Poppy History!

Julia and Diane Fitzgerald at Poppyfield Bead Company

What a wonderful weekend!!! Diane Fitzgerald shared so much with us in Studio Poppy. Forty students had the opportunity to learn from this beadwork pioneer and master. Of course everyone learned the projects they had registered for. But, treasured just as well, is the passing of pearls of wisdom and experience. These precious nuggets just don't translate from books or magazines. You've gotta be shown. In the tradition of women's arts, it is the passing of expertise and the sharing that happens when women come together to create. It is an "oral tradition". We are so fortunate that in our modern world, we can"fly in" someone like Diane. I believe, all of us opened our eyes a little wider and stretched our wings a little. As beaders, we can approach our passion with new skills, new ideas, and new confidence.

As a bead shop owner, this weekend just brought me to a whole new level. It was a rite of passage to host someone who has been a seminal figure in making beadwork accessible to all of us. Not only did I get a sense of the history of modern beadworking in America, but I suddenly felt a part of that history. From Diane's stories over dinner and in the short car rides, I also got to learn a little bit about bead life outside of our New Mexico enclave and see how we fit into this bigger picture. And if I learned anything from the classes, it is that I need to have some microcrystalline wax for sale. Don't worry, it is on the way.

Bright Angel Ornament by Julia Hecht

DROP EVERYTHING AND TWIST

Tuesday, November 8th, 1:00-2:00

Studio Poppy

While everyone was beading up their mysterious Tropical Baubles, I was working on tomorrow's Drop Everything and Twist Project. I got so many calls requesting another class on Angel With a Story, that I decided to stick with Angels. Here she is... "Bright Angel". She is 4" long from spiral to spiral - and designed as a Tree Ornament - though you could wear her if you like large pendants. It isn't possible to make her in an hour - but it is possible to learn all that you need to make her. So plan to stay a little longer, if you can. See the end of this post for materials list.

Night of Angels!

Evening Free Wire Class - Drop Everything and Twist

Monday December 5th 6-8 PM

Bright Angel and Angel with a Story

These make great holiday gifts!

OPEN BEADING TUESDAYS 2:00-4:00

Come bead with us!

Assistance is Available

BEAD ON!! STUDIO TIME AVAILABLE

Come sit in our lovely Studio Poppy and work independently or with friends on your beading projects. It is always fun to have ALL the colors available as your creation unfolds. You are welcome to join us anytime we don't have a class. Check the classes page for your schedule or give us a call at the store. Free and no need to register. Just show up.

Upcoming Classes

Click here for Pics

New Mexico Rivoli Fans with Julia Hecht over half full. If you are considering this class don't wait. We are almost out of books!

Monday, Nov 14th 6-9 PM

$10 - Learn to Bezel Rivolis!

Fabulous Beginner Class

You will need the Laura McCabe Crystal Book

Giant Poppy Ensemble with Margo Field

Nov 21st and 28th, 6-9 PM

$40.

Ornamental Poppy req'd as a pre-requisite.

Supplies for Bright Angel Ornament

18 gauge wire 36" (armature)

26 gauge wire 5 feet (skirt)

26 gauge wire in same color as armature - 2 feet

22 gauge wire 6" (dangle head pin)

size 11 seed beads 1-2 grams for skirt

2.5 mm bicones 20

Accent beads for dangle

tools: round nose, chain nose, nylon jaw pliers, and flush cutters

Peace and Beads y'all!

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!

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.

Back in the Saddle

It is August, folks - changing light, crisp mornings, and back to school season. This post brings news of new classes and new bead-i-ful products for your enjoyment. But before that...

Last week I took my kids to Colorado for a dude ranch adventure riding horses. My horse for the week was named "Twister". Obviously, this is a sign that I need to keep on with D.R.A.T (Drop Everything and Twist) Free Wire Hour. Keep reading to see what's up for tomorrow.

If you stopped by the store between Wednesday and Saturday, you saw that Solange was holding down the fort and doing her darndest to keep the beads available to you. I am truly grateful that I have such devoted help, and that I was able to keep the shop open while I grabbed up a final blissful few days with my kids before we are all "back in the saddle" for the new school year.

Drop Everything and Twist - FREE Wire Hour

Tuesday 8/9 1:00-2:00 PM

Firecracker Ring: Wrapped Loops in Tight Spaces

Firecracker Ring - "A sparkling blast" by Julia Hecht

Tomorrow, we are going to continue our focus on wrapped loops as we create a sparkling blast of crystals that you wear on your finger. Last week we made earrings and the loops were EASY as they were created individually and then added to the earring. In this case we are going to wrap the loop after adding it to the ring. It is an opportunity to work on your loops and bring your dexterity up a level - readying you for more advanced wire projects that are - really KEWL!

I have kits available with everything you need - just bring your tools: nylon jaw pliers, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and flush cutters. The kits include the ring base, 30" of silver plated fuschia wire (22 ga), 6 mm bicones, a teardrop, and precious metal size 11 beads. It is only $8.50, much less than you would spend buying all the products a la carte. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own supplies. If you want a kit, just shoot me an email and I will get one ready for you. There is no need to register for the class. Just show up! Stay and twist during open beading, if you'd like.

Open Beading

Tuesdays 2:00-4:00

Studio Poppy

* Cool off * Bead with Friends * Get Help with Any Project*

New Class

Watch Your Step Bracelet with Margo Field - Saturday, 9/24, 1-4 pm, $25

Watch Your Step Bracelet by Margo Field

Margo is always getting requests to "please teach ______ again". It happens everyday. So, for those of you who missed this very elegant and very "variable" bracelet back at the original Poppy Field, here's your chance. Check the classes page for a sample of variations that you can work up with this class. The stitch is a variation of netting and picot and is Margo's own...you can't find this in any book. Don't miss out.

New Products

I just got 13 colors of TILA beads. I am selling them in 10 g tubes - they start as low as $5.19. Come check out the amazing colors - After I finish typing to y'all, I am getting them up on the wall.

Class Updates

Fan Dance Necklace by Margo Field

This Saturday, Margo's Fan Dance Necklace will begin! There are still a couple of places left. Fan Dance is a 3 week extravaganza of colorful fans through an exploration of herringbone stitch with a touch of kinky fringe. (Everyone deserves a little kink!) Believe me, this necklace looks good on ANY neck! Don't be shy! Come join us. It is an intermediate level class. Call with your credit card to reserve your place - or stop by at the store.

Registration is STILL OPEN for the following classes:

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings with Julia Hecht - Mon 8/15, 6-9 PM, $25

Fan Dance Necklace with Margo Field - 3 Mons 9/12, 19, 26, 6-9 PM, $65

Almost Infinity Wire Bracelet with Julia Hecht - 2 Sats, 9/10 , 17, 1-4 PM, $40

Moorish Tile Beaded Beads with Diane Fitzgerald - Sat, 11/5, 10 AM -4:30 PM, $85

Tropical Bauble with Diane Fitzgerald - Sun, 11/6, 10 AM- 4:30 PM, $85

Check the classes page for pics and details and class policies.

Come Twist With Us!

Come learn basic wire skills for FREE at Poppyfield. I am offering a free wire intro during Open Beading this Tuesday, July 26th 1-2 PM. I will pass on the techniques and tips that I learned from wire masters who've taught me. I will teach wrapped loops and spirals which are the basis for all other wire designs. You will be able to approach wire designs in books and magazines with a solid foundation. Get ready for the Almost Infinity Bracelet Class in September.

For Tuesday's class, you will need nylon jaws pliers, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and flush cutters. Bring your own tools and wire, or purchase what you need at Poppyfield. I currently have everything in stock. I recommend a copper based wire between 18 - 22 gauge.

NEW CLASS - ALMOST INFINITY BRACELET

Almost Infinity Bracelet by Julia Hecht

Learn wire weaving with and without beads to make this unique bracelet. Students will learn to use the jump ring mandrel, and 26 gauge wire to create these original links. Connect them and add a handmade clasp for a 100% handmade bracelet. Stop by Poppyfield to see this bracelet in person.

2 Saturdays - September 10th and 17th, 1-4 PM $40.oo

CLASS UPDATE

Mexican Fan Earrings Class with Julia - soon to sell out

Mexican Fan Earrings by Julia Hecht

A few places are left in Saturday's class. Use delica beads to create a bezel around a large bead and then embellish with crystals. You create a beautiful pair of earrings. PLUS - It is the jumping off point for more complex versions which I will demonstrate in class.

Margo's Fan Dance Class in August (3 Saturdays) is filling up and will likely sell out. If you are interested, now is the time to grab your place. There is also a Monday evening class in September. Check the classes page details, or stop by the store to see the real deal on display.

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings with Julia (me) is still open for registration - Monday Aug 15th 6-9 PM

Update on Workshops with Guest Bead Master Diane Fitzgerald

Gingko Leaf Necklace - SOLD OUT

Diane's other 2 classes - Tropical Bauble and Moorish Tile Beaded Beads are filling and are likely to sell out.

All classes can be found on the Classes and Shows page - with pics, detailed descriptions, dates and cost. You can register for all classes in person at the store, or call during store hours with a credit card. Payment holds your place.

JUST IN - ONE G THREAD BY TOHO

I am now carrying this new popular thread by Toho. It is a less expensive alternative to fireline- that doesn't snag and fray like nymo and is more fluid than fireline. It comes in 50 yard bobbins - I have black and white and a variety package of all the colors. Try it! Why spend on thread what you really want to spend on BEADS!

Thank you Dana A. for encouraging me to carry it.

REMEMBER

OPEN BEADING - TUESDAYS 1-4

LEARN TO TWIST WIRE, BEAD WITH FRIENDS, OR GET HELP FROM JULIA

LOOK FORWARD TO MONDAYS!

IT IS LATE NITE AT POPPYFIELD

OPEN EVERY MONDAY EVENING TIL 8:00 PM

Shine On!

Swarovski Crystal Pearls

The Albuquerque summer keeps shining on - and so do our beads. Today was my first day back in New Mexico after 10 days in New York. It was a lovely family trip, but I was excited to get back to Poppyfield. The New Mexico sun hit me hard after all that moist haze and shade. Then, I walked into the cool of the store and was reminded of how lucky I am. I spend my days surrounded by the shimmer of colored glass, punctuated by visits from all sorts of creative people. Solange and I had a busy day today and it was just great to be helping pick colors and selling beads.

Product News

I am getting ready to teach some more wire/ metal classes - including forging (hammering). In preparation for that I've now got chasing hammers and bench blocks for sale. Stay tuned for more on this class and other upcoming wire classes.

Class News

A Medallion Mix

There is still some room in the Mixed Media Medallion Class this Saturday 1-4 pm. This class sold out last month and was very popular. You will learn a variety of techniques including a peyote stitch bezel of a cabachon, working with paper, fabric, and adhesives. There is also instruction in making a wire spiral and wrapped linked bail - all this in 3 hours for only $25. This is the last class for this project -so don't miss out! Appropriate for all levels.

Other upcoming classes with a few spaces left are:

Margo's RAW Bon Bons on Saturday, July 23rd from 1-4 for $25 - You can make a bracelet with 7 gorgeous rivolis or substitute an 8 mm pearl or bead for a different look. ( Not for brand new beaders.)

My Mexican Fan Earrings class Monday July 18th 6-9 or Saturday July 30th 1-4 for $25. All levels class - appropriate for beginners too.

This teaches another very versatile technique for bezeling and embellishing a large round bead.

Delicas and crystal bicones - YUM!

Check the Classes Page for pics and more details about these and other classes in August and September.

Gingko Class With Diane Fitzgerald Soon to Sell Out

I've promised to let you know as Diane's November classes fill up and this one is almost full. You can register by phone with a credit card (Master or Visa) or come in to the store. I've got a sample on display. Diane promises to send me samples of the Moorish Tile Beaded Beads and the Tropical Bauble at the end of the month.

Remember- Tuesday is OPEN BEADING from 1-4 - I am available to help you with your beadwork and wire work.

Pearls and Bicones Galore!

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings by Julia Hecht

Ode to the Bicone

I just love the simple crystal bicone. No matter what shapes and designs Preciosa and Swarovski come up with, I always find myself gravitating back to the that simple bicone bead. I remember my first encounter with bicones was in 2003, a few months after I had discovered beads. I took my 2nd class with Margo - the Clover supplement to the Botanical Invention. Margo suggested using crystals as "buds" and embellishments to the very detailed and intricate clovers made of size 15 beads. (I also love size 15's but that's the topic for another post entirely). I just marveled over the beauty of those crystals -it is such a simple shape - but those crisp crystal edges and the sparkle just get to me. I can't resist. Aurora Borealis takes it to a whole nother level. Whew!

In contemplating a nice Intro to Brick Stitch project, I wanted to add my own personal twist to the design. It is only natural that I include crystals. Many people are familiar with the hippie earrings popular in the 1970's that have a beaded triangle at the top and long fringe, usually with bugle beads. You can still see them around New Mexico today. Many beaders got their start beading by making those earrings...one friend taught another, etc. Brick stitch was my first bead weaving technique (self taught from the book by Diane Fitzgerald). I'd like to pass it on. So I created the Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings - a class for all levels. I'll be teaching it on Monday evening August 15th 6-9 PM (cost $25). There will be a Saturday afternoon class sometime in the fall, TBA.

History of Brick Stitch in America

I see many Native Americans selling brick stitch earrings. I researched the history of the Comanche / Brick stitch among Native Peoples using David Dean's book Beading in the Native American Tradition. He explains that both peyote (Gourd Stitch) and brick (Comanche stitch) were adopted by the Kiowa and Comanche people of the southern plains between 1870 and 1890. It was taught to them by Europeans who used those techniques to make purses and items for use by women, with floral and dainty feminine motifs in flat form. Native Americans adapted peyote and brick into tubular form for religious regalia and changed the color schemes. Back in the day, these stitches were used exclusively by men for creating items for use in ceremonies. Women were prohibited from making these items. Nothing was said in this book about the brick stitch and fringe earrings. So, I suspect that these were developed for the tourist trade, and are not rooted in Native tradition. But I could be wrong and would be happy to be corrected or receive more information about the history of Native earrings with Comanche / Brick Stitch. David Dean's book, chock full of interesting information and pictures, is available at Poppyfield.

Pearl Update

I just beefed up my Swarovski crystal pearl selection. It was good and it is now superfantastic!! I am happy to announce that I have 3 new colors: Coral (a gorgeous cantaloup color), Maroon, and Bordeaux (a dark deep brick red). I have 20 different colors of 12 mm pearls. These work in the Mexican Fan Earrings and Fan Dance Necklace (see class page) and a lot of projects that you see in the magazines. Several customers have asked about 3 mm pearls and I now have them in 12 colors. I filled the gaps in colors in the various sizes so I feel safe to say I've got the best crystal pearl selection on display in Albuquerque. Come check it out!

Class Update

Poppyfield Bead Company to Host NM Bead Society Workshop

Monday July 25th with

Bonnie Vigil: Open Lace Rope

Contact NMBS to register

Materials for this class will be available for purchase at Poppyfield

Open Lace Rope by Bonnie Vigil

We had 2 wonderful classes full of students wanting to expand their jewelry making techniques. Susan Skinner's Milagro Chain was a fun-filled evening of wire twisting. Participants left with confidence to make wrapped looped chain, rosary style and spiral dangles. She also taught an original "fish clasp". Two customers already came in with finished chain proudly shining .

My Mixed Media Medallion class SOLD OUT!! This class teaches how to capture a paper graphic in a beaded medallion. We had such a range of medallions emerging: Frieda Kahlo, Tinkerbell, a treasured family photo, a black bird, and many more. This was my first bead class in about 2 years, and my first class at my own shop -- It was so exciting for me. So much more fun than teaching how to do spinal taps on babies. Life is good! There will be one more class on Mixed Media Medallions Sat, July 16th from 1-4. There are still a few places left. So call or come by to register and learn this fun and versatile project.

There are still places available in the following classes...but they are filling up.

Mixed Media Medallion with Julia Hecht: Sat, July 16th 1- 4 PM, $25

Mexican Fan Earrings with Julia Hecht: Mon, July 18th 6-9 PM, $25

or Sat July 30th 1-4 PM, $25

RAW Bon Bons with Margo Field: Sat, July 23rd 1-4 PM, $25

Crystal and Brick Revival Earrings with Julia Hecht: Mon, Aug 15th 6-9 PM, $25

Fan Dance Necklace with Margo Field: 3 Sats: Aug 13th, 20th, 27th 1-4 PM $65

or 3 Mondays: Sept 12th, 19th, 26th 6-9 PM $65

Diane Fitzgerald All - Day Workshops in November (4th, 5th, and 6th)

Gingko Leaf Lariat, Moorish Tile Beaded Beads, and Tropical Bauble

$85 per class

Please check the CLASS page for pics and details of our classes

A word about the Poppyfield Return Policy

The policy is that there are no returns. The only exception I can make is for defective tools - purchased within 7 days.

Many people come to the store wanting to return beads for a variety of reasons - too small, not what they expected, color doesn't match what they have at home, changed their mind, or they need other beads and don't have the money to buy more, so they want to trade in what they have and other reasons. While I feel for my customers, and wish I could accommodate all your needs and all your returns, the nature of the small bead store business prevents me from accepting returned products. Thank you for your understanding.

More Classes From Bead Masters

NEW CLASSES!!!

Diane Fitzgerald Classes Open For Registration

Gingko Leaf Necklace - Moorish Tile Beaded Beads - Tropical Bauble

3 Full-Day classes November 4, 5, 6 - 2011

$85 per class

Diane is an internationally renowned bead artist and award winning teacher who lives in Minneapolis, MN. She is a prolific and pioneering designer who is often on the forefront of bead design. She is also known for exploring traditional beadwork of other cultures. Her books include Shaped Beadwork (my favorite!), Zulu Inspired Beadwork, and The Beaded Garden, among others. Her Gingko Leaf necklace and Tropical Bauble (shown above) are being offered at Bead and Button this year. They are both sold out and cost $180 and $190, respectively. The Moorish Tile Beads are intricate beaded bead designs that make a fabulous necklace. Below is a close up of 3 of the beads. It is unlikely you will ever have an another opportunity to learn from Diane at the Poppyfield price of $85. Don't miss out!

Moorish Tile Beaded Beads

Fan Dance Necklace with Margo Field

3 Saturdays: August 13th, 20th and 27th 1-4 PM

OR

3 Mondays: September 5th, 12th, and 19th 6-9 PM

$65

Fan Dance by Margo Field

CLASS UPDATES

There are still some places left in:

Phoenix Phlower with Margo Field: Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18 1-4 ($65)

Milagro Chain Intro to Wirework with Susan Skinner: Monday, June 13th 6-9 PM ($25)

Mixed Media Medallion with Julia Hecht (me): Monday, June 20th 6-9 PM and Saturday July 16th 1-4 PM ($25)

Mexican Fan Earrings with Julia Hecht (me): Monday July 18th 6-9 PM and Saturday July 30th 1-4 ($25)

RAW Bon Bons Bracelet with Margo Field: Saturday July 23rd 1-4 ($25)

Check the classes page for details and pics

IMPORTANT DATES

Poppyfield Bead Company will be CLOSED on Monday July 4th, Friday July 8th and Saturday, July 9th. We will be OPEN on Tuesday -Thursday, July 5th, 6th and 7th.

************!!!!!!!! NEW !!!!!!!!***********

OPEN BEADING EVERY TUESDAY

1:00-4:00

Studio Poppy

Come in from the heat and bead in good company!

Meet other beaders, get inspired, find community.

PRODUCT UPDATE

PRECIOSA BICONES ARE READY FOR SALE

3, 4, and 6 mm bicone crystals available in single color strands or interesting mixes.

8 LB FIRELINE

125 yard spools for sale in crystal and FLAME GREEN

12 MM FACETED ROUNDS

These are used in the Mexican Fan Earrings - now available in 14 different colors, plus 2 stones: Blue Mist Agate and Red Botswana Agate

12mm Faceted Rounds