Competition today. This spike cuff is my homage to New York City, my former home. I made it entirely of beads and assembled it entirely by sewing. No glue was used. I am very happy with it. The photo credit belongs to Pat Berrett, who does all my professional shoots. He works with models often, so I am lucky to benefit from having models on hand to display my art.

I dropped my submission off at Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, which happens to be in Albuquerque where I now live. Wow, what a resource! I've never shopped there. There is no browsing, everything is warehoused. But, man, are they nice! My mom has even taken classes there when she's come out to visit me.