...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!  

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