Tiny Bead Netted Earrings

I am continuing on my exploration of netted beading techniques.  Here you can see the same pattern with a variety of beads. 

Beaded by Julia Hecht
Pattern By Miroslava
https://youtu.be/Tv8D8_NG-XI

 The larger piece is done using 15/0 Japanese seed beads.  The smaller ones are done using 16/0 Czech seed beads (the red and pink beads) and 15/0 Czech Charlottes in gunmetal, gold, and copper.  You can see the size difference.  The small ones are 1" in diameter and the larger one is almost a 1/2" bigger.  It is important to remember that 15/0 is not a fixed size...but a relative size and varies with the origin of manufacture.  Even among Japanese manufacturers, size and shape differ a bit. Some intricate patterns done with Miyuki beads will not work well with Toho or Matsuno beads and vice versa.   Huichol TV is a Youtube channel by Miroslava and this particular tutorial is narrated in English.  If you want to try this pattern yourself, you need only 3 colors of seed beads.  Click here

and have fun.

Join us for our FREE Happy Hour Beading Event

Friday 9/15 4:30-6:00 PM

Twin Tracks Bracelet
by Anna Elizabeth Draeger

An all levels project with CzechMate lentils and accent beads to sparkle it up. Use crystal bicones, Fire Polish, or pearls....or a combination of those.    

There's no registration:

JUST SHOW UP!

This pattern is exclusive to particular bead stores and is not available to the public.

How it works:

We will provide printed copies at the event.  The supply list is below and you are welcome to bring your own beads from your stash.  We hope you will buy some beads from us.   Feel free to bring what you have, and fill in with 

what you need.  

Join us for a fun and supportive beading event at the shop.  

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**

*CzechMate Lentil Beads (120)

**3 mm accent beads (140)

15/0 Seed Beads (6)

Fireline 6 or 8 lb

Size 11 or 12 Beading needles (2)

Jump rings (2)

Clasp

*CzechMate Bar beads may be used

**crystal bicones, fire polish, pearls, or a combination of these may be used.  

A message about Sylvia....

Sylvia will be out for several weeks as she recovers from surgery.  We wish her a speedy recovery!

A message about Happy Hours...

While Sylvia is out, we will continue to have our Happy Hour events.  There will be patterns, refreshments, and I am confident, we'll still have lots of laughs.  They'll be self-supported for a few weeks, so I'll strive for easy to do patterns.  

Holiday Lights

Holiday Lights Earrings by Julia Hecht

Who doesn't love the holiday lights that decorate the neighborhood this time of year?  They inspire my new design for Saturday's FREE WIRE CLASS.  This class will focus on wrapped loops for top drilled drops.  The technique builds on the basic wrapped loop which we covered during the last class.  It is helpful if you already know how to do a wrapped loop.  But all levels are welcome, including brand new beginners.  There will be a kit for all the metal components seen here:  sprockets, chain, jump rings,  brass wire and French earring wires.  The kit is $12, AND you get a $5 gift certificate with your kit that you can use towards anything in the store.  You buy your beads separately so that you can design your own color way.  You can even put together your own metal kit by choosing items a la carte.  I've got lots of filigrees, chain, and other components in other metals.   So don't feel confined to what I've used here.  Class is from 10:00-noon.  First come first served.  If you want a kit please call to purchase in advance, so we can get it made up for you.  If you a buy a kit, you are guaranteed a spot.  Click here for list of tools you will need.  The last free class was a great success.  (There are still a couple of kits left that can be purchased).  We had a lot of fun and everyone left happy.  Don't miss out this week! 

Other holiday items are now in stock.  We have metal and glass charms in Santas, snowmen, wreaths, trees, and more.  These are silver-plated with hand enameling. Some, like the tree have Swarovski elements.  Use them for a charm bracelet, earrings, or wear as a single pendant.  Mix with our other holiday charms.  

Spike Revival

I have a great supply of baby spikes these days...and we are busy getting them out on display.  The old favorites like Magic Blueberry and Cranberry Agate AB are back. Plus there are some GORGEOUS new ones like teal vitrail, turquoise, bronze iris, and more!!  Larger spike beads are still in stock as well.  Come Czech us out!

New 15/0 Czech Charlotte Colors

We 've now got an Apollo finish and a purple iris in the tiniest beads.  We are also carrying real gold, copper, nickel, and some metallic "look alikes".  

For All Your Holiday Needs:  

Think Poppyfield for gifts to make or buy!

OH, and please do check my previous post for some important information I've wanted to share with you.  

Hope to see you soon!

Glad To Be Back

Luz del Alma by Julia L. Hecht
End Caps and Clasp

Greetings Beady Friends!  I've been away from the store a lot this summer spending time with my family.  It has been wonderful and full of precious, priceless moments.   But I've missed you and the beads.  Of course I schlepped my bead projects on travels and opened them repeatedly in my home.  But, since my last post, I have not had what it takes to transport myself into "deep beading".  Virginia Wolf, the 19th Century writer  needed "A room of one's own and lock on the door," to ply her craft.  I need good lighting, reading glasses, and a quiet place to sit still for hours.  And of course, lots of beads.

Yesterday, though, I had all that, and got down to it.  I finally finished Luz del Alma, my first exploration with tiny spike beads (see previous post).  They enhance a sparkling 27mm rivoli.  The effect is not at all spiky  or edgy. But,  rather radiant and celebratory.  Last night I finished the end caps and clasp.  They are built upon a delicate (easy!) kumihimo satin rope using a variety of bead stitches that create complexity and intricacy.  The finishing is so special, you might want to wear your hair in a bun for this one!  The class dates are set and it is open for registration:  3 Saturdays - September 22nd, 29th, and October 6th or 3 Mondays - October 22nd, 29th, and November 5th.  Additional kumihimo classes will be scheduled soon for those of you wanting a rope class.  Of course you can create your own rope for this piece.  But, why not add some new techniques to your repertoire?  Call with a credit card, or come by the store to register.

Poppy Classes

Margo's Enchanted Primrose and my Triple D Earring classes have been lots of fun!  If you missed Enchanted Primrose you can order the instructions (PDF or paper) from Poppyfield.  The Triple D earrings class on Saturday, Aug 25th still has some places left.  It is instant gratification and the instructions are easy to understand and written for brand new beaders.

Poppy Products

The results from the Delica poll are in, and visible in the upper right hand corner of the blog.  There isn't an overwhelming separation of preference.  I was surprised to find that size 10's are more desirable than size 8's, so that was helpful. I was happy to see that there is a desire for cut beads as I already have some size 11 hex cut Delicas.  As soon as we get them tubed I will have them available for purchase.  I have already ordered some more colors in 11's that I couldn't resist. (I saw a customer with them and was disappointed to discover that I wasn't carrying them.  Problem solved!!)  Size 10's will be my next addition as I believe they are not yet available locally.  So, if you are looking for more Delica beads, stay tuned.

I have also grown my selection of tiny tiny 15/0 Czech charlottes.  I have a mix of both plated precious metal and affordable "look a-likes" including nickel, brushed 24 kt gold, brushed and bright copper.  So, dispel the rumor that "no one in Albuquerque is carrying 15/0 Czech charlottes."  You CAN get them at Poppyfield, starting at $4.50 for a 5 gram tube.

Coming Soon Super Duo - The twin of Twin Beads

Several customers have asked about Twin Beads.  It looks like they are catching on!  Since they seem to be showing up in magazines and on-line tutorials looking absolutely beautiful and intriguing, I've decided to carry them.  Well, their twin anyway.  I did some research and discovered that 2 very similar 2 holed bead products are manufactured in a wide array of colors: Twin Beads and Super Duo.  Christina of Good Quill Hunting tested both. She reports that Twin Beads are more irregular in shape, sometimes do not have both holes patent, and require culling.  They are also cheaper.  However, the main frustration with Twin Beads is that sometimes by the time you find out the 2nd hole is not patent, the bead is already incorporated into your work. That sounds like an experience I'd pay to avoid.  So, I've decided to carry Super Duo - billed as uniform, precision made, and reliable.  I've got every color on order and my supplier is awaiting their arrival on this continent.  I'll keep you posted.

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

Hope to see you soon!

Czech Us Out

White and Copper Peacock Daggers

Matte Blue Peacock Daggers

Some wonderful Czech beads are here! Wendy and I have been busy getting them ready for you.  (Solange is on vacation and will be back July 5th). I've got a slew of new daggers including Peacock Daggers.  They look great at the end of fringe and tassels.  They are also artful enough to stand alone as a single embellishment.  Use them in the Triple D Earrings class (July 30th or Aug 25th) or create your own design.

******SPIKE BEADS******

A new bead shape is now on the scene:  SPIKE BEADS -  I have these edgy glass beads in 3 sizes and a number of colors and finishes.  Use some cute tiny spikes to embellish or make a large bead the focus of your design. If you like to try new things or "bead on the edge" come check out our spikes.  I predict these cool beads will be showing up in magazine projects soon.  I hope to spend today experimenting with spikes and size 15 beads.  Life is good!


Tinier Beads Have Arrived!  15/0 Czech Charlottes -  These are the ones that Laura McCabe made a necessity for peyote bezels. They also make beautiful, delicate 3-bead picot embellishments.   Available in Matte Silver, Antique Gold, Antique Gold Iris, and Bright Copper Plate.  Five gram tubes start at $4.50.


Size 12 Tulip beading needles from Japan now available.  Perfect for those tiny charlottes. 


Take your metal components to a new level with "patina" pigments.  You can apply them with sponges or paintbrushes.  Layer and blend them for an endless array of options.  Seal them with glaze.  Pigments and glaze by Ranger.   Find them in our Tools Department.  Mix media and surprise yourself!

Metamorphosis ID Bracelet
Brass Butterfly with "Patina" pigments by Ranger

We just wrapped up the first round of Margo's Enchanted Primrose Necklace class.  It was a jovial bunch.  One of the fun parts about hosting classes is hearing the laughter and happy chatter and seeing new friendships and connections made.  People often say that beading is their therapy. Some classes are just like that too.  Of course, I get to "color cruise" around the room and spy on everyone's color choices.  I never fail to be surprised by what combinations beaders will create and how beautiful they are. Nancy used 465A for her petals of the central flower.  It looked just great with 465C in the rest of the design.  Both are gold-lined and available in small 9 gram tubes.   Margo did one amazing color way in copper and teal (459H).  I can't wait to use those 2 together. 

 There is still room in several classes:  Enchanted Primrose (advanced seed bead) , Triple D Earrings (All levels brick stitch and fringe), Kumi Bangles (Kumihimo with Beads) , and Fun With Filigrees (cold connections wirework and riveting class).  Click on the "Classes and Shows" page on this site for details and pics.  Call with a credit card to hold your place, or visit us in person and Czech Out our new beads.

Hope to see you soon!

Please note that we will be CLOSED for 
Independence Day, July 4th.  

Have a safe and beady holiday.