Stitch of the Month Club

With all of our "free ongoing beading events" I've been able to make seed bead stitching accessible to so many people.  There are a lot of happy new beaders coming in every day with beautiful beaded works that they learned at our Happy Hours and Book Club. It is truly rewarding for all of us at Poppyfield to see your smiles and your crafts - we love Show 'n Tell.  Yet, many of you remark that you feel you really don't know a lot of stitches and because of that, you lack confidence with the wide range of beadwork patterns that are out there.  I must agree that if you can't throw down some herringbone, peyote stitch, brick stitch and right angle weave on demand, then you are missing the foundation of off-loom beading stitching.  

Stitch of the Month Club @ Poppyfield Bead Company

If you want to strengthen your foundation in off-loom bead weaving you will love our new Stitch of the Month Club.  Beginning in August and extending through November, I will be offering classes in basic and intermediate stitching based on the 4 bead stitches mentioned above.  Each month we will focus on one stitch.  My goal for you is that by the end of the month you will be comfortable with the stitch and understand its range and versatility.  Of course, you will have made some beautiful beaded jewelry - that goes without saying.  

Hip to Be Square Bracelet by Julia Hecht

We will kick off the concept in August with herringbone stitch. On Saturday, August 8th, I will teach a basic level herringbone bracelet in the "Hip to Be Square Bracelet" class.  Registration is already open for that.  I will follow up on August 22nd with a more complex herringbone necklace class (still in the making).  Throughout the month there will be more offerings and ideas using the stitch, including a Happy Hour or two based on herringbone.  In September, I will focus on brick stitch / Comanche stitch.  October will follow with peyote stitch.  Finally, in November we will focus on on right angle weave, including the modified RAW that Kate McKinnon illustrated in her Contemporary Geometric Beadwork books.  

How It Works

You're a member of the club if you say you are.  There are no additional dues or fees. You will receive emails about our classes and events and other special "Stitch of the Month" offerings.  Come to as many events as you'd like.  So, join us and  get grounded in the basic stitches.  With these skills, the sky's the limit and your beadwork (and confidence) will take off!   Stay tuned…

August Happenings

We've got other classes and events planned including an Intro to Kumihimo on 8/1, 1:00-3:00 for anyone who is brand new to Kumihimo.  Follow up with Wendy's new beaded kumi rope pattern, Triple Triangles on 8/8 1:30-4:30, and her Moon Glow Pendant that shines from within on 8/29 1:00-4:00.  All these classes are open for registration.  Samples are out in the shop and pictures are coming soon.  Our ongoing Free Events continue - with Monday Night Book Club, Tuesday Wire Meetup, and Friday Happy Hour.  Find out details on our store website poppybeads.com.

Another Day, Another Creation

Herringbone Weave Bracelet by Julia Hecht

Monday night was a wonderful event creating more Bright Angels. The free wire class had a few people out at Poppyfield despite the cold. We were warm and toasty and weaving away with colored wire, beads, and tiny tiny 2.5 mm bicones. We had a lot of laughs. I am always inspired by sharing my designs and seeing what y'all do with them. Tuesday I was busy working up another potential project and created this wonderful herringbone bracelet. Now it's a class...

Introducing a beginner level wire class - Herringbone Weave Bracelet. It is a one session class for $25. I will teach it on Monday Jan 16th 6-9 PM, and Saturday, Jan 28th 1-4 PM. Choose one session only. It is a great technique that works up well with the beads I've chosen for the class. I think you'll dig it! If you've been wanting to try some wire work, this class is for you! No experience necessary. Stop by to see the bracelet in "real life" or call in and register with a credit card- we can email you the supply list and you don't even need to come out in the cold.

Poppyfield Gallery Lives!

Before I opened Poppyfield I tried my hand at selling my work at craft shows. That's tough going. I applaud all my customers who labor at this. It really is hard work and requires a lot of stamina. Setting up the retail bead shop has been my primary focus this year. Recently, Henri has really encouraged me to get my work on display for sale. Now it is! We have a gallery area set up with my seed bead, wire and strung jewelry. I am pleased to say that it is selling, and to Beaders, no less. That's a great compliment. Margo Field also has some of her work on display for sale. Help us spread the word about the gallery!

Angel with a Story, Postponed.

Sorry folks - turns out I am needed for a family matter and won't be able to do a free wire class on Dec 12th. Stay tuned for a repeat of this popular free class in the New Year. Angels are not just for Christmas. We need them everyday.

New Seed Beads Arriving Soon.

I've ordered some new colors in size 11's - I'll let you know more when they get here!

40% Sale Winding Down

A lot of sale beads have gone - perhaps forever. This is your chance to get a GREAT bargain on Czech beads. If I reorder, they will not be at the sale price. And some are no longer being made. Don't miss out! Come in and see what we've got left.

Don't Forget - Grab N' Go Gift Bags - pre stuffed with all kinds of tools, supplies and books for your soon to be crafty friends and family. Share your love of craft with this hassle-free gift idea. The bags are all ready - so when you get down to the wire and tired of shopping - give us a call or come by and we'll hand you your gift bag. Each one is a bargain and contains a gift card.

Hope to see you soon!