Stitch of the Month Club

With all of our "free ongoing beading events" I've been able to make seed bead stitching accessible to so many people.  There are a lot of happy new beaders coming in every day with beautiful beaded works that they learned at our Happy Hours and Book Club. It is truly rewarding for all of us at Poppyfield to see your smiles and your crafts - we love Show 'n Tell.  Yet, many of you remark that you feel you really don't know a lot of stitches and because of that, you lack confidence with the wide range of beadwork patterns that are out there.  I must agree that if you can't throw down some herringbone, peyote stitch, brick stitch and right angle weave on demand, then you are missing the foundation of off-loom beading stitching.  

Stitch of the Month Club @ Poppyfield Bead Company

If you want to strengthen your foundation in off-loom bead weaving you will love our new Stitch of the Month Club.  Beginning in August and extending through November, I will be offering classes in basic and intermediate stitching based on the 4 bead stitches mentioned above.  Each month we will focus on one stitch.  My goal for you is that by the end of the month you will be comfortable with the stitch and understand its range and versatility.  Of course, you will have made some beautiful beaded jewelry - that goes without saying.  

Hip to Be Square Bracelet by Julia Hecht

We will kick off the concept in August with herringbone stitch. On Saturday, August 8th, I will teach a basic level herringbone bracelet in the "Hip to Be Square Bracelet" class.  Registration is already open for that.  I will follow up on August 22nd with a more complex herringbone necklace class (still in the making).  Throughout the month there will be more offerings and ideas using the stitch, including a Happy Hour or two based on herringbone.  In September, I will focus on brick stitch / Comanche stitch.  October will follow with peyote stitch.  Finally, in November we will focus on on right angle weave, including the modified RAW that Kate McKinnon illustrated in her Contemporary Geometric Beadwork books.  

How It Works

You're a member of the club if you say you are.  There are no additional dues or fees. You will receive emails about our classes and events and other special "Stitch of the Month" offerings.  Come to as many events as you'd like.  So, join us and  get grounded in the basic stitches.  With these skills, the sky's the limit and your beadwork (and confidence) will take off!   Stay tuned…

August Happenings

We've got other classes and events planned including an Intro to Kumihimo on 8/1, 1:00-3:00 for anyone who is brand new to Kumihimo.  Follow up with Wendy's new beaded kumi rope pattern, Triple Triangles on 8/8 1:30-4:30, and her Moon Glow Pendant that shines from within on 8/29 1:00-4:00.  All these classes are open for registration.  Samples are out in the shop and pictures are coming soon.  Our ongoing Free Events continue - with Monday Night Book Club, Tuesday Wire Meetup, and Friday Happy Hour.  Find out details on our store website poppybeads.com.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

Greetings Beady Friends!  Change is upon us - some chosen, some not.  As I've learned to appreciate and welcome the changing seasons, so I am "choosing" to embrace the changes that are foisted upon me.

Farewell Solange

Solange  - Always Spiritual

Our dear Solange is leaving us for new frontiers.  Solange, my friend for 7 years, has been with Poppyfield from the start, before we opened our doors.  Of the 4 ladies who helped me set up the store, Solange is the one who stayed.  From part-time employee with another job, to dedicated full-time staff, Solange has seen me through all my growing pains and my unexpected illness last winter.  We've shared a lot of laughs and a few tears.  Her mark on Poppyfield is everywhere.   Although, she will be sorely missed, we are happy for her as she begins her new adventures.  After a month of meditation and service at the Lama Foundation near Taos, Solange will travel in the US and then abroad.  We hope one day she will make her way back to New Mexico to visit us.  Solange will be at Poppyfield for her last day on Monday, August 27th, from 2-8 PM. If you'd like, stop in and say farewell.

Welcome June

Poppyfield welcomes June Malone to our staff!  June will join Wendy and me on October 1st.  June is a long-time beader, who has the distinction of being a "Bead Dreams Finalist".  She designs remarkable and striking, large pieces with Delica beads (as well as other bead creations).   She is also friendly and helpful - a Poppyfield must!  We know June will be a great addition to Poppyfield Bead Company, and we look forward to her arrival.

More Discounts at Poppyfield

As more and more knitters, quilters, doll makers, and embroiderers find their way to Poppyfield I've decided to offer a 10% discount to members of these other guilds.  Bring proof of active membership to any of these local guilds to receive a discount on beads, thread, and wire.  

Gift Giving is Now Easy at Poppyfield

We will now be accepting returns of finished jewelry, purses and other gift items.   Presentation of a receipt for gift return is not necessary, if you give YOUR name with your purchase! With our computerized database of purchases, we can locate a purchase with a customer's name. If you plan to purchase a gift, please make the purchase under your name to allow the recipient an opportunity to return it if she chooses.  (She tells us YOUR name, and we locate the invoice in our system).   For holiday shopping convenience, all gift items may be returned until 1/26/12. After that we will have a 30 day return window.  Supplies such as thread, beads, wire, etc CANNOT be returned or exchanged (sorry!).  If you want to give supplies or classes as gifts, a Poppyfield gift card is the way to go!

Poppyfield Classes

Blooming Braid - Put Flowers in Beaded Kumihimo

Blooming Braids Tuesday  9/25 6-9 PM:  Wendy took a couple of Kumihimo classes with me, and was off designing her own braids in no time.  She has created a beaded rope with colorful beaded flowers "Kumi'ed-in".  This pattern has never been seen before - Wendy figured it out.  If you want to learn the secret of putting flowers into a Kumihimo beaded braid, this class is for you.  This class will teach you how to braid with beads, as well as the flower pattern.   You must know how to do the 8-strand round braid and how to tie-off.  You can learn these skills in the Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy on Tuesday 9/11 6-9 PM.  Each class is $35.

There is still space in Saturday's Triple D Earrings 1-4 PM.  Make a fabulous pair of earrings using Delicas, Daggers, and dripping with Dangles. This class is fun and great for beginners as well as seasoned beaders.  See the classes page for details. 

The Luz del Alma necklace class  is now open for registration.  Learn a new bezel technique for 27 mm rivolis, and learn to work with the new spike beads.  Embellish a Kumihimo rope with tiny seed beads and create beaded end caps.  Don't miss out.  See the classes page for details.

My Latest Procrastination

Julia's gaspeite cuff in the making

When I should be writing my instructions for the Luz del Alma necklace, I am working on a new embroidered cuff.  Wendy, my mom, and I made a field trip to Kameyab Imports and I got this beautiful gaspeite cabochon (among other delightful finds).  I've never done an embroidered cuff with a brass insert, so this is my first exploration.  I am using some matching teardrop beads I got a long time ago at Thomason (because I loved the color), tiny turquoise cabs from Kameyab, and tiny coral stick beads (also from Thomason).  Thomason is known for their stone beads and they are right around the corner from Poppyfield on Menaul.  Kameyab is on Alameda just east of 1-25.  Last week was my first trip and I know I'll be back.  They have a great selection of cabachons as well as stone beads.  It's like walking into a huge market.  For sure a cuff class is coming.  Stay tuned to see this bracelet progress and details about an embroidered cuff class.  

Remember - Monday night is late night!  We are open until 8 PM. 

Hope to see you soon!

Soul's Light Breaks Through

Luz del Alma Necklace
by Julia L. Hecht
photo by Henri Grau

This necklace is the culmination of months of work.  Several months ago, after spending time with Rachel Nelson-Smith's new book Bead Riffs, I decided to conquer my longtime fear of right angle weave (RAW).  After messing around with RAW, I had the idea to use it as a bezel for a 27 mm rivoli.  Simultaneously it would function as the base for spikes coming out of the rivoli - like rays emanating from a source of energy or light.  But, after many attempts,  I ended up with something that just said "wagon wheel".  Not what I was seeking.  I kept altering it, but I just couldn't hit it.  How to bring my vision forth?  When the new spike beads arrived I saw promise in them.  Somehow I felt, they would help me express what was brewing, but stuck, inside me.  After weeks of working with the spikes towards an earring design, I saw how to merge them into my RAW design.
The breakthrough hit.  I sat down at 4:00 PM, and finished it 9 hours later at 1:00 in the morning (minus  a 10 minute bathroom/dinner break).  I never had to back track -it just spilled forth, bead by bead.  In the end, I was tired and stiff, but satisfied.  I am very happy with my "Luz del Alma" Necklace, which translates from Spanish as Light of the Soul.  It is exactly what I had planned months ago, before I ever saw a spike bead.

I am looking forward to teaching this design.  Look for it later this Fall.

Poppy Gallery - Native American Beadwork Exhibit

I  am now showcasing the beautiful seed bead work of 3 of my Native American customers: Paulita Daw (Navajo), Elton Tosa (Jemez Pueblo), and Navada Swan (Northern Paiute).  We have earrings, bracelets, necklaces, barrettes,  rosette hair pins, and even an ID holder.  All the work is for sale and ranges in price from $10 - $95. Jewelry for men and women.  For those curious and inspired by this exhibit, I have several books on Native American Beadwork. They are informative about history as well instructive with projects and ideas.

New Poppy Products

More Delicas are now available.  I have revamped my Delica displays and added a lot more colors.  We  now have over 600 colors of size 11 Delicas available.  I have all the permanent galvanized colors and color numbers through the 1800's.  Come see!  Do you work with Delica's?  Please answer the poll at the top right of this blog.  Your responses will help guide my Delica choices as I continue to expand my Delica selection.

Kits are now available for the Triple D Earrings in 3 color ways.  

Moonlight Passion Color Way

Pink Earth Color Way

 Clicking here will take you to the classes page, where you can see prices.  These kits will be made to order and first come first served for your preferred color way. So, place your order now by calling the store.  At this time they are available only for those registered for the class, and will be provided at the class.  The benefit of a kit is that you receive what you need for the class, plus extra seed beads.  It is much less expensive than buying all the supplies in full strands and tubes.  Students will also receive a supply list with the option to provide their own beads.

More Swarovski Bicones in Double AB - I couldn't  resist Indian Red 2AB, Hyancith 2AB, Siam 2AB, Garnet 2AB, Jet 2AB, Garnet 2AB, Burgundy 2AB, Topaz 2AB, Aqua 2AB, and more.  They are doubly delicious.

If you haven't been in lately, come visit and see what's new.  We are still growing and adding new products all the time.  

Remember Monday Night is Late Night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Another Day, Another Creation

Herringbone Weave Bracelet by Julia Hecht

Monday night was a wonderful event creating more Bright Angels. The free wire class had a few people out at Poppyfield despite the cold. We were warm and toasty and weaving away with colored wire, beads, and tiny tiny 2.5 mm bicones. We had a lot of laughs. I am always inspired by sharing my designs and seeing what y'all do with them. Tuesday I was busy working up another potential project and created this wonderful herringbone bracelet. Now it's a class...

Introducing a beginner level wire class - Herringbone Weave Bracelet. It is a one session class for $25. I will teach it on Monday Jan 16th 6-9 PM, and Saturday, Jan 28th 1-4 PM. Choose one session only. It is a great technique that works up well with the beads I've chosen for the class. I think you'll dig it! If you've been wanting to try some wire work, this class is for you! No experience necessary. Stop by to see the bracelet in "real life" or call in and register with a credit card- we can email you the supply list and you don't even need to come out in the cold.

Poppyfield Gallery Lives!

Before I opened Poppyfield I tried my hand at selling my work at craft shows. That's tough going. I applaud all my customers who labor at this. It really is hard work and requires a lot of stamina. Setting up the retail bead shop has been my primary focus this year. Recently, Henri has really encouraged me to get my work on display for sale. Now it is! We have a gallery area set up with my seed bead, wire and strung jewelry. I am pleased to say that it is selling, and to Beaders, no less. That's a great compliment. Margo Field also has some of her work on display for sale. Help us spread the word about the gallery!

Angel with a Story, Postponed.

Sorry folks - turns out I am needed for a family matter and won't be able to do a free wire class on Dec 12th. Stay tuned for a repeat of this popular free class in the New Year. Angels are not just for Christmas. We need them everyday.

New Seed Beads Arriving Soon.

I've ordered some new colors in size 11's - I'll let you know more when they get here!

40% Sale Winding Down

A lot of sale beads have gone - perhaps forever. This is your chance to get a GREAT bargain on Czech beads. If I reorder, they will not be at the sale price. And some are no longer being made. Don't miss out! Come in and see what we've got left.

Don't Forget - Grab N' Go Gift Bags - pre stuffed with all kinds of tools, supplies and books for your soon to be crafty friends and family. Share your love of craft with this hassle-free gift idea. The bags are all ready - so when you get down to the wire and tired of shopping - give us a call or come by and we'll hand you your gift bag. Each one is a bargain and contains a gift card.

Hope to see you soon!

Seasonal Delights

Grab 'n Go Gift Bags - Already Stuffed

We've had a busy busy weekend at Poppyfield. Henri and I have been holed up at the store getting ready for the holiday season. We have some exciting changes and fabulous offerings for you. Hints are visible from the street - even before you pull into the parking lot. What do I mean? You'll have to come and see that for yourself.

Some things of course I'll tell...

I am really pleased to announce that we've added a Gallery for purchasing finished jewelry. Margo Field and I will both have work on display for purchase. There are items for sale starting as low as $12. As I started un-packing my work to set up, I was struck by how much beautiful beadwork I've made over the years. Since buying Poppyfield, I haven't done any seed bead work. But seeing some of my creations inspired me to find a way to get beading time in. I am determined that you will see some new creations in the new year.

Grab 'n Go Gift Bags -

Share Your Love of Craft

We've got 4 pre-stuffed gift bags available to make your holiday shopping EASY! Each bag is filled with products along a theme, to help a newbie get started with a craft. We've got a bag for wire, seed beads, metal stamping, and stringing. Each bag comes with a book, and necessary tools. It is hard to pick colors for someone else, so instead, we've included a gift card for $10 or 15 dollars - that's part of the package. Each bag is a bargain, and costs less than all the items purchased separately. Plus, you don't need to stop and think about what to put in it. We've done all that for you. Just let us know at the counter and we'll hand over your ready-to-go gift bag. There's no gift wrapping necessary. It's ready to GO and ready to GIVE.

Chain DeLIGHT Earrings

Drop Everything and TWIST -FREE WIRE CLASS

Tuesday Nov 29th

1-2 pm

They're brass and tin and red and green. I just can't help myself. Everyone is into Poppyfield colors these days, and it is contagious. Long chain earrings are HIP, but if you want something shorter, there's an alternative version. This project requires a few inches of chain, stick pearls, and 3 mm pearls, 24 g. tinned copper wire. Tools needed are round nose, chain nose, cutters, and nylon jaw pliers. Everything is available at Poppyfield. Of course, you are welcome to substitute the materials with your own ideas. I have several different styles of chain.

Bright Angel Ornament

Leave Work and TWIST - Evening Free Wire Class!

Monday, Dec 5th 6:00 -8:00

Bright Angel Ornament

For Bright Angel Materials List Click Here

The notion that I could teach both Bright Angel and Angel with a Story in 2 hours was snipping off more than I could twist. So, I've decided to start with Bright Angel next Monday night. I'll plan on doing Angel with a Story on Dec 12th. So if you want a free class and some great gift giving ideas, come join us! You are welcome to bring a bite to eat so you can twist with vigor!

CLASS UPDATE:

Margo's Giant Poppy Ensemble Jan 14th and 21st

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

HOLIDAY SALE CONTINUES

40% off Select Czech glass beads, charlottes, cathedral beads, and Czech seed beads. Come see what we've got. I am sure some of these beads are no longer available. Some are quite expensive (like the metallic charlottes and some of the strands of glass) and I won't be re-ordering them anytime soon. So, when they're GONE they're GONE. Some already have GONE.

Hope to see you soon!

Ammonites - Ancient Sea Treasures

Ancient Treasure II by Julia Hecht

I am drawn to fossils. As a jewelry artist, I can think of nothing better than creating a wearable showcase for these ancient treasures. The ammonite has obvious visual appeal because of its spiral and its chambers. This special spiral, known as the logarithmic spiral, allowed the creature to grow from only one end (asymmetrically) and yet maintain its shape as it grows. The chambers allowed the predatory creature to control its buoyancy in order to hunt for food and hide from predatory birds. This ancient mollusk also possessed other fascinating characteristics that you can read about on The Cephalopod Page. Ammonites are believed to have become extinct during the K-T Asteroid extinction (the one that killed the dinosaurs)

65 million years ago.

Now that's vintage jewelry!

More on Ammonites

Ammonite Basics

Ammonite and Fossil Shopping

The Mathematical Study of Mollusk Shells

Earth's Mass Extinctions by Peter Ward

Nitty Gritty Biology of the Ammonite Chambers