Swarovski Sliders

This Friday's Happy Hour pattern (Khione Bracelet)  comes from a new book by Carolyn Cave called Stitching With a Handful of Beads.  Kalmbach Publishing has given me this pattern to share with you for our FREE beading event.   

Khione Bracelet by Carolyn Cave

(Supply List Below)

It uses SuperDuos, bicone crystals, seed beads and Swarovski Sliders.  Many beaders are familiar with Rose Montees, a sew-on crystal with criss-crossing channels in its metal setting.  Sliders are a very different type of sew on crystal, and are harder to come by.  Sliders are chatons in a substantial setting with 2 parallel holes.  They are an elegant component that adds a lot of class to a design.  We have a nice selection of sliders available at the shop and also on our e-commerce site here

Lisa Kan's Catherine Bracelet

Beaded by Wendy Speare

 I discovered this component when Lisa Kan's book Bead Metamorphosis came out.  You can see them in the center row of the Catherine Bracelet in Emerald set in gold.  They work well to connect the components, which are beaded separately.  I found a source for this unique product and had the sliders custom made.  I still do, and so there is a 6-8 week wait for them.  Our sliders hold a 29ss Swarovski chaton, which is about 6.5 mm in size.  If you want to fall in love with a crystal component, come pick up some sliders.  

Swarovski Sliders in Black Diamond in Gold Plated Settings

Available here

Wendy uses Swarovski sliders in her Sonja's Bracelet pattern, which she is teaching on Saturday at the shop. Here they sit on top of tiles as focal embellishments.  This pattern is a fun way to work with sliders.  

Sonja's Bracelet by Wendy Speare

So, if you've never worked with sliders, and want to give it a go, join us on Friday (no registration) for our FREE beading event (Khione bracelet), or Saturday (registration required) for the Sonja's Bracelet class.    

Khione Bracelet by Carolyn Cave

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**

6.5 mm Swarovski Sliders (9)

4 mm crystal bicones(36)

SuperDuos (11g)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads (2g)

3-strand Clasp

Jumprings or Thread Protectors (6)

Fireline

Beading Needle

Hope to see you!

Spring Forward

Dogwood and Pussy Willows by Margo Field

I saw my first tumbleweed this morning, rolling down Wyoming Blvd. The winds have gone mad already. So, Spring can only be just around the corner. Perhaps it's even here. To celebrate, we have a new spring class by Margo Field: Dogwood and Pussy Willows. It is some serious beadwork that you can really sink your teeth into. Isn't it fabulous? Margo strongly recommends Tulip beading needles for this project. These are the new, nearly indestructible needles from Japan. They are almost a pleasure to thread - they are flexible but straighten back out immediately. They are less likely to split thread. I have been using the 10 and 13 sizes for a project I am working on with embellishments that require tight beading. I can only say that they are indispensable, and I would not be able to complete the project without them. They are more expensive than the Pony brand, but you probably will only need to replace them when you lose them. They are available in only a handful of bead shops around the country, and I am pleased to say...we are one of them!

Upcoming Poppyfield Classes

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo this Monday evening! March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM, $40.

Intro to Bead Embroidery, Mondays, March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM, $40.

Dogwood and Pussy Willows, Mondays April 16th, 23rd, 30th 6-9 PM, $65.

The Intro classes are geared toward beginners, but suitable for all levels.

The Dogwood and Pussy Willows class is for intermediate to advanced beaders only.

New Products

• We've got a great new selection of toggle clasps: Stars, Hearts, and more... as well as the old favorites . Most are available in silver plate, copper plate, and brass.
• Brass Cuffs in 1" and 2" widths
• New Delica colors are out for your purchase and pleasure
• Select colors of Swarovski 3 mm bicones: including Jet 2AB (as well as our regular supply of Preciosa crystal)
• Sugar skull charms in brass and silver
• Every expanding Kumihimo department - disks, plates, satin, nylon, leather cord
• April issue of Bead and Button - only 5 left.

Poppyfield Reminders

Monday is late night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Studio Poppy - bright, well lit, and smoke free, is available for your beading pleasure at no charge.(as long as we don't have a class running)

Hope to see you soon!!!