Hunker Down with Beads

As the cool weather makes it way over to us, it seems natural to cozy up at home.  For us "Beaders" that means little piles of sparking colors on our mats, our "beaders" glasses on our noses, and flicking on our lamps as the sun sets.  Winter is perfect beading weather!  At Poppyfield, we have lots of good stuff happening to keep you well-stocked with ideas (and beads) as the cold weather approaches.  

Bead and Button has released 2 fabulous issues.  The first is a special issue for Christmas with a number of gift ideas and ornament patterns.  In that issue there's also a feature piece on Paula Adams, whom many of you know personally. Even more of you are fans and followers of her amazing geometric ornaments.   We sold 10 copies of this special issue in just couple of days, and more are on their way to us.  We have plenty of copies of the December issue shown here.  Although not considered a special issue, it is also chock full of holiday designs.  There's a feature on memory wire and we DO carry memory wire...so don't hesitate to check our wire department, if that project interests you.  

Sonja's Bracelet Class with Wendy Speare
Saturday, Nov 18th
1:00-4:00 PM
$35 (+materials)
Advanced Beginner

I just finished making Wendy's new original design and it is a really cool pattern for a number of reasons. First, it is a clever design that is both edgy and feminine.  Secondly, it uses CzechMate beads and so once you make one, you can make other versions with other beads from this line, as they are interchangeable.  Thirdly, it is a type of modified peyote stitch and very satisfying to stitch, in that way that peyote stitch is for those of us who love it. 
 Come see our samples. 
 I just made one that is "khaki and fuchsia" and follows Wendy's pattern exactly.  I am about to start a modified version with a couple of substitutions... so stay tuned for that one.  
Finally, it is named for our dear customer Sonja Ensey, who passed away this past year.  We do miss her feisty and creative spirit and this bracelet is a great tribute to her.  

Pot-Pourri of Quick and Pretty Designs

One of our suppliers, Starman, has provided us with a pot-pourri of quick and pretty designs that we'll be sharing through our Friday Happy Hour -FREE Beading Event.  The first one is this Friday.  Come join us! 

Join us for our FREE Happy Hour Beading Event

Friday 11/3 4:30-6:00 PM

Beaded By Sylvia Abeyta

These sweet "snowflakes" make a great gift.   

Learn to use 3-holed and 4-holed beads. 

Fun to make and to wear. 

There's no registration:

JUST SHOW UP!

How it works:

We will provide you a printed pattern at the event.  

The supply list is below.  Feel free to bring what you have, and fill in with what you need.  

We hope you will buy some beads from us.  

Join us for a fun and supportive beading event at the shop.  

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**
CzechMate 4-holed Quadratiles  (12)

CzechMate 3-holed Beams (12)

11/0 Japanese Seed Beads - color A (1g)

11/0 Japanese Seed Beads - color B (1g)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads - color C (1g)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads - Color D (1g)

Earring Findings (2)

Thread

Beading Needle
Chain nose pliers

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!

Brrr- Get Ready!

NM Rivoli Fans by Julia Hecht

Chilly New Mexico Mornings have arrived!!! That means the busy holiday season is right around the corner - actually its HERE already. At Poppyfield we are READY to help you with your GIFT-MAKING. We all know that seed bead artists love to make and give. But our passion is slow going and time consuming. It is hard to seed bead up enough gifts for all our loved ones and friends. I've been working on carrying products and offering classes that can help you make wonderful, QUICK (relatively speaking), personalized gifts for the holidays. Check out the following ideas for your holiday gift planning:

Mixed Media Medallions

Mixed Media Medallion: Use a glass cab and paper graphic to create a unique pendant. Peyote stitch a beaded bezel and make a wire or beaded bail. Bead a rope or hang from chain. ALL these supplies are available at Poppyfield - Including glass cabs in a variety of shapes and sizes (restocking this week), ultra suede, wire, chain, and all your beading needs. Instructions for this project available for $25 (hard copy) or $20 pdf version.

Stamped Metal: As I posted last time, I am now carrying supplies for all your metal stamping needs. Alphabets in a variety of fonts, design stamps, blanks, hammers, metal hole punches, rivets, and bench blocks. I also have the "Metal Stamp Bible" (Lisa Niven Kelly's book) for all you self-starters. It is amazing what you can do - Say it with Jewelry! Click here for pics and more about stamped metal jewelry.

Rivoli Earring Class Nov 14th: ONLY $10. Whip a pair of gorgeous Rivoli Fan Earrings (seen above) in less than 2 hrs. OK -first time might be a little slower, but I can make one earring in 45 min. Learn to bezel a rivoli and embellish it with bicone crystals. These make great gifts. This class is great for all levels and beginners are welcome! You must have the Laura McCabe Crystal Book - buy at Poppyfield or Bring Your Own Book. Your choice.

Paula Adams New Ornament: Check out Paula's website for this amazing 2 sided Christmas Tree Ornament that uses 27 mm Rivolis. I have 'em starting at $9.50 - so come and see. New Color just arrived: Crystal Red Magma!

Drop Everything and TWIST - Free Wire Class Tomorrow -Angel with a Story

Tuesday, Nov 1, 2011 @ 1:00-2:00

Angel With A Story by Julia Hecht

I've been exploring TWINING, a basket-making technique that is sometimes used in wire weaving using the book Fabulous Woven Jewelry by Mary Hettmansperger. Here is my DRAT project - an Angel who carries her story within (Don't we all??). This project calls for 3 feet of 20 gauge wire for the vessel armature, wings and wrapped loop, and 3 feet of 26 gauge wire for the weavers (that wrap around). Your angel's story is your choice - a bead or stone or piece of writing - whatever. I used a 12 mm Swarovski pearl in Tahitian. A 3 mm crystal bicone makes the heart. Tools required are round nose, chain nose, and nylon jaw pliers, flush cutters and FINGERTIPS. My fingers were my most important tool for this one.

Storyteller Vessel Pendant by Julia Hecht

Some of us have a lot of stories. If we don't share them, they can get heavy and weigh us down. So come be with friends, take a load off and make something NEW during the free wire hour -Drop Everything and Twist - sometimes you end up feeling lighter than when you came.

Please Note: Open Beading Tomorrow (Nov 1st) is on your own after 2:30. Come bead with friends from 2:00-4:00. However, if you need help with a project please get in touch by phone or email to set up an appointment with me (Julia). Margo also offers help for her class projects by appointment. So let us know!

New POPPY Products

3mm Rattail (satin cord) in a gorgeous array of colors

Copper chain

New Books: Big Book of Bead Patterns, Art of Bead Embroidery (Kummli and Serafini)

Coming Soon

Glass Cabs in a Variety of Sizes and Shapes (arriving this week)

Brass Chain

Diane Fitzgerald - IN PERSON, arrives on Thursday - Still 2 places left in Tropical Bauble - see the classes page for more info.