Its A Small Beady World

The Cube Queen Visits

Virginia Jensen, The Cube Queen

Yesterday,  a browsing customer remarked that I don't carry 2 mm cube beads.  I happen to be very proud of my cube inventory and thought to myself indignantly,  "Who does she think she is...The Cube Queen"???   It turns out it was Virginia Jensen, the author of the new book on beading with cubes, Contemporary Cube Bead Designs.  I have dubbed her The Cube Queen and she happily autographed her books that I have in stock.  We chatted about cubes and other things.  She was visiting from Grand Junction, CO, where she lives.  We discovered that my son and her granddaughter are in school together and know each other.   Small beady world, isn't it?  

My mom had already tested Virginia's book on her last visit to New Mexico and gave it a thumbs up. She remarked that "the instructions are very clear and easy to follow".  She thoroughly enjoyed making her bracelet.  It worked up quickly and is beautiful.  It will be on display at Poppyfield soon.  Come get an autographed book and some cubes and work up your own.  


I hope Virginia will come teach at Poppyfield one day.  If she does, I may even start carrying 2mm cubes.

HYBRIDS ARE HERE!!!!

Some of my customers who are on the cutting edge of bead products asked me about Hybrid beads.  HUH???  Again, it's a small beady world.  In this age of global exchange, Japanese bead company TOHO and Czech bead makers have collaborated to bring us the best of both worlds:  mixed breed beads - commonly termed hybrids.   These seed beads have the best of Japanese seeds - high quality, uniform size and shape, and large holes, with the unique finishes of Czech fire polish beads. The are marbled, lustrous, and sometimes metallic,  and have finishes that are called Apollo, Picasso, and Vega.  I have 25 new hybrids out.  I am starting with size 11's and 3mm Magatamas.  These will look great in your seed beads designs.  Try the magatamas in Kumihimo braids.  Ask us where and we'll show you these new additions.  More colors, shapes and sizes will be forthcoming.  

A sample of the unique, new "hybrid" beads

FREE DEMO - METAL STAMPING!!

Memorial Day 1:00- I will conduct an hour long free demo to illustrate the basics of metal stamping - (see the Moth and Moon on the previous post).  It is a great, fun, creative way to personalize your creations.  The store will open at 2:00 for shopping.  Poppyfield will be open our regular hours over the holiday weekend.    

Change of Plans

We have 2 upcoming Kumihimo classes open for registration through the Bead Society.
Intro to Kumihimo is on June 4th 6-9PM.  The class is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. 
I have had to change the date for the 2nd class, Kumi Bangles. It will be July 9th (Monday evening) from 6-9 PM.  Also $20/$25.  Call or come by Poppyfield to register.  Bead Society members may also register on the Society's web page.  

More Poppyfield Classes

Fun With Filagrees  with Julia Hecht, July 16th 6-9 PM - Design and Cold Connections, Basic wire and Riveting. All levels  $35
Enchanted Primrose with Margo Field - Intricate Seed Bead Necklace.  Intermediate to Advanced Level only. 3 Mondays:  June 18th, 25th, and July 2nd 6-9 PM or 3 Saturdays, August 4th, 11th, 18th, 1-4 PM, $75.

New Poppy Products

New TILA Bead Colors - yellows, pale greens, oranges, - Perfect for spring and summer
New Swarovski Bicones in Double AB's - Siam 2 AB, Jet 2AB, Amethyst 2AB, and more
Kumihimo Endcaps - Bullet Style now in Copper and Gold Plate sizes 4mm-8mm
Kumihimo Tubular Bails in Silver, Gold and Copper.  
New Swarovski Crystal Pearl Colors: Lavender, Brown, Rose Peach (toooo gorgeous)

Coming Soon

Beadsmith's Bead 'n Go Junior (The new small sized fold up bead mat and tray)
Tinier seed beads - More on these when they arrive  

...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!  

Looking Back and Ahead

Celebrate Old Mexico
Choose Your Colors
Mix and Match Components

Poppyfield Bead Company celebrated one year since that exciting Sunday in March 2011 when we "softly" opened our door.  When I think back to our starting point, I am amazed at how far we have come in just one year.  The amount of behind-the-scenes work it took to be able to open the door is indescribable.  I set up a retail space,  learned retail software, and then went about inputing all the products - thousands and thousands of beads.   I had a core group of  3 women working everyday.  As I churned out labels, they put them on tubes.  The sign arrived with the big red poppy (designed by my Partner-In-Life, Henri). When it went up, my eyes filled with tears. This was really happening. Meanwhile, frustrated and sometimes angry beaders pounded on the door complaining that I had said I'd be open and I wasn't.  Would they come back??

"Our space before we went to work"

On opening day, the back of the store was not set up.   In the front, we were only offering size 11 and 15 seed beads.  We had some other beads on the wall, but not inventoried...so we had them cordoned off with duct tape.   Solange (a friend,  and one of my 3 labelers) was there, and has been with me ever since  (thank God).

"Getting ready for Opening Day"

I had 300 customers in my database (part of the purchase package from Margo).  Thirty people showed and bought a thousand dollars of beads.  I optimistically (and mistakenly) assumed every day would be like that.  Well it hasn't been.  But, in the interim, with help from Henri, and Solange, I have kept it going and growing. I have over 800 customers in the database today.

My beading history goes back 10 years.  In 2002 I learned to string and crimp.  In 2003, I discovered Margo's Poppyfield shop and became somewhat of a seed bead purist. As a store owner, my perspective has broadened.  With so many wonderful bead and jewelry supply shops in our environs, I have sought out products and skills that we need in our community.  It is tricky figuring this out.  But sometimes it is just simply revealed. How the Kumihimo Department came to be is an example.

Drop Me a Line
Learn in the  Kumi Bangles Class

One cold day last winter, 2 older women came into the shop.  One of the ladies loved kumihimo braiding and was visiting from out of state.  She wanted to teach her friend this ancient art of Japanese braiding, but had not brought her supplies.  She was looking for the disk and bobbins.  I had seen kumihimo products offered in my supplier catalogues, but I didn't know a thing about it, so I was hesitant to invest. What if I wasted money buying the "wrong" things?  I assumed the other shops already had this area covered.   I began calling around so I'd know where to send the women.  Nobody seemed to have anything for kumihimo.  I finally found a shop but the product they offered was not what the experienced braider wanted.  The ladies thanked me for trying and were on their way out the door.  In that moment, I decided that I would open a kumihimo department.  I called the ladies back to the counter and started my research by interviewing my out of state customer.  When I got my supplies, I sat down to teach myself kumihimo.  Through trial and error I figured it out.  Soon, I was experimenting with designs I hadn't seen in the books.  The result is that I now have a thriving Kumihimo Department and have had sell out classes on braiding with beads - teaching my own designs and sharing all the wisdom I gained through my trials and tribulations.

"I Feel Good About My Neck"
Fun With Filagrees

And so it goes... Since then,  I have gained more confidence is branching out with new products. It is thrilling to find something I think "looks cool" in a catalogue.  I order a small amount to test  and experiment. I am like a kid, playing with new toys.  One thing leads to another as I let myself be carried by the river of new ideas.  I force myself to put some on hold, as I must balance my creative surges with mundane life.  Lately, I've been working with metal components that I combine and embellish with beads using simple wire and cold connections.   This has led to Poppyfield's first Jewelry Design and Cold Connections class - Fun With Filigrees. Two sessions are offered (you can take either one or both) -  Saturday May 5th and / or Monday, May 14th.  It is just in time for Mother's Day and still has places available.  You will notice some of your favorite beads showcased in new ways - wrapped and set in metal filigrees - or displayed in hand-made chain.   Use any of a variety of beads and metal components.  Gain confidence designing your own piece - from nuts to bolts.  The techniques are fast and the results are beautiful.  Check out my Mother's Day inspired necklace, "I Feel Good About My Neck".  The focal point is a 27 mm fuchsia Swarovski flat back stone.  No seed bead bezeling required!  My Metamorphosis ID bracelet is my newest adventure in coloring metal.  Stay tuned for more on that.

Metamorphosis ID Bracelet
Pigmented, Riveted, and Twisted

New Poppy Products

Swarovski Crystal Pearls - 6 New Colors - Jade, Lapis, Pink Coral, and more

Mexicana Components - Sugar skulls, playful skeletons, milagros

Mix and Match Metal Components - Settings for 12 mm Rivolis, Links, and Bead caps

Cat Head Charms are back by demand from one desperate customer

Satin Cord available in economic quantities of 20 yards or more

Vintage inspired metal components and filigrees 

New chain - copper, silver plate, oxidized brass 

New Classes Coming Soon

Enchanted Primrose Necklace with Margo Field

Kumi Bangles (round 2 on a Monday evening - TBA)

Muy Mayo  - Metal and Wire Designs to Celebrate Old Mexico

Come Create With Us 

at Poppyfield Bead Company

Hope to see you soon!!

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

Spring Forward

Dogwood and Pussy Willows by Margo Field

I saw my first tumbleweed this morning, rolling down Wyoming Blvd. The winds have gone mad already. So, Spring can only be just around the corner. Perhaps it's even here. To celebrate, we have a new spring class by Margo Field: Dogwood and Pussy Willows. It is some serious beadwork that you can really sink your teeth into. Isn't it fabulous? Margo strongly recommends Tulip beading needles for this project. These are the new, nearly indestructible needles from Japan. They are almost a pleasure to thread - they are flexible but straighten back out immediately. They are less likely to split thread. I have been using the 10 and 13 sizes for a project I am working on with embellishments that require tight beading. I can only say that they are indispensable, and I would not be able to complete the project without them. They are more expensive than the Pony brand, but you probably will only need to replace them when you lose them. They are available in only a handful of bead shops around the country, and I am pleased to say...we are one of them!

Upcoming Poppyfield Classes

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo this Monday evening! March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM, $40.

Intro to Bead Embroidery, Mondays, March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM, $40.

Dogwood and Pussy Willows, Mondays April 16th, 23rd, 30th 6-9 PM, $65.

The Intro classes are geared toward beginners, but suitable for all levels.

The Dogwood and Pussy Willows class is for intermediate to advanced beaders only.

New Products

• We've got a great new selection of toggle clasps: Stars, Hearts, and more... as well as the old favorites . Most are available in silver plate, copper plate, and brass.
• Brass Cuffs in 1" and 2" widths
• New Delica colors are out for your purchase and pleasure
• Select colors of Swarovski 3 mm bicones: including Jet 2AB (as well as our regular supply of Preciosa crystal)
• Sugar skull charms in brass and silver
• Every expanding Kumihimo department - disks, plates, satin, nylon, leather cord
• April issue of Bead and Button - only 5 left.

Poppyfield Reminders

Monday is late night - we are open til 8:00 PM

Studio Poppy - bright, well lit, and smoke free, is available for your beading pleasure at no charge.(as long as we don't have a class running)

Hope to see you soon!!!

Celebrate Love

Open Heart Earrings by Julia Hecht

Tuesday's Drop Everything and Twist free wire class project is "Open Heart Earrings." They celebrate self-love. A love for each and every one of us. (Supply list is on the Free Wire Class page on this site).

The 12 mm Swarovski rivolis in light siam are contained within square filigree components by Vintaj. Despite their antiqued "cages" the crystals’ brilliance and radiance cannot be contained - spilling forward into droplets of 4mm and 6 mm bicones that drip off the ends of antiqued rollo chain. Love is infectious – self-love too. Here’s the source of my inspiration for earrings that celebrate self-love:

As Valentine's Day approaches, stories of love are tossed around by the media. Walgreens and the "Marts" heart-shaped red boxes tempt with chocolates. As we walk about our towns, store windows (mine included) glare back at us, poking at buried feelings. In America, there is no way to avoid the nature of the day. While some of us grieve loves lost, or unrequited, others revel in new-found lovers. Some of the luckiest souls with deeply wrinkled faces celebrate well-seasoned, long time bonds and shared memories. No matter where you find yourself in life's never-ending changes and cycles, crest or trough, there is one core abiding and precious love that cannot be taken by anyone or anything: Self-Love.

While self-love often gets a bad rep, as the root of selfishness, and self-centered behavior - I disagree. The ability to see ourselves as basically good, despite our flaws and mistakes, provides us each with the cushion and resilience to weather the harsh realities of our lives as social creatures. We are flawed, and yet, we need each other. Everyday, we bump up against family members, co-workers, friends and strangers. Sometimes colliding flaws lead to hurts and misperceptions. If allowed to gather steam, we can find ourselves dealing with resentments and even broken relationships. It isn't a leap to walls, barricades, and emotional isolation. How, then is it possible to love?

If we can find deep love for our own soul and spirit, our heart becomes full. Unable to contain itself, it opens, and the precious contents spill forth, infecting others. Somehow all flaws seem smaller and less important. Resentments become tempered and short-lived. Forgiveness is possible. The need to hide and avoid slips away. We can gently and firmly say "no" to abuse and toxic relationships. We don't fear loneliness.

For me it is an ongoing struggle against the odds. I have been blessed with a taste of this magic. Yet, some deep-seated program always threatens to reverse the process and set me back. For those like me, it takes practice, willingness and faith. But I know, know, know, that recovery and transformation is possible. Everyday, people all across this world "work" to recover from traumas (big and small), and love themselves again. Because in the end, loving one's self, no matter how elusive, is the start. With the seed of self-love, one open heart seeks another, and the blossom of shared love becomes possible.

2 Poems and 1 Quote About Love

Was, Is, and Always Will Be

Once I was

The Heart,

The Center,

The Reason,

Then not so.

Then I was

Put aside,

Until I learned

To step aside,

Now not so.

Now I am my own

Heart,

Reason,

And Center.

This is so

And so it goes.

-JLH

Where is the love?

Elusive love hides

Before me all the time

Waiting to be found

-JLH

"There is a crack in everything God has made."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beaded Beauty

I love when my customers bring in their finished work to show me what the beads have become. This published pattern of Marilyn Monroe was beaded by Lillian Martinez after we picked delicas together. Every so often, a listed color isn't available. But, here's a beautiful illustration that you can deviate from the recommended colors and still end up with a great finished piece. I am sure I am going to get requests for this pattern. It is by Ann Benson of Beads East.

I am very excited about what's happening at Poppyfield. We have some great new products now available. Read on....

Beginner Classes - Brand-New Beaders Welcome

(see the classes page for photos)

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo $40:

2 Saturdays, Feb 18th and 25th 1-4 OR

2 Mondays, March 5th and 12th 6-9

Intro to Bead Embroidery $40

2 Mondays, March 19th and 26th 6-9

Drop Everything and Twist - Valentine's Day Project

I am planning a free wire class with a Valentine theme.

Tuesday, February 14th 1-2 PM

Supply list and pic will be posted by the 13th so you can bring any beady goods from home.

New Poppy Products

Now Available for Purchase

• By Request: Tulip Beading Needles sizes 10, 11, 13 - Long lasting, easy to thread, flexible, don't kink or bend. Made in Japan.
• 18 mm Swarovski Rivolis
• Bead Caps and End Caps in a Variety of Styles, Sizes, and Metals
• Magnetic Clasps (2 styles)
• Satin Cord 1, 2 and 3 mm Thick in a Variety of Colors
• Leather Cord 2 mm in a Variety of Colors
• Super Lon Cord Now Sold Individually - Great for Micro Macrame and Kumihimo
• Mood Beads
• Glass Heart Charms
• New Seed Bead Colors
• New Books: Beading Across America, Bead Riffs by Rachel Nelson-Smith, More Kumihimo Necklaces by DeSousa, and more..
• Old Favorites Back in Stock: Beaded Beads by Jean Campbell, Sensational Bead Embroidery by Sherry Serafini, "the Laura McCabe Crystal Book", and more...

Solange and I have been working hard to divide our most expensive beads into small tubes. Each tube contains 1/3 the amount of the larger tubes and is exactly 1/3 the price. We want to make it possible for everyone to use the most precious beads. Come check out our metal spinning display near the counter to see these beads, our new seed bead colors, and new products in general.

Hope to See You Soon!

New Beginnings

Intro to Beaded Kumihimo by Julia Hecht

I've been easing my way back to work and it's been a really nice experience. We had a great wire class last week: The Herringbone Weave Bracelet. Tomorrow I am teaching it again from 1-4 PM. We've still got some places left. So, if you are thinking about wire - this would be a great class - Participants will learn wrapped loops, weaving with narrow gauge wire, and creating your own clasp. A great deal for $25. Give us a call to find out more, or sign up.

New Classes

Introduction to Beaded Kumihimo Weaving with Julia Hecht (see pic above):

2 Saturdays, Feb 18th and 25th 1-4 PM or March 5th and 12th, 6-9 PM. $40.

Learn the ancient art of Japanese braiding with the portable, modern Kumihimo disc. Weave a fiber necklace in a distinct spiral pattern, tie off and finish with findings - great for hanging beadwork. With the basic technique mastered in session one, we will use session 2 to weave with beads on every strand and create a fully beaded bracelet. Kumihimo will open a world of possibilities for creating beaded ropes in a variety of patterns. Geared to Beginners.

Bead Embroidered Pendant and Kumi Rope by Julia Hecht

Intro to Bead Embroidery with Julia Hecht: 2 Mondays March 19th and 26th, 6-9 PM

$40. Learn to create a beautiful beaded and embellished focal piece and bail using embroidery and bezeling techniques. Geared to Beginners.

Coming soon: Advanced Classes

Modern Heart Necklace with Julia Hecht

Dogwood and Pussy Willow Necklace with Margo Field

New Poppy Products

We are happy to announce that we will be selling precious metal seed beads in smaller more affordable tubes. We are dividing the larger tubes by thirds and they will be sold for 1/3 the price. The 30 g tubes will still be available for purchase, but will not be hanging, so please ask at the counter. This is a process...we are starting with the size 11's. We would be happy to get a tube ready for you if it isn't out yet. Just let us know.

The new Beadwork magazine has arrived.

On the Way: Expected Next Week

18 mm Rivolis

Tulip Beading Needles sizes 10, 11, 13 (flexible but don't kink or stay bent!)

Tulip Fine Awls

Full stock of Kumihimo supplies including satin cord in 1-3 mm widths and leather cord. Kumihimo findings including end caps and bails.

More books and magazines

Hope to see you soon!!!

Have A Heart

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.