Wired Up!!

Poppyfield Bead Company's Wire Department

Poppyfield is finally WIRED! I have a large selection of brightly colored copper wire in gauges ranging from 16 to 34. Colors are nothing less than exquisite and enticing - peacock blue, fuschia, and chartreuse, red, tangerine....COME IN AND SEE. I also have some natural colors such as gold, silver, and natural copper. The colors will not tarnish, and neither will natural copper, non- tarnish silver, and gold. However, I made sure to order tinned copper and bare copper which will tarnish and can be patinated. The beauty and depth of oxidized metal is not to be overlooked. I know some of you are experienced twisters and will be excited to try out these colors. I have some great new books with woven designs, which are the latest wire craze and a beautiful new Chain Mail book from Lark Publishing. There are books on crochet and knitting with wire, and that's what those really fine gauges are for. For those who've never worked with wire...don't be intimidated. I will have some classes for starting up. But, until then, I've got some great beginner books such as All Wired Up by Mark Lareau (the book I used to teach myself) and Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry from Interweave Press. With these books and a basic tools, you can start making your own findings, such as bails, clasps and earring wires. I've got lots of tools for a variety of purposes, including pliers, mandrels, hammers, and various cutters. I also have 2 really nice wig jigs and a variety of peg sizes.

CLASS UPDATE

Inaugural class approaching! The Poppyfield Chain Bracelet class taught by Margo Field is THIS MONDAY evening from 6-9 pm. It is appropriate for all levels, including new seed beaders. $25.00

Poppyfield Chain Bracelet

by Margo Field

Bobbie Yoakum's Renaissance Rose Necklace is now open for registration. The class meets two Saturdays from 1-4, May 7 and May 21. There are 2 weeks between classes to allow for time to get all the components finished so you can assemble the final piece at the second class. This piece is large and beautiful, but not complicated. Advanced beginners can take this class and create something very special. The center is a 30 x 40 cabachon. $45

Renaissance Rose by Bobbie Yoakum

Keep It Simple Bracelet is a loom project that can be completed during class. Bobbie Yoakum, well-known for her incredible creations on the loom is teaching this. This is an all levels class and a perfect introduction to the loom. Learn from the start with a master! 2 Mondays: May 16th and 23rd at 6-8 pm. A bargain at $25.

Keep It Simple Bracelets in Blue and Red

by Bobbie Yoakum

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field. A 3-session advanced project with Margo. Even if you've sworn you'll never do another flower, you won't be able to resist the Phlower on this necklace. The center is a 14mm rivoli and the rest is Margo's secret recipe. Stop in at Poppyfield and see it for yourself. 3 Mondays: April 24, May 2, May 9 at 6-9 pm or 3 Saturdays: June 4, 11, 18, at 1-4 pm. $65

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field

***A reminder that your place in the class is reserved upon payment. You may pay by credit card over the phone. Classes are non-refundable.

Ammonites - Ancient Sea Treasures

Ancient Treasure II by Julia Hecht

I am drawn to fossils. As a jewelry artist, I can think of nothing better than creating a wearable showcase for these ancient treasures. The ammonite has obvious visual appeal because of its spiral and its chambers. This special spiral, known as the logarithmic spiral, allowed the creature to grow from only one end (asymmetrically) and yet maintain its shape as it grows. The chambers allowed the predatory creature to control its buoyancy in order to hunt for food and hide from predatory birds. This ancient mollusk also possessed other fascinating characteristics that you can read about on The Cephalopod Page. Ammonites are believed to have become extinct during the K-T Asteroid extinction (the one that killed the dinosaurs)

65 million years ago.

Now that's vintage jewelry!

More on Ammonites

Ammonite Basics

Ammonite and Fossil Shopping

The Mathematical Study of Mollusk Shells

Earth's Mass Extinctions by Peter Ward

Nitty Gritty Biology of the Ammonite Chambers

Today is a Gift - A Necklace of Gratitude

I created this vessel to celebrate the beauty and gift of life. It can hold a personal prayer of thanks that can be worn as a necklace.

I used to work as a physician. This year I am beading full time to continue my own personal healing. I find that creating beauty is a very healing experience.

I am grateful for the love and joy in my life. I am grateful that I can use painful experiences for growth.