Moving Along...

June's Peyote Premier
Pendant

We are moving along towards the last stages of our restoration.  As you know, we re-opened on May 15th, 6 weeks after our unexpected "drive through" crash.  Our new bead display cases are set up, full of size 15's.  We've got about 550 different colors in just Japanese 15/0's.  I am busy moving the 11/0's and hoping to have it all set by Wednesday.  Then we'll get the "maps" made. We are planning on seed bead maps for customer use, so you can find your way to your favorite colors.

We've been busy replenishing our stock.  We've got a full inventory of Super Duo's, Twins, Rizos, and Rullas.  The new Two-Hole-Tile beads (Czech mates) have been extremely popular - and a bunch of new ones are on their way.  Our new seed beads (Southwest Sunset palette) have been a hit.  In fact there's one particular color that sells out every week - It is a turquoise AB that comes in both 11/0 and 8/0.  We've also got some new hybrid 11/0's and magatamas that you wont want to miss (they are also going fast).

Coming Soon

• New Czech Glass Buttons
• 30 mm Bugles (these take "forever" to hand sort - but we're getting there)
• New Delica 10/0's
• New 3 mm Fire Polish colors
• New Daggers and Spikes
• Miyuki Thread

Classes

Hollywood Sparkle
by Julia Hecht

We have rescheduled our "crash canceled" classes.

Peyote Premier with June  -  Saturday, July 13th 10AM-1 PM, $35

Hollywood Sparkle w/ Julia, Mondays, Sept 9th, 16th, 23rd 
                                                                6-9 PM, $75

If you registered before the crash then you are automatically enrolled.  Please let us know if you plan to attend.  If not, you can receive the instructions or a refund (but not both).  We will offer both of these classes again.  For more details about these classes please click here.  

Kumihimo Classes with Wendy:

• Intro to Kumihimo - Saturday, August 10th, 10-noon, $25
• Rope Fiesta - Monday, August 19th, 6-9 PM, $35
• Dancing Diamond Pendant - Monday, Aug 26th 6-9 PM, $35

For more details about these classes please click here.  

Poppy Rewards

Our new rewards program went into effect on June 10th.   From that date, all purchases go toward earning Poppy Rewards.  When your sales history reaches $100 you will earn a $10 gift card. You will be notified and can pick it up, and use it, at your next visit.  All purchases are included in the tally, and the gift cards are good for all items, including classes.  We think you'll like it.  This is now the only discount / reward offer that we are honoring.  Some of you have already received an email or phone call from us. Don't forget to come in and claim your reward!

Kudo's

Beadwork and Metal Designs by Katrina Lum

Poppyfield customer, Katrin Lum has beadwork on exhibit at the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe during the Tako Kichi Japanese Kite Exhibit 6/9/13 - 3/23/14.  She writes "the Goldfish set was done with beads from Poppyfield Bead Company".  
Yay, Katrina! 
 http://www.internationalfolkart.org/exhibitions/tako-kichi.html

REMEMBER...MONDAY IS LATE NIGHT...WE ARE OPEN UNTIL 8 PM

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

Restoration Day #5

Greetings beady friends, and thanks for checking in.  June, Wendy, and I spent the majority of  Tuesday through Thursday cleaning the 5 seed bead cases.  As we go along, we are are cleaning, relabeling where needed, and culling some unpopular or duplicate beads colors.  Our goal is to move all the "orphan beads" or "new beads tubes" into their rightful places. We are also planning to update our colors.  On Monday the 3 of us are making an overnight road trip to our seed bead supplier to check out the latest colors, and beef-up our selection.  We know, thanks to Margo's years of accumulating beads,  we've had a great seed bead selection all along. But we think we can make it even more current, and so we head West, to an undisclosed location.   

I still feel overwhelmed by the work ahead of me for the insurance claim. I have got to document all the damage, and provide "supporting evidence" which means get quotes or provide receipts for replacement costs.  I have to find out what is available and what I will need to substitute with a different item.  This particularly refers to our counters and displays - which were custom refurbished for me, and so are not available to purchase.   
It was seeming like a huge unscalable mountain, until yesterday. I woke up on Friday and just felt like diving in.  I spent the day making measurements of my furniture, and taking photos of everything that is damaged. A lot of it is pitting from glass flying at high speeds.  That is not the easiest thing to photograph.  I got myself a notebook, a binder, tape measure, camera and an external storage drive for all my documenting. I brought home my huge folder of receipts.  So after writing this post, I'll be documenting, documenting, documenting.  Now you know....I'd rather be beading.  

Documenting Damaged Stuff

We are getting a sense of the timeline for re-opening.  We need new glass windows, new metal window frames, dry wall repair, painting, and new carpet throughout.  The painting is last, and is minor.  But the window frames must go in before the windows, and the windows must go in before the carpet. Laying the carpet is a big deal, because EVERYTHING must be moved - including the bead cases full of beads.  We plan to open as soon as the carpet is laid.  We are anticipating that we will be closed for 3 more weeks.  As we get firmer dates I will let you know.  

I am sorry for your frustration while we area closed.   I realize for some customers it is an inconvenience.  But for other customers the situation is more dire.  If you are in need of beads for ceremonial or business purposes please contact me by email at julia@poppybeads.com and I will try to help you get what you need.  

Saying Goodbye to Jasmine

In the midst of all this mess, I had to say goodbye to our dear cat who passed on Thursday night.  It is the first time I have lost a pet and she was very dear to me and my family.   I am trying to stay upbeat.  June and Wendy have a great "can do" attitude and that really helps me.  I know intellectually that everything is fine, and will be fine.  But I do not like the way this feels.    I think the opportunity to go pick more colors will fire us up  and  remind us how wonderful it will all be when we re-open.  That is some energy we can really use.  

Some of the things you can look forward to when we re-open are: 

Easy to read "bead maps" for customer use

New bead colors

Delicas in size 15's

New customer loyalty/discount plan

Price breaks for large quantity purchases

Til then....

Delicas, Daggers, and Dangles - OH MY!

Delicas-Daggers-Dangles "Triple D Earrings"
by Julia Hecht

Just as I am drawn to the Wizard of Oz, which I've seen so many times, I can't resist another twist of this classic and timeless earring design.  This stunning version uses Delicas, Swarovski crystal bicones, and long Czech daggers.  I'll be teaching it twice - on Monday, July 30th 6-9 PM and Saturday, August 25th, 1-4 PM. For seasoned beaders who like dangles, it is some fun, instant gratification. At the same time it is also suitable for new beaders, as the techniques are not complicated.  This is my Independence Day color way.  I've already done another one with double AB bicones that can't be beat.  Delicious.  Come by the store to check them out in person.  They'll be on display or on my ears.  I just love 'em. 

Welcome Wendy

Wendy is our newest addition to the Poppyfield Family.  Wendy has switched from silversmithing to seed beads and from computer programming to working in a bead store.  We are very happy to have her as our new sales assistant.  She's been busy learning beading and Kumihimo techniques and everything there is to know about our products.   Please don't hesitate to say hi and introduce yourself to Wendy.  

Poppy Classes

Several  classes are open for registration.  Kumi Bangles on July 9th, Fun with Filigrees - Cold connections, basic wire, and riveting on July 16th, Triple D Earrings (see above pic) on July 30th, Enchanted Primrose Necklace (advanced seed bead project with Margo Field) on August 4th, 11th and 18th, and Triple D Earrings again on August 25th.   Click on the "Classes and Shows" Page on this blog for more details.  You can register over the phone with a credit card, or come by the store.  Your payment holds your place.  

New Poppy Products

While I was away on vacation, Solange and Wendy were busy getting our  new products out on the floor for you.  We've got the Design and Go JR portable beading surface - which was requested specifically by some of our customers.  

Come see our expanding inventory of 3.4 mm drops and 4 x 7 mm long magatamas. I've got small affordable quantities of some of the most beautiful matte metallics,  and AB finishes.  These are great in micro macrame and kumihimo designs (not to mention seed bead projects). 

New Czech fire polish (3, 4 and 6 mm) are out - including matte iris finishes and lustres.  

New brass filigree

Coming Soon

New chain, Czech rondelles, tinier beads (not yet here, but soon), beginner micro macrame classes

Hope to see you soon!

Have A Heart

The Modern Heart Necklace by Julia Hecht

I'm glad to be blogging this afternoon. I've been coping with a health problem that has kept me out of the shop and at home. Most days I have not been able to bead. However, I am happy to report that I am starting to regain my strength. It has been a slow process - everyday focused on doing what I need to take care of myself and recover. I am also happy to report that on the days that I could bead, I did. With Valentine's Day looming ahead, I had my heart set on a heart - specifically a contemporary 3-D puffed heart. After much trial and error I have The Modern Heart Necklace. This sleek, sculptural heart is made using delica beads and herringbone, peyote, and brick stitches. It measures just under one and half inches long and wide and is stuffed to puff up half an inch. Some of you may recognize that buried in that heart are teardrops from Diane Fitzgerald's book Shaped Beadwork. But isn't that fitting? The rope is done in tubular herringbone with built-in beads to add texture, color, and dimension. I had planned to have the class ready before Valentine's Day, but alas...the reality of my situation is that I will teach this class in the near future. But I can't set a date today. I will wait til I've really regained my health before I set up the class. I also want to do a few other versions - same heart with different graphics and colors, so you can be inspired by a design that reflects your passion.

INTRODUCING.....KUMIHIMO at Poppyfield

We now have a wonderful array of supplies for Kumihimo (Ancient Japanese Braiding) including a 6 inch foam braiding disk, 3 mm satin rattail and S lon cord in a variety of colors, 6 new styles of bead caps, and 2 books on the subject. The books retail at $21.95, but I am selling them for $15.50 - to help you get started. There are so many ways to combine beads and kumihimo. You can add beads after you've made your braid by sewing them onto the braid, or you can incorporate them in the braid as you go. The books outline everything step by step. You can teach yourself, or stay tuned for an upcoming class. Look for Kumihimo books and supplies in our Fiber department.

New Seed Bead Colors

We've got a bunch of brand new colors in size 11 seed beads. Stop in and check 'em out for yourself.

Upcoming Classes

Giant Poppy Ensemble with Margo Field, 2 Saturdays: 1/14 and 1/21, 1-4 PM, $40

(Prerequisite: Ornamental Poppy)

Herringbone Weave Bracelet with Julia Hecht, Monday 1/16 6-9PM, or

Saturday 1/28, 1-4 PM, $25 (Beginners Welcome)

The Modern Heart Necklace: TBA

Click on the "Classes and Shows" page at the top of your screen for pics and more details about the classes.

Update on Open Beading and Free Wire Classes

At this time I am not teaching free wire classes. I hope to resume when my health allows. STUDIO POPPY, features cushioned chairs, great music, and a smoke-free, friendly environment. Come bead or twist at your leisure, bring friends or meet new friends. The studio is open for walk-in beading as long as there is no class in session. When my health allows I will again be available to help you with your beading and wire projects on Tuesday afternoons.

Milestones

Everyday at Poppyfield brings growth. This past week was marked by our inaugural class, The Poppyfield Chain, on Monday evening. Eleven students registered. Several were brand new, and had never ever stitched seed beads! It felt historic, with Bead Master Margo Field leading an intro class in Studio Poppy, our brand new classroom / beading studio. By the second hour, the newbies were beaming as their little floral chains grew by the work of their own hands. On Thursday, 3 of the students were back in the store discussing their projects. Eli, my 12 year old son, was just completing his own Poppyfield Chain and joined in the fun, comparing color ways and accent beads.

Studio Poppy at Poppyfield Bead Company

Margo's instructions are EXCELLENT, as usual and easy to follow, even without the live class. The Poppyfield Chain instructions are available at the store for $25. I've made up mixes of accent beads for easy and affordable shopping for this project.

Pressed Glass Flowers in Unique and Affordable Mixes

PRODUCT UPDATE

Notice the delica display in the above photo. I have 224 delica colors NOW available, but that is just the beginning. A second display with just as many colors will be out soon.

Delica Teaser - Don't You Want To See Them ALL???

Clasps Galore now available - A variety of toggles, multi-strand sliding clasps (from 3- 5 strand capability), and snap clasps are ready for purchase.

CLASS UPDATE

Registration is open for Renaissance Rose, Keep It Simple Loom Bracelet, and Phoenix Phlower. Check the Classes and Shows Page on this site for photos and class schedule.

POPPY REMINDERS

• Monday is late nite - we are open from 2 - 8 pm. Come relax and peruse the beads after work - or even after dinner.
• Class instructions are available for purchase after the first class meets.
• Open beading in Studio Poppy during store hours (except during classes)
• Now accepting Visa and Mastercard
• Wheelchair accessible parking and interior

I Bought A Bead Shop!!

Poppyfield Bead Company, my long time seed bead source was closing. Margo Field, the owner, and a master seed bead artist, was ready to retire. On Wednesday, she sent out a one sentence announcement, and within minutes I was at the shop offering to buy it.

I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Eleven months a year, it is the bead capital of the United States (except February when Tuscon enjoys that distinction). We have Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, Thunderbird Jewelry Supply, Indian Jewelry Supply, Thomason Stone Company, Bead and Fetish, and at least 2 other retail shops, which cater to the individual. There are a slew of wholesale shops selling in bulk to the trade. But no shop offers Poppyfield's extensive supply of seed beads. When I sat at Margo's counter on Wednesday, the phone rang off the hook with desperate callers. Yesterday we agreed on terms and shook hands. Margo turned her closing sale into a one day celebration sale. I started receiving emails thanking me for "saving Poppyfield" and pleas to keep up the seed bead supply.

In my 48 hour whirlwind research of bead shops nationwide, I discovered a trend...bead shops are closing, and have been since 2007. Internet sales at low prices have seriously undermined the viability of local bead shops. The economy has hurt stores that have not managed their risk well. Still I feel confident about my venture and here's why:

Margo's mission is my vision: Offer the best supply of seed beads and delicas. These particular bead prices remain competitive in local shops because buying bulk bags allows owners to offer better price points than one could ever find on the internet. Individuals are not going to order bulk bags of seeds. Projects usually require 5 -10 grams of a color. Bulk bags come in 100-500 grams. The best bead stash is the most varied stash. Only a shop can manage both bulk quantity and extensive variety. Of equal importance is that nothing compares to being able to stand in front of a vast array of beads of myriad colors, finishes, cuts and textures, and pick and choose the "just right" combination for the bead weaver's dream design. Seed bead projects are extremely time consuming. The ability to start with the choice beads makes it a pleasurable labor of love. Having the selection at your fingertips is key. Poppyfield has always offered that.

In addition, Margo and Bobbie Yoakum, her assistant in the shop, have offered the highest quality classes and wonderful customer service. Both are avid beaders and teachers, as am I. I've taught at Poppyfield in the past, and it has been a blast. Margo will continue to teach intermediate and advanced level classes. I will also offer basic beading classes and some of my more advanced designs as well.

I really look forward to helping new beaders get comfortable with technique and materials. For the uninitiated, it can be tempting, but overwhelming. Just as in the past, there will always be a bead artist at the shop to assist customers with bead selection. Thats the fun part for me. Helping others enjoy what these tiny points of color and light have to offer.

Because Margo has filled this very specialized and unique niche for so many years she's got a very loyal customer base that knows how to find the shop at 2531 Jefferson St. NE. It is centrally located, but on a quiet street (click here for map). For now, Poppyfield will stay nestled where it is. Margo will close on Thanksgiving weekend for inventory. I will re-open on Monday, December 6th. Classes will resume in January. Bobbie has other commitments, but has offered to stay during December.

To my local beading community, I say come by in December and say hello, and tell me what you'd like to see at Poppyfield. I am already ordering inventory to have at the shop. Feel free to leave a comment here. Introduce yourself, tell me what's important to you and what your wishes are. I will continue to update you via my blog. For those reading from afar...tune in to follow my journey.