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!

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!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

Greetings Beady Friends!  Change is upon us - some chosen, some not.  As I've learned to appreciate and welcome the changing seasons, so I am "choosing" to embrace the changes that are foisted upon me.

Farewell Solange

Solange  - Always Spiritual

Our dear Solange is leaving us for new frontiers.  Solange, my friend for 7 years, has been with Poppyfield from the start, before we opened our doors.  Of the 4 ladies who helped me set up the store, Solange is the one who stayed.  From part-time employee with another job, to dedicated full-time staff, Solange has seen me through all my growing pains and my unexpected illness last winter.  We've shared a lot of laughs and a few tears.  Her mark on Poppyfield is everywhere.   Although, she will be sorely missed, we are happy for her as she begins her new adventures.  After a month of meditation and service at the Lama Foundation near Taos, Solange will travel in the US and then abroad.  We hope one day she will make her way back to New Mexico to visit us.  Solange will be at Poppyfield for her last day on Monday, August 27th, from 2-8 PM. If you'd like, stop in and say farewell.

Welcome June

Poppyfield welcomes June Malone to our staff!  June will join Wendy and me on October 1st.  June is a long-time beader, who has the distinction of being a "Bead Dreams Finalist".  She designs remarkable and striking, large pieces with Delica beads (as well as other bead creations).   She is also friendly and helpful - a Poppyfield must!  We know June will be a great addition to Poppyfield Bead Company, and we look forward to her arrival.

More Discounts at Poppyfield

As more and more knitters, quilters, doll makers, and embroiderers find their way to Poppyfield I've decided to offer a 10% discount to members of these other guilds.  Bring proof of active membership to any of these local guilds to receive a discount on beads, thread, and wire.  

Gift Giving is Now Easy at Poppyfield

We will now be accepting returns of finished jewelry, purses and other gift items.   Presentation of a receipt for gift return is not necessary, if you give YOUR name with your purchase! With our computerized database of purchases, we can locate a purchase with a customer's name. If you plan to purchase a gift, please make the purchase under your name to allow the recipient an opportunity to return it if she chooses.  (She tells us YOUR name, and we locate the invoice in our system).   For holiday shopping convenience, all gift items may be returned until 1/26/12. After that we will have a 30 day return window.  Supplies such as thread, beads, wire, etc CANNOT be returned or exchanged (sorry!).  If you want to give supplies or classes as gifts, a Poppyfield gift card is the way to go!

Poppyfield Classes

Blooming Braid - Put Flowers in Beaded Kumihimo

Blooming Braids Tuesday  9/25 6-9 PM:  Wendy took a couple of Kumihimo classes with me, and was off designing her own braids in no time.  She has created a beaded rope with colorful beaded flowers "Kumi'ed-in".  This pattern has never been seen before - Wendy figured it out.  If you want to learn the secret of putting flowers into a Kumihimo beaded braid, this class is for you.  This class will teach you how to braid with beads, as well as the flower pattern.   You must know how to do the 8-strand round braid and how to tie-off.  You can learn these skills in the Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy on Tuesday 9/11 6-9 PM.  Each class is $35.

There is still space in Saturday's Triple D Earrings 1-4 PM.  Make a fabulous pair of earrings using Delicas, Daggers, and dripping with Dangles. This class is fun and great for beginners as well as seasoned beaders.  See the classes page for details. 

The Luz del Alma necklace class  is now open for registration.  Learn a new bezel technique for 27 mm rivolis, and learn to work with the new spike beads.  Embellish a Kumihimo rope with tiny seed beads and create beaded end caps.  Don't miss out.  See the classes page for details.

My Latest Procrastination

Julia's gaspeite cuff in the making

When I should be writing my instructions for the Luz del Alma necklace, I am working on a new embroidered cuff.  Wendy, my mom, and I made a field trip to Kameyab Imports and I got this beautiful gaspeite cabochon (among other delightful finds).  I've never done an embroidered cuff with a brass insert, so this is my first exploration.  I am using some matching teardrop beads I got a long time ago at Thomason (because I loved the color), tiny turquoise cabs from Kameyab, and tiny coral stick beads (also from Thomason).  Thomason is known for their stone beads and they are right around the corner from Poppyfield on Menaul.  Kameyab is on Alameda just east of 1-25.  Last week was my first trip and I know I'll be back.  They have a great selection of cabachons as well as stone beads.  It's like walking into a huge market.  For sure a cuff class is coming.  Stay tuned to see this bracelet progress and details about an embroidered cuff class.  

Remember - Monday night is late night!  We are open until 8 PM. 

Hope to see you soon!

What's Old is New

Fun With Filigrees - Vintage Inspired Designs You Create

We are pleased to announce a new class to introduce a new line of products at Poppyfield. The Fun with Filigrees classes on Saturday, May 5th and Monday, May 14th will feature customer designed jewelry using filigrees and vintage-inspired metal components. There are so many ways to embellish and connect these pieces to design everything from simple earrings to elaborate necklaces. The classes will include cold connections, such as riveting and wrapped loops, manipulating the filigrees into settings, and layering with crystals and decorative glass beads. We will also work on design concepts using mixed metals, custom components, and chain segments. With samples, ideas and demonstrations of technique, each participant will be able to design and complete one or more custom pieces. Register for either session for $25 or take both classes for $40.

Celebrate Spring

(Mixed Metals- Riveting - Vintage Inspired)

Vintage Inspired Flower Tassel Earrings

(Glass Beads and Oxidized Brass Chain)

Open Heart Earrings

In keeping with the vintage theme, I will be offering a free wire class on Thursday, March 22nd from 1-2 PM. Back by popular demand is the Open Heart Earrings class that I offered on Valentine's Day. This is the design that led to the vintage-inspired line. I had bought a bunch of square filigrees to try out. When they arrived, I realized that I could capture a rivoli inside and use the filigrees as settings. I had so much interest in this class that I ran out of filigrees. Now I've got lots of the squares, and other filigree components too. I will offer a kit with the filigrees, jump rings, chain and earring wires. You choose the rivolis, crystal bicones, and wire. Check the Free Wire Class page for details about tools and supplies.

We've had 2 rounds of the Intro to Beaded Kumihimo Class, and it was a huge success. It was so rewarding for me to see the excitement as students grasped this new technique. It was as if a whole world of possibilities had opened up. And actually, it has. Right away, the questions began as to what's next? What's possible? In that vein, I am offering a stacking bracelet class. I will teach 3 kumi designs with beads and colored fiber that work together. You can make any of the 3 bracelets (or all) and wear them together: A "Kumi Bangles" concept. Class is Sat, April 21st from 1-4 PM. Kumi brand-new newbies can take a one hour Kumi Prep class at 11:30 that morning that will teach braiding and get you ready for the class at 1:00. Pictures coming soon. Stay tuned!

Intro to Bead Embroidery Pendant

Pendant on Kumihimo Braided Rope

There is still room in the Intro to Bead Embroidery Class this Monday, March 19th at 6:00 PM. If you've ever wondered how to make those gorgeous beaded collars and bezeled cabochons, this is the class that will get you started. You could be the next Sherry Serafini, but you won't know if you don't try. I've got everything you need at Poppyfield. If you want to give it a go, call and register, and we'll pick cabs and beads together before class. It will be a blast!

Who will be the next Sherry Serafini?

(Book Available at Poppyfield)

There are still a few places left in Margo's Dogwood and Pussy Willows Class on Saturdays, May 19th, 26th, and June 2nd. Class is $65 for nine hours of instruction and a fabulous pattern. It has been too long since the last Margo flower made of 15's. Don't you agree? Give us a call or come by Poppyfield to see the piece in person.

Dogwood and Pussy Willows

Necklace and Earrings by Margo Field

The Focus Makes The Difference

Apple by Amy Clark Moore

Recently I had the pleasure of perusing "Papers", a fabulous shop in the Nob Hill neighborhood in Albuquerque. The walls are covered with glorious papers from Japan of the highest quality to use in paper art. If you like color and pattern (what beader doesn't?), you might start drooling and clutching your purse, as I did. I restrained myself and left with only a couple of samples to somehow incorporate into my beadwork. I decided to apply a technique I learned last March, but hadn't yet tried.

Last year at Beadfest Santa Fe, I was lucky to be able take a class with Amy Clark Moore on bead embroidery. Amy is known for intricate “pictures” made with size 15 seedbeads using circular backstitch. Apple, above, captivated me the first time I saw it in one of the bead magazines. For years, I wondered how it was possible to create such a realistic “picture” using this technique. Last year, in the class, Amy divulged her secrets to me.

One of the concerns with this technique is that any photo or artwork used for the beading must not be protected by copyright. In other words, I can’t just find a cool pic in a magazine or on the internet and bead-it-up, if I don’t have the artist’s permission. Amy beads-up her own photos of her daughters, and they are AMAZING. Definitely not for a beginner, like me. That’s when it hit me that the Japanese paper would be perfect. I don’t need anyone’s permission, and I predict that the color and patterns will make a great “template” to bead-up. Here’s my first work in progress, which I began last night.

Where Is The Focus?

If you’ll notice in Apple, the origin of the circular work is where the stem exits the apple. It is not the actual measured center of the work. Amy chose to start the work at that spot in order to emphasize the apple and bring the focus there. Last night I had to decide where to start my work, or stated differently, where do I want to put the focus?

Now, beading is a metaphor for life. Isn’t it? OK, maybe that’s a bit overstated. But, for me, it’s all connected. When I work through a beading “issue or problem”, there is usually a process that I can apply to my life in general. This concept of “choosing the focus”, stayed with me today. I thought about some situations I am facing that are causing me some pain. I thought about “choosing the focus” and where do I want to put my attention. A short, but powerful, story of wisdom came to me, the Cherokee Fable called Two Wolves.

Two Wolves

An old man explained to his grandson, "There are 2 wolves fighting inside me. One is angry, arrogant, vengeful, full of self-pity and fear. The other is happy, compassionate, kind, generous and peace-loving." The boy asked, "Grandfather, which one will win?" The grandfather replied, "The one that I feed."

Whatever life hands us, and whatever we must walk through, we choose the wolf we feed. We choose the focus.