The Modern Heart Necklace by Julia Hecht
I'm glad to be blogging this afternoon. I've been coping with a health problem that has kept me out of the shop and at home. Most days I have not been able to bead. However, I am happy to report that I am starting to regain my strength. It has been a slow process - everyday focused on doing what I need to take care of myself and recover. I am also happy to report that on the days that I could bead, I did. With Valentine's Day looming ahead, I had my heart set on a heart - specifically a contemporary 3-D puffed heart. After much trial and error I have The Modern Heart Necklace. This sleek, sculptural heart is made using delica beads and herringbone, peyote, and brick stitches. It measures just under one and half inches long and wide and is stuffed to puff up half an inch. Some of you may recognize that buried in that heart are teardrops from Diane Fitzgerald's book Shaped Beadwork. But isn't that fitting? The rope is done in tubular herringbone with built-in beads to add texture, color, and dimension. I had planned to have the class ready before Valentine's Day, but alas...the reality of my situation is that I will teach this class in the near future. But I can't set a date today. I will wait til I've really regained my health before I set up the class. I also want to do a few other versions - same heart with different graphics and colors, so you can be inspired by a design that reflects your passion.
INTRODUCING.....KUMIHIMO at Poppyfield
We now have a wonderful array of supplies for Kumihimo (Ancient Japanese Braiding) including a 6 inch foam braiding disk, 3 mm satin rattail and S lon cord in a variety of colors, 6 new styles of bead caps, and 2 books on the subject. The books retail at $21.95, but I am selling them for $15.50 - to help you get started. There are so many ways to combine beads and kumihimo. You can add beads after you've made your braid by sewing them onto the braid, or you can incorporate them in the braid as you go. The books outline everything step by step. You can teach yourself, or stay tuned for an upcoming class. Look for Kumihimo books and supplies in our Fiber department.
New Seed Bead Colors
We've got a bunch of brand new colors in size 11 seed beads. Stop in and check 'em out for yourself.
Upcoming Classes
Giant Poppy Ensemble with Margo Field, 2 Saturdays: 1/14 and 1/21, 1-4 PM, $40
(Prerequisite: Ornamental Poppy)
Herringbone Weave Bracelet with Julia Hecht, Monday 1/16 6-9PM, or
Saturday 1/28, 1-4 PM, $25 (Beginners Welcome)
The Modern Heart Necklace: TBA
Click on the "Classes and Shows" page at the top of your screen for pics and more details about the classes.
Update on Open Beading and Free Wire Classes
At this time I am not teaching free wire classes. I hope to resume when my health allows. STUDIO POPPY, features cushioned chairs, great music, and a smoke-free, friendly environment. Come bead or twist at your leisure, bring friends or meet new friends. The studio is open for walk-in beading as long as there is no class in session. When my health allows I will again be available to help you with your beading and wire projects on Tuesday afternoons.
