Beads, Bracelets, and Bags - Oh My!

Kumi Bangles by Julia Hecht

There are some great goings on at Poppyfield these days. We had a fabulous free wire class on March 22nd, where students learned to turn metal filigrees into settings for Swarovski rivolis and create glittering dangles. These earrings were so popular that everyone is making more of them and the filigrees are going fast. If you missed out, don't fret because these skills (and more) will be covered in the Fun with Filigrees classes on May 5th and May 14th. We have these and other great filigree products. I've been experimenting with them and find they are so versatile - stay tuned for pics of my vintage-inspired creations in upcoming posts. Other open classes at this time are the Kumi Bangles class (see pic above)and the Kumi Prep class for new braiders, both on April 21st. Margo Field's Dogwood and Pussy Willows still has a couple of spaces left for the Saturday sessions in May and early June. Check the classes page for details.

Leather Bracelets and Anklets

I've got some new finished handi-work that I've brought in for you. Leather cuffs, bracelets, and anklets, with riveted flowers and butterflies. They are a playful modern twist on '70's inspired designs. I've been wearing them around town and getting lots of compliments. I just put them out and several have sold. Great gift items for the young and young-at-heart, starting at under $20.

Felted Bag - Handmade in Nepal

How do you carry your beadwork around? Plastic boxes, metal lunch tins? I picked up a hand-made felt bag in Cape May, NJ a few years ago. It has been perfect for carrying my current project from here to there. It is colorful, unique and also gets me lots of compliments. Well, I decided to offer a line of these same bags at Poppyfield. They are lined and have a zippered top for security. Each one is hand-made in Nepal. I've got a variety of shapes and sizes. So pretty, they are hard to resist. That's how I got mine.

New Poppy Products

• I am happy to announce we now have size 15 beads in permanent galvanized silver and gold - that's right: P470 and P471 in size 15.
• Swarovski bicones 3 mm in several colors including Jet 2 AB, Siam 2 AB, and Gold Aurum. (We still have our extensive beautiful but economical Preciosa crystal beads in 3 mm , 4mm and 6 mm. But for some Swarovski products there is just NO substitute - I am planning to continue to expand my Swarovski bicone inventory to include these gorgeous little guys. )
• Artistic Wire in black, bronze, and amethyst

A Good Deal at Poppyfield

If you are looking for some good bead deals, come buy our last remaining tubes from "the Old Poppyfield". These beads are priced around 40% lower than current prices. This is not a formal sale. These tubes are what is left of Margo's inventory and are based on the 2010 prices. So if you see a color you like, and it's got Margo's label on it, now's your chance to take advantage. They won't be available at that price again.

Native Finished Work for Sale

In honor of the Gathering of Nations this month I will have a showcase featuring the work of Poppyfield's native customers. If you are a registered member of a Native Tribe and have bought beads at Poppyfield you are eligible. If you are interested, please send me an email to set up an appointment with me. More on this display as it evolves.

Coming Soon

Rosary centerpieces

Cinco de Mayo charms and milagros

More delica colors

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