The Future Unfolds

Designed by Jessy Petit Bijoux

Beaded by Julia

Sometime after I opened the shop in 2011, I had the fortune of dining with a well-known bead master.  She developed her reputation in the '90s, during the bead resurgence that heralded the current wave of seed beading.   She shared with me her view that the seed bead wave had crested, and we were now beginning the decline of seed beading in America.  Sort of disconcerting "news" for me as new seed bead shop owner.  Today, I am absolutely certain, that this famous smart person was WRONG!  

Thanks to the internet and information exchange, ideas are moving at the speed of broadband.  Amazing European beaders and their stunning creative works are in my home everyday...via my little laptop.  While our American beaders, the pioneers of the '90's Bead Renaissance, continue to stitch wonders, Europe is exploding.  Lately,  I have been "traveling" to Hungary, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia and Italy, all with my cat on my lap.  The newest beads originate in Europe and you can see what's possible with Rullas and Rizos (our newest items) from European beaders who've been using them while they were still an ocean away from American bead shops.  The rising popularity of Perlen Poesie, the German beading magazine, here in America, is just another sign.  

One of the easiest ways to plug in to this world is through Pinterest.  At Pinterest individuals from all over the world are posting photos.  You can search a word like "beadwork" or "rullas" and suddenly scores of beautiful photos are sent to your screen.  You can collect your favorites on a "Board" that you set up, or not.  If you set up a board (and it's easy to do), your favorite photos (and links to where they originated) will always be there when you sign back on.  If you want to let others do the searching for you, you can follow others' Boards.  Pinterest is great for  inspiration and gawking at some jaw-dropping creations.  It is also a source for FREE patterns.  

I have set up 2 boards of free patterns - FREE Beadwork Tutorials and FREE Wirework Tutorials.  This means you can sign onto Pinterest and search Julia Hecht.  You will come to my page and you can click on one of my Boards to look around.  If you want, you can "Follow" me or one or more of my Boards.  That way, when you sign on you will see the newest "pins" I've collected. 

Right now, I'm very taken with a young lady from Rome named Jessy who goes by the name "Petit Bijoux".  She posts FREE, in-depth tutorials on "you tube".  They are in Italian, but I find that I can follow them anyway.  I made this Friday night using a 14 mm rivoli, Super Duo's, 4 mm Fire Polish, 11/0's and 8/0's.  It is ingenious, but not difficult.   For me, decoding these tutorials from far away lands, whether spoken or written, is like finding the key to hidden treasure.  But if foreign languages makes you cringe, don't despair.  There are plenty of  "photo tutorials" and many people know English and will post in our tongue.  

There's a whole big beady world out there, just waiting for YOU to explore.  Come see us if you have difficulty, and we'll be happy to help.  

ON THE WAY

15/0 Delicas

Two hole tile beads from Czech Republic

3.4 mm Drops / Magatamas in lots of new colors

4 x 7 mm Long Magatamas in lots of new colors

Letting Go and Beading On

 My Aloe Vera Ring

It has been a rough week for me physically and emotionally.  But it was also a spiritual adventure.  I have lived with mental illness since the age of 10.  In surviving such a thing, I've come to respect this part of myself.   It came for me this week, and out of such respect, I honorably opened the door to welcome it.   I leaned into the calling of my dis-ease and turned inward.  So, my friends,  I have been mysteriously absent from my beautiful bead shop and the online social sphere.  On the physical plane, I took good care of myself in the way I've learned.  On a strangely parallel spiritual plane, I tried something new:  I let go. I allowed myself to be carried to wherever I needed to go.  For me, all existence is like a tapestry of woven interconnection that goes beyond our wildest imaginations.  Instead of resisting and clawing my way out, I trusted the Weaver, the threads, and the mystery to bring me back to myself.  And here I am, alive, well and in the present with a new peace, and a new strength.   Ahhh, to just be who I am, to breathe in fresh air, and to be able to shift to the joy of connection with all of you.  I am exhilarated by simple well-being.  

Where does beading fit in? Beading is the touchstone for my healing. It grounds me in my own spirit when I am unable to connect to the rest of the world.  It helps me find my way back to myself as I wait patiently for time and willingness to take care of the rest.   During the past week, I have been able to learn some new techniques from Kate McKinnon's book Contemporary Geometric Beadwork Vol 1. 

 I made my Aloe Vera ring (see 1st pic, above) by following Kate's instructions for a removable belly band, wings, and horns.  It is spiky, beautiful and powerful.  Below is my latest plaything, an unnamed work in progress in which I am modifying the techniques to my own design.  

Spiky Work in Progress - Just for fun!

This book has an amazing new stitch, Modified RAW. Kate says it is not a new stitch, but I feel like it is.  It is a new and different way to create the bead pattern of RAW using a different, simpler, thread path.  The book is the work of a number of bead artists who put their heads and hearts together. Some names you will recognize, like Dustin Wedekind and Jean Power, and others you might not. But from now on you will.  This a book to make you think about beading.  It is alluring and persuasive. So much so, that I am even using Nymo again.  Something I thought I'd NEVER do.  What's more, I am enjoying Nymo - I've learned to appreciate it for what it can do and accept its limitations.  Get this book and let it take you into a parallel beady universe! We've got it, so come and make it YOURS.

Perlen Poesie is Here

 Europe's leading bead magazine, Perlen Poesie (translation: Bead Poetry) is now at Poppyfield Bead Company.  Don't be intimidated by all those big capitalized German words.  There's an English insert with a full translation.  The last 3 issues are at the shop and are now available at a special introductory price of $20.  This is actually less than the European newsstand price of 15 Euros.  I will ship to long distance customers. Just shoot me an email at beadfingers@gmail.com or talk to me on Facebook on the Poppyfield Bead Company page.  Featured artists from these 3 issues are  Sabine Lippert, Maggie Meister, and Jean Power.

Take the Plunge - Beginner Classes 

Specially Designed for the Confused and 
Never-Ever-Beaded Amongst Us

June's Peyote Premiere in an Earthy colorway  

We have some intro level classes coming up very soon.  If you worry that you can't do it... these classes are for you.  Wendy is teaching Intro to Kumihimo - the basics of braiding using satin cord.  This is the foundation for all amazing Kumihimo beading.  It really isn't difficult to do and Wendy is an excellent teacher.  There is a class tomorrow night, Monday 3/18 6-8 PM and again on Saturday, 3/30 10-noon, if that suits you better.  With these skills under your belt, you will be able to do the Kumi Bangles, Blooming Braids, and brand new Dancing Diamonds patterns.  You will even be able to invent your own patterns.

June is teaching a wonderful peyote stitch skills workshop in her Peyote Premiere Class on 4/6 10 AM-1PM.  You will learn odd and even count flat peyote, following a peyote pattern and how to decrease.  These skills will take you far.  If you've met June, you've probably met one of her peyote masterpieces. (You won't be surprised that she was a Bead Dreams finalist).  Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a passionate, yet humble, peyote stitch master.

Click here to see details about classes.

Open for Registration

Wendy's Dancing Diamond kumihimo beaded necklace and original 3-D star pendant has places available in the April classes.

We still have some places in my Hollywood Sparkle Class.  There's a series on Mondays in April and another on Saturdays in May.  Learn new ways to create an explosion of crystals and pearls, herringbone rope with built-in beaded beads, the peyote stitch bezel made famous by Laura McCabe, and a beautiful hidden clasp.

More Classes Coming Soon... stay tuned!

New and Amazing Beads

Rullas and Rizos have been flying off the hooks.  These beautiful 2-holed beads begged to be explored. 
We have new displays that we are loading up Super Duo's, Twins, Rullas and Rizos.  

New Products Page

Wondering what we have in the shop?  Click on the Products for Sale page in the header and see a list. 
Call or email us if you have further questions. I am happy to ship for minimum orders of $25.  

*****REMEMBER*****

Monday is late night and we are open til 8 PM

Tuesday is a free Wirework Meet-Up 1-3 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Endless Possibilities

Rizos in Action in

Daisies by Sabine Lippert

Welcome to the resurgence!  Lots of brand new bead shapes are just hitting the shelves at Poppyfield Bead Company. I've been out scouring the internet and my European sources to see what's at the cutting edge of the bead world.  I am happy to report that there are now exciting new beads in fabulous colors and finishes that can be used to complement seed beads.  We have just gotten RIZO beads and RULLA beads in all available colors.   Rizo beads are one holed beads that are something between a drop and a dagger.  Rullas are two-holed barrel shaped beads.  There are already lots of pics of amazing beadwork out there using Rizos....especially by Sabine Lippert, who designed them.  If you want to see more, go to pinterest.com and type in "rizo beads" and you won't be disappointed.  

Starburst Earrings by Deborah Roberti

Click here for a free tutorial for these earrings

Rulla beads are little 2 holed barrel shaped beads.  Both RIZO's and RULLA's come in the same colors as the Super-Duo's so they will work up in wonderful color combinations when you mix the types together.  This gives you endless possibilities.  Another interesting new bead is the "stud" - a 4 sided pyramid.  It is so new that I can't even find project examples, so you'll have to see what we come up with.  

NEW CLASSES

Dancing Diamonds by Wendy Speare

Wendy has done it again!   This beaded kumihimo pattern will delight and mystify you.  The elegant rope uses size 8 seed beads and 3.4 mm magatamas (drops) to create a spiraling pattern of diamonds.  The pattern is Wendy's to share, and I dare anyone else to try to figure it out.  Hanging from a netted bail is a lovely double decker star pendant comprised of twin beads.  The Dancing Diamonds Necklace class meets on Saturdays 4/13 and 4/20 from 10 AM -1 PM.  The cost is $55 for the class (beads sold separately).  If you don't know how to braid with the kumihimo disk, you can take an Intro to Kumihimo class with Wendy on either Monday 3/18 6-8 PM, or 3/30 10 AM - Noon.  

REMEMBER...

We have places available in Hollywood Sparkle Necklace with me (Julia Hecht) and in June Malone's Peyote Premiere.  Click here to go the classes page for more details.  

FREE WIRE MEET-UP UPDATE - Tuesdays 1-3 PM  

Our dear friend, Sylvia Abeyta was injured in a car accident and will not be leading the Tuesday Wire Meet-up for some time.  I will be filling in for her while she recovers.  Sylvia is in good spirits, is glad to be alive,  and hopes to make a full recovery.  She has several broken bones, and it will be a while before she's back at Poppyfield.  We send all our love and wishes for a speedy recovery out to Sylvia.  

The Tuesday Free Wire Meet-Up is open to all.  The only requirement is "a desire to twist wire".  The atmosphere is casual and light.  Bring your tools, wire, and beads, or purchase at Poppyfield.  It's a fun and low-key, friendly way to learn new wire skills. All levels are welcome, including those who have NEVER EVER worked with wire.  

Remember.... Monday night is late night at Poppyfield Bead Company. We are open until 8 PM.  

Hope to see you soon.

Hollywood Sparkle

Hollywood Sparkle by Julia L. Hecht

Just in time for the Oscars!  My long awaited Hollywood Sparkle necklace is finally finished.  I've scheduled the classes and they are open for registration.  This is an intermediate - advanced class.  Choose either Monday evenings 6-9 PM:  4/8, 4/15, 4/22 or Saturday afternoons 1-4 PM:  5/4, 5/11, 5/18.  This class uses peyote stitch, tubular herringbone, and various embellishment techniques.  I will be focusing on how to embellish the bail and the lower portion with crystal and pearl "explosions".  There is more to it than meets the eye.  Click here to go to the classes page for more details. 

Peyote Premiere by June Malone

Not ready for such an advanced class?  Don't despair.  We all started at the beginning and June Malone, our resident peyote stitch master will guide you in the basics in her Peyote Premiere class.  This class meets once for 3 hours and covers everything you need to know about flat peyote stitch.  These circular earrings she's designed can also be made individually as a matching pendant.  Choose June's colors or your own.  You will be able to apply these techniques to all sorts of peyote stitch patterns in books and magazines.  Class meets Saturday, April 6th 10 AM - 1 PM.  Click here to go to the classes page for more details.  

Samples of both the Peyote Premiere and Hollywood Sparkle are on display at Poppyfield Bead Company now.  

There are still 2 places left in Margo's Floral Fantasy Necklace class that meets starting this Monday 2/25.   If you want to take this class contact us ASAP.  Click here for more details.  

WIRE MEET-UP - FREE - Every Tuesday 1-3 PM  

Classes Coming Soon 

Wendy's new Kumihimo Beaded Diamond Spiral 

Margo's Floral Fantasy on Saturdays

Free Wire - Julia's Drop Everything and Twist - TBA

New Products

Swarovski Large Teardrop Pendants (seen in Hollywood Sparkle)

10 and 12 mm Swarovski Margaritas (sparkling flower beads)

New Super-Duo and Twin Bead Colors

New Rivoli Colors:  Rose Starlight and Crystal Brandy 

New Swarovski Bicone colors: Crystal Astral Pink, Blue Zircon, Garnet 2AB, Erinite, Fern

Fully Stocked Peacock Daggers and Spikes in 3 sizes

New Books on RAW (Lark), Peyote (Interweave), 

and French Beaded Flowers

Old Favorites Back in Stock

On The Way - Just Shipped

Rizo's and Rulla Beads in all available colors

*******Remember  Monday night we are open til 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Color Piques

Sneak Peek!

Many customers ask me how I pick colors.  It is not something that comes from my head, in any conscious way.  It is just something that happens.  Something that percolates up from inside me.  Probably like music does for those so inclined (which I am not).  Yes, color theory can be learned.  But I am always  bored by those discussions.  At this point I don't think it terms of saturation, value, or other color terms.  I just know what I like.  My color choices on any day reflect my mood - excitement, rebellion, serenity.  Sometimes they are born from a memory - snorkeling in a tropical sea or hiking on a sunny autumn day.  

My "color-seeking" can come as a spark, a restless itch, a subtle stirring, or even an almost painful surge that must burst through.  Sometimes I feel overwhelming inspiration from a stone, a bead, a picture or a product that hangs on the wall in my shop.  Lately,  it has been Swarovski's Medium Vitrail.  Seen in the pendant above.  This is a sneak peek from my Hollywood Sparkle Necklace, which is nearly finished.

In the pendant I see several greens and blues and then a strong contrast, fuchsia. There is even a little orangey topaz.   I love the excitement of bold contrast and often choose to play this up and emphasize it.   In the past I have olivine and fuchsia with medium vitrail - all by Swarovski.  But the day I chose colors for this piece I was feeling rebellious and sassy.  I wanted to put together colors that many people ordinarily would not. I wanted  colors that are not supposed to go together.   I kept my fuchsia contrast. Teal and fuchsia are often put together as jewel tones.  Fuchsia and other greens such as olivine are also seen together.   But teal and olivine are not generally seen together.  Could I put them together?  I look at it this way:  Since several greens and blues are in that one piece of glass they must "go together" because they are together.  I chose a yellow green (see the upper left of the teardrop) and a teal (see the lower left of the teardrop).  I decided to forgo the topaz to avoid a rainbow.  I love the final effect.  I am sure I am not the first person to ever mix these colors.  But it is unusual and I feel sufficiently sassy.  In my rope I went a step further.  But I'll keep you in suspense and reveal that another day.

If you like these colors together then think about these crystal colors by Swarovski:  fuchsia, emerald glacier blue, olivine, green sphinx, fuchsia purple haze and of course, medium vitrail.  They are all hanging on display in the shop.  Poppyfield seed bead colors that work with this color scheme and the above crystal colors are:  459H, 468, D4217 and 638A.  They are on display at the counter. So stop in and mix up a batch of sass for yourself.  

Press Release!!!!

Today, I am interviewed on the international bead blog here...

www.beads-perles.blogspot.com

WIRE UPDATE

We've had some really fun FREE wire events around Valentine's Day.  All the classes "sold out" within a few days and we just had a blast.  Sylvia's wire meet-ups on Tuesdays have been growing.  More types of project ideas are brought to the studio, so I've decided to expand our wire products to give "twisters" more options.  We will soon be carrying German half-hard wire, as well as twisted wire.  When we've got it in stock I will let you know via this blog, Facebook, and Twitter.  Til then... come take advantage of the free wire expertise we offer.  Wire Meet-Up is every Tuesday 1-3 PM in our lovely Studio Poppy.  It is friendly and free. Bring your tools, or buy what you need with us.

NEW CLASS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

Peyote Premiere by June Malone

Many of you have asked for a peyote beginner class. It is finally here.  June Malone, our resident peyote master, will be teaching a pendant/ earring class, Peyote Premiere. This class is for beginners and anyone who wants to get back to basics with their flat peyote skills - odd count, even count, reading a pattern, and decreasing. The class meets on Saturday, April 6th.  Click here to go to the classes page for more information.

Margo's Floral Fantasy class has only 2 places left.  If you are thinking about this one, don't delay.  See pics and details on the classes page.

Remember Monday Night is Late Night....We are open until 8 PM

Hope to see you soon!

Wrap Around My Heart

Wrap Around My Heart

This Saturday's Free Wire class is now open for registration.  The Wrap Around My Heart necklace is a free-form heart pendant embellished with tiny Swarovski crystals.  The piece resembles wrought iron, but is gunmetal enameled copper wire - soft and easy to work with. First, make the heart your heart desires.   Then,  learn to wrap crystals to the heavy gauge heart, using fine gauge wire.  The kit is $19.50 and includes 18" of oxidized brass chain, 3 gauges of wire, Swarovski crystals, 2 fresh water pearls, and jump rings.   This is an all-levels class that meets from 10-noon (door opens for participants at 9:45).    I am limiting the class to 10 people.    Purchase of the kit reserves your seat.  You can call with a credit card or come by the shop and see the necklace for yourself.  

Margo's Floral Fantasy Necklace

There are still a few places left in Margo's Floral Fantasy Necklace class. This fabulous sculptural design is on display at Poppyfield.   It's an intermediate to advanced level project that meets 2/25, 3/4, and 3/11 6-9 PM.  More details are on the classes page on this blog.

NEW POPPY PRODUCTS

• 17 mm Swarovski Heart pendants for sale in 3 colors:  Astral Pink, Crystal Golden Shadow, and Crystal Red Magma.  
•  76 colors of Super Duo Twins and 58 colors of Preciosa Twins.  All tubed up and hanging on our display for your shopping pleasure.  Wondering what to do with them?  Ask us about the Magic Carpet bracelet instructions. Or click on the Etsy badge under "BUY NOW" on the right of this blog.  
• 12 mm Swarovski Margaritas (crystal flowers with a center hole)
• Azurite-Malachite stone beads (30 x 20) - really pretty and in limited supply

Coming Soon...

• Wendy's Dancing Diamonds Beaded Kumihimo Necklace Class
• Julia's Hollywood Sparkle Necklace
• Another round of Not Grandma's Cameo (it was just sooo popular)

Ongoing...

Wirework Meet-up with Sylvia Abeyta

Tuesdays 1-3 PM in Studio Poppy

Open Studio Time (FREE) for your beading pleasure 

**Remember - Monday night is late night - We are open til 8:00**

Hope to see you soon!

Precious Hearts

Free Wire Class -  Saturday, January 26th 10 AM -12 noon

Precious Heart Earrings by Julia L. Hecht

Join me for a special opportunity in wirework.  This Saturday, I will share my Precious Hearts Earring design and demonstrate the techniques needed to make these lovely sparkling vintage inspired earrings.  The focal dangles are 18 mm heart pendants from Swarovski - they are absolutely gorgeous.  Their size is perfectly balanced with two clusters of crystal dangles.  You will learn how to create a strong connection for the hearts using my twist and wrap technique.  Plus, there is plenty of opportunity to practice and perfect your wrapped loops.  The class is appropriate for all levels.  The kit is $26, and is available in three color ways:  Tango (shown here), Golden (golden hearts with various golds and reds ), and Valentine (red hearts with reds and pinks).  There are only 8 kits available so don't delay.  Call with a credit card or come by. We open on Monday at 2 PM. 
(More kits will become available in the future when the Precious Heart crystals are available again.)

 Seed Bead Classes

Not Grandma's Cameo still has a few places available for Mondays 1/28 and 2/4 6:00- 9:00 PM.  This beautiful netted collar class is back by popular demand.  I taught this in 2009 and probably won't be teaching it again.  So, if you're interested, sign up while you still have the chance.  

Coming Soon

Floral Fantasy Class by Margo (Uses crystal margaritas - yummy!)

Hollywood Sparkle Class by Julia  (A sparkling neckpiece you could wear to the Oscars)

Twin Beads - We've got 'em in every color.  This week we will be tubing them and getting them out on display.  They will be sold in 5" 20 gram tubes.  They are cute, affordable, and offer plenty of design opportunities.  We still have our fabulous Super-Duo precision twins and will continue to carry both in every color. 

Crime Scene Update...

Many of you remember that when we opened on 3/20/11 only a small portion of the store was ready for shopping.  We had a large section across from the studio that was replete with wonderful Czech glass strands, but hanging in a disorganized mess.  I referred to it as "the crime scene" as in "Do Not Enter".  Eventually I opened the crime scene for business as I worked to clean it up, and shrink it.  On Monday, Wendy, June and I roll up our sleeves to attack what remains in earnest.  We 3 will spend the entire day reorganizing the back end of the store.  We will be bringing out  fire polish, druks and Czech pressed glass that we've had sequestered and hidden away.  Come visit and see what's happening and what new products we bring out.  Poppyfield will be open from 2-8 PM, as usual and at your service to help you with all your beading needs.  

Tuesday Wire Meet-Up with Sylvia Abeyta

 Come join us for an informal wirework session every Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00.  Sylvia is a retired teacher and is great at explaining techniques and helping troubleshoot.  Come with your own ideas or see what's on Sylvia's creative agenda.  All levels.  FREE.  

Remember Monday is late night at Poppyfield.  We are open til 8:00 PM.  So stop by after work or after dinner and browse our great selection of beads, fiber, and metal at your leisure.  

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Spread The Love

Not Grandma's Cameo by Julia Hecht

Greetings Beady Friends!  We have some wonderful events coming up to warm your heart during our winter freeze.  In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I am teaching a romantic Victorian netted collar called Not Grandma's Cameo.  It is pictured above and uses a stone bead for the focal piece.  I will be teaching how to bezel and embellish a stone with a drilled hole through the center.  This technique is different from the rivoli bezel that Laura McCabe pioneered during the last decade. Like Laura's method, it is also a peyote technique, but in many ways it is simpler because it utilizes the the hole, something you cannot do with a rivoli.  The netting is lovely and creates a beautiful curve that is comfortable and easy to wear.  It is appropriate for almost all levels.  Advanced beginners, with just a minimum of stitching experience will be fine.  If you've never stitched seed beads, but want to take this class, please get in touch with me so we can determine if you are ready for this class. 

Not Grandma's Cameo with Julia:  2 Mondays 1/28 and 2/4 6-9 PM $55 

See the Classes page for more details.  Call with a credit card or come by to purchase a seat in this class.

For those of you who want to learn the rivoli bezeling technique, stay tuned.  I am working on a wonderful crystal creation with a Swarovski product that we just got in.    Stop by and visit me in the studio to see it in progress.  When it is completed, I will schedule it and post here and on Facebook.  Which reminds me...Please like Poppyfield Bead Company on Facebook and follow PoppyfieldBeads on twitter to get the latest news.  

FREE WIRE CLASSES - SAVE THE DATES

Saturday January 26th 10-noon  and Saturday February 9th 10-noon

These will be beginner level projects using the basic set of tools (chain nose, round nose, and nylon jaw pliers, and flush cutters).  Designs are in the works and will be posted here (as well as Facebook and twitter) along with information about how to sign up and save your seat.  Don't miss out on these great opportunities.  It is my way to "spread the love of wirework".  

NEW POPPYFIELD PRODUCTS

Beautiful new Kumihimo end caps and bails 

Czech glass buttons

New Rivoli color - Crystal Brandy

New 6 mm Fire Polish Beads

New Bicone Colors:  Deep Tanzanite and Indicolite

New Glass Focal Pendants - $6

New Seed Bead Colors - size 11's in opaque blues and greens (available in 15's by request)

The New Bead and Button and Beadwork Magazines - get 'em while they last

Tuesday Wire Meet-Up with Sylvia Abeyta

 Come join us for an informal wirework session every Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00.  Sylvia is a retired teacher and is great at explaining techniques and helping troubleshoot.  Come with your own ideas or see what's on Sylvia's creative agenda.  All levels.  FREE.  

Remember Monday is late night at Poppyfield.  We are open til 8:00 PM.  So stop by after work or after dinner and browse our great selection of beads, fiber, and metal at your leisure.  

The Gift of Sharing

Christmas Delight Charm Bracelet

Many people ask me about my career shift, from physician to bead shop owner.  They wonder about why and also comment, "It must be so different".  It is different in many ways. But in some ways, the rewards are surprisingly similar.  It comes down to the gift of sharing of myself.  One of the things that compelled me towards a career in medicine was a desire to use myself to "help" others to heal.  That is how I thought of the medical field.  

Today, through the twists and turns my life has taken me, what I've learned, is that "healing" and "help" come in many forms.  During the most challenging time in my life, when I was recovering from a most debilitating illness, I discovered beads.   When I put together my first pair of earrings, I was filled with  a childlike delight of wonder and possibility. With it came a message and warm glow that infused my body.  The message was: I have created something beautiful.  The warmth was a healing energy that has followed me ever since.  It was my own healing...a path I choose daily.  

My own healing has been less straightforward than the kind they teach in medical school.  I have had to seek out and experiment with what allows that healing energy in, and what blocks it.  It turns out that you, my dear customers, are part of my medicine.  Passing on what I've learned so that YOU can create beauty, heals me.  During my free wire events I see your eyes full of that same wonder and delight as you create something new and beautiful.  I know I am passing on a skill that you can use over and over again to create something from your own being and manifest it as an object of beauty.  Many of you create gifts for others.  In some way, I am in that gift.  And not only me, but my own teachers, and everyone who has helped and supported me to allow the event to come to pass.  

We do charge for patterns and classes here at Poppyfield.  We wouldn't be here if we did not.  But I LOVE my occasional free wire classes, because it comes as a gift from my heart.  Of course the materials are not free...and they aren't free for me, just as my rent and heat, hooks, are not.  So when you are drawn to Poppyfield for any reason and patronize my shop, you keep it alive and nourish it.  That in turns allows me to be here for you... and then you come here and I am nourished.  And so it goes.  

Join me on December 15th for my last FREE WIRE EVENT of 2012...The Christmas Delight Charm Bracelet.  Click here for details about the kit.  

Holiday Lights

Holiday Lights Earrings by Julia Hecht

Who doesn't love the holiday lights that decorate the neighborhood this time of year?  They inspire my new design for Saturday's FREE WIRE CLASS.  This class will focus on wrapped loops for top drilled drops.  The technique builds on the basic wrapped loop which we covered during the last class.  It is helpful if you already know how to do a wrapped loop.  But all levels are welcome, including brand new beginners.  There will be a kit for all the metal components seen here:  sprockets, chain, jump rings,  brass wire and French earring wires.  The kit is $12, AND you get a $5 gift certificate with your kit that you can use towards anything in the store.  You buy your beads separately so that you can design your own color way.  You can even put together your own metal kit by choosing items a la carte.  I've got lots of filigrees, chain, and other components in other metals.   So don't feel confined to what I've used here.  Class is from 10:00-noon.  First come first served.  If you want a kit please call to purchase in advance, so we can get it made up for you.  If you a buy a kit, you are guaranteed a spot.  Click here for list of tools you will need.  The last free class was a great success.  (There are still a couple of kits left that can be purchased).  We had a lot of fun and everyone left happy.  Don't miss out this week! 

Other holiday items are now in stock.  We have metal and glass charms in Santas, snowmen, wreaths, trees, and more.  These are silver-plated with hand enameling. Some, like the tree have Swarovski elements.  Use them for a charm bracelet, earrings, or wear as a single pendant.  Mix with our other holiday charms.  

Spike Revival

I have a great supply of baby spikes these days...and we are busy getting them out on display.  The old favorites like Magic Blueberry and Cranberry Agate AB are back. Plus there are some GORGEOUS new ones like teal vitrail, turquoise, bronze iris, and more!!  Larger spike beads are still in stock as well.  Come Czech us out!

New 15/0 Czech Charlotte Colors

We 've now got an Apollo finish and a purple iris in the tiniest beads.  We are also carrying real gold, copper, nickel, and some metallic "look alikes".  

For All Your Holiday Needs:  

Think Poppyfield for gifts to make or buy!

OH, and please do check my previous post for some important information I've wanted to share with you.  

Hope to see you soon!

Making the Most of Scarce Cash

An Insider's Perspective...


I have a friend who always leaves unreasonably large tips at restaurants.  Why?  Because once upon a time, she was a waitress herself.  She knows how hard that job is, and how much those tips mean.  She has an insider’s perspective.  This year, as the holidays approach, I am appealing to you, with my insider’s perspective as a shopkeeper.   Please consider pledging to spend all your holiday dollars here, in our state of New Mexico.

Before I had the Poppyfield Bead Company I never thought about these things. Sure, I had heard, “buy local”  but I figured other more community-conscious people could do that.  I wanted speed, convenience, and the bargain.  In truth, I didn’t really understand the issue. I didn’t realize that when I spend money in town, that money does not just go to the pocket of that particular store owner.  That money moves. It circulates and magnifies and does a lot of good for a lot of New Mexicans.  

Let me explain how it works.  The money that is spent at Poppyfield Bead Company does not stay at Poppyfield.  First, about half of it goes back to my suppliers to buy more merchandise so the store can stay stocked. Sometimes, more goes out, as we grow and expand our inventory.  What happens to the rest of it is what is so essential to our community.  Your money goes to pay wages to my employees, who are your neighbors.  They live here and will spend their earnings here, which will support other businesses in our community.  They also care about YOU. They know YOUR NAME and want to help YOU leave satisfied and  make beautiful things.  But that’s off the point, and not about the local economy.  It is another issue for another day. I digress.

  

My landlord lives down the street from the store.  I pay my rent to him, and he in turn, spends the money in Albuquerque for his family’s needs.  I also pay Mike the Printer, and Randy who washes my windows.  These men work hard to make a living, and your “bead money” supports them and their honest work.  Dave the electrician  does my lighting, and repairs.  When my lightbulbs blow, I go to Voss Lighting, another local business to replace them.  When I need computer cables, of course I go next door to Hallmark.  The hooks, bags, and other plastic retail needs come from ManICan on Comanche.  Adrian is my handyman and I will soon be giving him some of your “bead money” as we enhance our displays.  He has 2 children and so your bead money will go to meeting their needs.  My ads are in Albuquerque Arts and IQ, two local publications that also benefit from my business.  Even when I spend profits, for example, to buy my professional wardrobe, the saleswoman - a very nice lady who has been on her feet all day and is still smiling, will get a commission.  The store where I shop and the tailor who hems my pants, will also benefit.  So does the nice young woman who cuts my hair.  Do you see now?   When you shop locally you are supporting all these people in your own community. They in turn survive and hopefully thrive, and pass on that money (your money) to others HERE in New Mexico...and so on, and so on, and so on.  

Now suppose you shop on the internet for your holiday gifts instead of a local shop...

If the business is out of state (which it is), your precious and scarce cash is going far away, and NEVER EVER coming back. When that business needs their windows cleaned (if they even have any windows), they aren’t paying Randy, or anyone else in New Mexico. Nor are they supporting your neighbors the printer, handyman, tailor, electrician, landlord, retail clothing store owner, or hair stylist. When any of us buy on the internet, we are actually taking our money out of our New Mexico economy and giving it to people who will use it to support THEIR local economy.   Something we, in New Mexico, cannot afford to do.  

Is the internet evil? Should you feel guilty?  Should you never shop on the internet?  NO, I am not suggesting any of those things.  I am simply asking you to think about where you are spending your money.  You worked hard for it.  There isn’t much of it these days.  If you have a choice,  please choose to help our state, and your neighbors.  Buy local, even if it isn’t the easiest or cheapest alternative.  

If we are not for New Mexico, who will be for us??

Kits and Colorways

Kits in 3 color-ways are now available for purchase for "A Little Romance" Chandelier Earrings Free Wire Class, this Saturday 11/17 at 10 AM - noon.  Click on the Free Wire Classes page in the header above to see more pics and get all the details about what's included in the kits and what tools you will need.  Call the store to buy your kit in advance.  I have room for 16 participants, and all are welcome on a first-come-first-served basis.  However, purchasing a kit in advance will guarantee you a space.  I will have kits available on the morning of the class.  And you may come as early as 9:30 AM.  (Please note: The store will not open for general shopping until noon.  We will focus on wrapped loops and incorporating chain into your designs.  With these skills and all the gorgeous beads out there... THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!  You will be able to give hand-made gifts galore this season. 

Hope to see you  Saturday!

Catching Up

Greetings Beady Friends.... It has been a while since my last post and even longer since my last email to my customers.  Thanks to those who were concerned about me. I have been fine but overly busy.  Wendy and I have been training June, our newest addition to the Poppyfield team.  Now that June is working independently I can get back to blogging and emailing to keep you all up to date about what's new at the shop.  

Margo's Rivoli Roundel

Right now we have a bunch of new learning opportunities.  Just up ahead is Margo's new Rivoli Roundels Necklace.  It is beautiful and unique and uses 3 rivolis that are just gorgeously embellished.  As I mentioned in the email, I had been blocked from sending the large customer emails - there are just so many of you now (YAY!!).  Although we did a little target email to Margo's past students, some of you may have been left out.  I apologize.  I am HAPPY to report that there are still available places in the class.  It is coming up soon... 3 Mondays:  Nov 12, 19, 26 6-9 PM $75.  It isn't too late... Call the shop or come by ASAP to register.  

Free Wire Classes 

A Little Romance

Just in time for you to make your holiday gifts.  Saturday, Nov 17th 10 AM - noon, I will be teaching A Little Romance - Chandelier Earrings.  This class is free, and I will have kits available for purchase.  Stay tuned for kit colors and prices.  

Saturday, December 1st 10 AM - noon another free wire class is planned.  So save the date!  I will be unveiling the design soon.  Stay tuned.  

Painted Roses

From Vintage to Modern -  COLORING METAL

Vintage brass does not mean dull and boring.  Vintaj Patina Pigments make it possible to permanently color oxidized brass.  No messy or toxic chemicals needed.  It is a simple as painting!  I have worked out a simple 3 step technique for creating these beautiful PAINTED ROSES.  We will have our first metal painting class on Saturday, December 1st  from  3-5 PM.  I will provide all materials and walk you through the process.  Everyone painted as a kid.  Bring that spirit back in this FUN class.  You will be able to complete a rose pendant in the class.  Class size will be limited to 6 students.  Don't miss out.  $40 including materials.  

Make your own gifts with our new findings (seen here)

Poppy Gallery

We are expanding our finished-work gallery for the gift giving season.  We now have silk scarves from local artist Bishop at Brave and Crazy Designs.  If you like extra sparkle, check out our crystal jewelry from Desert Gems, imported from Israel.  New felt bags from Nepal will be here soon.  We will continue to expand throughout the holiday season. Come and see how we blossom.  All finished work is returnable.  

Reaching Out

Now we are back on track with the emails.  I am working with a marketing company that offers mass emailing.  I am crafting the appearance and text of each email.  Please do let me know if you like them or want other info included.  The emails are my way to reach out to you, so help me to do it in a way that works for you.  

Customer Kudos - How Exciting

Jessica Dowell won a Gold Medal for Fire Mountain Gems seed bead jewelry contest in 2011.  Check out the back cover of the current issue of Beadwork to see her fabulous work of art.  

Bonnie Vigil has a design in the gallery section of Jill Wiseman's book on Beaded Ropes from Lark Books. We have this book in stock  - and it looks chock full of designs you'll want to try.  

Two of my own designs have been chosen for Bead and Button Magazine this summer. 

Let me know if you have work published and I'll post it here and brag for you.   

Hope To See You Soon

Peace and Beads 

Julia

Milestones

Sue's Luz del Alma Pendants

Since my last post, we've had a few milestones here at Poppyfield Bead Co.  Yesterday I completed my first ever 9 hour class, the Luz del Alma or Light of the Soul Necklace.  I know I spent more time creating the instructions, than I did beading the necklace.  It is 9 pages and 43 diagrams / photos.  I will be sending off the work to Bead and Button, and we'll see if they want to publish it.  I am very proud of the unique bezel and use of spikes to create a radiant frame for the 27 mm Swarovski rivoli.  Even if it never makes it into a magazine, I am thoroughly happy with it.  Again, I was amazed by the creative color combinations that my customers put together.  Sue Weix made 3 of the focal pendants between weeks 2 and 3.  Look how beautiful!  Instructions will be available for sale sometime next month.  Call, come by or email.  Another session is beginning this month on Oct 22nd. It will meet three consecutive Saturdays from 1-4 PM.

Wendy's Blooming Braid Rope with my Flower Power Medallion

Wendy taught her first bead classes this month.  First, an Introduction to Kumihimo, and then her mystifying pattern:  Blooming Braids - the beaded kumihimo rope with beaded flowers braided right into the rope.  Blooming braids was so popular that we are having another class on Saturday, November 3rd from 1-4 PM ($35).  If you are interested in this class, please get some beaded kumihimo skills, beforehand.    You can purchase a kumi book, or my Kumi Bangles Bracelet instructions for some beaded rope practice.  

Our new sales assistant, June Malone, has started working.  She  is busy meeting customers and learning the ropes of running the store.  Come on in and say hi to June.  She is a fabulous bead artist (who loves working with delicas).  You can look forward to some new classes with June, as soon as she settles in.  

New Poppy Products

Speaking of delicas - we have a big shipment of size 10 delicas arriving this week.  We've got other new products including silver plated kumihimo bails in a number of sizes, lentil beads, new books, and silk ribbons in beautiful bright colors.  I have a growing selection of Miyuki galvanized duracoat beads in size 11's and 15's.  They are just gorgeous.  Margo saw them on one of her teaching trips and recommended them. I also have Miyuki project kits for sale. They are very affordable and include instructions in English and all beads and supplies needed.  

Instructions for the Flower Power Medallion are available for $12 ($10 for PDF version).  Call, come by or email for this super duo and pearl creation.

Upcoming Events and Classes

Albuquerque Wire Twisters - Wirework meet-up -  Tues, 10/9 1-3 PM, Free and open to all

Sylvia Abeyta is organizing a new group for those interested in learning or improving their wirework, or just "twisting" in friendly company.   Brand new beginners welcome.  

Magic Carpet Bracelet - Tues 10/16 6-9 PM, $35

Luz del Alma Necklace - Saturdays: 10/22, 10/29, 11/5 1-4 PM, $75

Blooming Braids - Saturday 11/ 3, 1-4 PM, $35

 Do you have jewelry you no longer want?  Broken jewelry?  

Many of you know that I was a pediatrician for many years here in New Mexico.  I worked with the most vulnerable children and families and I saw tremendous need in our community.  Pegasus Legal Services, legal advocates for New Mexico's children is asking for jewelry donations for their fundraising.  This is a non-profit organization that does important work protecting the civil rights of New Mexico's vulnerable children.  

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

Hope to See You Soon.  Til then... Peace and Beads