All In Good Time

It is hard to believe four months have passed since my last post.  Of course, in all that time, much has happened.  We had a super Spring and Summer with our weekly Happy Hour every Friday.  There was so much great energy in the shop, and so many people working in the Studio.   We are kicking off a new Happy Hour season with my Day of the Dead Charm bracelet 10/17.  Click here for details about this class.    

The Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet

direct from the heart of New Mexico

I disappeared for about a month to recover from knee surgery.  It was a big deal and I learned a lot about patience, love, and accepting help.  I received cards and well wishes, and each one has meant a lot to me.  Today I am walking around and sometimes it doesn't hurt.  I work with a great team of physical therapists and my biggest problem is slowing down and not overdoing the exercise.  When I do, I end up back in bed, exhausted and in pain.  So I have had to learn to let it all happen in good time.  

I've also learned to stop fretting about timelines.  It seems that unforeseen obstacles appear whenever I become fixed on a deadline.  It is as if the Universe is telling me, "Stop it!  It is our schedule, not yours, you mere speck of a human."  So I can fight it and stress everyone out in the process, or I can relax into the reality that much is out of my control.  When I accept that, I am liberated to enjoy every sweet moment that is also truly occurring.  

Along those lines, I am happy to report that our webstore at webstore.poppybeads.com is live.  I had planned for this to happen in March, and now it is October.  Getting it going has been challenging, frustrating, exciting and inspiring.  I gave up on my original timeline long ago.  It is live and you can definitely shop there online at any time of day or night.  It is still a work in progress.  For example,  you will notice that not all the categories listed are populated with products yet. That being said, we have a lot available online in the following categories:  CzechMate 2 hole beads (rullas, super duos, lentils, triangles), other Czech pressed glass such as O beads and rizos, and daggers, Swarovski rivolis and dentelles, and preciosa flat backs and banded rhinestones.  There are a lot of colors of  super nylon bead cord and a variety of charms, bracelet cuffs, AND more.   So look around.  Get familiar and watch our inventory grow!  Please note that it will be helpful to shop both using search for key words, as well as the drop down list under products.  There are still a few kinks we are working out, so please bear with us. Don't forget to read our terms carefully, as they differ from our in-store policies.  

Follow Our Joy

We just got a few new orders in! When the UPS truck pulled up, Wendy said "It feels like Christmas!" We have new Miyuki seed bead colors in Delicas and round (rocailles) in 11 and 15's. The Super-Duo precision twin beads arrived in 70 colors. We are busy getting them priced and setting up a new display for these very cool beads. I must admit I was skeptical about these conjoined twins. Seemed like a gimmick to me. But after just one afternoon of playing, I've been won over. They fit together like a textured tapestry. I am working on a new project with them called the "Magic Carpet Bracelet". Stay tuned. I'll be posting to let you know as soon as they are available for purchase.

Speaking of posting... I've set up a new twitter account under the name PoppyfieldBeads. I encourage you all to set up a twitter account and then follow PoppyfieldBeads and get the latest news. I will be posting special offers on both the blog and twitter account that will not be in any emails. So please follow on the blog and twitter so you won't miss out. If you need help getting these set up, just ask us.
Labor Day Monday come join us for the FREE CLASS as we practice wrapped loops to assemble a Day of the Dead charm bracelet. Order your kit today before 4:30. We have 5 seats left. If you miss the kit option, but wish to come you can always show up and bring/buy wire and beads. Don't forget your tools. Class is at 12-1:30 and then the store will open at 2:00.

Stay and bead or twist, or just schmooze with friends at Studio Poppy. Open Beading on Labor Day starts at 2:00.

Remember Monday Night is late night. We are open til 8:00 PM. Hope to see you soon.

This beautiful beaded Poppy was designed and assembled by Jessica McDowell, one of my customers. She used the technique of French Beaded Flowers. Thank you, Jessica, for sharing this with us.

Beaded Poppy by Jessica McDowell

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.