One Thing Leads to Another

Last week during our Pot Pourri show and tell I was inspired by the soldered wire earrings one of the attendees was wearing. Part of the earring was spindle shaped with tiny rondelles wrapped across it. Next thing you know, I was making my own "Pod Earrings" with fuschia crystals. It is a simple shape with simple wire coiling and a sweet little dangle. Today I spent hours trying to "enhance" it by adding more parts. The result... well... "the U word". So, I won't share. In the end, simplicity wins. So Tuesday's DRop Everything And Twist class is:

(materials at the end of the post)

Pod Earrings by Julia Hecht

Pod Earrings

Drop Everything and Twist

Tuesday 1:00-2:00

Studio Poppy

Followed by Open Beading 2-4 PM

The New Mexico Rivoli Fan class was not only a bargain ($10) but a BLAST! Several customers have come in with their finished earrings, ready to make more - they are so quick and fun - who can resist those rivoli's and crystals? A great gift idea for the holidays. Toldja!

Margo's Ornamental Poppy classes are were really fabulous. There was an incredible variety of color schemes. I love to see what others put together. Some that I would never choose, just look amazing! Tomorrow is the first session of the Giant Poppy Ensemble. There are still a few places left, if you want to join us. See the classes page on this blog for details. Some of you are waiting for the Saturday class. It is scheduled for January 14th and 21st. It is now open for registration...so come on in to Poppyfield, or call with your credit card. Don't miss out on this seed bead extravaganza.

New Poppy Products

The microcrystalline wax is finally here! A 2 oz cup is probably a lifetime supply. So, if you liked Diane Fitzgerald's double stranded and waxed technique for stitching, come on in and pick up your wax!

New beautiful top drilled glass drops from Czech Republic - in a variety of sizes and colors - now hanging at Poppyfield.

Wire Department Overflowing!

We are now stocked to the brim with great colors of artistic wire - Chartreuse, Plum, Fuschia, Peacock Blue, Red, Lemon and Tangerine - not to mention those variety packs of 26 wire in tons of brilliant colors. Of course we've got the basic metals - low cost copper coated - non-tarnish brass and silver, copper, and gold tone.

Pod Earrings Materials List:

20 g wire - 16"

24 g wire - 6"

26 g wire 7 feet

40-60 2.4 mm bicone crystals

2 earring wires

Tools: Chain nose, round nose, nylon jaws, flush cutters,

bench block and hammer recommended as we are hardening the wire

Hoop La La!!

DROP EVERYTHING!!!! Tuesday 10/4, 1:00-2:00

Tomorrow's DRop everything And Twist (DRAT) FREE wire class will be these sparkling filigree-ish hoops. They are so "ooh la la" fabulous. I will teach wire wrapping and weaving and crystal embellishment. They also include a simple loop and spiral in the design. It is a great way to build your wire skills so you can follow magazine and book projects and take more advanced wire classes down the road. Check the end of the post for the materials. No need to register. Just show up!

Hoop La La Earrings by Julia Hecht (2 color ways shown)

Some of you have seen my wire and crystal bezel for rivolis that I am currently developing. These earrings are based on the bail design for that project. So, if you take this free class, you will be building your skills for an upcoming elaborate design class that I will be offering soon. Plus, it is a bit of a sneak preview.

Drop Everything!!!!! Monday 10/10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Firecracker Ring by Julia Hecht - Kit Available

Birthday Butterfly Pendant

Next Monday evening (10/10) Poppyfield will host a free wire class in the evening. I will teach the Fire Cracker Ring and the Birthday Butterfly, in that order. Click on the project name for more details about each. I will have ring kits available with everything you need to make one ring for $8.50. The class itself is free. No need to register. Just show up! The materials for these classes will be listed at the end of this post.

CLASS UPDATES

Seed of Compassion Necklace by Julia Hecht

Seed of Compassion by Julia Hecht

Advanced Beginner Wire and Bead Fusion Class

2 Saturdays: 10/22 and 10/29, 1-4 PM, $40.

Moorish Tile Beaded Beads

Moorish Tile Beaded Beads by Diane Fitzgerald (Guest Bead Master from MN)

Intermediate Seed Bead

One day workshop: Saturday 11/5, 10-4:30, $85

Tropical Bauble by Diane Fitzgerald

Tropical Bauble Pendant by Diane Fitzgerald (Guest Bead Master from MN)

Intermediate Seed Bead

One day workshop: Sunday 11/6, 10-4:30, $85

Pre- class homework - you can start this project the day you register!

Ornamental Poppy Trilogy by Margo Field

Ornamental Poppy by Margo Field

Intermediate Seed Bead Class

Registration open for Saturday class: 11/12 and 11/19, 1-4 PM, $40.

PRODUCT UPDATE!

Now In Stock and Ready for Your Enjoyment!

• Size 15 Galvanized Seed Beads in 6 Colors (Tooo Gorgeous!) - Perfect for Margo's Ornamental Poppy
• 27 mm Swarovski Rivolis in 8 colors: Crystal AB, Fuschia, Aquamarine, Peacock Eye, Montana, Chyrsolite, Summer Blush, and Emerald - Get 'em while they last!
• Candy Corn and Skulls Handmade Glass Charms (limited supply) - $1.50 and up.

POPPY REMINDERS

Mondays are Late Nite at Poppyfield - We are open until 8:00 PM

Tuesdays are Open Beading 2-4 PM - Come Bead With Us! Help with any bead or wire project.

Supplies List for DRAT Free Wire

Hoop La La Earrings: 18 ga wire - 10.5", 26 ga wire - 30", 2.5 mm Swarovski crystals (30 or more depending on hoop size), 2 earring wires. Tools needed (please bring or plan to buy - we can't rent or lend -sorry): Round nose, chain/flat nose and nylon jaw pliers, flush cutters, jump ring mandrel is helpful.

Birthday Butterfly: 18 ga wire - 24", 2 colors of 26 ga colored wire (about 18" each color). 24 crystal bicones (2.5 mm) in 2 colors, and an accent dangle that uses one glass flower and a 4 mm bicone.

Tools: round nose, chain nose, and nylon jaw pliers, and jump ring mandrel. We are hardening by hammering so a chasing hammer and bench block are recommended.

Firecracker Ring: Ring base with single loop, 22 ga wire -36", 6mm bicone crystals - 10, size 11 seed beads, 1-2 grams, one glass teardrop bead - hole top to bottom.

Tools: round nose, chain nose and nylon jaw pliers.

Hope to see you soon!