Wired Up!!

Poppyfield Bead Company's Wire Department

Poppyfield is finally WIRED! I have a large selection of brightly colored copper wire in gauges ranging from 16 to 34. Colors are nothing less than exquisite and enticing - peacock blue, fuschia, and chartreuse, red, tangerine....COME IN AND SEE. I also have some natural colors such as gold, silver, and natural copper. The colors will not tarnish, and neither will natural copper, non- tarnish silver, and gold. However, I made sure to order tinned copper and bare copper which will tarnish and can be patinated. The beauty and depth of oxidized metal is not to be overlooked. I know some of you are experienced twisters and will be excited to try out these colors. I have some great new books with woven designs, which are the latest wire craze and a beautiful new Chain Mail book from Lark Publishing. There are books on crochet and knitting with wire, and that's what those really fine gauges are for. For those who've never worked with wire...don't be intimidated. I will have some classes for starting up. But, until then, I've got some great beginner books such as All Wired Up by Mark Lareau (the book I used to teach myself) and Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry from Interweave Press. With these books and a basic tools, you can start making your own findings, such as bails, clasps and earring wires. I've got lots of tools for a variety of purposes, including pliers, mandrels, hammers, and various cutters. I also have 2 really nice wig jigs and a variety of peg sizes.

CLASS UPDATE

Inaugural class approaching! The Poppyfield Chain Bracelet class taught by Margo Field is THIS MONDAY evening from 6-9 pm. It is appropriate for all levels, including new seed beaders. $25.00

Poppyfield Chain Bracelet

by Margo Field

Bobbie Yoakum's Renaissance Rose Necklace is now open for registration. The class meets two Saturdays from 1-4, May 7 and May 21. There are 2 weeks between classes to allow for time to get all the components finished so you can assemble the final piece at the second class. This piece is large and beautiful, but not complicated. Advanced beginners can take this class and create something very special. The center is a 30 x 40 cabachon. $45

Renaissance Rose by Bobbie Yoakum

Keep It Simple Bracelet is a loom project that can be completed during class. Bobbie Yoakum, well-known for her incredible creations on the loom is teaching this. This is an all levels class and a perfect introduction to the loom. Learn from the start with a master! 2 Mondays: May 16th and 23rd at 6-8 pm. A bargain at $25.

Keep It Simple Bracelets in Blue and Red

by Bobbie Yoakum

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field. A 3-session advanced project with Margo. Even if you've sworn you'll never do another flower, you won't be able to resist the Phlower on this necklace. The center is a 14mm rivoli and the rest is Margo's secret recipe. Stop in at Poppyfield and see it for yourself. 3 Mondays: April 24, May 2, May 9 at 6-9 pm or 3 Saturdays: June 4, 11, 18, at 1-4 pm. $65

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field

***A reminder that your place in the class is reserved upon payment. You may pay by credit card over the phone. Classes are non-refundable.

Finally, Some Beads!

Greetings Beady Friends! Things at Poppyfield are moving along nicely. Although, I must confess, not in a New York minute. I love the pace of the NM life, but when I want things to happen, I revert to my Big Apple expectations. I've had to come to terms with the reality that creating a brand new retail space takes time. Not only that, there are about a thousand unexpected kinks that pop up, and I've been learning patience and humility in dealing with it all. Here's a tidbit. Last week I bought some used sales counters from Ooh Ahh jewelry store. They are going to be refurbished. One of them flew out of the truck on the way home. It landed in the middle of the road. Now it will be VERY refurbished. Ohmmmmmm.

It is a good thing I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I made this decision. I probably would not have had the courage to make the leap. That being said, I am thrilled with my decision, excited to see the progress, and confident that great things are in store, in the store.

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field

Here is a photo of Margo's Phoenix Phlower. It has a sparking rivoli at the center, and her own original bezel, which you will really enjoy learning and applying to other creations. Like all her designs, it is a product of her beady genius. As soon as we open we will begin registration for the class. I will be sure to have all the supplies needed in stock.

An Experiment in Bead Display

Yesterday I finally had a day with the beads. I spent hours working with one of the many boxes of tubes I've got. It was such a joy to finally get a box open and start organizing the inventory. I've been experimenting with displaying the bead tubes in a way that is both appealing and practical for all beaders - newbies to veteran advanced stitch mavens. I tried out these cool trays that hang in the slat wall. What you see are a small sample of bugles and the 6's that I have in stock. I love being able to see the whole tube of beads. But, I am not convinced that these trays are durable and will hold up. I will continue in my quest. Hanging tubes are next on my agenda.

Finally, I've also spent hours getting the inventory organized in the computer. As an avid beader myself, I know some of information I'd like to have when walking into a store. I am working on setting up the system to be practical for beaders' questions. For example when I walk into a bead store, I want to know if 638 (my favorite color) is available in 11's, 15's, 8's, do you have it in frosted? what about hexes? bugles? You'd be surprised how difficult it is to get straight answers to these questions. But I've already got an email in the Miyuki inbox on someone's computer in Japan.

Happy New Year to you all! May the New Year bring you everything you need. And lots of beads, too.

Peace and Beads,

Julia

Poppy is Sprouting

I Can't Wait to WELCOME You

Signs of growth are finally evident at Poppyfield Bead Company! Up til now, so much of the work I've been doing to get the store running has been behind the scenes leg work. Phone calls, internet searches, visiting shops, and placing orders. I was working hard, but, everyday, I'd walk into the store and it would look the same as the day before.

Finally, change is visible. My contractor, Owen Kellum, has been on the job. The walls are blooming in color! Tuesday the track lights go up. I am still waiting on the slat wall. That is the structure that the beads will hang from. It has been ordered, and should be here early this week. When it comes, it will go up and then I can start hanging the inventory.

Speaking of inventory: Please leave a comment on the blog about your wishes for the store inventory. What did Margo carry that was important to you? What would you like to see me carry?

My goal is to open right after New Years. But, a lot depends on the delivery of the structural elements of the store. Obviously, I must be able to display the inventory to open.

Store Hours: M 2 - 8, T-F 12 - 5:30, Sat 12 - 4:30, Sun Closed

Phone: 505-880-8695 (when store opens)

Margo has finished her Phoenix Phlower brooch / necklace, which will be offered soon after the store opens. A photo and description of this gorgeous intermediate - advanced projected will be posted here soon. There is also a beginner's level bracelet in the works. So check back for more news.

Peace and Beads,

Julia