Ebb and Flow

Margo Field's Floral Fantasy Class

Greetings Beady Friends!!  One month since my last post and I am a renewed woman! It is amazing how life ebbs and flows with ups and downs, struggles and ease.  We often think a difficult patch will end up being the rest of our lives.  But always, things change.  In the last month,  I have had a wonderful time reconnecting with y'all at the shop.  I was also able to take my children on a trip to New York to visit family.  I saw loads of my closest cousins, who I haven't seen in several years.  I even had the opportunity to reminisce about first grade with friends from that far back.  

 If you follow Poppyfield Bead Company on Facebook you know that while I was on this trip, I picked up over 30 pounds of unique and vintage beads. I got delayed at airport security in New York City because my bead-stuffed backpack was impenetrable on X-ray.  After being "swiped" for explosives, we were allowed through. But not before a long line of frustrated travelers formed behind me.   Less than 12 hours after my plane touched down in Albuquerque, I was hauling that pack over to the shop to start unpacking and drooling.  I am so excited to share these unique beads with you.  I discovered that I have purchased vintage Swarovski crystal under the older label DSW,  which date from before 1949 .  In addition,  I have teeny tiny 15/0 and 16/0  beads from "Czechoslovakia"(not Czech Republic) which are more than 20 years old.  Even some of these labelled 14/0 are smaller than a Japanese 15/0.  

I am rolling out the NEW BEADS as I get them inventoried.  Available now are: 

47ss Dentelles /Chatons

• Vintage Czech 47ss  Dentelles/Chatons in Light Sapphire. These are approximately 10.5 mm faceted stones with a pointed back and a flat top.  They have a gold foil back and are in beautiful condition. I am selling packs of 4 stones for $3.50.  These are vintage and in limited supply. When they are gone, they're gone.  

• Vintage Swarovski 18mm Margaritas in Crystal AB.  Big and beautiful and in perfect condition. I am selling these for $3.20 each.  These are also in limited supply and when they are gone...they're gone. 

Upcoming Classes 

Braider's Choice Beaded Kumi with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday - 8/20 - 6-9 PM $35

Dancing Diamonds Pendant with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday 8/27 - 6-9 PM $35

Diamondback Pendant with Wendy Speare 

Tuesday 9/3 - 6-9 PM $35

Hollywood Sparkle with Julia Hecht 

3 Mondays - 9/9, 9/16, 9/23 - 6-9 PM, $75

Peyote Premiere with June Malone

2 Tuesdays - 9/10 and 9/17 - 6-9 PM $55

Floral Fantasy with Margo Field 

3 Saturdays - 9/21, 9/28, 10/5 - 1-4 PM, $75

Click HERE for pics and details of classes

Save the date:  Free Class on Labor Day at noon!  

I will announce the project soon.  The shop will be open after the class at 2:00.  

Last Chance for Perlen Poesie Magazine orders!  

This is Europe's premiere beading magazine.  The current issue, No 18, will be available in English.  Previous issues are all in German with English translation inserts.  I am taking orders for No. 18, the current issue, and No. 17, the previous issue, which we missed after our crash.  They are $20 each, which is a low introductory price.  To place your order you must pay in advance.  

You can come by or call and pay with a credit card.   The order goes in on Wednesday, 8/14 at 5:30 when we close our doors.  Long distance customers can order and we will ship to you for an added charge.  

***Remember*** 

•  Wireworkers of all levels meet at Studio Poppy in the shop every Tuesday from 1-3 PM. Come give it a try. It is FREE and FUN.  
• Monday night is late night - We are open until 8:00 PM

Hope to see you soon!!!

Endless Possibilities

Rizos in Action in

Daisies by Sabine Lippert

Welcome to the resurgence!  Lots of brand new bead shapes are just hitting the shelves at Poppyfield Bead Company. I've been out scouring the internet and my European sources to see what's at the cutting edge of the bead world.  I am happy to report that there are now exciting new beads in fabulous colors and finishes that can be used to complement seed beads.  We have just gotten RIZO beads and RULLA beads in all available colors.   Rizo beads are one holed beads that are something between a drop and a dagger.  Rullas are two-holed barrel shaped beads.  There are already lots of pics of amazing beadwork out there using Rizos....especially by Sabine Lippert, who designed them.  If you want to see more, go to pinterest.com and type in "rizo beads" and you won't be disappointed.  

Starburst Earrings by Deborah Roberti

Click here for a free tutorial for these earrings

Rulla beads are little 2 holed barrel shaped beads.  Both RIZO's and RULLA's come in the same colors as the Super-Duo's so they will work up in wonderful color combinations when you mix the types together.  This gives you endless possibilities.  Another interesting new bead is the "stud" - a 4 sided pyramid.  It is so new that I can't even find project examples, so you'll have to see what we come up with.  

NEW CLASSES

Dancing Diamonds by Wendy Speare

Wendy has done it again!   This beaded kumihimo pattern will delight and mystify you.  The elegant rope uses size 8 seed beads and 3.4 mm magatamas (drops) to create a spiraling pattern of diamonds.  The pattern is Wendy's to share, and I dare anyone else to try to figure it out.  Hanging from a netted bail is a lovely double decker star pendant comprised of twin beads.  The Dancing Diamonds Necklace class meets on Saturdays 4/13 and 4/20 from 10 AM -1 PM.  The cost is $55 for the class (beads sold separately).  If you don't know how to braid with the kumihimo disk, you can take an Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy on either Monday 3/18 6-8 PM, or 3/30 10 AM - Noon.  

REMEMBER...

We have places available in Hollywood Sparkle Necklace with me (Julia Hecht) and in June Malone's Peyote Premiere.  Click here to go the classes page for more details.  

FREE WIRE MEET-UP UPDATE - Tuesdays 1-3 PM  

Our dear friend, Sylvia Abeyta was injured in a car accident and will not be leading the Tuesday Wire Meet-up for some time.  I will be filling in for her while she recovers.  Sylvia is in good spirits, is glad to be alive,  and hopes to make a full recovery.  She has several broken bones, and it will be a while before she's back at Poppyfield.  We send all our love and wishes for a speedy recovery out to Sylvia.  

The Tuesday Free Wire Meet-Up is open to all.  The only requirement is "a desire to twist wire".  The atmosphere is casual and light.  Bring your tools, wire, and beads, or purchase at Poppyfield.  It's a fun and low-key, friendly way to learn new wire skills. All levels are welcome, including those who have NEVER EVER worked with wire.  

Remember.... Monday night is late night at Poppyfield Bead Company. We are open until 8 PM.  

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.  

Milestones

Sue's Luz del Alma Pendants

Since my last post, we've had a few milestones here at Poppyfield Bead Co.  Yesterday I completed my first ever 9 hour class, the Luz del Alma or Light of the Soul Necklace.  I know I spent more time creating the instructions, than I did beading the necklace.  It is 9 pages and 43 diagrams / photos.  I will be sending off the work to Bead and Button, and we'll see if they want to publish it.  I am very proud of the unique bezel and use of spikes to create a radiant frame for the 27 mm Swarovski rivoli.  Even if it never makes it into a magazine, I am thoroughly happy with it.  Again, I was amazed by the creative color combinations that my customers put together.  Sue Weix made 3 of the focal pendants between weeks 2 and 3.  Look how beautiful!  Instructions will be available for sale sometime next month.  Call, come by or email.  Another session is beginning this month on Oct 22nd. It will meet three consecutive Saturdays from 1-4 PM.

Wendy's Blooming Braid Rope with my Flower Power Medallion

Wendy taught her first bead classes this month.  First, an Introduction to Kumihimo, and then her mystifying pattern:  Blooming Braids - the beaded kumihimo rope with beaded flowers braided right into the rope.  Blooming braids was so popular that we are having another class on Saturday, November 3rd from 1-4 PM ($35).  If you are interested in this class, please get some beaded kumihimo skills, beforehand.    You can purchase a kumi book, or my Kumi Bangles Bracelet instructions for some beaded rope practice.  

Our new sales assistant, June Malone, has started working.  She  is busy meeting customers and learning the ropes of running the store.  Come on in and say hi to June.  She is a fabulous bead artist (who loves working with delicas).  You can look forward to some new classes with June, as soon as she settles in.  

New Poppy Products

Speaking of delicas - we have a big shipment of size 10 delicas arriving this week.  We've got other new products including silver plated kumihimo bails in a number of sizes, lentil beads, new books, and silk ribbons in beautiful bright colors.  I have a growing selection of Miyuki galvanized duracoat beads in size 11's and 15's.  They are just gorgeous.  Margo saw them on one of her teaching trips and recommended them. I also have Miyuki project kits for sale. They are very affordable and include instructions in English and all beads and supplies needed.  

Instructions for the Flower Power Medallion are available for $12 ($10 for PDF version).  Call, come by or email for this super duo and pearl creation.

Upcoming Events and Classes

Albuquerque Wire Twisters - Wirework meet-up -  Tues, 10/9 1-3 PM, Free and open to all

Sylvia Abeyta is organizing a new group for those interested in learning or improving their wirework, or just "twisting" in friendly company.   Brand new beginners welcome.  

Magic Carpet Bracelet - Tues 10/16 6-9 PM, $35

Luz del Alma Necklace - Saturdays: 10/22, 10/29, 11/5 1-4 PM, $75

Blooming Braids - Saturday 11/ 3, 1-4 PM, $35

 Do you have jewelry you no longer want?  Broken jewelry?  

Many of you know that I was a pediatrician for many years here in New Mexico.  I worked with the most vulnerable children and families and I saw tremendous need in our community.  Pegasus Legal Services, legal advocates for New Mexico's children is asking for jewelry donations for their fundraising.  This is a non-profit organization that does important work protecting the civil rights of New Mexico's vulnerable children.  

Remember - Monday night is late night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Hope to See You Soon.  Til then... Peace and Beads

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.  

Its A Small Beady World

The Cube Queen Visits

Virginia Jensen, The Cube Queen

Yesterday,  a browsing customer remarked that I don't carry 2 mm cube beads.  I happen to be very proud of my cube inventory and thought to myself indignantly,  "Who does she think she is...The Cube Queen"???   It turns out it was Virginia Jensen, the author of the new book on beading with cubes, Contemporary Cube Bead Designs.  I have dubbed her The Cube Queen and she happily autographed her books that I have in stock.  We chatted about cubes and other things.  She was visiting from Grand Junction, CO, where she lives.  We discovered that my son and her granddaughter are in school together and know each other.   Small beady world, isn't it?  

My mom had already tested Virginia's book on her last visit to New Mexico and gave it a thumbs up. She remarked that "the instructions are very clear and easy to follow".  She thoroughly enjoyed making her bracelet.  It worked up quickly and is beautiful.  It will be on display at Poppyfield soon.  Come get an autographed book and some cubes and work up your own.  


I hope Virginia will come teach at Poppyfield one day.  If she does, I may even start carrying 2mm cubes.

HYBRIDS ARE HERE!!!!

Some of my customers who are on the cutting edge of bead products asked me about Hybrid beads.  HUH???  Again, it's a small beady world.  In this age of global exchange, Japanese bead company TOHO and Czech bead makers have collaborated to bring us the best of both worlds:  mixed breed beads - commonly termed hybrids.   These seed beads have the best of Japanese seeds - high quality, uniform size and shape, and large holes, with the unique finishes of Czech fire polish beads. The are marbled, lustrous, and sometimes metallic,  and have finishes that are called Apollo, Picasso, and Vega.  I have 25 new hybrids out.  I am starting with size 11's and 3mm Magatamas.  These will look great in your seed beads designs.  Try the magatamas in Kumihimo braids.  Ask us where and we'll show you these new additions.  More colors, shapes and sizes will be forthcoming.  

A sample of the unique, new "hybrid" beads

FREE DEMO - METAL STAMPING!!

Memorial Day 1:00- I will conduct an hour long free demo to illustrate the basics of metal stamping - (see the Moth and Moon on the previous post).  It is a great, fun, creative way to personalize your creations.  The store will open at 2:00 for shopping.  Poppyfield will be open our regular hours over the holiday weekend.    

Change of Plans

We have 2 upcoming Kumihimo classes open for registration through the Bead Society.
Intro to Kumihimo is on June 4th 6-9PM.  The class is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. 
I have had to change the date for the 2nd class, Kumi Bangles. It will be July 9th (Monday evening) from 6-9 PM.  Also $20/$25.  Call or come by Poppyfield to register.  Bead Society members may also register on the Society's web page.  

More Poppyfield Classes

Fun With Filagrees  with Julia Hecht, July 16th 6-9 PM - Design and Cold Connections, Basic wire and Riveting. All levels  $35
Enchanted Primrose with Margo Field - Intricate Seed Bead Necklace.  Intermediate to Advanced Level only. 3 Mondays:  June 18th, 25th, and July 2nd 6-9 PM or 3 Saturdays, August 4th, 11th, 18th, 1-4 PM, $75.

New Poppy Products

New TILA Bead Colors - yellows, pale greens, oranges, - Perfect for spring and summer
New Swarovski Bicones in Double AB's - Siam 2 AB, Jet 2AB, Amethyst 2AB, and more
Kumihimo Endcaps - Bullet Style now in Copper and Gold Plate sizes 4mm-8mm
Kumihimo Tubular Bails in Silver, Gold and Copper.  
New Swarovski Crystal Pearl Colors: Lavender, Brown, Rose Peach (toooo gorgeous)

Coming Soon

Beadsmith's Bead 'n Go Junior (The new small sized fold up bead mat and tray)
Tinier seed beads - More on these when they arrive  

...And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

And The Moth Flew Away Past The Moon

by Julia L. Hecht

Let us not forget the season of the Miller Moths and the Super Moon - I commemorate these fleeting occurrences of nature in this necklace.  It was created using techniques from the Fun With Filigrees Class.  On Saturday we had a fun-filled, jam-packed class.   Students modified filigree components, mixed metals,  twisted wire into wrapped loops, and riveted.  I had a special a la carte table of individual beads and components for sale - a veritable smorgasbord of design possibilities.  Some students made replicas of my designs, while others came with their own ideas, and let them flourish and grow using new techniques and guidance.  We had beginners who'd never done a thing with wire and experienced twisters mixed together in this "something for everyone" class.  It was my first go at such a class, and I am pleased that everyone left satisfied and inspired. Some students were really surprised at what was possible - with really little or no other experience.  The class is being offered again on Monday, May 14th 6:00-9:00 PM.  It is $25, and a great deal for so much teaching.  

Kumi Bangles by Julia L. Hecht

Kumi Bangles is back!!  I had a sell out class last month and I am offering both a beginner braiding and the bangles class through the New Mexico Bead Society.  Intro to Kumihimo (Monday, June 4th 6:00-9:00 PM) offers beginning braiding, setting up the disk, and finishing.  You will leave with a finished satin rope double spiral necklace that is perfect for hanging a beaded pendant or focal piece.  The Kumi Bangles is the following week, Monday, June 11th, 6:00-9:00 PM.  Students learn several techniques that build on the basic 8 strand round braid (ie, the Intro class).  We will add seed beads and drops during braiding and learn how to plan a kumihimo design.  You can complete a beaded and fiber bracelet during the class.  Instructions include patterns for 2 more bracelets that you can do at home.   Anyone can register for these classes by calling or coming to Poppyfield Bead Company, or through the Bead Society (members only).   Bead Society Members are offered a reduced price at $20 each class.  Non-members are still eligible to take the classes at the regular rate of $25 each class.  


Speaking of Kumihimo...I've got all my Kumi Books back in stock.  They've been selling out in second.  So if you've been waiting for one, now's your chance.  End caps are back in stock in a variety of metals and ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm.   I also have some new  Kumihimo decorative bails that just arrived in copper and brass.  Just slide them on your braided rope and add a treasure to create a smashing necklace, in almost no time at all.   I've got beading cord (super nylon) in lots of colors for kumihimo or micro macrame with beads.   I am also carrying Joan Babcock's Micro Macrame book - It is very easy to follow and I've made several of her designs using this book myself.   


Brand new books just released are now available at Poppyfield:  Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies, and Contemporary Cube Bead Designs by Virginia Jensen.  They both look great - and I only regret that I am so busy with the store that I can't dive in and bead up these treats myself.  If you are intrigued by cube beads but just don't know what to do with them, Virginia's book is for you - lots of great bracelets!  


Check out our ever-expanding inventory of Swarovski double AB bicones in 3 mm and 4 mm.  Our complete inventory of high quality (but more affordable) Preciosa Czech crystal is always available in 3, 4, and 6 mm bicones.  

The new Bead and Button and Beadwork magazines are both here, but won't last long.  

Hope to see you soon!  

Looking Back and Ahead

Celebrate Old Mexico
Choose Your Colors
Mix and Match Components

Poppyfield Bead Company celebrated one year since that exciting Sunday in March 2011 when we "softly" opened our door.  When I think back to our starting point, I am amazed at how far we have come in just one year.  The amount of behind-the-scenes work it took to be able to open the door is indescribable.  I set up a retail space,  learned retail software, and then went about inputing all the products - thousands and thousands of beads.   I had a core group of  3 women working everyday.  As I churned out labels, they put them on tubes.  The sign arrived with the big red poppy (designed by my Partner-In-Life, Henri). When it went up, my eyes filled with tears. This was really happening. Meanwhile, frustrated and sometimes angry beaders pounded on the door complaining that I had said I'd be open and I wasn't.  Would they come back??

"Our space before we went to work"

On opening day, the back of the store was not set up.   In the front, we were only offering size 11 and 15 seed beads.  We had some other beads on the wall, but not inventoried...so we had them cordoned off with duct tape.   Solange (a friend,  and one of my 3 labelers) was there, and has been with me ever since  (thank God).

"Getting ready for Opening Day"

I had 300 customers in my database (part of the purchase package from Margo).  Thirty people showed and bought a thousand dollars of beads.  I optimistically (and mistakenly) assumed every day would be like that.  Well it hasn't been.  But, in the interim, with help from Henri, and Solange, I have kept it going and growing. I have over 800 customers in the database today.

My beading history goes back 10 years.  In 2002 I learned to string and crimp.  In 2003, I discovered Margo's Poppyfield shop and became somewhat of a seed bead purist. As a store owner, my perspective has broadened.  With so many wonderful bead and jewelry supply shops in our environs, I have sought out products and skills that we need in our community.  It is tricky figuring this out.  But sometimes it is just simply revealed. How the Kumihimo Department came to be is an example.

Drop Me a Line
Learn in the  Kumi Bangles Class

One cold day last winter, 2 older women came into the shop.  One of the ladies loved kumihimo braiding and was visiting from out of state.  She wanted to teach her friend this ancient art of Japanese braiding, but had not brought her supplies.  She was looking for the disk and bobbins.  I had seen kumihimo products offered in my supplier catalogues, but I didn't know a thing about it, so I was hesitant to invest. What if I wasted money buying the "wrong" things?  I assumed the other shops already had this area covered.   I began calling around so I'd know where to send the women.  Nobody seemed to have anything for kumihimo.  I finally found a shop but the product they offered was not what the experienced braider wanted.  The ladies thanked me for trying and were on their way out the door.  In that moment, I decided that I would open a kumihimo department.  I called the ladies back to the counter and started my research by interviewing my out of state customer.  When I got my supplies, I sat down to teach myself kumihimo.  Through trial and error I figured it out.  Soon, I was experimenting with designs I hadn't seen in the books.  The result is that I now have a thriving Kumihimo Department and have had sell out classes on braiding with beads - teaching my own designs and sharing all the wisdom I gained through my trials and tribulations.

"I Feel Good About My Neck"
Fun With Filagrees

And so it goes... Since then,  I have gained more confidence is branching out with new products. It is thrilling to find something I think "looks cool" in a catalogue.  I order a small amount to test  and experiment. I am like a kid, playing with new toys.  One thing leads to another as I let myself be carried by the river of new ideas.  I force myself to put some on hold, as I must balance my creative surges with mundane life.  Lately, I've been working with metal components that I combine and embellish with beads using simple wire and cold connections.   This has led to Poppyfield's first Jewelry Design and Cold Connections class - Fun With Filigrees. Two sessions are offered (you can take either one or both) -  Saturday May 5th and / or Monday, May 14th.  It is just in time for Mother's Day and still has places available.  You will notice some of your favorite beads showcased in new ways - wrapped and set in metal filigrees - or displayed in hand-made chain.   Use any of a variety of beads and metal components.  Gain confidence designing your own piece - from nuts to bolts.  The techniques are fast and the results are beautiful.  Check out my Mother's Day inspired necklace, "I Feel Good About My Neck".  The focal point is a 27 mm fuchsia Swarovski flat back stone.  No seed bead bezeling required!  My Metamorphosis ID bracelet is my newest adventure in coloring metal.  Stay tuned for more on that.

Metamorphosis ID Bracelet
Pigmented, Riveted, and Twisted

New Poppy Products

Swarovski Crystal Pearls - 6 New Colors - Jade, Lapis, Pink Coral, and more

Mexicana Components - Sugar skulls, playful skeletons, milagros

Mix and Match Metal Components - Settings for 12 mm Rivolis, Links, and Bead caps

Cat Head Charms are back by demand from one desperate customer

Satin Cord available in economic quantities of 20 yards or more

Vintage inspired metal components and filigrees 

New chain - copper, silver plate, oxidized brass 

New Classes Coming Soon

Enchanted Primrose Necklace with Margo Field

Kumi Bangles (round 2 on a Monday evening - TBA)

Muy Mayo  - Metal and Wire Designs to Celebrate Old Mexico

Come Create With Us 

at Poppyfield Bead Company

Hope to see you soon!!

What's Old is New

Fun With Filigrees - Vintage Inspired Designs You Create

We are pleased to announce a new class to introduce a new line of products at Poppyfield. The Fun with Filigrees classes on Saturday, May 5th and Monday, May 14th will feature customer designed jewelry using filigrees and vintage-inspired metal components. There are so many ways to embellish and connect these pieces to design everything from simple earrings to elaborate necklaces. The classes will include cold connections, such as riveting and wrapped loops, manipulating the filigrees into settings, and layering with crystals and decorative glass beads. We will also work on design concepts using mixed metals, custom components, and chain segments. With samples, ideas and demonstrations of technique, each participant will be able to design and complete one or more custom pieces. Register for either session for $25 or take both classes for $40.

Celebrate Spring

(Mixed Metals- Riveting - Vintage Inspired)

Vintage Inspired Flower Tassel Earrings

(Glass Beads and Oxidized Brass Chain)

Open Heart Earrings

In keeping with the vintage theme, I will be offering a free wire class on Thursday, March 22nd from 1-2 PM. Back by popular demand is the Open Heart Earrings class that I offered on Valentine's Day. This is the design that led to the vintage-inspired line. I had bought a bunch of square filigrees to try out. When they arrived, I realized that I could capture a rivoli inside and use the filigrees as settings. I had so much interest in this class that I ran out of filigrees. Now I've got lots of the squares, and other filigree components too. I will offer a kit with the filigrees, jump rings, chain and earring wires. You choose the rivolis, crystal bicones, and wire. Check the Free Wire Class page for details about tools and supplies.

We've had 2 rounds of the Intro to Beaded Kumihimo Class, and it was a huge success. It was so rewarding for me to see the excitement as students grasped this new technique. It was as if a whole world of possibilities had opened up. And actually, it has. Right away, the questions began as to what's next? What's possible? In that vein, I am offering a stacking bracelet class. I will teach 3 kumi designs with beads and colored fiber that work together. You can make any of the 3 bracelets (or all) and wear them together: A "Kumi Bangles" concept. Class is Sat, April 21st from 1-4 PM. Kumi brand-new newbies can take a one hour Kumi Prep class at 11:30 that morning that will teach braiding and get you ready for the class at 1:00. Pictures coming soon. Stay tuned!

Intro to Bead Embroidery Pendant

Pendant on Kumihimo Braided Rope

There is still room in the Intro to Bead Embroidery Class this Monday, March 19th at 6:00 PM. If you've ever wondered how to make those gorgeous beaded collars and bezeled cabochons, this is the class that will get you started. You could be the next Sherry Serafini, but you won't know if you don't try. I've got everything you need at Poppyfield. If you want to give it a go, call and register, and we'll pick cabs and beads together before class. It will be a blast!

Who will be the next Sherry Serafini?

(Book Available at Poppyfield)

There are still a few places left in Margo's Dogwood and Pussy Willows Class on Saturdays, May 19th, 26th, and June 2nd. Class is $65 for nine hours of instruction and a fabulous pattern. It has been too long since the last Margo flower made of 15's. Don't you agree? Give us a call or come by Poppyfield to see the piece in person.

Dogwood and Pussy Willows

Necklace and Earrings by Margo Field

Spring Forward

Dogwood and Pussy Willows by Margo Field

I saw my first tumbleweed this morning, rolling down Wyoming Blvd. The winds have gone mad already. So, Spring can only be just around the corner. Perhaps it's even here. To celebrate, we have a new spring class by Margo Field: Dogwood and Pussy Willows. It is some serious beadwork that you can really sink your teeth into. Isn't it fabulous? Margo strongly recommends Tulip beading needles for this project. These are the new, nearly indestructible needles from Japan. They are almost a pleasure to thread - they are flexible but straighten back out immediately. They are less likely to split thread. I have been using the 10 and 13 sizes for a project I am working on with embellishments that require tight beading. I can only say that they are indispensable, and I would not be able to complete the project without them. They are more expensive than the Pony brand, but you probably will only need to replace them when you lose them. They are available in only a handful of bead shops around the country, and I am pleased to say...we are one of them!

Upcoming Poppyfield Classes

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo this Monday evening! March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM, $40.

Intro to Bead Embroidery, Mondays, March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM, $40.

Dogwood and Pussy Willows, Mondays April 16th, 23rd, 30th 6-9 PM, $65.

The Intro classes are geared toward beginners, but suitable for all levels.

The Dogwood and Pussy Willows class is for intermediate to advanced beaders only.

New Products

• We've got a great new selection of toggle clasps: Stars, Hearts, and more... as well as the old favorites . Most are available in silver plate, copper plate, and brass.
• Brass Cuffs in 1" and 2" widths
• New Delica colors are out for your purchase and pleasure
• Select colors of Swarovski 3 mm bicones: including Jet 2AB (as well as our regular supply of Preciosa crystal)
• Sugar skull charms in brass and silver
• Every expanding Kumihimo department - disks, plates, satin, nylon, leather cord
• April issue of Bead and Button - only 5 left.

Poppyfield Reminders

Monday is late night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Studio Poppy - bright, well lit, and smoke free, is available for your beading pleasure at no charge.(as long as we don't have a class running)

Hope to see you soon!!!

New Beginnings

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo by Julia Hecht

I've been easing my way back to work and it's been a really nice experience. We had a great wire class last week: The Herringbone Weave Bracelet. Tomorrow I am teaching it again from 1-4 PM. We've still got some places left. So, if you are thinking about wire - this would be a great class - Participants will learn wrapped loops, weaving with narrow gauge wire, and creating your own clasp. A great deal for $25. Give us a call to find out more, or sign up.

New Classes

Introduction to Beaded Kumihimo Weaving with Julia Hecht (see pic above):

2 Saturdays, Feb 18th and 25th 1-4 PM or March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM. $40.

Learn the ancient art of Japanese braiding with the portable, modern Kumihimo disc. Weave a fiber necklace in a distinct spiral pattern, tie off and finish with findings - great for hanging beadwork. With the basic technique mastered in session one, we will use session 2 to weave with beads on every strand and create a fully beaded bracelet. Kumihimo will open a world of possibilities for creating beaded ropes in a variety of patterns. Geared to Beginners.

Bead Embroidered Pendant and Kumi Rope by Julia Hecht

Intro to Bead Embroidery with Julia Hecht: 2 Mondays March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM

$40. Learn to create a beautiful beaded and embellished focal piece and bail using embroidery and bezeling techniques. Geared to Beginners.

Coming soon: Advanced Classes

Modern Heart Necklace with Julia Hecht

Dogwood and Pussy Willow Necklace with Margo Field

New Poppy Products

We are happy to announce that we will be selling precious metal seed beads in smaller more affordable tubes. We are dividing the larger tubes by thirds and they will be sold for 1/3 the price. The 30 g tubes will still be available for purchase, but will not be hanging, so please ask at the counter. This is a process...we are starting with the size 11's. We would be happy to get a tube ready for you if it isn't out yet. Just let us know.

The new Beadwork magazine has arrived.

On the Way: Expected Next Week

18 mm Rivolis

Tulip Beading Needles sizes 10, 11, 13 (flexible but don't kink or stay bent!)

Tulip Fine Awls

Full stock of Kumihimo supplies including satin cord in 1-3 mm widths and leather cord. Kumihimo findings including end caps and bails.

More books and magazines

Hope to see you soon!!!