One Thing Leads to Another

Last week during our Pot Pourri show and tell I was inspired by the soldered wire earrings one of the attendees was wearing. Part of the earring was spindle shaped with tiny rondelles wrapped across it. Next thing you know, I was making my own "Pod Earrings" with fuschia crystals. It is a simple shape with simple wire coiling and a sweet little dangle. Today I spent hours trying to "enhance" it by adding more parts. The result... well... "the U word". So, I won't share. In the end, simplicity wins. So Tuesday's DRop Everything And Twist class is:

(materials at the end of the post)

Pod Earrings by Julia Hecht

Pod Earrings

Drop Everything and Twist

Tuesday 1:00-2:00

Studio Poppy

Followed by Open Beading 2-4 PM

The New Mexico Rivoli Fan class was not only a bargain ($10) but a BLAST! Several customers have come in with their finished earrings, ready to make more - they are so quick and fun - who can resist those rivoli's and crystals? A great gift idea for the holidays. Toldja!

Margo's Ornamental Poppy classes are were really fabulous. There was an incredible variety of color schemes. I love to see what others put together. Some that I would never choose, just look amazing! Tomorrow is the first session of the Giant Poppy Ensemble. There are still a few places left, if you want to join us. See the classes page on this blog for details. Some of you are waiting for the Saturday class. It is scheduled for January 14th and 21st. It is now open for registration...so come on in to Poppyfield, or call with your credit card. Don't miss out on this seed bead extravaganza.

New Poppy Products

The microcrystalline wax is finally here! A 2 oz cup is probably a lifetime supply. So, if you liked Diane Fitzgerald's double stranded and waxed technique for stitching, come on in and pick up your wax!

New beautiful top drilled glass drops from Czech Republic - in a variety of sizes and colors - now hanging at Poppyfield.

Wire Department Overflowing!

We are now stocked to the brim with great colors of artistic wire - Chartreuse, Plum, Fuschia, Peacock Blue, Red, Lemon and Tangerine - not to mention those variety packs of 26 wire in tons of brilliant colors. Of course we've got the basic metals - low cost copper coated - non-tarnish brass and silver, copper, and gold tone.

Pod Earrings Materials List:

20 g wire - 16"

24 g wire - 6"

26 g wire 7 feet

40-60 2.4 mm bicone crystals

2 earring wires

Tools: Chain nose, round nose, nylon jaws, flush cutters,

bench block and hammer recommended as we are hardening the wire

Mood Changers

Wheels of Alchemy Earrings by Julia Hecht

One reason I LOVE beads, and have from the start, is that they are mood changers for me. If I am having a rough day (or year), and I have the blessing of some bead-time, things start looking up. I pick my colors, settle down with a bead mat, and spill out the little piles I need to get going. I take a deep breath in and gaze at those little puddles of glistening colors. By the time I exhale, I am already starting to feel better. Thirty minutes of peyote and I am in a trance. Ain't nothing like it. As a project grows, or a little speedy creation is completed I feel truly blessed with the ability to create something beautiful. From the first day I put 2 beads together, it was a healing experience for me.

Last week I had a rough morning. I spent the afternoon at Poppyfield making some "wheels" of color with wire and beads while Solange ran the register. I was inspired by a more complex project in Rachel Nelson's Seed Bead Fusion book. One of my customers was working Rachel's Shiloh Necklace in the studio during OPEN BEADING. I liked the idea of wrapping wire loops with beads both on the outside and inside. But even more so, I wanted bright color - lots of it. Some of you may have seen the necklace that was born. By the time I was done, my mood had lightened and my problems seemed further away. Beading is a kind of mood alchemy.

Someday the Wheels of Alchemy Necklace will evolve into a wire work class - a full-fledged, register, pay and get instructions, kind. But for now -- you can get the FREE earring version of "Wheels of Alchemy" during Drop Everything and Twist, TOMORROW (Tuesday) from 1-2. The free DRAT class includes on the spot teaching with me - you can take your own notes, as there are no instructions. You also do not need to register or pay... just show up at Poppyfield.

You will need the following tools: Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, nylon jaw pliers, and flush cutters. We will harden our wire wheels by hammering them, and so you will need a bench block and a chasing hammer. I do have those available for sale - bring your own if you have them. I do NOT have tools to lend. Please make arrangements to bring tools or buy them at the shop.

There is no materials kit this week. But many of you will already have most of the supplies, if not all. You will need between 25 and 40-4 mm bicone crystals ( I used Sun AB), and the same number of size 8 seed beads (I used 638 - my all time fav color), 2- 6 mm beads (I used Sun bicones). The hoops are made of 18 ga wire ( 18" to 2 feet includes room for mistakes), and the wrapping is with 26 ga - and I used Artistic Wire Plum (one wingspan per earring). Of course EVERYTHING IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT POPPYFIELD. I do admit to being out of nylon jaw pliers because their absolute coolness (as erasers) has been discovered by all my wire students. More are on their way.

Other Poppy News

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings by Julia Hecht

The Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings Class was a blast. I've seen some gorgeous fringe earrings bopping around the store. This class is open for registration for Saturday, October 1st for $25. I may even wear bell bottoms to teach. I am in the process of making a special 60's and 70's sound track for the occasion.

Fan Dance Necklace by Margo Field

Margo's Saturday class of the Fan Dance Necklace is now entering the home stretch. It has met twice and the fans are multiplying. Last week students worked on the neck strap. It is a treat for me to see all the color choices. The Monday series of the class is open for registration. It meets September 12th, 19th, and 26th from 6-9. This necklace looks great on any neck. Don't miss out!

Watch Your Step Bracelet by Margo Field

Margo's Watch Your Step Bracelet is back by popular demand and open for registration for September 24th from 1-4. There are so many ways to do up this one. I've got several on display at Poppyfield. Stop by and check them out.

Tropical Bauble by Diane Fitzgerald

The Tropical Bauble class with Diane Fitzgerald is going to sell out any day now. There are only a few places left. Call with a credit card to secure your place. If you are undecided, come in and see it "live". It looks better in real life. The resin bead and 2.5 mm bicones are on their way. Yes, it is true. I will have 2.5 mm Swarovski bicones in several colors. First served are those who've signed up for the class.

New Poppy Products

I now have Fireline in 8 lb and 10 lb in all three colors: Smoke, Crystal, and Flame Green.