Precious Hearts

Free Wire Class -  Saturday, January 26th 10 AM -12 noon

Precious Heart Earrings by Julia L. Hecht

Join me for a special opportunity in wirework.  This Saturday, I will share my Precious Hearts Earring design and demonstrate the techniques needed to make these lovely sparkling vintage inspired earrings.  The focal dangles are 18 mm heart pendants from Swarovski - they are absolutely gorgeous.  Their size is perfectly balanced with two clusters of crystal dangles.  You will learn how to create a strong connection for the hearts using my twist and wrap technique.  Plus, there is plenty of opportunity to practice and perfect your wrapped loops.  The class is appropriate for all levels.  The kit is $26, and is available in three color ways:  Tango (shown here), Golden (golden hearts with various golds and reds ), and Valentine (red hearts with reds and pinks).  There are only 8 kits available so don't delay.  Call with a credit card or come by. We open on Monday at 2 PM. 
(More kits will become available in the future when the Precious Heart crystals are available again.)

 Seed Bead Classes

Not Grandma's Cameo still has a few places available for Mondays 1/28 and 2/4 6:00- 9:00 PM.  This beautiful netted collar class is back by popular demand.  I taught this in 2009 and probably won't be teaching it again.  So, if you're interested, sign up while you still have the chance.  

Coming Soon

Floral Fantasy Class by Margo (Uses crystal margaritas - yummy!)

Hollywood Sparkle Class by Julia  (A sparkling neckpiece you could wear to the Oscars)

Twin Beads - We've got 'em in every color.  This week we will be tubing them and getting them out on display.  They will be sold in 5" 20 gram tubes.  They are cute, affordable, and offer plenty of design opportunities.  We still have our fabulous Super-Duo precision twins and will continue to carry both in every color. 

Crime Scene Update...

Many of you remember that when we opened on 3/20/11 only a small portion of the store was ready for shopping.  We had a large section across from the studio that was replete with wonderful Czech glass strands, but hanging in a disorganized mess.  I referred to it as "the crime scene" as in "Do Not Enter".  Eventually I opened the crime scene for business as I worked to clean it up, and shrink it.  On Monday, Wendy, June and I roll up our sleeves to attack what remains in earnest.  We 3 will spend the entire day reorganizing the back end of the store.  We will be bringing out  fire polish, druks and Czech pressed glass that we've had sequestered and hidden away.  Come visit and see what's happening and what new products we bring out.  Poppyfield will be open from 2-8 PM, as usual and at your service to help you with all your beading needs.  

Tuesday Wire Meet-Up with Sylvia Abeyta

 Come join us for an informal wirework session every Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00.  Sylvia is a retired teacher and is great at explaining techniques and helping troubleshoot.  Come with your own ideas or see what's on Sylvia's creative agenda.  All levels.  FREE.  

Remember Monday is late night at Poppyfield.  We are open til 8:00 PM.  So stop by after work or after dinner and browse our great selection of beads, fiber, and metal at your leisure.  

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Milestones

Sue's Luz del Alma Pendants

Since my last post, we've had a few milestones here at Poppyfield Bead Co.  Yesterday I completed my first ever 9 hour class, the Luz del Alma or Light of the Soul Necklace.  I know I spent more time creating the instructions, than I did beading the necklace.  It is 9 pages and 43 diagrams / photos.  I will be sending off the work to Bead and Button, and we'll see if they want to publish it.  I am very proud of the unique bezel and use of spikes to create a radiant frame for the 27 mm Swarovski rivoli.  Even if it never makes it into a magazine, I am thoroughly happy with it.  Again, I was amazed by the creative color combinations that my customers put together.  Sue Weix made 3 of the focal pendants between weeks 2 and 3.  Look how beautiful!  Instructions will be available for sale sometime next month.  Call, come by or email.  Another session is beginning this month on Oct 22nd. It will meet three consecutive Saturdays from 1-4 PM.

Wendy's Blooming Braid Rope with my Flower Power Medallion

Wendy taught her first bead classes this month.  First, an Introduction to Kumihimo, and then her mystifying pattern:  Blooming Braids - the beaded kumihimo rope with beaded flowers braided right into the rope.  Blooming braids was so popular that we are having another class on Saturday, November 3rd from 1-4 PM ($35).  If you are interested in this class, please get some beaded kumihimo skills, beforehand.    You can purchase a kumi book, or my Kumi Bangles Bracelet instructions for some beaded rope practice.  

Our new sales assistant, June Malone, has started working.  She  is busy meeting customers and learning the ropes of running the store.  Come on in and say hi to June.  She is a fabulous bead artist (who loves working with delicas).  You can look forward to some new classes with June, as soon as she settles in.  

New Poppy Products

Speaking of delicas - we have a big shipment of size 10 delicas arriving this week.  We've got other new products including silver plated kumihimo bails in a number of sizes, lentil beads, new books, and silk ribbons in beautiful bright colors.  I have a growing selection of Miyuki galvanized duracoat beads in size 11's and 15's.  They are just gorgeous.  Margo saw them on one of her teaching trips and recommended them. I also have Miyuki project kits for sale. They are very affordable and include instructions in English and all beads and supplies needed.  

Instructions for the Flower Power Medallion are available for $12 ($10 for PDF version).  Call, come by or email for this super duo and pearl creation.

Upcoming Events and Classes

Albuquerque Wire Twisters - Wirework meet-up -  Tues, 10/9 1-3 PM, Free and open to all

Sylvia Abeyta is organizing a new group for those interested in learning or improving their wirework, or just "twisting" in friendly company.   Brand new beginners welcome.  

Magic Carpet Bracelet - Tues 10/16 6-9 PM, $35

Luz del Alma Necklace - Saturdays: 10/22, 10/29, 11/5 1-4 PM, $75

Blooming Braids - Saturday 11/ 3, 1-4 PM, $35

 Do you have jewelry you no longer want?  Broken jewelry?  

Many of you know that I was a pediatrician for many years here in New Mexico.  I worked with the most vulnerable children and families and I saw tremendous need in our community.  Pegasus Legal Services, legal advocates for New Mexico's children is asking for jewelry donations for their fundraising.  This is a non-profit organization that does important work protecting the civil rights of New Mexico's vulnerable children.  

Remember - Monday night is late night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Hope to See You Soon.  Til then... Peace and Beads

...And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

by Julia L. Hecht

Let us not forget the season of the Miller Moths and the Super Moon - I commemorate these fleeting occurrences of nature in this necklace.  It was created using techniques from the Fun With Filigrees Class.  On Saturday we had a fun-filled, jam-packed class.   Students modified filigree components, mixed metals,  twisted wire into wrapped loops, and riveted.  I had a special a la carte table of individual beads and components for sale - a veritable smorgasbord of design possibilities.  Some students made replicas of my designs, while others came with their own ideas, and let them flourish and grow using new techniques and guidance.  We had beginners who'd never done a thing with wire and experienced twisters mixed together in this "something for everyone" class.  It was my first go at such a class, and I am pleased that everyone left satisfied and inspired. Some students were really surprised at what was possible - with really little or no other experience.  The class is being offered again on Monday, May 14th 6:00-9:00 PM.  It is $25, and a great deal for so much teaching.  

Kumi Bangles by Julia L. Hecht

Kumi Bangles is back!!  I had a sell out class last month and I am offering both a beginner braiding and the bangles class through the New Mexico Bead Society.  Intro to Kumihimo (Monday, June 4th 6:00-9:00 PM) offers beginning braiding, setting up the disk, and finishing.  You will leave with a finished satin rope double spiral necklace that is perfect for hanging a beaded pendant or focal piece.  The Kumi Bangles is the following week, Monday, June 11th, 6:00-9:00 PM.  Students learn several techniques that build on the basic 8 strand round braid (ie, the Intro class).  We will add seed beads and drops during braiding and learn how to plan a kumihimo design.  You can complete a beaded and fiber bracelet during the class.  Instructions include patterns for 2 more bracelets that you can do at home.   Anyone can register for these classes by calling or coming to Poppyfield Bead Company, or through the Bead Society (members only).   Bead Society Members are offered a reduced price at $20 each class.  Non-members are still eligible to take the classes at the regular rate of $25 each class.  


Speaking of Kumihimo...I've got all my Kumi Books back in stock.  They've been selling out in second.  So if you've been waiting for one, now's your chance.  End caps are back in stock in a variety of metals and ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm.   I also have some new  Kumihimo decorative bails that just arrived in copper and brass.  Just slide them on your braided rope and add a treasure to create a smashing necklace, in almost no time at all.   I've got beading cord (super nylon) in lots of colors for kumihimo or micro macrame with beads.   I am also carrying Joan Babcock's Micro Macrame book - It is very easy to follow and I've made several of her designs using this book myself.   


Brand new books just released are now available at Poppyfield:  Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies, and Contemporary Cube Bead Designs by Virginia Jensen.  They both look great - and I only regret that I am so busy with the store that I can't dive in and bead up these treats myself.  If you are intrigued by cube beads but just don't know what to do with them, Virginia's book is for you - lots of great bracelets!  


Check out our ever-expanding inventory of Swarovski double AB bicones in 3 mm and 4 mm.  Our complete inventory of high quality (but more affordable) Preciosa Czech crystal is always available in 3, 4, and 6 mm bicones.  

The new Bead and Button and Beadwork magazines are both here, but won't last long.  

Hope to see you soon!  

Another Day, Another Creation

Herringbone Weave Bracelet by Julia Hecht

Monday night was a wonderful event creating more Bright Angels. The free wire class had a few people out at Poppyfield despite the cold. We were warm and toasty and weaving away with colored wire, beads, and tiny tiny 2.5 mm bicones. We had a lot of laughs. I am always inspired by sharing my designs and seeing what y'all do with them. Tuesday I was busy working up another potential project and created this wonderful herringbone bracelet. Now it's a class...

Introducing a beginner level wire class - Herringbone Weave Bracelet. It is a one session class for $25. I will teach it on Monday Jan 16th 6-9 PM, and Saturday, Jan 28th 1-4 PM. Choose one session only. It is a great technique that works up well with the beads I've chosen for the class. I think you'll dig it! If you've been wanting to try some wire work, this class is for you! No experience necessary. Stop by to see the bracelet in "real life" or call in and register with a credit card- we can email you the supply list and you don't even need to come out in the cold.

Poppyfield Gallery Lives!

Before I opened Poppyfield I tried my hand at selling my work at craft shows. That's tough going. I applaud all my customers who labor at this. It really is hard work and requires a lot of stamina. Setting up the retail bead shop has been my primary focus this year. Recently, Henri has really encouraged me to get my work on display for sale. Now it is! We have a gallery area set up with my seed bead, wire and strung jewelry. I am pleased to say that it is selling, and to Beaders, no less. That's a great compliment. Margo Field also has some of her work on display for sale. Help us spread the word about the gallery!

Angel with a Story, Postponed.

Sorry folks - turns out I am needed for a family matter and won't be able to do a free wire class on Dec 12th. Stay tuned for a repeat of this popular free class in the New Year. Angels are not just for Christmas. We need them everyday.

New Seed Beads Arriving Soon.

I've ordered some new colors in size 11's - I'll let you know more when they get here!

40% Sale Winding Down

A lot of sale beads have gone - perhaps forever. This is your chance to get a GREAT bargain on Czech beads. If I reorder, they will not be at the sale price. And some are no longer being made. Don't miss out! Come in and see what we've got left.

Don't Forget - Grab N' Go Gift Bags - pre stuffed with all kinds of tools, supplies and books for your soon to be crafty friends and family. Share your love of craft with this hassle-free gift idea. The bags are all ready - so when you get down to the wire and tired of shopping - give us a call or come by and we'll hand you your gift bag. Each one is a bargain and contains a gift card.

Hope to see you soon!

Hoop La La!!

DROP EVERYTHING!!!! Tuesday 10/4, 1:00-2:00

Tomorrow's DRop everything And Twist (DRAT) FREE wire class will be these sparkling filigree-ish hoops. They are so "ooh la la" fabulous. I will teach wire wrapping and weaving and crystal embellishment. They also include a simple loop and spiral in the design. It is a great way to build your wire skills so you can follow magazine and book projects and take more advanced wire classes down the road. Check the end of the post for the materials. No need to register. Just show up!

Hoop La La Earrings by Julia Hecht (2 color ways shown)

Some of you have seen my wire and crystal bezel for rivolis that I am currently developing. These earrings are based on the bail design for that project. So, if you take this free class, you will be building your skills for an upcoming elaborate design class that I will be offering soon. Plus, it is a bit of a sneak preview.

Drop Everything!!!!! Monday 10/10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Firecracker Ring by Julia Hecht - Kit Available

Birthday Butterfly Pendant

Next Monday evening (10/10) Poppyfield will host a free wire class in the evening. I will teach the Fire Cracker Ring and the Birthday Butterfly, in that order. Click on the project name for more details about each. I will have ring kits available with everything you need to make one ring for $8.50. The class itself is free. No need to register. Just show up! The materials for these classes will be listed at the end of this post.

CLASS UPDATES

Seed of Compassion Necklace by Julia Hecht

Seed of Compassion by Julia Hecht

Advanced Beginner Wire and Bead Fusion Class

2 Saturdays: 10/22 and 10/29, 1-4 PM, $40.

Moorish Tile Beaded Beads

Moorish Tile Beaded Beads by Diane Fitzgerald (Guest Bead Master from MN)

Intermediate Seed Bead

One day workshop: Saturday 11/5, 10-4:30, $85

Tropical Bauble by Diane Fitzgerald

Tropical Bauble Pendant by Diane Fitzgerald (Guest Bead Master from MN)

Intermediate Seed Bead

One day workshop: Sunday 11/6, 10-4:30, $85

Pre- class homework - you can start this project the day you register!

Ornamental Poppy Trilogy by Margo Field

Ornamental Poppy by Margo Field

Intermediate Seed Bead Class

Registration open for Saturday class: 11/12 and 11/19, 1-4 PM, $40.

PRODUCT UPDATE!

Now In Stock and Ready for Your Enjoyment!

• Size 15 Galvanized Seed Beads in 6 Colors (Tooo Gorgeous!) - Perfect for Margo's Ornamental Poppy
• 27 mm Swarovski Rivolis in 8 colors: Crystal AB, Fuschia, Aquamarine, Peacock Eye, Montana, Chyrsolite, Summer Blush, and Emerald - Get 'em while they last!
• Candy Corn and Skulls Handmade Glass Charms (limited supply) - $1.50 and up.

POPPY REMINDERS

Mondays are Late Nite at Poppyfield - We are open until 8:00 PM

Tuesdays are Open Beading 2-4 PM - Come Bead With Us! Help with any bead or wire project.

Supplies List for DRAT Free Wire

Hoop La La Earrings: 18 ga wire - 10.5", 26 ga wire - 30", 2.5 mm Swarovski crystals (30 or more depending on hoop size), 2 earring wires. Tools needed (please bring or plan to buy - we can't rent or lend -sorry): Round nose, chain/flat nose and nylon jaw pliers, flush cutters, jump ring mandrel is helpful.

Birthday Butterfly: 18 ga wire - 24", 2 colors of 26 ga colored wire (about 18" each color). 24 crystal bicones (2.5 mm) in 2 colors, and an accent dangle that uses one glass flower and a 4 mm bicone.

Tools: round nose, chain nose, and nylon jaw pliers, and jump ring mandrel. We are hardening by hammering so a chasing hammer and bench block are recommended.

Firecracker Ring: Ring base with single loop, 22 ga wire -36", 6mm bicone crystals - 10, size 11 seed beads, 1-2 grams, one glass teardrop bead - hole top to bottom.

Tools: round nose, chain nose and nylon jaw pliers.

Hope to see you soon!