Bead Embroidery Update

Flatback Buddah by Julia Hecht

Bead embroidery never gets old!  It is one of my favorite forms of beaded expression.  I start out with an idea, and let it flow, morph and grow into the finished piece. Sometimes, it is not at all what I'd planned.  I made this pendant in an evening.  It uses some of our newest products:  Preciosa 8.5 mm flat back crystals, a luminescent resin cabochon (18mm),  O Beads and seed beads.  I edged the piece with O beads and secured each one with an 11/0 seed bead.  If you've ever thought about trying bead embroidery, I encourage you to JUST DO IT!  If you want to learn how to capture a cabochon with a peyote stitched bezel,  like the one here, I have a tutorial that will explain everything (Introduction to Bead Embroidery).  You can purchase it for $15.  There are lots of photos to help you along. Any of us at the shop can also give you guidance, if you need. 

Other ways to learn bead embroidery are some of the great books by the masters.  We have Jamie Cloud Eakin's new book, and books by Heidi Kummli and Sherry Serafini.  Leah Ready will be teaching an all levels bead embroidery class, Penchant for Pendants, August 9th...but you really can get started sooner.  If you have some bead embroidery skills, then you are ready for the next trend…Shibori silk bead embroidery.  Incorporate this amazing colorful pleated silk into embroidered creations. We are lucky to have a local expert.  Leah Ready's Shibori Heart Pin / Pendant, Saturday May 17th  is the first step in working with this material.  This class will get you ready for the next level of Shibori bead art -  the Shibori cuff bracelet.  

MORE NEWS!

Our website is now LIVE at poppybeads.com.   After lots of hard work…it is up.  Online shopping at our webstore is coming soon.  We are just ironing out the kinks. We will ramp up gradually - a lesson we learned from our government's mistakes.  You will be able to shop online at webstore.poppybeads.com.  You can access the site directly with this URL, or from the homepage at  poppybeads.com or even from this blog.  

MORE CLASSES

Curious about Kumihimo?   Come learn this easy braiding technique that has taken the bead world by storm.  Our Intro to Kumihimo class on Mon, May 19th 6-8 will get you in prepared to create beautiful beaded kumihimo ropes.  You will be using the foam disk loom and satin cord to learn braiding, and finishing techniques.  Don't miss out on this great opportunity to make your way into the world of KUMIHIMO!

Coming soon!  Margo Field's new necklace.  Stay tuned - we're choosing dates now.  

ONGOING FREE FUN

Wirework Meet-up with Sylvia Abeyta, Tuesdays 1-3

Just show up - for "twisted fun" and lots of laughs

It is a laid-back, unstructured way to learn wirework skills.  

Happy Hour Fridays 4:30-6:30 

Free patterns, demos, refreshments every Friday throughout the spring and summer.  No registration.  Just show up.  

New Products…Just in…

• 6 sizes of brass cuffs (.25"-2")
• Flat back crystals
• Rhinestone chain
• Banded rhinestones - in color
• Luminscent resin flat backs
• Our fireline is fully stocked 50 yds at $9.75
• New colors of Czech O Beads

Remember Monday night is late night…

We are open until 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Being a Beginner

Greetings Beady Friends!  I've started my Mirrix Loom Journey.   In exploring a new piece of equipment, and a new technique, I've re-discovered what it feels like to be a beginner.  Oh, to know nothing, be completely confused, move awkwardly, and stumble.  Oh, to jump in with both feet, and swim about making mistakes, un-doing, re-doing and wondering if I will make something beautiful, ever…with this machine.  How is it that the lovely beads I once thought I knew, are working up into absolutely un-pretty things, ugly even? 

But here's the beauty of it…I'm free to fumble and dance about being absolutely new and fresh at it.  I can laugh at how goofy my work looks, and smile at my ignorance.  I am reminded of traveling alone in foreign countries, a thing I used to do when I was young, but haven't lately.   It is simply thrilling to boldly go where I have never ventured.   Just doing something new is a victory!  When was the last time you pushed yourself against your own frontiers to seize a new discovery?  

Every Friday at our Bead and Wire Happy Hours (4:30-6:30 pm) we are offering friendship, fun and a chance to try something new.  Tomorrow I will demonstrate how to make the bird's nest pendants / earrings with wire and beads.  Even if you've never worked with wire, these cuties are worth a try.  Bring wire and tools if you have them…However, most of the work is done with your hands, so even if you don't own tools, come anyway and borrow from me or a friend.  We have loads of wire and beads, of course.  Mix them with charms to celebrate Spring!

Bird's Nest Pendants / Earrings
Free Demo at our Happy Hour Event

Also New…

• Our Shibori silk ribbon is in stock… This Japanese method of dyeing and pleating silk results in absolutely gorgeous combinations of colors.  Many bead artists are incorporating shibori silk into jewelry designs.  I've started a Pinterest Board with a collection of samples.  Click here to see astounding creations using Shibori silk.  Then come on in and pick some up to play with.  If you want instruction on how to work with Shibori silk, we have a class for you.  Leah Ready's Shibori Heart Pin / Pendant on Saturday 5/17 will get you set.  

Just look at that silk!
Shibori Heart Class with Leah Ready

• We are now carrying every Delica bead still produced up to #800.  We do have hundreds of colors past #800…but some we don't have and now that a local Delica supplier has closed, we are filling in the gaps.  We predict we will be carrying up to 300 additional new colors over the next 1-2 months.  

• Miracle Beads from Japan in 4 mm rounds.  Amazing brilliant colors.  While it's true these are plastic…think "light and beautiful Japanese beads".  We plan for more sizes if we see an interest.  

• Swarovski rivolis in 16 and 18 mm.  We have expanded our repertoire.  Sixteen millimeter rivolis are hard to come by, but we have a few, and we have our eyes open for more.  We've now got plenty colors in the 18 mm size.  They start as low as $3.95.

Coming Soon…

Our proper website and soon after, our webstore.  I am working on it….

Leaping Forward

I don't understand those people who find a path and stay where they are headed.  They make life look so simple and straight forward.  And good for them, I say.  I am sure, in reality, they meet all kinds of obstacles and overcome all sorts of challenges.  I had planned such a life for myself, as well. But if you've followed this blog, you know bits and pieces of my story.  It is a twisting, turning story, full of ups and downs and sprinkled with a few crises here and there.  Nonetheless, it got me where I am today, and where I am is leaping forward.  (That is, when I am not taking a step back.)  

I've had to make big adjustments in my life, in order to remain here with you folks.  Everyday I continue to make adjustments.   I've explained that  I am on a healing path and that means I make choices for my wellness.  I used to resent that I cannot just blithely  "keep going" like other people can.  I have to "check in" with myself more than once a day.  Often, I detect that a small change is needed.   Sometimes I have to slow down, sometimes take action.  If I ignore the subtle messages, I get slammed.  Sometimes, then I need a big shift.  

How's it going? I am doing ok.  I am still here, both as a person, and as the Poppyfield Bead Company.  Have y'all noticed that the "beady environment" here in Albuquerque and Santa Fe is shifting and changing?  I know I can feel the energy in some of my customers.  Some bead shops are closing and there is shock, sadness, anxiety, and nostalgia.  Some other shops are carrying more products.  Some lower prices, others raise them.  Some niches, are becoming over exploited - lately it seems every where I turn someone is selling Japanese seed beads. Just my luck!  

As I've learned with my health, I am making adjustments.  Here is some of what you can expect to see in the coming months:

• Expansion of Czech seed beads - we have 10/0's and 13/0 charlottes in more and more colors, and a few 11/0 one cuts.   Czech 12/0 tricuts are next
• Expansion of Swarovski  - 4 mm bicones are now available in some usual colors such as Fire Opal AB, Heliotrope, Indian Sapphire and Red Topaz.  More colors are on the way, especially my favorites - anything double AB (AB2x).  Over time we will continue to expand in sizes and shapes, including more chatons, dentelles, and rivolis.  
• Expansion of delicas - We know you love your delicas. We have hundreds of colors in 10/0's, 11/0's, 15/0s and 8/0 hexes. We plan to carry more and more.   
• More patterns and kits for sale - Part of what makes us unique are the creative talents of the people who work here.  You'll see more of our patterns for sale, both as instructions and some with kits.  
• Web Store -  Many people have asked and some have begged us to sell our products online.  So, I am going to give it a try.  We are renovating some of the space next store to run a webstore with online ordering and shipping.  We are shooting to go live  sometime this spring.  I'll be keeping you posted.  

What isn't changing?  

• We will still seek the newest products - such as O Beads, Half Tilas, Super Uno's, Rizo's,  Rullas, Spikes, Studs, Thorns - we have all of the above in lots of colors. 
• We will still carry the newest colors - such as Picasso hybrids, neons, and permanent frosted metallics, and whatever else is on the horizon.
• The best selection of Japanese seed beads anywhere within hundreds of miles.   We are always getting  new colors!  So check out our "NEW SEED BEAD" table.  
• We will still offer great customer service and help you become successful with bead and wire work.  

So come in on and leap forward with us!  We look forward to seeing you.  

NEW CLASS!!

A Penchant for Pendants - All Levels

Bead Embroidery with Leah Ready

Sat, 3/22 2-5 PM, $45

 Click here for details on this and all our upcoming classes!