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! 

It's That Time Again...

Greetings Beady Friends!  It seems holiday season is already upon us.  I can already feel the energy changing.  Those lazy last days of summer are gone now.  Even our beautiful sunny autumn afternoons have a crispness that says "get busy".  Beaders here in New Mexico are well into making gifts, ornament covers, and Native American regalia (traditional garments and religious items) for holiday festivals. I am gearing up for the holidays with new inventory and FREE CLASSES ideal for quick and beautiful gifts. 

Last Chance for Margo Field's Joias Bracelet - it works up quick and makes a gorgeous gift for the holidays.  TOMORROW, Monday 11/11 6-9 PM, $35.  We still have a few places left.  Give us a call after 2 PM and reserve your seat with a credit card.  

CHANDY FEST EARRINGS  Tuesday, 11/19 6-8 PM, Instruction is FREE as $10 to register includes a $10 gift card.  
Stop in after work and make these beautiful chandelier earrings that showcase the latest daggers from  the Czech Republic.  Learn to wrap loops with 24 gauge wire using side drilled beads.   I have everything you need at Poppyfield…chandelier findings available in pewter or gold plate, a wide selection of daggers, wire, and tiny bicones.  





RADIANCE BRACELET - INTRO TO MICRO-MACRAME - Tuesday, 11/26 6-9 PM - instruction is FREE as $10 to register includes a $10 gift card.  I created this sparkly square knot bracelet to welcome you to the world of micro-macrame.  






CHRISTMAS / HANUKAH DE-LIGHT CHARM BRACELET - This popular class will be offered twice:  Tuesday, 12/3 6-8 PM and Saturday, 12/14 9-11 AM.  $10 to register includes a $10 gift card.  Practice your wrapped loops as you dangle lamp work holiday beads and charms, flowers, crystals, and whatever else you'd like.  Christmas version shown here.  I also have some great Judaica charms to make a Chanukah gift, and if you take the first class, you can get one made before the last candle burns.    

JUST IN….

NEW POPPY PRODUCTS

• New Seed Bead Palettes -  I put new beads out just yesterday
• 3 mm Druks in wonderful colors, including matte iris, picasso finish, matte metallics….and more
• Czech 2 holed bead studs in new colors - see the cover of the current Beadwork Magazine 
• Glass THORNS - the latest shape … just arrived!
• Miyuki Hybrids in size 8/0
• New Superduo Colors in Neon and Pastels - new colors arrive every week

COMING SOON…

• S-Lon MICRO nylon bead cord
• Miyuki Picasso Hybrids in size 6/0
• TILA Picasso finish Hybrids

***REMEMBER*** 

Monday is late night - We are open til 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Hollywood Sparkle

Hollywood Sparkle by Julia L. Hecht

Just in time for the Oscars!  My long awaited Hollywood Sparkle necklace is finally finished.  I've scheduled the classes and they are open for registration.  This is an intermediate - advanced class.  Choose either Monday evenings 6-9 PM:  4/8, 4/15, 4/22 or Saturday afternoons 1-4 PM:  5/4, 5/11, 5/18.  This class uses peyote stitch, tubular herringbone, and various embellishment techniques.  I will be focusing on how to embellish the bail and the lower portion with crystal and pearl "explosions".  There is more to it than meets the eye.  Click here to go to the classes page for more details. 

Peyote Premiere by June Malone

Not ready for such an advanced class?  Don't despair.  We all started at the beginning and June Malone, our resident peyote stitch master will guide you in the basics in her Peyote Premiere class.  This class meets once for 3 hours and covers everything you need to know about flat peyote stitch.  These circular earrings she's designed can also be made individually as a matching pendant.  Choose June's colors or your own.  You will be able to apply these techniques to all sorts of peyote stitch patterns in books and magazines.  Class meets Saturday, April 6th 10 AM - 1 PM.  Click here to go to the classes page for more details.  

Samples of both the Peyote Premiere and Hollywood Sparkle are on display at Poppyfield Bead Company now.  

There are still 2 places left in Margo's Floral Fantasy Necklace class that meets starting this Monday 2/25.   If you want to take this class contact us ASAP.  Click here for more details.  

WIRE MEET-UP - FREE - Every Tuesday 1-3 PM  

Classes Coming Soon 

Wendy's new Kumihimo Beaded Diamond Spiral 

Margo's Floral Fantasy on Saturdays

Free Wire - Julia's Drop Everything and Twist - TBA

New Products

Swarovski Large Teardrop Pendants (seen in Hollywood Sparkle)

10 and 12 mm Swarovski Margaritas (sparkling flower beads)

New Super-Duo and Twin Bead Colors

New Rivoli Colors:  Rose Starlight and Crystal Brandy 

New Swarovski Bicone colors: Crystal Astral Pink, Blue Zircon, Garnet 2AB, Erinite, Fern

Fully Stocked Peacock Daggers and Spikes in 3 sizes

New Books on RAW (Lark), Peyote (Interweave), 

and French Beaded Flowers

Old Favorites Back in Stock

On The Way - Just Shipped

Rizo's and Rulla Beads in all available colors

*******Remember  Monday night we are open til 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Color Piques

Sneak Peek!

Many customers ask me how I pick colors.  It is not something that comes from my head, in any conscious way.  It is just something that happens.  Something that percolates up from inside me.  Probably like music does for those so inclined (which I am not).  Yes, color theory can be learned.  But I am always  bored by those discussions.  At this point I don't think it terms of saturation, value, or other color terms.  I just know what I like.  My color choices on any day reflect my mood - excitement, rebellion, serenity.  Sometimes they are born from a memory - snorkeling in a tropical sea or hiking on a sunny autumn day.  

My "color-seeking" can come as a spark, a restless itch, a subtle stirring, or even an almost painful surge that must burst through.  Sometimes I feel overwhelming inspiration from a stone, a bead, a picture or a product that hangs on the wall in my shop.  Lately,  it has been Swarovski's Medium Vitrail.  Seen in the pendant above.  This is a sneak peek from my Hollywood Sparkle Necklace, which is nearly finished.

In the pendant I see several greens and blues and then a strong contrast, fuchsia. There is even a little orangey topaz.   I love the excitement of bold contrast and often choose to play this up and emphasize it.   In the past I have olivine and fuchsia with medium vitrail - all by Swarovski.  But the day I chose colors for this piece I was feeling rebellious and sassy.  I wanted to put together colors that many people ordinarily would not. I wanted  colors that are not supposed to go together.   I kept my fuchsia contrast. Teal and fuchsia are often put together as jewel tones.  Fuchsia and other greens such as olivine are also seen together.   But teal and olivine are not generally seen together.  Could I put them together?  I look at it this way:  Since several greens and blues are in that one piece of glass they must "go together" because they are together.  I chose a yellow green (see the upper left of the teardrop) and a teal (see the lower left of the teardrop).  I decided to forgo the topaz to avoid a rainbow.  I love the final effect.  I am sure I am not the first person to ever mix these colors.  But it is unusual and I feel sufficiently sassy.  In my rope I went a step further.  But I'll keep you in suspense and reveal that another day.

If you like these colors together then think about these crystal colors by Swarovski:  fuchsia, emerald glacier blue, olivine, green sphinx, fuchsia purple haze and of course, medium vitrail.  They are all hanging on display in the shop.  Poppyfield seed bead colors that work with this color scheme and the above crystal colors are:  459H, 468, D4217 and 638A.  They are on display at the counter. So stop in and mix up a batch of sass for yourself.  

Press Release!!!!

Today, I am interviewed on the international bead blog here...

www.beads-perles.blogspot.com

WIRE UPDATE

We've had some really fun FREE wire events around Valentine's Day.  All the classes "sold out" within a few days and we just had a blast.  Sylvia's wire meet-ups on Tuesdays have been growing.  More types of project ideas are brought to the studio, so I've decided to expand our wire products to give "twisters" more options.  We will soon be carrying German half-hard wire, as well as twisted wire.  When we've got it in stock I will let you know via this blog, Facebook, and Twitter.  Til then... come take advantage of the free wire expertise we offer.  Wire Meet-Up is every Tuesday 1-3 PM in our lovely Studio Poppy.  It is friendly and free. Bring your tools, or buy what you need with us.

NEW CLASS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

Peyote Premiere by June Malone

Many of you have asked for a peyote beginner class. It is finally here.  June Malone, our resident peyote master, will be teaching a pendant/ earring class, Peyote Premiere. This class is for beginners and anyone who wants to get back to basics with their flat peyote skills - odd count, even count, reading a pattern, and decreasing. The class meets on Saturday, April 6th.  Click here to go to the classes page for more information.

Margo's Floral Fantasy class has only 2 places left.  If you are thinking about this one, don't delay.  See pics and details on the classes page.

Remember Monday Night is Late Night....We are open until 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Wrap Around My Heart

Wrap Around My Heart

This Saturday's Free Wire class is now open for registration.  The Wrap Around My Heart necklace is a free-form heart pendant embellished with tiny Swarovski crystals.  The piece resembles wrought iron, but is gunmetal enameled copper wire - soft and easy to work with. First, make the heart your heart desires.   Then,  learn to wrap crystals to the heavy gauge heart, using fine gauge wire.  The kit is $19.50 and includes 18" of oxidized brass chain, 3 gauges of wire, Swarovski crystals, 2 fresh water pearls, and jump rings.   This is an all-levels class that meets from 10-noon (door opens for participants at 9:45).    I am limiting the class to 10 people.    Purchase of the kit reserves your seat.  You can call with a credit card or come by the shop and see the necklace for yourself.  

Margo's Floral Fantasy Necklace

There are still a few places left in Margo's Floral Fantasy Necklace class. This fabulous sculptural design is on display at Poppyfield.   It's an intermediate to advanced level project that meets 2/25, 3/4, and 3/11 6-9 PM.  More details are on the classes page on this blog.

NEW POPPY PRODUCTS

• 17 mm Swarovski Heart pendants for sale in 3 colors:  Astral Pink, Crystal Golden Shadow, and Crystal Red Magma.  
•  76 colors of Super Duo Twins and 58 colors of Preciosa Twins.  All tubed up and hanging on our display for your shopping pleasure.  Wondering what to do with them?  Ask us about the Magic Carpet bracelet instructions. Or click on the Etsy badge under "BUY NOW" on the right of this blog.  
• 12 mm Swarovski Margaritas (crystal flowers with a center hole)
• Azurite-Malachite stone beads (30 x 20) - really pretty and in limited supply

Coming Soon...

• Wendy's Dancing Diamonds Beaded Kumihimo Necklace Class
• Julia's Hollywood Sparkle Necklace
• Another round of Not Grandma's Cameo (it was just sooo popular)

Ongoing...

Wirework Meet-up with Sylvia Abeyta

Tuesdays 1-3 PM in Studio Poppy

Open Studio Time (FREE) for your beading pleasure 

**Remember - Monday night is late night - We are open til 8:00**

Hope to see you soon!

Precious Hearts

Free Wire Class -  Saturday, January 26th 10 AM -12 noon

Precious Heart Earrings by Julia L. Hecht

Join me for a special opportunity in wirework.  This Saturday, I will share my Precious Hearts Earring design and demonstrate the techniques needed to make these lovely sparkling vintage inspired earrings.  The focal dangles are 18 mm heart pendants from Swarovski - they are absolutely gorgeous.  Their size is perfectly balanced with two clusters of crystal dangles.  You will learn how to create a strong connection for the hearts using my twist and wrap technique.  Plus, there is plenty of opportunity to practice and perfect your wrapped loops.  The class is appropriate for all levels.  The kit is $26, and is available in three color ways:  Tango (shown here), Golden (golden hearts with various golds and reds ), and Valentine (red hearts with reds and pinks).  There are only 8 kits available so don't delay.  Call with a credit card or come by. We open on Monday at 2 PM. 
(More kits will become available in the future when the Precious Heart crystals are available again.)

 Seed Bead Classes

Not Grandma's Cameo still has a few places available for Mondays 1/28 and 2/4 6:00- 9:00 PM.  This beautiful netted collar class is back by popular demand.  I taught this in 2009 and probably won't be teaching it again.  So, if you're interested, sign up while you still have the chance.  

Coming Soon

Floral Fantasy Class by Margo (Uses crystal margaritas - yummy!)

Hollywood Sparkle Class by Julia  (A sparkling neckpiece you could wear to the Oscars)

Twin Beads - We've got 'em in every color.  This week we will be tubing them and getting them out on display.  They will be sold in 5" 20 gram tubes.  They are cute, affordable, and offer plenty of design opportunities.  We still have our fabulous Super-Duo precision twins and will continue to carry both in every color. 

Crime Scene Update...

Many of you remember that when we opened on 3/20/11 only a small portion of the store was ready for shopping.  We had a large section across from the studio that was replete with wonderful Czech glass strands, but hanging in a disorganized mess.  I referred to it as "the crime scene" as in "Do Not Enter".  Eventually I opened the crime scene for business as I worked to clean it up, and shrink it.  On Monday, Wendy, June and I roll up our sleeves to attack what remains in earnest.  We 3 will spend the entire day reorganizing the back end of the store.  We will be bringing out  fire polish, druks and Czech pressed glass that we've had sequestered and hidden away.  Come visit and see what's happening and what new products we bring out.  Poppyfield will be open from 2-8 PM, as usual and at your service to help you with all your beading needs.  

Tuesday Wire Meet-Up with Sylvia Abeyta

 Come join us for an informal wirework session every Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00.  Sylvia is a retired teacher and is great at explaining techniques and helping troubleshoot.  Come with your own ideas or see what's on Sylvia's creative agenda.  All levels.  FREE.  

Remember Monday is late night at Poppyfield.  We are open til 8:00 PM.  So stop by after work or after dinner and browse our great selection of beads, fiber, and metal at your leisure.  

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Spread The Love

Not Grandma's Cameo by Julia Hecht

Greetings Beady Friends!  We have some wonderful events coming up to warm your heart during our winter freeze.  In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I am teaching a romantic Victorian netted collar called Not Grandma's Cameo.  It is pictured above and uses a stone bead for the focal piece.  I will be teaching how to bezel and embellish a stone with a drilled hole through the center.  This technique is different from the rivoli bezel that Laura McCabe pioneered during the last decade. Like Laura's method, it is also a peyote technique, but in many ways it is simpler because it utilizes the the hole, something you cannot do with a rivoli.  The netting is lovely and creates a beautiful curve that is comfortable and easy to wear.  It is appropriate for almost all levels.  Advanced beginners, with just a minimum of stitching experience will be fine.  If you've never stitched seed beads, but want to take this class, please get in touch with me so we can determine if you are ready for this class. 

Not Grandma's Cameo with Julia:  2 Mondays 1/28 and 2/4 6-9 PM $55 

See the Classes page for more details.  Call with a credit card or come by to purchase a seat in this class.

For those of you who want to learn the rivoli bezeling technique, stay tuned.  I am working on a wonderful crystal creation with a Swarovski product that we just got in.    Stop by and visit me in the studio to see it in progress.  When it is completed, I will schedule it and post here and on Facebook.  Which reminds me...Please like Poppyfield Bead Company on Facebook and follow PoppyfieldBeads on twitter to get the latest news.  

FREE WIRE CLASSES - SAVE THE DATES

Saturday January 26th 10-noon  and Saturday February 9th 10-noon

These will be beginner level projects using the basic set of tools (chain nose, round nose, and nylon jaw pliers, and flush cutters).  Designs are in the works and will be posted here (as well as Facebook and twitter) along with information about how to sign up and save your seat.  Don't miss out on these great opportunities.  It is my way to "spread the love of wirework".  

NEW POPPYFIELD PRODUCTS

Beautiful new Kumihimo end caps and bails 

Czech glass buttons

New Rivoli color - Crystal Brandy

New 6 mm Fire Polish Beads

New Bicone Colors:  Deep Tanzanite and Indicolite

New Glass Focal Pendants - $6

New Seed Bead Colors - size 11's in opaque blues and greens (available in 15's by request)

The New Bead and Button and Beadwork Magazines - get 'em while they last

Tuesday Wire Meet-Up with Sylvia Abeyta

 Come join us for an informal wirework session every Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00.  Sylvia is a retired teacher and is great at explaining techniques and helping troubleshoot.  Come with your own ideas or see what's on Sylvia's creative agenda.  All levels.  FREE.  

Remember Monday is late night at Poppyfield.  We are open til 8:00 PM.  So stop by after work or after dinner and browse our great selection of beads, fiber, and metal at your leisure.  

The Gift of Sharing

Christmas Delight Charm Bracelet

Many people ask me about my career shift, from physician to bead shop owner.  They wonder about why and also comment, "It must be so different".  It is different in many ways. But in some ways, the rewards are surprisingly similar.  It comes down to the gift of sharing of myself.  One of the things that compelled me towards a career in medicine was a desire to use myself to "help" others to heal.  That is how I thought of the medical field.  

Today, through the twists and turns my life has taken me, what I've learned, is that "healing" and "help" come in many forms.  During the most challenging time in my life, when I was recovering from a most debilitating illness, I discovered beads.   When I put together my first pair of earrings, I was filled with  a childlike delight of wonder and possibility. With it came a message and warm glow that infused my body.  The message was: I have created something beautiful.  The warmth was a healing energy that has followed me ever since.  It was my own healing...a path I choose daily.  

My own healing has been less straightforward than the kind they teach in medical school.  I have had to seek out and experiment with what allows that healing energy in, and what blocks it.  It turns out that you, my dear customers, are part of my medicine.  Passing on what I've learned so that YOU can create beauty, heals me.  During my free wire events I see your eyes full of that same wonder and delight as you create something new and beautiful.  I know I am passing on a skill that you can use over and over again to create something from your own being and manifest it as an object of beauty.  Many of you create gifts for others.  In some way, I am in that gift.  And not only me, but my own teachers, and everyone who has helped and supported me to allow the event to come to pass.  

We do charge for patterns and classes here at Poppyfield.  We wouldn't be here if we did not.  But I LOVE my occasional free wire classes, because it comes as a gift from my heart.  Of course the materials are not free...and they aren't free for me, just as my rent and heat, hooks, are not.  So when you are drawn to Poppyfield for any reason and patronize my shop, you keep it alive and nourish it.  That in turns allows me to be here for you... and then you come here and I am nourished.  And so it goes.  

Join me on December 15th for my last FREE WIRE EVENT of 2012...The Christmas Delight Charm Bracelet.  Click here for details about the kit.  

Holiday Lights

Holiday Lights Earrings by Julia Hecht

Who doesn't love the holiday lights that decorate the neighborhood this time of year?  They inspire my new design for Saturday's FREE WIRE CLASS.  This class will focus on wrapped loops for top drilled drops.  The technique builds on the basic wrapped loop which we covered during the last class.  It is helpful if you already know how to do a wrapped loop.  But all levels are welcome, including brand new beginners.  There will be a kit for all the metal components seen here:  sprockets, chain, jump rings,  brass wire and French earring wires.  The kit is $12, AND you get a $5 gift certificate with your kit that you can use towards anything in the store.  You buy your beads separately so that you can design your own color way.  You can even put together your own metal kit by choosing items a la carte.  I've got lots of filigrees, chain, and other components in other metals.   So don't feel confined to what I've used here.  Class is from 10:00-noon.  First come first served.  If you want a kit please call to purchase in advance, so we can get it made up for you.  If you a buy a kit, you are guaranteed a spot.  Click here for list of tools you will need.  The last free class was a great success.  (There are still a couple of kits left that can be purchased).  We had a lot of fun and everyone left happy.  Don't miss out this week! 

Other holiday items are now in stock.  We have metal and glass charms in Santas, snowmen, wreaths, trees, and more.  These are silver-plated with hand enameling. Some, like the tree have Swarovski elements.  Use them for a charm bracelet, earrings, or wear as a single pendant.  Mix with our other holiday charms.  

Spike Revival

I have a great supply of baby spikes these days...and we are busy getting them out on display.  The old favorites like Magic Blueberry and Cranberry Agate AB are back. Plus there are some GORGEOUS new ones like teal vitrail, turquoise, bronze iris, and more!!  Larger spike beads are still in stock as well.  Come Czech us out!

New 15/0 Czech Charlotte Colors

We 've now got an Apollo finish and a purple iris in the tiniest beads.  We are also carrying real gold, copper, nickel, and some metallic "look alikes".  

For All Your Holiday Needs:  

Think Poppyfield for gifts to make or buy!

OH, and please do check my previous post for some important information I've wanted to share with you.  

Hope to see you soon!

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!

Follow Our Joy

We just got a few new orders in! When the UPS truck pulled up, Wendy said "It feels like Christmas!" We have new Miyuki seed bead colors in Delicas and round (rocailles) in 11 and 15's. The Super-Duo precision twin beads arrived in 70 colors. We are busy getting them priced and setting up a new display for these very cool beads. I must admit I was skeptical about these conjoined twins. Seemed like a gimmick to me. But after just one afternoon of playing, I've been won over. They fit together like a textured tapestry. I am working on a new project with them called the "Magic Carpet Bracelet". Stay tuned. I'll be posting to let you know as soon as they are available for purchase.

Speaking of posting... I've set up a new twitter account under the name PoppyfieldBeads. I encourage you all to set up a twitter account and then follow PoppyfieldBeads and get the latest news. I will be posting special offers on both the blog and twitter account that will not be in any emails. So please follow on the blog and twitter so you won't miss out. If you need help getting these set up, just ask us.
Labor Day Monday come join us for the FREE CLASS as we practice wrapped loops to assemble a Day of the Dead charm bracelet. Order your kit today before 4:30. We have 5 seats left. If you miss the kit option, but wish to come you can always show up and bring/buy wire and beads. Don't forget your tools. Class is at 12-1:30 and then the store will open at 2:00.

Stay and bead or twist, or just schmooze with friends at Studio Poppy. Open Beading on Labor Day starts at 2:00.

Remember Monday Night is late night. We are open til 8:00 PM. Hope to see you soon.

This beautiful beaded Poppy was designed and assembled by Jessica McDowell, one of my customers. She used the technique of French Beaded Flowers. Thank you, Jessica, for sharing this with us.

Beaded Poppy by Jessica McDowell

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.  

Celebrate Love

Open Heart Earrings by Julia Hecht

Tuesday's Drop Everything and Twist free wire class project is "Open Heart Earrings." They celebrate self-love. A love for each and every one of us. (Supply list is on the Free Wire Class page on this site).

The 12 mm Swarovski rivolis in light siam are contained within square filigree components by Vintaj. Despite their antiqued "cages" the crystals’ brilliance and radiance cannot be contained - spilling forward into droplets of 4mm and 6 mm bicones that drip off the ends of antiqued rollo chain. Love is infectious – self-love too. Here’s the source of my inspiration for earrings that celebrate self-love:

As Valentine's Day approaches, stories of love are tossed around by the media. Walgreens and the "Marts" heart-shaped red boxes tempt with chocolates. As we walk about our towns, store windows (mine included) glare back at us, poking at buried feelings. In America, there is no way to avoid the nature of the day. While some of us grieve loves lost, or unrequited, others revel in new-found lovers. Some of the luckiest souls with deeply wrinkled faces celebrate well-seasoned, long time bonds and shared memories. No matter where you find yourself in life's never-ending changes and cycles, crest or trough, there is one core abiding and precious love that cannot be taken by anyone or anything: Self-Love.

While self-love often gets a bad rep, as the root of selfishness, and self-centered behavior - I disagree. The ability to see ourselves as basically good, despite our flaws and mistakes, provides us each with the cushion and resilience to weather the harsh realities of our lives as social creatures. We are flawed, and yet, we need each other. Everyday, we bump up against family members, co-workers, friends and strangers. Sometimes colliding flaws lead to hurts and misperceptions. If allowed to gather steam, we can find ourselves dealing with resentments and even broken relationships. It isn't a leap to walls, barricades, and emotional isolation. How, then is it possible to love?

If we can find deep love for our own soul and spirit, our heart becomes full. Unable to contain itself, it opens, and the precious contents spill forth, infecting others. Somehow all flaws seem smaller and less important. Resentments become tempered and short-lived. Forgiveness is possible. The need to hide and avoid slips away. We can gently and firmly say "no" to abuse and toxic relationships. We don't fear loneliness.

For me it is an ongoing struggle against the odds. I have been blessed with a taste of this magic. Yet, some deep-seated program always threatens to reverse the process and set me back. For those like me, it takes practice, willingness and faith. But I know, know, know, that recovery and transformation is possible. Everyday, people all across this world "work" to recover from traumas (big and small), and love themselves again. Because in the end, loving one's self, no matter how elusive, is the start. With the seed of self-love, one open heart seeks another, and the blossom of shared love becomes possible.

2 Poems and 1 Quote About Love

Was, Is, and Always Will Be

Once I was

The Heart,

The Center,

The Reason,

Then not so.

Then I was

Put aside,

Until I learned

To step aside,

Now not so.

Now I am my own

Heart,

Reason,

And Center.

This is so

And so it goes.

-JLH

Where is the love?

Elusive love hides

Before me all the time

Waiting to be found

-JLH

"There is a crack in everything God has made."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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!

Seasonal Delights

Grab 'n Go Gift Bags - Already Stuffed

We've had a busy busy weekend at Poppyfield. Henri and I have been holed up at the store getting ready for the holiday season. We have some exciting changes and fabulous offerings for you. Hints are visible from the street - even before you pull into the parking lot. What do I mean? You'll have to come and see that for yourself.

Some things of course I'll tell...

I am really pleased to announce that we've added a Gallery for purchasing finished jewelry. Margo Field and I will both have work on display for purchase. There are items for sale starting as low as $12. As I started un-packing my work to set up, I was struck by how much beautiful beadwork I've made over the years. Since buying Poppyfield, I haven't done any seed bead work. But seeing some of my creations inspired me to find a way to get beading time in. I am determined that you will see some new creations in the new year.

Grab 'n Go Gift Bags -

Share Your Love of Craft

We've got 4 pre-stuffed gift bags available to make your holiday shopping EASY! Each bag is filled with products along a theme, to help a newbie get started with a craft. We've got a bag for wire, seed beads, metal stamping, and stringing. Each bag comes with a book, and necessary tools. It is hard to pick colors for someone else, so instead, we've included a gift card for $10 or 15 dollars - that's part of the package. Each bag is a bargain, and costs less than all the items purchased separately. Plus, you don't need to stop and think about what to put in it. We've done all that for you. Just let us know at the counter and we'll hand over your ready-to-go gift bag. There's no gift wrapping necessary. It's ready to GO and ready to GIVE.

Chain DeLIGHT Earrings

Drop Everything and TWIST -FREE WIRE CLASS

Tuesday Nov 29th

1-2 pm

They're brass and tin and red and green. I just can't help myself. Everyone is into Poppyfield colors these days, and it is contagious. Long chain earrings are HIP, but if you want something shorter, there's an alternative version. This project requires a few inches of chain, stick pearls, and 3 mm pearls, 24 g. tinned copper wire. Tools needed are round nose, chain nose, cutters, and nylon jaw pliers. Everything is available at Poppyfield. Of course, you are welcome to substitute the materials with your own ideas. I have several different styles of chain.

Bright Angel Ornament

Leave Work and TWIST - Evening Free Wire Class!

Monday, Dec 5th 6:00 -8:00

Bright Angel Ornament

For Bright Angel Materials List Click Here

The notion that I could teach both Bright Angel and Angel with a Story in 2 hours was snipping off more than I could twist. So, I've decided to start with Bright Angel next Monday night. I'll plan on doing Angel with a Story on Dec 12th. So if you want a free class and some great gift giving ideas, come join us! You are welcome to bring a bite to eat so you can twist with vigor!

CLASS UPDATE:

Margo's Giant Poppy Ensemble Jan 14th and 21st

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

HOLIDAY SALE CONTINUES

40% off Select Czech glass beads, charlottes, cathedral beads, and Czech seed beads. Come see what we've got. I am sure some of these beads are no longer available. Some are quite expensive (like the metallic charlottes and some of the strands of glass) and I won't be re-ordering them anytime soon. So, when they're GONE they're GONE. Some already have GONE.

Hope to see you soon!