Glad to Be Home

Chandelier Dream Earrings

I have just returned from a glorious RV camping vacation to the dog beaches of Southern of California, with my kids and of course, our dog.  This was a brand-new experience for us…and after 2300 miles, I am tired, but happy.  I am rolling up my sleeves, and jumping back into the bead business

 I will be at our Friday Happy Hour tomorrow, and if you are local…I hope to see you there.  We'll be making some fabulous Chandelier Dream Earrings.  You can make them this long…or your own shorter versions.  Once you know the technique, your imagination will take you the rest of the way.  
Click here for the supply list.  

Kits and Colorways

Kits in 3 color-ways are now available for purchase for "A Little Romance" Chandelier Earrings Free Wire Class, this Saturday 11/17 at 10 AM - noon.  Click on the Free Wire Classes page in the header above to see more pics and get all the details about what's included in the kits and what tools you will need.  Call the store to buy your kit in advance.  I have room for 16 participants, and all are welcome on a first-come-first-served basis.  However, purchasing a kit in advance will guarantee you a space.  I will have kits available on the morning of the class.  And you may come as early as 9:30 AM.  (Please note: The store will not open for general shopping until noon.  We will focus on wrapped loops and incorporating chain into your designs.  With these skills and all the gorgeous beads out there... THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!  You will be able to give hand-made gifts galore this season. 

Hope to see you  Saturday!

Catching Up

Greetings Beady Friends.... It has been a while since my last post and even longer since my last email to my customers.  Thanks to those who were concerned about me. I have been fine but overly busy.  Wendy and I have been training June, our newest addition to the Poppyfield team.  Now that June is working independently I can get back to blogging and emailing to keep you all up to date about what's new at the shop.  

Margo's Rivoli Roundel

Right now we have a bunch of new learning opportunities.  Just up ahead is Margo's new Rivoli Roundels Necklace.  It is beautiful and unique and uses 3 rivolis that are just gorgeously embellished.  As I mentioned in the email, I had been blocked from sending the large customer emails - there are just so many of you now (YAY!!).  Although we did a little target email to Margo's past students, some of you may have been left out.  I apologize.  I am HAPPY to report that there are still available places in the class.  It is coming up soon... 3 Mondays:  Nov 12, 19, 26 6-9 PM $75.  It isn't too late... Call the shop or come by ASAP to register.  

Free Wire Classes 

A Little Romance

Just in time for you to make your holiday gifts.  Saturday, Nov 17th 10 AM - noon, I will be teaching A Little Romance - Chandelier Earrings.  This class is free, and I will have kits available for purchase.  Stay tuned for kit colors and prices.  

Saturday, December 1st 10 AM - noon another free wire class is planned.  So save the date!  I will be unveiling the design soon.  Stay tuned.  

Painted Roses

From Vintage to Modern -  COLORING METAL

Vintage brass does not mean dull and boring.  Vintaj Patina Pigments make it possible to permanently color oxidized brass.  No messy or toxic chemicals needed.  It is a simple as painting!  I have worked out a simple 3 step technique for creating these beautiful PAINTED ROSES.  We will have our first metal painting class on Saturday, December 1st  from  3-5 PM.  I will provide all materials and walk you through the process.  Everyone painted as a kid.  Bring that spirit back in this FUN class.  You will be able to complete a rose pendant in the class.  Class size will be limited to 6 students.  Don't miss out.  $40 including materials.  

Make your own gifts with our new findings (seen here)

Poppy Gallery

We are expanding our finished-work gallery for the gift giving season.  We now have silk scarves from local artist Bishop at Brave and Crazy Designs.  If you like extra sparkle, check out our crystal jewelry from Desert Gems, imported from Israel.  New felt bags from Nepal will be here soon.  We will continue to expand throughout the holiday season. Come and see how we blossom.  All finished work is returnable.  

Reaching Out

Now we are back on track with the emails.  I am working with a marketing company that offers mass emailing.  I am crafting the appearance and text of each email.  Please do let me know if you like them or want other info included.  The emails are my way to reach out to you, so help me to do it in a way that works for you.  

Customer Kudos - How Exciting

Jessica Dowell won a Gold Medal for Fire Mountain Gems seed bead jewelry contest in 2011.  Check out the back cover of the current issue of Beadwork to see her fabulous work of art.  

Bonnie Vigil has a design in the gallery section of Jill Wiseman's book on Beaded Ropes from Lark Books. We have this book in stock  - and it looks chock full of designs you'll want to try.  

Two of my own designs have been chosen for Bead and Button Magazine this summer. 

Let me know if you have work published and I'll post it here and brag for you.   

Hope To See You Soon

Peace and Beads 

Julia

Instant Elegance

Instant Elegance - Inspired by Eni Oken's Follies Chandeliers

Ta Dah! Just born... a project for Tuesday's DRop everything And Twist Free Wire Class. I spent hours last night working on something ELSE that seemed like a great idea. I did 2 versions and they are both UGGGHLY! So, today, I scrapped it and started over on something completely different. This is a chandelier earring that utilizes herringbone weave. I got the idea for this design from Eni Oken's earrings called Follies Chandeliers in a book I have at the store called Contemporary Wire Jewelry. The book has a lot of great ideas - but each one calls out to me "change me up". Eni's version is with rondelles and looks very ethnic with long drops. My version is a cleaner elegant look - (hence the name). Once you learn the design and techniques it will be so easy to change it up into your own style.

I will sell these exact beads individually for the class so you don't have to buy whole strands to be able to make the earrings. Of course you are always welcome to bring your own beads.

Supplies you will need for one pair of Instant Elegance Earrings:

2 14 mm faceted round beads

6 matching faceted tear drops (hole from top to bottom)

6 contrasting 4 mm pearls

2 earring wires

14" 22 ga wire

5 feet 26 ga wire

tools: round nose, chain nose and nylon jaw pliers, flush cutters

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring your own tools or plan to buy before class. I CANNOT lend tools. I have everything available at Poppyfield right now, except the nylon jaw pliers. They are expected to arrive on Wednesday.

DROP EVERYTHING AND TWIST

FREE WIRE CLASS WITH JULIA HECHT

Tuesday 1:00-2:00 in Studio Poppy

Followed by Open Beading

Everyone Welcome

Bring Your Own Tools or Buy on the Spot

REMEMBER: Monday is late night at Poppyfield - Open til 8:00 pm.

Tomorrow Free Wire Class at 6:00 - Wheels of Alchemy. See the previous post on this blog for details and picture.