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!

Sonja's Bracelet: A Variation

I've been working on a variation of Wendy's architectural cuff called Sonja's Bracelet.  Wendy's design is a very clever use of the geometric and multi-holed CzechMate beads  The original bracelet  is quite substantial and showcases a middle row of  Swarovski chaton sliders.   I have made a variation that will suit tiny wrists and also those who want more of an edge, than a sparkle.  By substituting bricks for one of the tiles, it is 6 mm slimmer.  It also turns out that 6 mm 2-holed pyramid studs are an easy switch for the Swarovski sliders.  You can make one of the changes, both, or none. It is fun to make and wear in all its forms. 

Wendy's Original Cuff

Here's a new color way by Wendy. I've made 3 of the bracelets and she's a done a bunch too.  It is just one of those patterns that you want to make more of.  

Come join us this Saturday for this brand new class. We still have a few seats available.  Call or come by the shop to purchase your place.  

Sonja's Bracelet by Wendy Speare

Saturday, November 18th

1:00 - 4:00 PM

$35 (+supplies)

Advanced Beginner and up

Hope to see you soon!

Hunker Down with Beads

As the cool weather makes it way over to us, it seems natural to cozy up at home.  For us "Beaders" that means little piles of sparking colors on our mats, our "beaders" glasses on our noses, and flicking on our lamps as the sun sets.  Winter is perfect beading weather!  At Poppyfield, we have lots of good stuff happening to keep you well-stocked with ideas (and beads) as the cold weather approaches.  

Bead and Button has released 2 fabulous issues.  The first is a special issue for Christmas with a number of gift ideas and ornament patterns.  In that issue there's also a feature piece on Paula Adams, whom many of you know personally. Even more of you are fans and followers of her amazing geometric ornaments.   We sold 10 copies of this special issue in just couple of days, and more are on their way to us.  We have plenty of copies of the December issue shown here.  Although not considered a special issue, it is also chock full of holiday designs.  There's a feature on memory wire and we DO carry memory wire...so don't hesitate to check our wire department, if that project interests you.  

Sonja's Bracelet Class with Wendy Speare
Saturday, Nov 18th
1:00-4:00 PM
$35 (+materials)
Advanced Beginner

I just finished making Wendy's new original design and it is a really cool pattern for a number of reasons. First, it is a clever design that is both edgy and feminine.  Secondly, it uses CzechMate beads and so once you make one, you can make other versions with other beads from this line, as they are interchangeable.  Thirdly, it is a type of modified peyote stitch and very satisfying to stitch, in that way that peyote stitch is for those of us who love it. 
 Come see our samples. 
 I just made one that is "khaki and fuchsia" and follows Wendy's pattern exactly.  I am about to start a modified version with a couple of substitutions... so stay tuned for that one.  
Finally, it is named for our dear customer Sonja Ensey, who passed away this past year.  We do miss her feisty and creative spirit and this bracelet is a great tribute to her.  

Pot-Pourri of Quick and Pretty Designs

One of our suppliers, Starman, has provided us with a pot-pourri of quick and pretty designs that we'll be sharing through our Friday Happy Hour -FREE Beading Event.  The first one is this Friday.  Come join us! 

Join us for our FREE Happy Hour Beading Event

Friday 11/3 4:30-6:00 PM

Beaded By Sylvia Abeyta

These sweet "snowflakes" make a great gift.   

Learn to use 3-holed and 4-holed beads. 

Fun to make and to wear. 

There's no registration:

JUST SHOW UP!

How it works:

We will provide you a printed pattern at the event.  

The supply list is below.  Feel free to bring what you have, and fill in with what you need.  

We hope you will buy some beads from us.  

Join us for a fun and supportive beading event at the shop.  

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**
CzechMate 4-holed Quadratiles  (12)

CzechMate 3-holed Beams (12)

11/0 Japanese Seed Beads - color A (1g)

11/0 Japanese Seed Beads - color B (1g)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads - color C (1g)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads - Color D (1g)

Earring Findings (2)

Thread

Beading Needle
Chain nose pliers

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.