Going With The Flow

 Cheerful Studs Bracelet by Akke Jonkhof

Greetings Beady Friends!  Finally, I am back in front of my computer, eager to bring you news from Poppyfield Bead Company.  But, first, I feel I must catch you up.  Recently, I was in Israel with my children for two weeks.  For me, it was an intense, moving,  and sometimes painful and saddening experience.  While I came back eager to jump back into the beads and reconnect with you all, it has taken some time to absorb, process, and recover from my trip.  I also feel a bit battered by recent events in the news.  As I've discussed here before, my life has set me on a healing and spiritual path. So always, I ask myself what my pain and struggles can teach me.  For now the "divine download" seems to be "Go with flow, and respond towards well-being".  I have a feeling this one is going to serve me well every day.

Until yesterday, I've been very tired and having a hard time accomplishing what I intend and want to do.  The whip-cracking "shamer" in my head calls me "lazy".  But going with the flow means I allow myself to be just "tired", "jet lagged (9 time zones!)", and "emotionally exhausted".  "Responding towards well-being" means I ask myself what I need to be well.  Ummm????  My wise inner guide tells me "rest, peace of mind, healthy eating, light exercise, laughter, connect with people who love and care for me, tell the truth about how I feel, don't push myself."  It sounds simple, but for some of us, that prescription is not easily followed.  For me, it takes commitment and deliberate effort.  I have to say "no" to my natural tendencies many times a day.   But I see that after 10 days of doing just that, I am feeling better today.  So here I sit...sharing with you - and it feels just right.  Yay!!

Meanwhile, during all these days I've been "away" absolutely fabulous things have been happening at the shop.  Here's a partial run - down:

• Bead Maps for Customer Use - Handy binders with the location of every tube of size 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads are now available.  They are easy to use and we'll show you how.  
• June taught her first class!  - Peyote Premiere, an introduction to flat peyote stitch was a great hit. If you want to learn the ins and outs of peyote stitch while making fabulous beaded jewelery- stay tuned for June's upcoming classes.
• "Cowgirl Dreams" color palette of new seed bead colors is here.  Lots of pinks and browns including a new metallic iris with pinks, golds, and browns.  Check out the "New Seed Bead" display for these and all our new colors.  
• New Inventory of Czech Glass - round druk beads, fire polish, beautiful buttons
• New Crystal Rose Montees
• Diamondback Rope -   Wendy's got a new beaded kumi necklace she will teach in August
• Classes scheduled through August and September - Click HERE for details -

Diamondback Rope and Reversible Pendant
by Wendy Speare

MEET AKKE JONKHOF

Akke Jonkhof is a beader and a blogger from the Netherlands, who invents wonderful patterns.  I discovered her work on Pinterest.com and I've been following her there.  She loves 2-holed beads.  This is her hexagon bracelet with Super Duo's and size 11/0's.  The stud bracelet at the top of the blog is also hers (yes, we sell Czech glass studs).  Her patterns are available in English at very low prices on Etsy. Click HERE to go to Akke's tutorials for sale.  

FREE WIREWORK MEET UP TUESDAYS 1-3 PM

Sylvia Abeyta, our wire warrior is back in action after her car accident.  Starting July 23rd you can come and learn, practice, share wire work ideas, and of course laugh with us in Studio Poppy.  It is free and you can bring whatever you'd like (including lunch).  We have tools, wire, and of course beads, if you need to purchase.  

GET YOUR POPPY REWARDS!

Our new rewards program is running smoothly. Many of you have already claimed your first or second rewards cards.  There's no limit and no rush.  Our software keeps track of your purchases. Every time you reach $100 of accumulated sales you will receive a $10 gift card at your next visit.  (Please note: You can take as much time as you want to reach $100. But gift cards must be used during the calendar year they are received. ) 

COMING SOON

• More DELICAS  - the new "luminous" series is on its way to me.  Also more colors in 10/0's and 15/0's
• New TILA colors
• New 2-holed Czech-Mate tile beads
• New spike beads (a new size) 
• Our next "new" seed bead palette

KUDO's

My Light of the Soul Necklace is the centerfold project in the August issue of Bead and Button Magazine.  Yay to me this time.  Send me your beady achievements and I will brag for you here. Don't be shy...we all need to celebrate each other.  

Light of the Soul (Luz del Alma)

 by Julia Hecht

REMEMBER:  MONDAY IS LATE NIGHT - WE ARE OPEN TIL 8:00 PM

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

PEACE AND BEADS 

Endless Possibilities

Rizos in Action in

Daisies by Sabine Lippert

Welcome to the resurgence!  Lots of brand new bead shapes are just hitting the shelves at Poppyfield Bead Company. I've been out scouring the internet and my European sources to see what's at the cutting edge of the bead world.  I am happy to report that there are now exciting new beads in fabulous colors and finishes that can be used to complement seed beads.  We have just gotten RIZO beads and RULLA beads in all available colors.   Rizo beads are one holed beads that are something between a drop and a dagger.  Rullas are two-holed barrel shaped beads.  There are already lots of pics of amazing beadwork out there using Rizos....especially by Sabine Lippert, who designed them.  If you want to see more, go to pinterest.com and type in "rizo beads" and you won't be disappointed.  

Starburst Earrings by Deborah Roberti

Click here for a free tutorial for these earrings

Rulla beads are little 2 holed barrel shaped beads.  Both RIZO's and RULLA's come in the same colors as the Super-Duo's so they will work up in wonderful color combinations when you mix the types together.  This gives you endless possibilities.  Another interesting new bead is the "stud" - a 4 sided pyramid.  It is so new that I can't even find project examples, so you'll have to see what we come up with.  

NEW CLASSES

Dancing Diamonds by Wendy Speare

Wendy has done it again!   This beaded kumihimo pattern will delight and mystify you.  The elegant rope uses size 8 seed beads and 3.4 mm magatamas (drops) to create a spiraling pattern of diamonds.  The pattern is Wendy's to share, and I dare anyone else to try to figure it out.  Hanging from a netted bail is a lovely double decker star pendant comprised of twin beads.  The Dancing Diamonds Necklace class meets on Saturdays 4/13 and 4/20 from 10 AM -1 PM.  The cost is $55 for the class (beads sold separately).  If you don't know how to braid with the kumihimo disk, you can take an Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy on either Monday 3/18 6-8 PM, or 3/30 10 AM - Noon.  

REMEMBER...

We have places available in Hollywood Sparkle Necklace with me (Julia Hecht) and in June Malone's Peyote Premiere.  Click here to go the classes page for more details.  

FREE WIRE MEET-UP UPDATE - Tuesdays 1-3 PM  

Our dear friend, Sylvia Abeyta was injured in a car accident and will not be leading the Tuesday Wire Meet-up for some time.  I will be filling in for her while she recovers.  Sylvia is in good spirits, is glad to be alive,  and hopes to make a full recovery.  She has several broken bones, and it will be a while before she's back at Poppyfield.  We send all our love and wishes for a speedy recovery out to Sylvia.  

The Tuesday Free Wire Meet-Up is open to all.  The only requirement is "a desire to twist wire".  The atmosphere is casual and light.  Bring your tools, wire, and beads, or purchase at Poppyfield.  It's a fun and low-key, friendly way to learn new wire skills. All levels are welcome, including those who have NEVER EVER worked with wire.  

Remember.... Monday night is late night at Poppyfield Bead Company. We are open until 8 PM.  

Hope to see you soon.

Magic, Flowers, and More

Magic Carpet Bracelet by Julia Hecht

The Day of the Dead Free Wire class on Labor Day was a huge success.  Fourteen participants came in, claimed their kits, and got busy making wrapped loops.  We had a range from experienced twisters to first-time newbies.  It was a nice way to spend the holiday.  Great fun was had by all.  I've had some requests for more kits. Yes, I will make up kits by order.  I sold out of some really wonderful charms and milagros that day. The sugar skull and other charms are back in stock - including some new ones.

Some come on in, and get your favorite Day of the Dead Charms, before they're gone again.

I've been having a wonderful time with the new SuperDuo precision cut twin beads.  If you want to make something colorful that works up quick and feels really good, my Magic Carpet Bracelet class is for you (see pic above):  Tuesday, October 16th, 6-9 PM, $35. At first glance the beads seem odd, but once you get the hang of how to work with them there are so many possibilities. We are in process of getting all 70 colors tubed for you.  They are very affordable, starting at $1.80 for 10 grams.   

Tomorrow we have an Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy at 6:00.  This is a great opportunity to learn the ancient Japanese braiding technique.  On Sept 25th, there is a fabulous beaded rope class that uses Kumihimo techniques.  Create a "Blooming Braid" with flowers that spiral around it.  I made the flower medallion using the SuperDuo beads. I will have the instructions for the Flower Medallion available on Sept 25th.  There is still time to sign up for both kumihimo classes.  

Blooming Braid by Wendy Speare
with Flower Medallion by Julia Hecht

I have been emailing my store customers almost every time I post
here.  But I am going to wean down on that and ask you all to either follow the blog as a "follower" or check from time to time.  I have over 1000 customers in my database, and it is becoming cumbersome to send mass emails.  Plus, not everyone likes having their inboxes stuffed.  So, if you want to find out about new classes, products, and offers, stay in touch with this blog.  Soon, poppybeads.com will be a "real" website.  We are building it now and it is very exciting.  I am also now tweeting updates @PoppyfieldBeads, so follow us on twitter.  

Hope to see you soon.  'Til then I'll be blogging, tweeting, and beading.  

Remember Monday night is late night...We are open til 8:00 PM.

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!

Glad To Be Back

Luz del Alma by Julia L. Hecht
End Caps and Clasp

Greetings Beady Friends!  I've been away from the store a lot this summer spending time with my family.  It has been wonderful and full of precious, priceless moments.   But I've missed you and the beads.  Of course I schlepped my bead projects on travels and opened them repeatedly in my home.  But, since my last post, I have not had what it takes to transport myself into "deep beading".  Virginia Wolf, the 19th Century writer  needed "A room of one's own and lock on the door," to ply her craft.  I need good lighting, reading glasses, and a quiet place to sit still for hours.  And of course, lots of beads.

Yesterday, though, I had all that, and got down to it.  I finally finished Luz del Alma, my first exploration with tiny spike beads (see previous post).  They enhance a sparkling 27mm rivoli.  The effect is not at all spiky  or edgy. But,  rather radiant and celebratory.  Last night I finished the end caps and clasp.  They are built upon a delicate (easy!) kumihimo satin rope using a variety of bead stitches that create complexity and intricacy.  The finishing is so special, you might want to wear your hair in a bun for this one!  The class dates are set and it is open for registration:  3 Saturdays - September 22nd, 29th, and October 6th or 3 Mondays - October 22nd, 29th, and November 5th.  Additional kumihimo classes will be scheduled soon for those of you wanting a rope class.  Of course you can create your own rope for this piece.  But, why not add some new techniques to your repertoire?  Call with a credit card, or come by the store to register.

Poppy Classes

Margo's Enchanted Primrose and my Triple D Earring classes have been lots of fun!  If you missed Enchanted Primrose you can order the instructions (PDF or paper) from Poppyfield.  The Triple D earrings class on Saturday, Aug 25th still has some places left.  It is instant gratification and the instructions are easy to understand and written for brand new beaders.

Poppy Products

The results from the Delica poll are in, and visible in the upper right hand corner of the blog.  There isn't an overwhelming separation of preference.  I was surprised to find that size 10's are more desirable than size 8's, so that was helpful. I was happy to see that there is a desire for cut beads as I already have some size 11 hex cut Delicas.  As soon as we get them tubed I will have them available for purchase.  I have already ordered some more colors in 11's that I couldn't resist. (I saw a customer with them and was disappointed to discover that I wasn't carrying them.  Problem solved!!)  Size 10's will be my next addition as I believe they are not yet available locally.  So, if you are looking for more Delica beads, stay tuned.

I have also grown my selection of tiny tiny 15/0 Czech charlottes.  I have a mix of both plated precious metal and affordable "look a-likes" including nickel, brushed 24 kt gold, brushed and bright copper.  So, dispel the rumor that "no one in Albuquerque is carrying 15/0 Czech charlottes."  You CAN get them at Poppyfield, starting at $4.50 for a 5 gram tube.

Coming Soon Super Duo - The twin of Twin Beads

Several customers have asked about Twin Beads.  It looks like they are catching on!  Since they seem to be showing up in magazines and on-line tutorials looking absolutely beautiful and intriguing, I've decided to carry them.  Well, their twin anyway.  I did some research and discovered that 2 very similar 2 holed bead products are manufactured in a wide array of colors: Twin Beads and Super Duo.  Christina of Good Quill Hunting tested both. She reports that Twin Beads are more irregular in shape, sometimes do not have both holes patent, and require culling.  They are also cheaper.  However, the main frustration with Twin Beads is that sometimes by the time you find out the 2nd hole is not patent, the bead is already incorporated into your work. That sounds like an experience I'd pay to avoid.  So, I've decided to carry Super Duo - billed as uniform, precision made, and reliable.  I've got every color on order and my supplier is awaiting their arrival on this continent.  I'll keep you posted.

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

Hope to see you soon!

...And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

by Julia L. Hecht

Let us not forget the season of the Miller Moths and the Super Moon - I commemorate these fleeting occurrences of nature in this necklace.  It was created using techniques from the Fun With Filigrees Class.  On Saturday we had a fun-filled, jam-packed class.   Students modified filigree components, mixed metals,  twisted wire into wrapped loops, and riveted.  I had a special a la carte table of individual beads and components for sale - a veritable smorgasbord of design possibilities.  Some students made replicas of my designs, while others came with their own ideas, and let them flourish and grow using new techniques and guidance.  We had beginners who'd never done a thing with wire and experienced twisters mixed together in this "something for everyone" class.  It was my first go at such a class, and I am pleased that everyone left satisfied and inspired. Some students were really surprised at what was possible - with really little or no other experience.  The class is being offered again on Monday, May 14th 6:00-9:00 PM.  It is $25, and a great deal for so much teaching.  

Kumi Bangles by Julia L. Hecht

Kumi Bangles is back!!  I had a sell out class last month and I am offering both a beginner braiding and the bangles class through the New Mexico Bead Society.  Intro to Kumihimo (Monday, June 4th 6:00-9:00 PM) offers beginning braiding, setting up the disk, and finishing.  You will leave with a finished satin rope double spiral necklace that is perfect for hanging a beaded pendant or focal piece.  The Kumi Bangles is the following week, Monday, June 11th, 6:00-9:00 PM.  Students learn several techniques that build on the basic 8 strand round braid (ie, the Intro class).  We will add seed beads and drops during braiding and learn how to plan a kumihimo design.  You can complete a beaded and fiber bracelet during the class.  Instructions include patterns for 2 more bracelets that you can do at home.   Anyone can register for these classes by calling or coming to Poppyfield Bead Company, or through the Bead Society (members only).   Bead Society Members are offered a reduced price at $20 each class.  Non-members are still eligible to take the classes at the regular rate of $25 each class.  


Speaking of Kumihimo...I've got all my Kumi Books back in stock.  They've been selling out in second.  So if you've been waiting for one, now's your chance.  End caps are back in stock in a variety of metals and ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm.   I also have some new  Kumihimo decorative bails that just arrived in copper and brass.  Just slide them on your braided rope and add a treasure to create a smashing necklace, in almost no time at all.   I've got beading cord (super nylon) in lots of colors for kumihimo or micro macrame with beads.   I am also carrying Joan Babcock's Micro Macrame book - It is very easy to follow and I've made several of her designs using this book myself.   


Brand new books just released are now available at Poppyfield:  Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies, and Contemporary Cube Bead Designs by Virginia Jensen.  They both look great - and I only regret that I am so busy with the store that I can't dive in and bead up these treats myself.  If you are intrigued by cube beads but just don't know what to do with them, Virginia's book is for you - lots of great bracelets!  


Check out our ever-expanding inventory of Swarovski double AB bicones in 3 mm and 4 mm.  Our complete inventory of high quality (but more affordable) Preciosa Czech crystal is always available in 3, 4, and 6 mm bicones.  

The new Bead and Button and Beadwork magazines are both here, but won't last long.  

Hope to see you soon!  

Beads, Bracelets, and Bags - Oh My!

Kumi Bangles by Julia Hecht

There are some great goings on at Poppyfield these days. We had a fabulous free wire class on March 22nd, where students learned to turn metal filigrees into settings for Swarovski rivolis and create glittering dangles. These earrings were so popular that everyone is making more of them and the filigrees are going fast. If you missed out, don't fret because these skills (and more) will be covered in the Fun with Filigrees classes on May 5th and May 14th. We have these and other great filigree products. I've been experimenting with them and find they are so versatile - stay tuned for pics of my vintage-inspired creations in upcoming posts. Other open classes at this time are the Kumi Bangles class (see pic above)and the Kumi Prep class for new braiders, both on April 21st. Margo Field's Dogwood and Pussy Willows still has a couple of spaces left for the Saturday sessions in May and early June. Check the classes page for details.

Leather Bracelets and Anklets

I've got some new finished handi-work that I've brought in for you. Leather cuffs, bracelets, and anklets, with riveted flowers and butterflies. They are a playful modern twist on '70's inspired designs. I've been wearing them around town and getting lots of compliments. I just put them out and several have sold. Great gift items for the young and young-at-heart, starting at under $20.

Felted Bag - Handmade in Nepal

How do you carry your beadwork around? Plastic boxes, metal lunch tins? I picked up a hand-made felt bag in Cape May, NJ a few years ago. It has been perfect for carrying my current project from here to there. It is colorful, unique and also gets me lots of compliments. Well, I decided to offer a line of these same bags at Poppyfield. They are lined and have a zippered top for security. Each one is hand-made in Nepal. I've got a variety of shapes and sizes. So pretty, they are hard to resist. That's how I got mine.

New Poppy Products

• I am happy to announce we now have size 15 beads in permanent galvanized silver and gold - that's right: P470 and P471 in size 15.
• Swarovski bicones 3 mm in several colors including Jet 2 AB, Siam 2 AB, and Gold Aurum. (We still have our extensive beautiful but economical Preciosa crystal beads in 3 mm , 4mm and 6 mm. But for some Swarovski products there is just NO substitute - I am planning to continue to expand my Swarovski bicone inventory to include these gorgeous little guys. )
• Artistic Wire in black, bronze, and amethyst

A Good Deal at Poppyfield

If you are looking for some good bead deals, come buy our last remaining tubes from "the Old Poppyfield". These beads are priced around 40% lower than current prices. This is not a formal sale. These tubes are what is left of Margo's inventory and are based on the 2010 prices. So if you see a color you like, and it's got Margo's label on it, now's your chance to take advantage. They won't be available at that price again.

Native Finished Work for Sale

In honor of the Gathering of Nations this month I will have a showcase featuring the work of Poppyfield's native customers. If you are a registered member of a Native Tribe and have bought beads at Poppyfield you are eligible. If you are interested, please send me an email to set up an appointment with me. More on this display as it evolves.

Coming Soon

Rosary centerpieces

Cinco de Mayo charms and milagros

More delica colors

Hope to see you soon!

Beaded Beauty

I love when my customers bring in their finished work to show me what the beads have become. This published pattern of Marilyn Monroe was beaded by Lillian Martinez after we picked delicas together. Every so often, a listed color isn't available. But, here's a beautiful illustration that you can deviate from the recommended colors and still end up with a great finished piece. I am sure I am going to get requests for this pattern. It is by Ann Benson of Beads East.

I am very excited about what's happening at Poppyfield. We have some great new products now available. Read on....

Beginner Classes - Brand-New Beaders Welcome

(see the classes page for photos)

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo $40:

2 Saturdays, Feb 18th and 25th 1-4 OR

2 Mondays, March 5th and 12th 6-9

Intro to Bead Embroidery $40

2 Mondays, March 19th and 26th 6-9

Drop Everything and Twist - Valentine's Day Project

I am planning a free wire class with a Valentine theme.

Tuesday, February 14th 1-2 PM

Supply list and pic will be posted by the 13th so you can bring any beady goods from home.

New Poppy Products

Now Available for Purchase

• By Request: Tulip Beading Needles sizes 10, 11, 13 - Long lasting, easy to thread, flexible, don't kink or bend. Made in Japan.
• 18 mm Swarovski Rivolis
• Bead Caps and End Caps in a Variety of Styles, Sizes, and Metals
• Magnetic Clasps (2 styles)
• Satin Cord 1, 2 and 3 mm Thick in a Variety of Colors
• Leather Cord 2 mm in a Variety of Colors
• Super Lon Cord Now Sold Individually - Great for Micro Macrame and Kumihimo
• Mood Beads
• Glass Heart Charms
• New Seed Bead Colors
• New Books: Beading Across America, Bead Riffs by Rachel Nelson-Smith, More Kumihimo Necklaces by DeSousa, and more..
• Old Favorites Back in Stock: Beaded Beads by Jean Campbell, Sensational Bead Embroidery by Sherry Serafini, "the Laura McCabe Crystal Book", and more...

Solange and I have been working hard to divide our most expensive beads into small tubes. Each tube contains 1/3 the amount of the larger tubes and is exactly 1/3 the price. We want to make it possible for everyone to use the most precious beads. Come check out our metal spinning display near the counter to see these beads, our new seed bead colors, and new products in general.

Hope to See You Soon!

New Beginnings

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo by Julia Hecht

I've been easing my way back to work and it's been a really nice experience. We had a great wire class last week: The Herringbone Weave Bracelet. Tomorrow I am teaching it again from 1-4 PM. We've still got some places left. So, if you are thinking about wire - this would be a great class - Participants will learn wrapped loops, weaving with narrow gauge wire, and creating your own clasp. A great deal for $25. Give us a call to find out more, or sign up.

New Classes

Introduction to Beaded Kumihimo Weaving with Julia Hecht (see pic above):

2 Saturdays, Feb 18th and 25th 1-4 PM or March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM. $40.

Learn the ancient art of Japanese braiding with the portable, modern Kumihimo disc. Weave a fiber necklace in a distinct spiral pattern, tie off and finish with findings - great for hanging beadwork. With the basic technique mastered in session one, we will use session 2 to weave with beads on every strand and create a fully beaded bracelet. Kumihimo will open a world of possibilities for creating beaded ropes in a variety of patterns. Geared to Beginners.

Bead Embroidered Pendant and Kumi Rope by Julia Hecht

Intro to Bead Embroidery with Julia Hecht: 2 Mondays March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM

$40. Learn to create a beautiful beaded and embellished focal piece and bail using embroidery and bezeling techniques. Geared to Beginners.

Coming soon: Advanced Classes

Modern Heart Necklace with Julia Hecht

Dogwood and Pussy Willow Necklace with Margo Field

New Poppy Products

We are happy to announce that we will be selling precious metal seed beads in smaller more affordable tubes. We are dividing the larger tubes by thirds and they will be sold for 1/3 the price. The 30 g tubes will still be available for purchase, but will not be hanging, so please ask at the counter. This is a process...we are starting with the size 11's. We would be happy to get a tube ready for you if it isn't out yet. Just let us know.

The new Beadwork magazine has arrived.

On the Way: Expected Next Week

18 mm Rivolis

Tulip Beading Needles sizes 10, 11, 13 (flexible but don't kink or stay bent!)

Tulip Fine Awls

Full stock of Kumihimo supplies including satin cord in 1-3 mm widths and leather cord. Kumihimo findings including end caps and bails.

More books and magazines

Hope to see you soon!!!