Bead and Be Happy

Greetings Beady Friends!   There is so much fun to be had in the beady world.  Nowadays at the shop, we have 3 free events most weeks.  We started our Monday Night Book Club with Lisa Kan's Bead Metamorphosis.  We have met and worked on the Trefoil Earrings and the Catherine Bracelet.  It has been a lot of fun, and great way to bring your beading up to the next level with support.  We are carrying the 2-holed Swarovski sliders that are needed for the bracelet.  They are a very cool product that we had custom set for us in Europe and shipped here.  We did run out of the  books, but we have 10 more arriving in the next week.  May 4th, we will meet to start the Encanto Necklace.  I expect we will also be working on assembling the Catherine Bracelet components - as it is rather involved.  Feel free to start a Catherine bracelet and join us 5/4.  

Lisa Kan's Catherine Bracelet in Gold and Emerald
Beaded by Wendy Speare

 For the next 2 Monday's,  book club is on hold, as everyone is working on their bracelets at home.  During this time, we have 2 classes that aren't free.  Ellajoy's Rings and Things (4/20 - a great all levels peyote stitch class) and my (Julia's) debut of Homage to Victor (4/27), an optical illusion loom bracelet with off loom embellishment. All levels are welcome.    Both classes still have some places available.  

Tuesdays we have our FREE wire meet up with Sylvia Abeyta 1-3 PM.  Everyone is welcome and all levels are appreciated, from never-ever to super star.  If you are considering branching out into wire work, this is a great opportunity for support and laughs!  It is low-key and friendly and a great way to see if you will enjoy combining beads with wire.  

Fridays is our popular Happy Hour event 4:30-6:00. We provide a free pattern and support in choosing beads and doing the project.  All levels of beaders come to sit and schmooze and bead away their cares of the week.  Often we have every seat taken.  We've had a lot of people wanting patterns who can't stay for the class.  We are sorry if the time doesn't work for you.  We still would like to inspire you to bead.    So, if you can't make it to the Happy Hour,  we can work out a way to provide you with a pattern after the Happy Hour meets.  Talk with us during the week about it.  We ask that you purchase the supplies with us.  We hope you understand - free for you, isn't actually free for us.  But we love to give you what we can.   This weeks project is Deborah Roberti's Garden Necklace.  Click here for the supply list.  

Deb Roberti's Garden Bracelet

Saturday 4/18 is the last chance to take the Seeds of Change, embellished Kumi rope necklace with me.  There is some homework that you must do prior to the class, so if you are thinking of taking this class, please don't delay in registering. 

Julia's Seeds of Change Necklace

Other Poppy News

We are still filling in the gaps in our Delica inventory.  More 11/0's in new colors that we have never carried are arriving in the next few days.  By next week will have all the colors still in production through the 1200's.  We have many of the later numbers - but not all.  Over the next several months we hope to complete our inventory. Our goal is to have every delica bead in production available for sale.  We do carry 10/0's, 8/0's, 15/0's and hex cuts as well.  

11/0 Slider Tube for Loom Work

I am experimenting with 11/0 Slider tubes for finishing loom work.  I am going to put this on my next Homage to Victor Bracelet.  These affordable findings are made  by Miyuki to fit over a row of 11/0 Delicas to neatly and securely finish off your loom work without breaking beads or using glue.  So cool - these findings are already available for purchase.

One of us has a project on the COVER of the upcoming Bead and Button Magazine. (Yay Wendy!)  We will be selling kits on our web store for the 2 color ways the magazine listed for this design  - we are sooo excited.  

There's always more to show and tell, some come in and ask us!  

Peace and Beads, y'all! 

Leather - My New Frontier

In line with my last post on beginnings, I continue to push against new Frontiers.   As part of my Mirrix Loom Journey I am experimenting with leather.  I do feel excited and yes, even a little naughty!  Why? Because I am venturing out of my old paradigm of bead stitching.  Leather is something I just know nothing about, and so I have crossed into a new world.  I was not raised to be adventurous…but rather to stay safe and comfortable.  So, every time I take steps into the unknown, I feel this way.

In addition to Elena and Claudia, who lead the Mirrix loom company and chose me to participate in their Social Market project,  I have to thank my Native American customers who do traditional beadwork using a loom, and those that make garments for dancing and ceremony.  Many will come into my bead shop asking for leather, and I would turn them away, because I didn't sell it, and I knew nothing about it.  But, as I seek ways to finish my loom work into jewelry, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow is about to converge on Albuquerque.  Native People from around the Americas are arriving and I am blessed that many find their way to my shop.  And so, I was driven out in search of leather.  

I am fortunate to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where google maps pointed me to a leather supply shop just minutes from my home and my shop.  I stepped inside the store, and immediately, I wanted to wrap myself in soft tanned hides and inhale the comforting aroma.  After questioning or perhaps "badgering" the sales assistant and about an hour of roaming up and down the aisles, I left with 2 complete cowhides the color of deerskin, some lace and cord, and the tools to cut,  punch, and create eyelets.  (Soon I will be selling cowhide strips and squares in my shop).  

I perused cyberspace to get some ideas for the finishing, and I just jumped in.  Here's my first attempt.

My first piece of jewelry from the loom

The bead work is my own pattern and woven on the Mirrix loom using S-Lon bead cord to warp and  11/0 Delica cylinder beads.  The bead on the "tie" was a gift from my mom.  I used Nymo thread and glovers #6 needles to sew the loom work to the leather - don't even attempt with a beading needle.   I like it. But, I know, this is just the beginning! It is a nice way to close, because it is adjustable, I can manage the tie with one hand and slip the bead up to tighten.  But it does loosen over the course of the day.  So I will be continuing my experiments with leather and with finishing loom work.

BEAD AND WIRE HAPPY HOUR #4

Tomorrow, Friday, April 25th from 4:30-6:30, we will host our next Happy Hour event.  A free bead pattern for the bracelet pictured here will be available.  There will be coffee and cookies (including gluten free), and a relaxed fun atmosphere for beading and socializing.  We will have our resident wire expert, Sylvia Abeyta for assistance, if you'd like to twist instead.  Come join us.  You can check out our newest products, including luminescent 18 mm resin flat backs in lots of colors.  Perfect for bead embroidery. They look great with our new Shibori silk ribbon.  Click here for a link to the free pattern supply list.  

ON THE WAY 

Crystal Flatbacks 

More Rose Montees (including 3 mm and 4 mm)

Plastic Banded Crystals - Neon Colors 

Hope to See You Soon!!!!

Stuck??

We have so many wonderful new products just in and great classes scheduled! I easily get wrapped up in the excitement of it all.  Sometimes, I will find myself zooming to the store with a one-track mind.  I can become frustrated with whatever gets in my way.  Recently I was on San Mateo Boulevard heading south to the shop when I found myself stuck behind a bus in the right lane.  It stopped and I was forced to stop too.  Frustrated, I lamented my fate - wasn't this why I left New York City?  Grrrr.   As I sat there, a string of people climbed down the steps and headed on their way by foot.  Others were lining up to get on.  I noticed that some of these folks did not look so healthy or well-situated.   The bus pulled away from the curb and we proceeded on our way, me creeping along behind my ungainly leader.  Again, it stopped.  I sat in my air conditioned car, well-fed, and comfortable, and waited to head to my beautiful business.  This time I looked closely at the situation and I was suddenly grateful for all that I have and how blessed my life truly is.  I took a deep breath and felt my shoulders drop and my grip on the wheel loosen.  My whole body relaxed.  As the bus moved on down San Mateo Boulevard, I took my turn west towards Poppyfield Bead Company.  I was humbled, and at peace and no longer in my whipped-up frenzy.  

Nowadays when I find myself on the road, impatient and full of myself and how I NEED to get somewhere, I look for the nearest city bus.  I pull behind it and ride a few blocks - We stop, I breathe, and give thanks.  When I get my dose of humility,  find my center, and "chill out",  I patiently change lanes and move on with renewed calm and appreciation.  Sometimes, being stuck behind a bus is just what we need.    

That being said...Here's what's so exciting:

NEW PRODUCTS

11/0  Delica Beads with a Permanent Galvinized Matte Finish - If you like our DF and PF series of seed beads, you'll love these new beads.  If you don't know what I am talking about, come on in and ask us.

 PIGGY BEADS ARE HERE!!!

These are two-holed concave lentils.  We have a great selection of colors to get you started including a gold dabbed light emerald, silver, matte copper, and turquoise picasso (and MORE).   You can see piggies in the inner round of embellishments, cupping other beads in this beautiful medallion found on a Hungarian bead blog   (http://emoke1.blogspot.hu/2013/08/cecily-medal.html).  

A beautiful ring pattern using piggy beads called Piggy Linda  is available for purchase from Europe  HERE.  The pic is locked and can't be shared.  But you can see it on my Modern Beadwork board on Pinterest HERE.

 PASTEL SUPER DUO'S

These beads have a unique and brilliant finish.  They are not exactly my idea of pastel, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. They are begging to be used with Piggy Beads and Swarovski crystal pearls.  My wheels are spinning!

Day of the Dead Charms and Beads

Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet 

Free Class Offered

We have a great selection of these charms from a variety of fabricators.  Use basic wire work techniques to mix these with glass beads for a Day of the Dead treat.  If you need some guidance, sign up for our Day of the Dead Charm bracelet FREE class.  You must register to attend.  Check out the details HERE.

MORE CLASSES

 Let It Snow by June Malone

Click HERE to see this amazing ornament class 

and our other October classes.  

CUSTOMER KUDO'S

Congratulations to 

• Linda Hirtz for her blue ribbons at the NM State Fair. She took home 2 and a Best In Show.  Keep on Beading, Linda!
• Bobbie Yoakum for her wonderful cat bracelet in Bead and Button Extra.  Yay Bobbie!  
• 
  

***Remember - Monday is late night - We are open til 8 PM***

Hope To See YOU Soon

Don't Labor - Create!

Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet in Copper/Bronze

Greetings Beady Friends!  I am hosting a free wire basics class Monday, September 3rd (Labor Day) from 12 - 2,  so you can  make your own Day of the Dead Charm Bracelet. I will be teaching how to make wrapped loops and how to assemble your charms onto chain.  I have put together a beautiful assortment of colorful beads and casted charms in a kit for $25.  It includes the new Swarovski neon crystal pearls, skull and milagro charms, Czech pressed glass flowers and druks, bead caps, wire, jump rings, 9" of  chain and a beautiful Mexican style heart toggle clasp.  Everything you need, except the tools.  (Bring your own flush cutters, round nose, chain nose, and nylon jaws pliers - or purchase at Poppy).  There are two versions - Silver and Copper/Bronze, so you can choose which suits YOU! . This is the season of smiling skulls - so get a jump on it - and be ready.  Also makes a GREAT holiday gift.  Call or come by to order your kit.  

Poppy News

• Today is Solange's last day, so come on in and say farewell to her.  
• We are open til 8:00 tonight.  
• Hex cut Delica beads are now available in size 11.  
• Coming soon:  size 8 hex cut Delica's (I couldn't resist the impulse).  Size 10's will be next.  

Kumihimo Classes start in 2 weeks!  Sign up now to learn a new skill.  You will need this for the Luz del Alma necklace and the Blooming Braid flowered rope.

Hope to see you soon!  Til then....Peace and Beads.  

Delicas, Acceptance, and A Lesson From Beyond

Greetings Beady Friends! Are you still out there? Still hanging in? As you can see from the photo, our first sign is up! The store is trying very hard to be born. I said that I was not going to predict the opening, but many people have sent me emails asking for more information. So here's the latest: My best prediction is sometime the 2nd half of next month - February. The telephone is now plugged in - but acting strangely. The number is the same as the former Poppyfield: 505-880-8695.

And now the lesson from Beyond:

If you read my little profile "About Beadfingers" to the right you will see that I describe myself as being on a path of personal healing. I also mention that I was a practicing physician, but left that career. One of my commitments in my life after medicine is not to indulge my work-a-holic nature. For someone like me, this is easier said than done. Breaking this long ingrained (and very highly rewarded) pattern of behavior is like breaking my own bones. I cannot tell you how difficult it is for me to tear myself away from the store. If I did indulge my true tendency, I'd be pulling "all-nighters" there just as I did in my medical training. But, alas, I've promised myself to do it differently this time.

Pema Chodron, an American born Buddhist nun whom I listen to and read, says "Five steps forward, 5 steps back. Five steps forward, 4 1/2 steps back. Yay!!!!!" Last week I was in the midst of 5 steps back, when I was given a great lesson to help me on my path. Of course, it came in the form of beads.

Remember that giant delica order I blogged about? I have decided to convert Margo's delica supply of 10 gram bags to hanging tubes on display. So, not only did I purchase more beads, I also ordered about a thousand empty tubes so that I can transfer the bagged inventory to the new display. They arrived in several boxes: So many beads in an unimaginable array of hues and finishes... and oh so so many empty tubes to be filled. Like a good workaholic, I spent 8 hours pouring beads from bags into tubes. At first it was an awkward task and painstakingly slow. I had no special aids like a funnel or a tube stand. I just carefully poured the beads from those little plastic bags into a little tube, pushed on the cover, and added a label. I worked alone, with an audio book playing in my ears. I developed some finesse and started to move more quickly. I could see progress. The roll of labels was shrinking as I made my way through color after color, and bag after bag.

And then it happened. The work-aholic buzz. It is an altered state, a special mix of energy, pride, and yes...a high. As it took me, I had the thought..."you know, this is pretty good. Maybe I really shouldn't give up my work-aholic ways. I can be productive and feel good at the same time. How can that be bad?" I cancelled all the healthy things I had planned for the day, like eating well, exercise, and a self-help meeting that I attend regularly. I just kept at those beads. The sun set, my hunger increased, and I was in the grip of a true high. I actually resented my need to eat, because it was interfering with my work.

Just as I was deciding that after I ate dinner I would return to the store , I noticed something odd. The tube of beads in my hand was not the same size as the tube hanging on the display. In fact, it wouldn't fit in the display. I held the tubed beads from the supplier next to the tube I'd just filled. NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!! The tubes were not the same size. The supplier had sent me the wrong sized empty tubes to fill. Realization hit, then dread. I had just spent 8 hours filling tubes that would not fit into the display, did not match the tubes of beads I had from the supplier, and did not match the quantity that was printed on the label. All the tubes would have to be redone.

Thanks to my previous career, I had a little perspective. My hair was standing on end and I felt sick to my stomach. However, I knew, even in the awful truth of that moment, that in the range of mistakes and consequences that life hands out, this was extremely minor. To my thinking, it was a gift sent from the Beyond.

I am pretty sure that had I stopped what I was doing to eat, exercise, or go to my group, I would have noticed that the tubes I was using were not the right ones. I would have registered that they seemed to be taking more beads than I'd thought they should or that the labels had more space around them. I might have hung one on the display and noticed that it was too big. But, I was so caught up in my work and so unwilling to step away from "the buzz" that I just kept going forward, with blinders on. I rationalized that what I would "accomplish" that day was worth the small sacrifice of "the things I should do." In the end I not only "wasted" an entire day of work, but I did not even do what I consider basic "health maintenance" around food, physical activity, and mental / emotional well-being.

I learned a great lesson, though: No matter what, live right. Step away, even if it I'm just loving being mired in it. Eat right, exercise, return a phone call to a friend who is down, or a family member looking to connect. Do what I need for emotional health. Be kind to the people who make mistakes - the company who sends the wrong tubes, the shipping company that damaged my delivery, and to myself - the lady who "wasted an entire day filling the wrong tubes." Because at the end of the day I may not have much in my hands to show for it. But, clearly, that isn't what really matters. Even though, at times, it feels to me like the only thing that does.

Many times on my path of healing, I've asked the undefinable great Spirit out there to guide me in a life of balance and serenity -- something I once knew absolutely nothing about. Some days I am granted peace and grace and my life feels like it is all falling into place as it should. Other days I feel that I am batted about, facing mistakes, and full of difficult emotion. I used to resent people who provoked those "hard days." Today, I know that is just the rhythm of life. Hard days are still good days. They are grist for the mill, full of lessons on right living, and if I let it in, joy too.

Delicas Delicas and More Delicas!!

Miyuki Delicas: YUM!

Today I spent the entire day figuring my delica inventory. I bought Margo's entire delica inventory which is quite substantial. In addition I got a list of the most popular 200 colors from one of our nation's major Miyuki distributors. I combined the 2 and added the all the new permanent galvanized colors. This is a new process that is purported to have corrected the problem of fading seen in the old galvanized colors. In the end, the grand total as of today is 554 colors - all size 11's at this time. The order has been sent!!

Tribal Chic Earrings by Julia Hecht

(uses Shaped Beadwork's 2 sided triangles)

I was not a big delica fan myself until I discovered geometrics. I love Diane Fitzgerald's book "Shaped Beadwork" by Lark Publishing. There are so many great shapes to incorporate into larger pieces. The delica's precise, regular, cylindrical shape, neat edges, and interlocking dimensions make the geometrics possible. One drawback with this book is that there aren't many finished projects using the shapes. For most of the shapes, Diane seems to give the basic building blocks and leaves the rest to you. I have created a number of finished projects with geometrics. Some are quick and easy earrings, while others are more complicated shaped bezels.

Blue Sparkle by Julia Hecht

(Fancy Pear Bezel derived from Shaped Beadwork's Teardrop)

I am looking forward to offering some classes using this book, and taking her designs to the next step. I've talked with Diane about this, and she's given me the go ahead. We've also talked about her coming to teach at Poppyfield in 2011. More on that in a future post.