Much To Tell

Lots of Mexican Fan Earrings

There's a lot to catch you up on about the goings on at Poppyfield Bead Company.

Holiday Weekend Schedule

Poppyfield Bead Company WILL BE OPEN our regular hours over the holiday weekend. Friday 12-5:30, Saturday 12-4:30, and Monday 2-8 PM. Saturday is open beading from 12:30-4:30. Click here for more info about Open Beading. Monday evening is the RAW Bon Bon class at 6:00 PM. It is SOLD OUT. BUT.... there is already another class scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd 1-4. Don't miss out.

RIVOLIS ARE HERE

My "emergency" order of over 20 different Swarovski 14mm rivolis arrived today. There are some new colors such as Ultra Pink AB, Emerald Glacier Blue, Purple Haze, and also tried and true favs like Light Siam, Aquamarine, and Volcano and Sahara. Prices start as low as $1.65. If you are taking the RAW Bon Bons class Monday night with Margo and want to do the rivoli version, rest easy. I've got 'em!

DROPS AND LONG MAGATAMAS

I've got them in now, and hanging on the wall. There are over 26 colors of Japanese 3.4 mm Drops from Miyuki. They are used in the Mixed Media Medallion class (6/20) and are a great embellishment item, in general. I've got some gorgeous Long Magatamas now also - these can be seen in the bangle bracelet in one of the recent bead magazines (oops I can't remember which).

New Book: Handcrafted Wire Findings

This brand new book is great for beginners with wire who want to make their own findings. I can tell you from experience, it's great to be able to complete a project with a "just right" clasp that you make at home. It has been on back order and just came in today.

CLASS UPDATE

NEW CLASS: MEXICAN FAN EARRINGS with Julia Hecht (me)

Monday July 18th 6-9 OR Saturday, July 30th 1-4 $25

Mexican Fans by Julia Hecht

This is a one session class where you will learn to make a bezel and crystal embellishment for a large fire polish bead. I am about to try a giant pearl version. Stay tuned for pics of the pearl one.

There are still places available in the following classes:

• Phoenix Phlower with Margo Field: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18
• Milagro Chain Intro to Wirework with Susan Skinner: 6/13
• Mixed Media Medallion with Julia Hecht (me): 6/20
• Raw Bon Bons with Margo Field: 7/23

Check the classes page for details.

SAVE THE DATE: DIANE FITZGERALD AT POPPYFIELD

NOV 4-6, 2011

Bead Master Diane Fitzgerald is booked for 3 days of workshops at Studio Poppy. She and I are in discussion about which classes she will teach. Please let me know if you would be interested in her gingko leaf necklace. It sells out every year (for the last 12) at Bead and Button. Yet I know some of you have already done it. Click here for pic and info about the Gingko Leaf project.

Peace and Beads, y'all!

OPEN BEADING in STUDIO POPPY!!

Saturday May 28th

12:30-4:30

Studio Poppy at Poppyfield Bead Company

Don't spend the holiday weekend alone! Come bead with friends - new and old.

Bring your latest project or start something new.

Meet other beaders.

Just show up!

Table lamps and bead mats provided.

EYE CANDY: New and Improved!!!

Rivolis: So Delicious

Margo Field just stopped in to the store with a new (and in my opinion even more delicious) version of the RAW Bon Bons Bracelet scheduled for Memorial Day Evening and also Sat, July 23rd 1-4. This version uses 14 mm rivolis as the candy, instead of the 8 mm round. Its your choice, of course. But seriously - we all know how tantalizing rivoli's are. Imagine 7 on your wrist! I've got it on my wrist now. I am happy to report it is comfortable and very wearable. You can dress it up or down - jeans or an evening gown. Margo says this class is not for beginners and knowledge of right angle weave is helpful. Even I, self proclaimed hater of right angle weave would take this class. It is just that gorgeous. Come and see for yourself. The pic does not do justice.

If you've already registered for this class you will receive an email with a new supply list, should you opt for the rivoli version.

Positive Pressure

A few weeks ago a new customer came into the store. She spent some time picking beads and eventually brought me her green basket with quite a collection to check out. It was a really nice sale for me, and she seemed really happy to have found all these beads that she'd wanted. Just as I was handing her the receipt to sign, she remembered there was ONE more she'd wanted, but had forgotten. No problem, I told her. Then, the hair stood on the back of my neck as I saw she ventured into the area I'd begun to call "the crime scene". It is that back wall on the left where I've got all the beads from Margo that I haven't sorted through. Yes, they hang, because we had to see what we had, and how much space they took. They hang there like weeds in a garden or piles of dirty laundry, detracting from the perfection of all my hard work --- ever reminding me of the UNDONE. They haunt my dreams. Sort of.

It is confusing because they seem to be on display - sort of. I've pushed all sorts of tables and boxes and clutter around and in front of them - to create obstacles to getting near them. But, we beaders are a persistent lot. I've come to see that many will risk their personal safety to get to those beads. There are handwritten prices on them. Some are the selling price and some are the cost to me. I am not always sure what exactly I am dealing with. The whole situation makes me nervous and uncomfortable.

So... when this unsuspecting bead lover came up with her hank from "the crime scene", I panicked. I told her I couldn't sell them just yet, but I would email her when they were ready. Well, I won't go into details about what happened next. Let's just say, I learned "Never take beads from the hand of a beader".

It was my first truly negative experience with a customer. It just made me feel awful. I decided I could either push it aside or turn it into something positive. I chose the latter, because if not, it was bound to happen again. So... my plan became to help people get to the beads back there and pull beads so they can see them. If a customer is willing to wait while I get a price and put the product into my computer system, I sell it. It isn't the smoothest operation. But, what happens next is that I then label the rest of that product and get it out for sale - at least in the next day or two.

The result is that I've got my readied Czech bead area growing and slowly but steadily, the UNDONE is shrinking. Plus, what is ready is determined by YOU, my beading public. What you "must have" is what gets labelled and displayed. Now, when a customer moves toward the "crime scene", instead of panic, I just relish that people want what I have. I jump up, to make sure no one gets hurt back there. Then I do my best to show what I've got and make it available.

The rest I believe, will take care of itself.

PRODUCT UPDATE

Bead Magazines from Interweave Press

• Super Beadwork
• Favorite Bead Stitches
• Step by Step Wire

CLASS UPDATE

Make Your Own Medallion

Mixed Media Medallion with Julia Hecht (me)

Monday, June 20th 6 - 9 PM, Saturday July 16th 1-4 PM

choose ONE class. $25 (does not include supplies or tools)

This is a very fun, light project that allows you to use an image of your own choosing and turn it into a beaded medallion in just a few hours. This project uses paper, fabric, glass, beads, glue, thread, and wire. Perfect to hang from the Milagro chain (6/13 class), a ribbon, or cord. Bet you can't make just one! Stop by and see some samples.

Bon Bons in the RAW

RAW Bon Bons Bracelet with Margo Field

Monday, Memorial Day evening 6-9 PM, Saturday July 23rd 1-4 PM

choose ONE class. $25 (plus beads)

Still room in:

Phoenix Phlower with Margo - Saturdays, June 4th, 11th, 18th 1-4PM

The first group just finished this class last week and the necklaces were stunning. Amazing color combos!

Intro to Wirework Milagro Chain Necklace with Susan Skinner, Monday June 13th 6-9PM

(See the "Classes" page for pics and details)

Milagros and Bon Bons - Try 'Em

Milagros and Charms in Silver and Bronze

I am too tired to be awake and on the internet right now. But, alas, here I am. I am just too excited to go to sleep without sharing what's been going on at the store. There are new classes scheduled and new products that I've brought forward into the "open" part of the shop.

Product Update - Now Available

• 4mm Preciosa Bicones
• 6 mm Czech Fire Polish
• Small Drops
• Silver and Bronze Milagro Charms (see above pic)

Class Update

• Renaissance Rose with Bobbie Yoakum, 5/7, and 5/21- SOLD OUT
• Keep It Simple Loomwork with Bobbie Yoakum, Mondays 5/16 and 5/23-SOLD OUT

There are still places left in the following classes:

• Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field, 3 Saturdays 6/4, 6/11, 6/18 1-4 PM

New Classes

RAW Bon Bons Bracelet by Margo Field

This is a one session class being offered on Memorial Day evening 6-9 PM for $25.

RAW Bon Bons by Margo Field

Milagro Chain by Susan Skinner

Monday, June 13th, 6-9 PM $25

Milagro Chains

This is a one session intro to wirework with metal artisan, Susan Skinner. She will teach how to make wrapped loops and links, spirals, and embellishments, as well as a unique clasp. The Y chain you will make can be used to make a traditional rosary, or changed up with milagros, or your own beaded medallion. If you've thought about trying your hand at wire, this is the class for you.

Samples are on display at the shop. So stop by and take a look.

Mixed Media Medallions -TBA

Many of you have expressed interest in the medallions I have under glass right by the checkout area. This is a mixed media project I designed last year. It is a very fun, light project that allows you to use an image of your own choosing and turn it into a beaded medallion in just a few hours. Susan has convinced me to teach it NOW so that it can be the charm on the milagro necklace for a highly personalized "rosary" chain. Honestly, it is hard to imagine finding time to get instructions written while I am still working on setting up the store. But, I am gonna give it my best shot....so tune in for a future announcement of the date and time, with pics.

Blooms and Looms

If you've been to Poppyfield you know there is always something "blooming". Whether it is the live blooms of orchids or geraniums or the beaded blossoms of the Renaissance Rose and the Phoenix Phlower class projects, flowers abound. Now I've got looms in addition to blooms. I have 2styles of bead looms for sale. Our simple intro loom is made of hard plastic and is $6.50. It is perfect for the Keep It Simple Bracelet Class, now open for registration.

Intro loom by Eagle Crafts

and a book of fabulous loom projects

Versa Loom from Sova Enterprises (a local business!) is known nationally as an innovative adjustable loom. It is available for $24.95.

One of my customers, Paul Toya, makes native loom work into leather biker cuffs, with studs and all. He brought his own custom loom in the other day to pick some colors. I had to share his ingenuity with you. He created his loom from a discarded small door frame and 2 old combs.

Paul's Loom - Pretty Clever!

Poppyfield Product Update

Now available for purchase:

• Ultra-suede
• Lucy's Stiff Stuff
• Size 13 Czech Charlottes
• 4 mm Preciosa Crystal Bicones (3mm coming soon)
• Bead Buddy Beading Boards with Lids (great for stringing)

Class Update

• Phoenix Phlower MONDAY class - SOLD OUT!!!

Seats available in:

• Renaissance Rose SATURDAY class
• Keep It Simple Loom class (MONDAY)
• Phoenix Phlower SATURDAY class (6/4, 6/11, 6/18)

Check the Classes and Shows Page on this blog for more details about classes

Milestones

Everyday at Poppyfield brings growth. This past week was marked by our inaugural class, The Poppyfield Chain, on Monday evening. Eleven students registered. Several were brand new, and had never ever stitched seed beads! It felt historic, with Bead Master Margo Field leading an intro class in Studio Poppy, our brand new classroom / beading studio. By the second hour, the newbies were beaming as their little floral chains grew by the work of their own hands. On Thursday, 3 of the students were back in the store discussing their projects. Eli, my 12 year old son, was just completing his own Poppyfield Chain and joined in the fun, comparing color ways and accent beads.

Studio Poppy at Poppyfield Bead Company

Margo's instructions are EXCELLENT, as usual and easy to follow, even without the live class. The Poppyfield Chain instructions are available at the store for $25. I've made up mixes of accent beads for easy and affordable shopping for this project.

Pressed Glass Flowers in Unique and Affordable Mixes

PRODUCT UPDATE

Notice the delica display in the above photo. I have 224 delica colors NOW available, but that is just the beginning. A second display with just as many colors will be out soon.

Delica Teaser - Don't You Want To See Them ALL???

Clasps Galore now available - A variety of toggles, multi-strand sliding clasps (from 3- 5 strand capability), and snap clasps are ready for purchase.

CLASS UPDATE

Registration is open for Renaissance Rose, Keep It Simple Loom Bracelet, and Phoenix Phlower. Check the Classes and Shows Page on this site for photos and class schedule.

POPPY REMINDERS

• Monday is late nite - we are open from 2 - 8 pm. Come relax and peruse the beads after work - or even after dinner.
• Class instructions are available for purchase after the first class meets.
• Open beading in Studio Poppy during store hours (except during classes)
• Now accepting Visa and Mastercard
• Wheelchair accessible parking and interior

Wired Up!!

Poppyfield Bead Company's Wire Department

Poppyfield is finally WIRED! I have a large selection of brightly colored copper wire in gauges ranging from 16 to 34. Colors are nothing less than exquisite and enticing - peacock blue, fuschia, and chartreuse, red, tangerine....COME IN AND SEE. I also have some natural colors such as gold, silver, and natural copper. The colors will not tarnish, and neither will natural copper, non- tarnish silver, and gold. However, I made sure to order tinned copper and bare copper which will tarnish and can be patinated. The beauty and depth of oxidized metal is not to be overlooked. I know some of you are experienced twisters and will be excited to try out these colors. I have some great new books with woven designs, which are the latest wire craze and a beautiful new Chain Mail book from Lark Publishing. There are books on crochet and knitting with wire, and that's what those really fine gauges are for. For those who've never worked with wire...don't be intimidated. I will have some classes for starting up. But, until then, I've got some great beginner books such as All Wired Up by Mark Lareau (the book I used to teach myself) and Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry from Interweave Press. With these books and a basic tools, you can start making your own findings, such as bails, clasps and earring wires. I've got lots of tools for a variety of purposes, including pliers, mandrels, hammers, and various cutters. I also have 2 really nice wig jigs and a variety of peg sizes.

CLASS UPDATE

Inaugural class approaching! The Poppyfield Chain Bracelet class taught by Margo Field is THIS MONDAY evening from 6-9 pm. It is appropriate for all levels, including new seed beaders. $25.00

Poppyfield Chain Bracelet

by Margo Field

Bobbie Yoakum's Renaissance Rose Necklace is now open for registration. The class meets two Saturdays from 1-4, May 7 and May 21. There are 2 weeks between classes to allow for time to get all the components finished so you can assemble the final piece at the second class. This piece is large and beautiful, but not complicated. Advanced beginners can take this class and create something very special. The center is a 30 x 40 cabachon. $45

Renaissance Rose by Bobbie Yoakum

Keep It Simple Bracelet is a loom project that can be completed during class. Bobbie Yoakum, well-known for her incredible creations on the loom is teaching this. This is an all levels class and a perfect introduction to the loom. Learn from the start with a master! 2 Mondays: May 16th and 23rd at 6-8 pm. A bargain at $25.

Keep It Simple Bracelets in Blue and Red

by Bobbie Yoakum

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field. A 3-session advanced project with Margo. Even if you've sworn you'll never do another flower, you won't be able to resist the Phlower on this necklace. The center is a 14mm rivoli and the rest is Margo's secret recipe. Stop in at Poppyfield and see it for yourself. 3 Mondays: April 24, May 2, May 9 at 6-9 pm or 3 Saturdays: June 4, 11, 18, at 1-4 pm. $65

Phoenix Phlower by Margo Field

***A reminder that your place in the class is reserved upon payment. You may pay by credit card over the phone. Classes are non-refundable.

Just in! Sherry Serafini's New Book

As a store owner I now have the privilege of easy access to all the great beading books in print. I even find out about upcoming publications that haven't been released. When I saw Sherry Serafini had a new book, I ordered it on faith. It is out now, and on display in the store. It is a beautiful book of some of her fabulous bead embroidery. Come check it out!

Reminder: Credit card processing starts tomorrow - April 1st! I'm not fooling.

Late Nite Update

Lot's of 8's - All Ready

It is past midnight and I am at the store for the second consecutive night. Last night I felt a bit of pressure, but tonight was really almost meditative for me. I have been working hard to get all the supplies ready for Margo's Phoenix Phlower class. I pushed to complete it all today, so that I can take the full day off from Poppyfield tomorrow...no blogging, no watering plants, no excuses.

Phoenix Phlower Class Update

The supply list is ready! Included in the hand-out is the story behind this unique flower design and its name.

All of the supplies are available including findings you will need!

Product Update

Here are the goodies that I've rolled out ...

• Size 8 seed beads - The duct tape is gone!!!!!
• Swarovski Rivolis 14mm - YUM! -
• Swarovski Crystal Pearls in 12mm, 10mm, and 8 mm - Buy 10 for a price break!
• Clasp and Pin Back with Bail - required for Phoenix Phlower

Irresistible Rivolis

Payment Update

My credit card processing has been approved and will be ready for use on April 1st. Let's all hope for "smooth swiping".

My first week is behind me. It has been great!

See you next week!

Peace and Beads,

Julia

Hooked!

I am well into my first week as a shopkeeper. I want to thank everyone who has come into the store. It has been a lot of fun serving up the beads to all you passionate artists, stitchers, crafters, and stringers. You've all been patient with me as I learn the ropes and ride the bumps of working the computer, scanner, printing receipts, etc. I have already sold out of some colors! I placed my first "re-order" on Wednesday, and it was already shipped yesterday.

Product Update

Ancient Hook and Eye in Yellow Bronze and Sterling

Margo was carrying a very nice finding for which I've already had requests. It is a hook clasp that she used in many of her designs. She sold the hook for $5. I've got it at the store now. I will sell the HOOK ONLY in bronze at Margo's price of $5.00. The hook and eye together are $7.50. I also have a limited number behind the counter in Sterling Silver. This order I can sell for $15 for the Hook and Eye, and $12.00 for the HOOK ONLY. With silver the way it is, it will likely be more expensive when I order it again.

ALERT: Free Patterns

Beading Daily, the Interweave Press beading blog, is offering a FREE ebook - Yes it's, really free (I just downloaded it myself). It includes 4 free patterns and a bonus addition to David Dean's book, Guide to Native American Beadwork. The author has articles in this free ebook about the history of beads and beadwork in America, as well as a guide to materials and buying beads. If you want to check out the full print book, come into Poppyfield where we have it available. If you don't receive Beading Daily, you should consider signing on. There is no cost to join. They offer great patterns and how to articles- some free and some you can buy for a small fee - usually $4. Click here to get your free ebook and patterns from Beading Daily.

Poppyfield Reminder: Payment by cash and check until April 1st.

Post-Op Day #2

Preciosa 6mm Bicone Strands at Poppyfield

Poppyfield is now 2 days past opening and is a happy seedling. Sunday - the soft opening - was a lot of fun. Margo and Bobbie both came in and there were lots of smiles and good wishes. I have had a steady stream of customers. Some had no idea that Margo had moved on. Others have been following this blog and were up on everything. I've really enjoyed meeting other beaders and welcoming customers to the shop.

Class Update

There are 5 spaces left in Margo's Phoenix Phlower Monday evening class and it is going to sell out soon. April 25, May 2, May 9th from 6-9 PM, $65. Come in to register.

I am making progress on the supplies for the class. I hope to have the class list and supplies ready by Monday. I will keep you posted on that.

Wanted: Bead Curious Newbies!

The first class at the new Poppyfield is Margo's all level class Poppyfield Chain Bracelet, April 11th 6-9, $25. Spaces available. If you have friends that have never ever beaded but are curious about seed beads, this is a great intro class. Please spread the word.

Bobbie will be teaching a beginning loom class on Monday, May 16th, 6-9 PM $25. It is a bracelet project that can be completed in one evening. A sample of that , and of her future intermediate class, Renaissance Rose Necklace, will be in the store soon.

Product Update

Preciosa Czech Crystal Drops at Poppyfield

Now Available:

Preciosa Crystal Bicones in 6 mm, both single color and mixed strands.

Preciosa Crystal Drops 9 x 15 mm in a variety of colors

Where I Stand on Crystals

I love using crystals and until now I've known only Swarovski. We all know how great their product is, and also how expensive. If you use a lot of crystals, it really adds up. I decided to include Preciosa products when they seem comparable to Swarovski, in order to offer a less expensive alternative. I will have Swarovski rivolis, very soon. I will probably carry other Swarovski products as well. Let me know how you like the Preciosa bicones and drops. What crystals can't you live without? What colors?

Reminder: I will not have credit card processing until April 1st - cash and check til then.

Peace and Beads,

Julia

Soft Opening UPDATE

Poppyfield Bead Company will softly open tomorrow at noon. From 12-4 pm customers are welcome in the front half of the shop to browse and purchase beads. The front of the store will be open at regular hours starting Monday, March 21st. Hours are posted on this blog on the store location and hours page.

We've Been Busy!

We've been really busy trying to get as much inventory labeled and ready for you.

As of this writing I have sizes 11, 15, and 6 Japanese seed beads available. I also have cubes, size 11 triangles and 3 mm bugles.

Fireline and S-Lon fiber, and macrame boards are also ready for sale.

A Peek

Please note that my extensive selection of seed beads are arranged by color, NOT number. As of this writing I do not have a map of the beads ready, so I cannot instantly locate a particular "number" for you. If you have samples of the colors you are looking for, it may be helpful to bring them so you can easily hone in on your particular bead color.

What's not ready: Findings, crystals, wire, czech pressed glass, fire polish, needles, stringing material.

You will be able to sign up for classes that are scheduled. The Diane Fitzgerald classes in November are not open for registration. We haven't decided what she will teach yet.

Please remember that I am not processing credit cards yet. I will take cash and checks.

This is a "soft" opening. The store is still a work in progress, not everything you will see will be ready for purchase - so please be patient.

See you soon!

Peace and Beads,

Julia

Soft Opening: Sunday, March 20th!!!

Poppyfield Bead Company will open "softly" on Sunday, March 20th from 12-4. What does this mean? The store is still a work in progress. I am not truly ready to open. However, yesterday we completed the inventory and labeling of all size 15 and 11 Japanese seed beads. I want to make these available to beaders, as I know you've been without your "bead connection" since Margo closed her door. Let's be honest.... I need the sales as well. I will have the front half of the store accessible to customers. After Sunday the store will be open at regular hours and I will introduce more items for purchase gradually as they become ready for sale. Please be patient with the store's appearance and with me as I learn the ropes.

STORE HOURS

Soft Opening: Sunday March 20th - 12-4 pm

Monday: 2 - 8 pm

T-F: 12 - 5:30

Sat: 12 - 4:30

***Please Note: At this time I can only accept payment by CASH or CHECK. As soon as the credit card payment process is completed I will let you know.

Items for Sale

Poppyfield's EXTENSIVE selection of size 11 and size 15 Japanese seed beads will be available for purchase. I will also have books, and fireline for sale. Please check this blog on Saturday evening for the latest update on items available for purchase.

Upcoming Classes Will Be Open For Registration

"Phoenix Phlower" Advanced Class by Margo Field

I will also take registration for our first 3 scheduled classes with Margo Field. Margo is Poppyfield's original owner and a bead artist and teacher EXTRAORDINAIRE. There is a beginner class called "Poppyfield Chain" on April 11th from 6-9 pm for $25 (not including beads) and a 3 session advanced class for the Phoenix Phlower for $65(not including beads) - 3 consecutive Monday evenings 6-9 pm: April 25th, and May 2nd and May 9th. Another Phoenix Phlower class will be on 3 Saturdays from 1-4 pm: June 4, 11, and 18th. Samples of the completed projects will be in the store on Sunday. I may not have the supply lists and all the beads needed for the projects ready for Sunday. But I will have all of that over the next few weeks, and registering will allow you to reserve your space in the class. Please note that registration is non-refundable.

What Will NOT Be Available

At this time the Delicas, crystals, wire, and tools will not be in the soft opening. I will roll those out as they become available in the near future.

I must say that I am very excited about opening! When we finished the last display case of 11's my eyes filled with tears. It has seemed like this was never going to happen. But here it comes.... See you soon.

Peace and Beads,

Julia

A Day Off to Bead Fest Santa Fe

Eden's Delight Prayer Vessel

by Julia L. Hecht

Funny how things work out for the best... if we just wait for the big picture to come into focus. Last year I applied to teach my prayer vessel necklace at Bead Fest Santa Fe. I thought since they'd been popular sale items on etsy and at shows, and since they appear in Lark Books 500 Judaica, and since I've had experience teaching classes at 2 different bead stores, I had a chance to be selected. Well, as it turns out, not only wasn't I selected, but I never even got a rejection notice. For months, I waited to hear, and when I saw that the classes were already posted for registration, I realized the "NO" I'd never received.

After that rejection I applied for the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Fair, which is happening in Albuquerque this weekend. I got rejected for that too. Just when I thought my "art" career was taking off. Jeez, it's tough out there!

As it turns out, these rejections were blessings in disguise! Since the applications for Rio Grande and Bead Fest, I purchased the store. I am up to my ears with work. I am really GLAD that I don't have these other commitments to worry about. In fact, the rejections helped me understand the challenge of making a living as an artist. I was so glad that I had the store when I found out I wasn't accepted to Rio Grande.

Today, I am taking a day off from making labels for my 12,000 tubes of beads. My mom, who is visiting from NY, and I are headed to Santa Fe this morning to scope out the bazaar at the Bead Fest. I am going to look for some great findings for Poppyfield. I couldn't make it to Tuscon this year, so this is my mini Tuscon -- there are a lot of suppliers there and I will make some connections for future inventory.

During the pain of rejections it is hard to see how everything is happening right. Some days, it feels like "it's all good" is just another annoying sound bite. But, today I have the good fortune to feel the good in all of it.

Help Helps!

Greetings Beady Friends! I want to thank all of you who responded to my last post by offering words of encouragement and support. Several people offered to help me at the store. I am touched by the kindness. I do, in fact, have help.

Help can be a complicated engagement. My tendency throughout my life has been independence and self-sufficiency. I have HATED asking for help in the past. Sometimes, I'd felt ashamed at needing help, or was in denial about how bad things were. Other times I'd felt "beyond help", so what was the point? Occasionally, when feeling truly desperate, I did ask for help , and it wasn't granted. This was such a crushing blow to me, that I avoided this situation by not asking for help. Sometimes help came with strings. This I resented. I took it all so so very personally. As if getting help or the kind of help defined me, and my worth. This was a mistake.

With Poppyfield, I was granted a vision of help that propelled me forward into the purchase. A beady friend found herself unable to work at her longtime job for health reasons. She offered to help me, to work with me, for me. We were both excited by this prospect. I must admit, that without the vision of her help, I would not have had the courage to go through with the purchase.

It turns out she has not been able to help in the way that she'd hoped. It seems that wasn't supposed to be her role. She helped me by giving me courage. I found the other help I've needed by looking for others who need my help. I've got some friends who are financially strapped right now. I need help and they need work. We are helping each other. Every day at the store ends with so much gratitude. "Thank you so much for helping." "No, thank YOU."

It has taken me years and some crises to learn to acknowledge when I need help. I've had to learn whom to ask, and also how to ask. Sometimes it's been just as important to learn whom NOT to ask. I am still learning not to resent unhelpful help or unanswered requests for help.

On top of all the help, is the intangible icing on the cake. Needing help, giving help, accepting help - this is the story of the human experience. Allowing myself the humility of need, the gratitude in receiving, and both of those in providing help is just simply relishing being human. What's better than that?

And so the store, my helpful friends, and I move forward one gorgeous bead tube at a time.