Roped In By Ropes

I am all about beaded ropes these days.  Several months ago, I happened upon the beaded crochet ropes of Brigitte Iländer, of Germany.  They are an amazing amalgam of color and pattern.  I quickly realized that there is a level of pattern control and possibility that I wanted to master.  I purchased her book and realized that I needed a primer on this technique before I could jump ahead.  I used Candace Sexton's book and DVD to teach myself the basics (available at Poppyfield).  And in true medical training fashion (see one - do one - teach one) I am ready to teach you all and bring you along on my bead crochet journey.    Saturday, Feb 20th, 1-4 PM you can learn the secrets of the bead crochet rope using size 8/0 seed beads.  

Intro to Bead Crochet - Tri Color Spiral Bracelet by Julia Hecht

This is just the beginning, though.  Here is a preview of Brigitte's patterns from her book:

Click here to purchase her book

As we continue on our adventure, I will be sharing how to read bead crochet patterns, and how to work with thinner thread / cord, and smaller beads.  I have worked some rope with 11/0's and although 8/0's are definitely the way to start, it is pretty exciting to go smaller.

Other Ropey Happenings

I am preparing for my Seeds of Change Necklace to appear in the next issue of Bead and Button (It will be called Springtime Garden in the magazine).  This is an embellished kumihimo rope that I created in 2014 and taught at the shop a number of times.  It uses 2 holed SuperDuos and 2 holed Lentils in the braided rope in order to create a foundation for embellishment.  I am getting some color ways together to sell on our webstore, for remote beaders who can't come in and select the components in person.  To start, there will be a Pacific Forest color way with blues and greens, and a Champagne Garden color way with pinks and greens.  

Seeds of Change / Springtime Garden Necklace - Original Color Way

If you want to join in the Kumi fun, you can learn the ropes (Ha!) with us on Feb 20th 10-noon (for brand new braiders), and then how to add beads to your braiding on March 5th 1-4.  You'll be all ready to make your own Springtime Garden necklace when the magazine arrives in March.  You can call the shop or come by in person to register and reserve your place.  

Braiding with Beads - Intro to Beaded Kumi
Sat, March 5th 1-4 PM

Going With The Flow

 Cheerful Studs Bracelet by Akke Jonkhof

Greetings Beady Friends!  Finally, I am back in front of my computer, eager to bring you news from Poppyfield Bead Company.  But, first, I feel I must catch you up.  Recently, I was in Israel with my children for two weeks.  For me, it was an intense, moving,  and sometimes painful and saddening experience.  While I came back eager to jump back into the beads and reconnect with you all, it has taken some time to absorb, process, and recover from my trip.  I also feel a bit battered by recent events in the news.  As I've discussed here before, my life has set me on a healing and spiritual path. So always, I ask myself what my pain and struggles can teach me.  For now the "divine download" seems to be "Go with flow, and respond towards well-being".  I have a feeling this one is going to serve me well every day.

Until yesterday, I've been very tired and having a hard time accomplishing what I intend and want to do.  The whip-cracking "shamer" in my head calls me "lazy".  But going with the flow means I allow myself to be just "tired", "jet lagged (9 time zones!)", and "emotionally exhausted".  "Responding towards well-being" means I ask myself what I need to be well.  Ummm????  My wise inner guide tells me "rest, peace of mind, healthy eating, light exercise, laughter, connect with people who love and care for me, tell the truth about how I feel, don't push myself."  It sounds simple, but for some of us, that prescription is not easily followed.  For me, it takes commitment and deliberate effort.  I have to say "no" to my natural tendencies many times a day.   But I see that after 10 days of doing just that, I am feeling better today.  So here I sit...sharing with you - and it feels just right.  Yay!!

Meanwhile, during all these days I've been "away" absolutely fabulous things have been happening at the shop.  Here's a partial run - down:

• Bead Maps for Customer Use - Handy binders with the location of every tube of size 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads are now available.  They are easy to use and we'll show you how.  
• June taught her first class!  - Peyote Premiere, an introduction to flat peyote stitch was a great hit. If you want to learn the ins and outs of peyote stitch while making fabulous beaded jewelery- stay tuned for June's upcoming classes.
• "Cowgirl Dreams" color palette of new seed bead colors is here.  Lots of pinks and browns including a new metallic iris with pinks, golds, and browns.  Check out the "New Seed Bead" display for these and all our new colors.  
• New Inventory of Czech Glass - round druk beads, fire polish, beautiful buttons
• New Crystal Rose Montees
• Diamondback Rope -   Wendy's got a new beaded kumi necklace she will teach in August
• Classes scheduled through August and September - Click HERE for details -

Diamondback Rope and Reversible Pendant
by Wendy Speare

MEET AKKE JONKHOF

Akke Jonkhof is a beader and a blogger from the Netherlands, who invents wonderful patterns.  I discovered her work on Pinterest.com and I've been following her there.  She loves 2-holed beads.  This is her hexagon bracelet with Super Duo's and size 11/0's.  The stud bracelet at the top of the blog is also hers (yes, we sell Czech glass studs).  Her patterns are available in English at very low prices on Etsy. Click HERE to go to Akke's tutorials for sale.  

FREE WIREWORK MEET UP TUESDAYS 1-3 PM

Sylvia Abeyta, our wire warrior is back in action after her car accident.  Starting July 23rd you can come and learn, practice, share wire work ideas, and of course laugh with us in Studio Poppy.  It is free and you can bring whatever you'd like (including lunch).  We have tools, wire, and of course beads, if you need to purchase.  

GET YOUR POPPY REWARDS!

Our new rewards program is running smoothly. Many of you have already claimed your first or second rewards cards.  There's no limit and no rush.  Our software keeps track of your purchases. Every time you reach $100 of accumulated sales you will receive a $10 gift card at your next visit.  (Please note: You can take as much time as you want to reach $100. But gift cards must be used during the calendar year they are received. ) 

COMING SOON

• More DELICAS  - the new "luminous" series is on its way to me.  Also more colors in 10/0's and 15/0's
• New TILA colors
• New 2-holed Czech-Mate tile beads
• New spike beads (a new size) 
• Our next "new" seed bead palette

KUDO's

My Light of the Soul Necklace is the centerfold project in the August issue of Bead and Button Magazine.  Yay to me this time.  Send me your beady achievements and I will brag for you here. Don't be shy...we all need to celebrate each other.  

Light of the Soul (Luz del Alma)

 by Julia Hecht

REMEMBER:  MONDAY IS LATE NIGHT - WE ARE OPEN TIL 8:00 PM

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

PEACE AND BEADS 

RE-BOOT

My absence from the blogosphere for a month reflects my focus on the concrete aspects of both getting the store open and the demands of daily living.  Once we got word the carpet was coming, the timeline compressed an enormous amount of work into a matter of days.  Everything on the floor (directly or indirectly), was packed up in boxes, or wrapped up tightly and placed on movers. The back wall of Studio Poppy (our classroom and beading studio) had to be disassembled.   All our back cabinets and storage shelves had to be emptied.  Then, over the course of 2 days it was moved into 4 different arrangements so all of the floor could be exposed.  The old, damaged and glass covered-carpet was removed and the new carpet was laid.   Just thinking about it now makes me tired.   We opened our doors on May 15th and despite my fears that no one would come back, 33 customers came in that day.

Trying to smile through it all

Even the storage had to be emptied and moved

All wrapped up!

I held my breath through it all!

Studio Poppy gone for a time 

"AFTER"  Our new carpet, reassembled studio, and beads back in place

It definitely feels like a reboot.  You know... that vulnerable period when you power on the computer and it goes through all kinds of exertions before it finally gives you the screen you know and have come to rely upon.  We are still unpacking boxes and cleaning up the studio. We finally rescheduled some classes (see below).   Our inventory is all available - but perhaps, not in its final "nesting place".  Our clearance sale is ongoing with great discounts.  We still have seed beads on the clearance table, and hope to bring out some other interesting beads we discovered during the restoration - also at great discounts.

"Bead Parfaits" for 99 cents on the sale table

NEW PRODUCTS

New seed bead colors 

New hybrid beads- 11*'s, 8*'s, and 3 mm magatamas

30 mm bugle beads (we are hand-sorting to ensure high quality)

Rose montees (4 mm -6.4 mm)

 Click here for a free bracelet tutorial using 4 mm montees

POPPYFIELD REWARDS PROGRAM

Congratulations! You are automatically enrolled.  There is no fee or membership required. You only need give us your name.  Every time your sales history reaches $100 you will receive a $10 gift card for Poppyfield Bead Company.   There are many benefits to this program over previous discount offers:  No membership dues to other organizations, everyone is eligible, all sales count towards the reward, and your sales accumulate over time.   We are hoping to begin our new program on Monday, June 10th.  Once we start up, this will be the only reward / discount plan.  We think you'll be very satisfied.  As usual, we are asking for your patience as we learn the new software that makes this program possible.  

CLASSES ARE BACK!

Saturday 6/8   10 AM - 1 PM - Dancing Diamonds Rope (beaded kumihimo rope with Wendy Speare)

Saturday 6/15 10 AM - 1 PM - Dancing Diamonds Pendant (beautiful superduo star pendant with Wendy Speare

Saturday 7/13 10 AM - 1 PM - Peyote Premiere (flat peyote earrings and pendant with June Malone)

(Check the classes page in the header above for details)

If you've registered for these classes already, you are automatically re-registered.  Please do let us know if you can make it.  We will offer these again, to try to accommodate those of you who cannot make it to these dates.  If you registered before our accident, and would prefer a refund, I am happy to accommodate you, provided you have not received instructions.  

Hollywood Sparkle is tentatively slated for Monday evenings September 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 6-9 PM.  

My Magic Carpet Bracelet appears in the June 2013 Bead and Button Extra online for subscribers. There it is on the bottom left - renamed Diamond Odyssey by the editors.  Kits are available in both color ways shown for $28.50 plus tax and shipping.  Shoot me an email if you are interested.  

****REMEMBER*****  Monday is late night - we are open until 8 PM

Thanks again for "hanging in" with us.  Hope to see you soon!

Catching Up

Greetings Beady Friends.... It has been a while since my last post and even longer since my last email to my customers.  Thanks to those who were concerned about me. I have been fine but overly busy.  Wendy and I have been training June, our newest addition to the Poppyfield team.  Now that June is working independently I can get back to blogging and emailing to keep you all up to date about what's new at the shop.  

Margo's Rivoli Roundel

Right now we have a bunch of new learning opportunities.  Just up ahead is Margo's new Rivoli Roundels Necklace.  It is beautiful and unique and uses 3 rivolis that are just gorgeously embellished.  As I mentioned in the email, I had been blocked from sending the large customer emails - there are just so many of you now (YAY!!).  Although we did a little target email to Margo's past students, some of you may have been left out.  I apologize.  I am HAPPY to report that there are still available places in the class.  It is coming up soon... 3 Mondays:  Nov 12, 19, 26 6-9 PM $75.  It isn't too late... Call the shop or come by ASAP to register.  

Free Wire Classes 

A Little Romance

Just in time for you to make your holiday gifts.  Saturday, Nov 17th 10 AM - noon, I will be teaching A Little Romance - Chandelier Earrings.  This class is free, and I will have kits available for purchase.  Stay tuned for kit colors and prices.  

Saturday, December 1st 10 AM - noon another free wire class is planned.  So save the date!  I will be unveiling the design soon.  Stay tuned.  

Painted Roses

From Vintage to Modern -  COLORING METAL

Vintage brass does not mean dull and boring.  Vintaj Patina Pigments make it possible to permanently color oxidized brass.  No messy or toxic chemicals needed.  It is a simple as painting!  I have worked out a simple 3 step technique for creating these beautiful PAINTED ROSES.  We will have our first metal painting class on Saturday, December 1st  from  3-5 PM.  I will provide all materials and walk you through the process.  Everyone painted as a kid.  Bring that spirit back in this FUN class.  You will be able to complete a rose pendant in the class.  Class size will be limited to 6 students.  Don't miss out.  $40 including materials.  

Make your own gifts with our new findings (seen here)

Poppy Gallery

We are expanding our finished-work gallery for the gift giving season.  We now have silk scarves from local artist Bishop at Brave and Crazy Designs.  If you like extra sparkle, check out our crystal jewelry from Desert Gems, imported from Israel.  New felt bags from Nepal will be here soon.  We will continue to expand throughout the holiday season. Come and see how we blossom.  All finished work is returnable.  

Reaching Out

Now we are back on track with the emails.  I am working with a marketing company that offers mass emailing.  I am crafting the appearance and text of each email.  Please do let me know if you like them or want other info included.  The emails are my way to reach out to you, so help me to do it in a way that works for you.  

Customer Kudos - How Exciting

Jessica Dowell won a Gold Medal for Fire Mountain Gems seed bead jewelry contest in 2011.  Check out the back cover of the current issue of Beadwork to see her fabulous work of art.  

Bonnie Vigil has a design in the gallery section of Jill Wiseman's book on Beaded Ropes from Lark Books. We have this book in stock  - and it looks chock full of designs you'll want to try.  

Two of my own designs have been chosen for Bead and Button Magazine this summer. 

Let me know if you have work published and I'll post it here and brag for you.   

Hope To See You Soon

Peace and Beads 

Julia

A Twisted Christmas

Greetings Beady Friends! I've been working on Poppyfield's wire "department". Terri, one of my past students, asked if I will carry wire. YES! I love wire, and envision wire work classes and projects. I am mostly self taught. However, I did have the fantabulous experience of taking a 2 day class with Lisa Niven Kelly and Laura McCabe together. They taught their award winning "Celebration" necklace at Bead and Button a few years back. I flew all the way to Wisconsin for just that 2 day class. Lisa taught the wire portion, and it was great getting tips from a pro. I also took Kris Silva's coiled bezel class at Beadfest Santa Fe 2 years ago. That was also invaluable in giving me technique and confidence to go forward further with my own exploration.

Which leads me to this recent Christmas...

I was in a bit of a frenzy with the store. So much to do, and how to do it all? I started working on the store non stop as I was having difficulty stopping. Frenzy begets frenzy (if you weren't already aware) and makes me into an unpleasant person. Then Christmas happened. Every company I was dealing with, every store, every body, just shut down for the holiday. I was forced to rest. It isn't even my holiday - but it was a bit of a miracle for me. I started "making stuff" again. I hadn't made a thing since Margo announced she was closing Poppyfield.

I opened my wire drawer and pulled out my base metal stash- nickel and copper. Base metal is inexpensive, looks good, and guilt free for experimenting. I looked through some old magazines and books and came up with 2 new designs. The first is a Valentine inspired heart with crystals in fuschia and a white pearl dangle. The second is more complex and my first try at weaving since the class with Kris. It uses sterling silver beads, a chalcedony top drilled briolette, and glass drops. Both were done with just pliers and fingertips.

A Little Romance - Wire Wrapped Heart by Julia Hecht

Good Tears Pendant by Julia Hecht

When everyone rebooted on Monday I was rejuvenated and ready to go. I was also calmer, thinking more clearly, and probably more pleasant to be around. It was a powerful lesson about balance, and taking breaks.

Now...off to work to finish my wire "department" inventory order: pliers and cutters, jigs, and Artisitic Wire (colored copper wire gauges 16 - 32). Yay!!

Knitting With Artistic Wire