Magic, Flowers, and More

Magic Carpet Bracelet by Julia Hecht

The Day of the Dead Free Wire class on Labor Day was a huge success.  Fourteen participants came in, claimed their kits, and got busy making wrapped loops.  We had a range from experienced twisters to first-time newbies.  It was a nice way to spend the holiday.  Great fun was had by all.  I've had some requests for more kits. Yes, I will make up kits by order.  I sold out of some really wonderful charms and milagros that day. The sugar skull and other charms are back in stock - including some new ones.

Some come on in, and get your favorite Day of the Dead Charms, before they're gone again.

I've been having a wonderful time with the new SuperDuo precision cut twin beads.  If you want to make something colorful that works up quick and feels really good, my Magic Carpet Bracelet class is for you (see pic above):  Tuesday, October 16th, 6-9 PM, $35. At first glance the beads seem odd, but once you get the hang of how to work with them there are so many possibilities. We are in process of getting all 70 colors tubed for you.  They are very affordable, starting at $1.80 for 10 grams.   

Tomorrow we have an Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy at 6:00.  This is a great opportunity to learn the ancient Japanese braiding technique.  On Sept 25th, there is a fabulous beaded rope class that uses Kumihimo techniques.  Create a "Blooming Braid" with flowers that spiral around it.  I made the flower medallion using the SuperDuo beads. I will have the instructions for the Flower Medallion available on Sept 25th.  There is still time to sign up for both kumihimo classes.  

Blooming Braid by Wendy Speare
with Flower Medallion by Julia Hecht

I have been emailing my store customers almost every time I post
here.  But I am going to wean down on that and ask you all to either follow the blog as a "follower" or check from time to time.  I have over 1000 customers in my database, and it is becoming cumbersome to send mass emails.  Plus, not everyone likes having their inboxes stuffed.  So, if you want to find out about new classes, products, and offers, stay in touch with this blog.  Soon, poppybeads.com will be a "real" website.  We are building it now and it is very exciting.  I am also now tweeting updates @PoppyfieldBeads, so follow us on twitter.  

Hope to see you soon.  'Til then I'll be blogging, tweeting, and beading.  

Remember Monday night is late night...We are open til 8:00 PM.

Don't Labor - Create!

Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet in Copper/Bronze

Greetings Beady Friends!  I am hosting a free wire basics class Monday, September 3rd (Labor Day) from 12 - 2,  so you can  make your own Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet. I will be teaching how to make wrapped loops and how to assemble your charms onto chain.  I have put together a beautiful assortment of colorful beads and casted charms in a kit for $25.  It includes the new Swarovski neon crystal pearls, skull and milagro charms, Czech pressed glass flowers and druks, bead caps, wire, jump rings, 9" of  chain and a beautiful Mexican style heart toggle clasp.  Everything you need, except the tools.  (Bring your own flush cutters, round nose, chain nose, and nylon jaws pliers - or purchase at Poppy).  There are two versions - Silver and Copper/Bronze, so you can choose which suits YOU! . This is the season of smiling skulls - so get a jump on it - and be ready.  Also makes a GREAT holiday gift.  Call or come by to order your kit.  

Poppy News

• Today is Solange's last day, so come on in and say farewell to her.  
• We are open til 8:00 tonight.  
• Hex cut Delica beads are now available in size 11.  
• Coming soon:  size 8 hex cut Delica's (I couldn't resist the impulse).  Size 10's will be next.  

Kumihimo Classes start in 2 weeks!  Sign up now to learn a new skill.  You will need this for the Luz del Alma necklace and the Blooming Braid flowered rope.

Hope to see you soon!  Til then....Peace and Beads.  

Milagros and Bon Bons - Try 'Em

Milagros and Charms in Silver and Bronze

I am too tired to be awake and on the internet right now. But, alas, here I am. I am just too excited to go to sleep without sharing what's been going on at the store. There are new classes scheduled and new products that I've brought forward into the "open" part of the shop.

Product Update - Now Available

• 4mm Preciosa Bicones
• 6 mm Czech Fire Polish
• Small Drops
• Silver and Bronze Milagro Charms (see above pic)

Class Update

• Renaissance Rose with Bobbie Yoakum, 5/7, and 5/21- SOLD OUT
• Keep It Simple Loomwork with Bobbie Yoakum, Mondays 5/16 and 5/23-SOLD OUT

There are still places left in the following classes:

• Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field, 3 Saturdays 6/4, 6/11, 6/18 1-4 PM

New Classes

RAW Bon Bons Bracelet by Margo Field

This is a one session class being offered on Memorial Day evening 6-9 PM for $25.

RAW Bon Bons by Margo Field

Milagro Chain by Susan Skinner

Monday, June 13th, 6-9 PM $25

Milagro Chains

This is a one session intro to wirework with metal artisan, Susan Skinner. She will teach how to make wrapped loops and links, spirals, and embellishments, as well as a unique clasp. The Y chain you will make can be used to make a traditional rosary, or changed up with milagros, or your own beaded medallion. If you've thought about trying your hand at wire, this is the class for you.

Samples are on display at the shop. So stop by and take a look.

Mixed Media Medallions -TBA

Many of you have expressed interest in the medallions I have under glass right by the checkout area. This is a mixed media project I designed last year. It is a very fun, light project that allows you to use an image of your own choosing and turn it into a beaded medallion in just a few hours. Susan has convinced me to teach it NOW so that it can be the charm on the milagro necklace for a highly personalized "rosary" chain. Honestly, it is hard to imagine finding time to get instructions written while I am still working on setting up the store. But, I am gonna give it my best shot....so tune in for a future announcement of the date and time, with pics.