Ebb and Flow

Margo Field's Floral Fantasy Class

Greetings Beady Friends!!  One month since my last post and I am a renewed woman! It is amazing how life ebbs and flows with ups and downs, struggles and ease.  We often think a difficult patch will end up being the rest of our lives.  But always, things change.  In the last month,  I have had a wonderful time reconnecting with y'all at the shop.  I was also able to take my children on a trip to New York to visit family.  I saw loads of my closest cousins, who I haven't seen in several years.  I even had the opportunity to reminisce about first grade with friends from that far back.  

 If you follow Poppyfield Bead Company on Facebook you know that while I was on this trip, I picked up over 30 pounds of unique and vintage beads. I got delayed at airport security in New York City because my bead-stuffed backpack was impenetrable on X-ray.  After being "swiped" for explosives, we were allowed through. But not before a long line of frustrated travelers formed behind me.   Less than 12 hours after my plane touched down in Albuquerque, I was hauling that pack over to the shop to start unpacking and drooling.  I am so excited to share these unique beads with you.  I discovered that I have purchased vintage Swarovski crystal under the older label DSW,  which date from before 1949 .  In addition,  I have teeny tiny 15/0 and 16/0  beads from "Czechoslovakia"(not Czech Republic) which are more than 20 years old.  Even some of these labelled 14/0 are smaller than a Japanese 15/0.  

I am rolling out the NEW BEADS as I get them inventoried.  Available now are: 

47ss Dentelles /Chatons

• Vintage Czech 47ss  Dentelles/Chatons in Light Sapphire. These are approximately 10.5 mm faceted stones with a pointed back and a flat top.  They have a gold foil back and are in beautiful condition. I am selling packs of 4 stones for $3.50.  These are vintage and in limited supply. When they are gone, they're gone.  

• Vintage Swarovski 18mm Margaritas in Crystal AB.  Big and beautiful and in perfect condition. I am selling these for $3.20 each.  These are also in limited supply and when they are gone...they're gone. 

Upcoming Classes 

Braider's Choice Beaded Kumi with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday - 8/20 - 6-9 PM $35

Dancing Diamonds Pendant with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday 8/27 - 6-9 PM $35

Diamondback Pendant with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday 9/3 - 6-9 PM $35

Hollywood Sparkle with Julia Hecht 

3 Mondays - 9/9, 9/16, 9/23 - 6-9 PM, $75

Peyote Premiere with June Malone

2 Tuesdays - 9/10 and 9/17 - 6-9 PM $55

Floral Fantasy with Margo Field 

3 Saturdays - 9/21, 9/28, 10/5 - 1-4 PM, $75

Click HERE for pics and details of classes

Save the date:  Free Class on Labor Day at noon!  

I will announce the project soon.  The shop will be open after the class at 2:00.  

Last Chance for Perlen Poesie Magazine orders!  

This is Europe's premiere beading magazine.  The current issue, No 18, will be available in English.  Previous issues are all in German with English translation inserts.  I am taking orders for No. 18, the current issue, and No. 17, the previous issue, which we missed after our crash.  They are $20 each, which is a low introductory price.  To place your order you must pay in advance.  

You can come by or call and pay with a credit card.   The order goes in on Wednesday, 8/14 at 5:30 when we close our doors.  Long distance customers can order and we will ship to you for an added charge.  

***Remember*** 

•  Wireworkers of all levels meet at Studio Poppy in the shop every Tuesday from 1-3 PM. Come give it a try. It is FREE and FUN.  
• Monday night is late night - We are open until 8:00 PM

Hope to see you soon!!!

Spread The Love

Not Grandma's Cameo by Julia Hecht

Greetings Beady Friends!  We have some wonderful events coming up to warm your heart during our winter freeze.  In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I am teaching a romantic Victorian netted collar called Not Grandma's Cameo.  It is pictured above and uses a stone bead for the focal piece.  I will be teaching how to bezel and embellish a stone with a drilled hole through the center.  This technique is different from the rivoli bezel that Laura McCabe pioneered during the last decade. Like Laura's method, it is also a peyote technique, but in many ways it is simpler because it utilizes the the hole, something you cannot do with a rivoli.  The netting is lovely and creates a beautiful curve that is comfortable and easy to wear.  It is appropriate for almost all levels.  Advanced beginners, with just a minimum of stitching experience will be fine.  If you've never stitched seed beads, but want to take this class, please get in touch with me so we can determine if you are ready for this class. 

Not Grandma's Cameo with Julia:  2 Mondays 1/28 and 2/4 6-9 PM $55 

See the Classes page for more details.  Call with a credit card or come by to purchase a seat in this class.

For those of you who want to learn the rivoli bezeling technique, stay tuned.  I am working on a wonderful crystal creation with a Swarovski product that we just got in.    Stop by and visit me in the studio to see it in progress.  When it is completed, I will schedule it and post here and on Facebook.  Which reminds me...Please like Poppyfield Bead Company on Facebook and follow PoppyfieldBeads on twitter to get the latest news.  

FREE WIRE CLASSES - SAVE THE DATES

Saturday January 26th 10-noon  and Saturday February 9th 10-noon

These will be beginner level projects using the basic set of tools (chain nose, round nose, and nylon jaw pliers, and flush cutters).  Designs are in the works and will be posted here (as well as Facebook and twitter) along with information about how to sign up and save your seat.  Don't miss out on these great opportunities.  It is my way to "spread the love of wirework".  

NEW POPPYFIELD PRODUCTS

Beautiful new Kumihimo end caps and bails 

Czech glass buttons

New Rivoli color - Crystal Brandy

New 6 mm Fire Polish Beads

New Bicone Colors:  Deep Tanzanite and Indicolite

New Glass Focal Pendants - $6

New Seed Bead Colors - size 11's in opaque blues and greens (available in 15's by request)

The New Bead and Button and Beadwork Magazines - get 'em while they last

Tuesday Wire Meet-Up with Sylvia Abeyta

 Come join us for an informal wirework session every Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00.  Sylvia is a retired teacher and is great at explaining techniques and helping troubleshoot.  Come with your own ideas or see what's on Sylvia's creative agenda.  All levels.  FREE.  

Remember Monday is late night at Poppyfield.  We are open til 8:00 PM.  So stop by after work or after dinner and browse our great selection of beads, fiber, and metal at your leisure.  

Celebrate Love

Open Heart Earrings by Julia Hecht

Tuesday's Drop Everything and Twist free wire class project is "Open Heart Earrings." They celebrate self-love. A love for each and every one of us. (Supply list is on the Free Wire Class page on this site).

The 12 mm Swarovski rivolis in light siam are contained within square filigree components by Vintaj. Despite their antiqued "cages" the crystals’ brilliance and radiance cannot be contained - spilling forward into droplets of 4mm and 6 mm bicones that drip off the ends of antiqued rollo chain. Love is infectious – self-love too. Here’s the source of my inspiration for earrings that celebrate self-love:

As Valentine's Day approaches, stories of love are tossed around by the media. Walgreens and the "Marts" heart-shaped red boxes tempt with chocolates. As we walk about our towns, store windows (mine included) glare back at us, poking at buried feelings. In America, there is no way to avoid the nature of the day. While some of us grieve loves lost, or unrequited, others revel in new-found lovers. Some of the luckiest souls with deeply wrinkled faces celebrate well-seasoned, long time bonds and shared memories. No matter where you find yourself in life's never-ending changes and cycles, crest or trough, there is one core abiding and precious love that cannot be taken by anyone or anything: Self-Love.

While self-love often gets a bad rep, as the root of selfishness, and self-centered behavior - I disagree. The ability to see ourselves as basically good, despite our flaws and mistakes, provides us each with the cushion and resilience to weather the harsh realities of our lives as social creatures. We are flawed, and yet, we need each other. Everyday, we bump up against family members, co-workers, friends and strangers. Sometimes colliding flaws lead to hurts and misperceptions. If allowed to gather steam, we can find ourselves dealing with resentments and even broken relationships. It isn't a leap to walls, barricades, and emotional isolation. How, then is it possible to love?

If we can find deep love for our own soul and spirit, our heart becomes full. Unable to contain itself, it opens, and the precious contents spill forth, infecting others. Somehow all flaws seem smaller and less important. Resentments become tempered and short-lived. Forgiveness is possible. The need to hide and avoid slips away. We can gently and firmly say "no" to abuse and toxic relationships. We don't fear loneliness.

For me it is an ongoing struggle against the odds. I have been blessed with a taste of this magic. Yet, some deep-seated program always threatens to reverse the process and set me back. For those like me, it takes practice, willingness and faith. But I know, know, know, that recovery and transformation is possible. Everyday, people all across this world "work" to recover from traumas (big and small), and love themselves again. Because in the end, loving one's self, no matter how elusive, is the start. With the seed of self-love, one open heart seeks another, and the blossom of shared love becomes possible.

2 Poems and 1 Quote About Love

Was, Is, and Always Will Be

Once I was

The Heart,

The Center,

The Reason,

Then not so.

Then I was

Put aside,

Until I learned

To step aside,

Now not so.

Now I am my own

Heart,

Reason,

And Center.

This is so

And so it goes.

-JLH

Where is the love?

Elusive love hides

Before me all the time

Waiting to be found

-JLH

"There is a crack in everything God has made."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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!

Birthdays and Butterflies

My cake with 48 candles!

Birthday Butterfly by Julia Hecht

Today's Drop Everything and Twist Free Wire Class from 1-2 PM is ON! Just hatched my Birthday Butterfly - see pic. She's cuter than the photo. Trust me.

This sweet creature is made of 18 ga wire, and 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 you will need are: 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 - Remember, I cannot lend tools (sorry!) So either bring or plan to buy.

All materials are available at Poppyfield.

Open Beading Tuesdays 2-4 PM.

I am available to help you with your projects or beading "problems".

Margo's Ornamental Poppy Necklace October 17th and 24th has 3 places left. Don't miss out.!!

Margo's Watch YOur Step Bracelet is this Saturday from 1-4. Another Margo Classic you can do up in many variations.

New Poppy Products Available

27 mm Swarovski Rivolis - Margo is planning an Ornamental Poppy Supplement with these to create a giant 10 petaled Poppy!

8 mm Swarovski Faceted Rounds

Our Czech Fire Polish and Pressed Glass is Growing - Come see

8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, and 14 mmm Fire Polish now hanging for your perusal and purchase!

Hope to see you soon.

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.

Post-Op Day #2

Preciosa 6mm Bicone Strands at Poppyfield

Poppyfield is now 2 days past opening and is a happy seedling. Sunday - the soft opening - was a lot of fun. Margo and Bobbie both came in and there were lots of smiles and good wishes. I have had a steady stream of customers. Some had no idea that Margo had moved on. Others have been following this blog and were up on everything. I've really enjoyed meeting other beaders and welcoming customers to the shop.

Class Update

There are 5 spaces left in Margo's Phoenix Phlower Monday evening class and it is going to sell out soon. April 25, May 2, May 9th from 6-9 PM, $65. Come in to register.

I am making progress on the supplies for the class. I hope to have the class list and supplies ready by Monday. I will keep you posted on that.

Wanted: Bead Curious Newbies!

The first class at the new Poppyfield is Margo's all level class Poppyfield Chain Bracelet, April 11th 6-9, $25. Spaces available. If you have friends that have never ever beaded but are curious about seed beads, this is a great intro class. Please spread the word.

Bobbie will be teaching a beginning loom class on Monday, May 16th, 6-9 PM $25. It is a bracelet project that can be completed in one evening. A sample of that , and of her future intermediate class, Renaissance Rose Necklace, will be in the store soon.

Product Update

Preciosa Czech Crystal Drops at Poppyfield

Now Available:

Preciosa Crystal Bicones in 6 mm, both single color and mixed strands.

Preciosa Crystal Drops 9 x 15 mm in a variety of colors

Where I Stand on Crystals

I love using crystals and until now I've known only Swarovski. We all know how great their product is, and also how expensive. If you use a lot of crystals, it really adds up. I decided to include Preciosa products when they seem comparable to Swarovski, in order to offer a less expensive alternative. I will have Swarovski rivolis, very soon. I will probably carry other Swarovski products as well. Let me know how you like the Preciosa bicones and drops. What crystals can't you live without? What colors?

Reminder: I will not have credit card processing until April 1st - cash and check til then.

Peace and Beads,

Julia