Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Road to Tucson 2011


Every year's show season for me begins in early February when I trek to Tucson for a week of beads, beads, friends and beads.  

Before I tell you about exhibiting at the Best Bead show, I wanted to let everyone know that I have been extremely busy and thus the reason I've neglected this blog for so long. You've heard these comments before about "being extremely busy" but it's true. 

There are only so many hours in the day to be creative and I use every ounce of it between all the things I do.  The other fact is that I've been more active on Facebook.  Most of the information is duplicated between the blog and my Facebook updates, so here is where I invite you over there to join meI will be updating the blog sporadically when there is an upcoming show but for the most part will be devoting more time updating my Facebook page.

I took 2010 off from exhibiting in Tucson, more because my show was canceled and I decided it was time to be on the other side of the booth. So I went visiting friends and just had fun.  I missed exhibiting in Tucson but had a longer break without having to prep for the big show over the holidays.  So, when my friend Kim Fox (Handfast) asked me if I wanted to share her booth at Best Bead, who am I to say "no".  Actually I knew I wasn't going to be in Tucson and offered Kim my help for a few days.  This ended being a win-win for both of us.  Kim is going to be exhibiting at the AGTA show for the first time so I will be representing her work at Best Bead.  The Best Bead show is the show all glass artists want to exhibit in and so I feel fortunate for this opportunity.

I'm going to cut this entry short and get to the show details next since I still have to pack and load the car. It'll be a long but wonderful drive to Tucson and I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends there.  

The show location:
 Kino Veterans Memorial
Community Center
2805 E Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713-6217
(Intersection of E. Ajo Way & Forgeus Ave./
Across from University Physicians Hospital)


Showroom
Hours:
Wed:10AM-8PM
Thu: 10AM-6PM
Fri:  10AM-6PM
Sat: 10AM-6PM
Sun: 10AM-5PM
FREE SHUTTLE To/From
Gem Mall-
Wed: 10:00-6:30
Holidome-
Thurs-Sat: 10-6
Sun: 10-5

 
BOOTH Main Hall "Gym" #413.  The booth is a corner location near the Softflex Company.  So come for a visit and see what I've been up to.

For more information and a listing of the exhibitors, visit the  Best Bead Show website.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Tucson.
~ Lisa

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Bead Fest Texas, Arlington Free Pass! Oct 1st to 3rd, 2010


I am headed to Dallas/Arlington, Texas immediately after just returning back from the Softflex Hawaii show.  It was an excellent time in Oahu even though I did catch a cold and was bitten by mosquitoes going hiking in the late afternoon.

It's time to go to the South to visit all my beady friends. Even though it is a bit hectic having back to back shows, I just couldn't miss the first ever Bead Fest show in Texas after hoping that the show would eventually make it there for a few years.

So if you are in the area or already thinking of attending the show, come as my guest for FREE.

SAVE MONEY!! to spend at the show.

Show Location:

Arlington Convention Center
1200 Ballpark Way
Arlington, TX 76011

Bazaar Hours:

Friday October 1st: 10 AM - 6 PM
Saturday October 2nd: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday October 3rd: 11 AM - 5 PM

Admission at the door (cash only) or come FREE on ME!

1 day pass - $12
2 day pass - $14
3 day pass - $16

For more information visit Bead Fest or click this link to view the exhibitors list

You will find me at Booth #201, right when you enter the exhibit hall.  See above for the blue box that will mark your first stop.

I'll see everyone in Arlington, October 1st-3rd, 2010.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Writing for Bead Publications


There are many bloggers that are very good about writing almost daily...

Well this "blogger" is a real life working artist who has many shows and projects to prepare for.

Not that I don't enjoy writing here.

I do...

Sometimes words don't come out as easy as you may think.

You may think....

Hey, Lisa wrote a book.

Why can't she write more on this blog so I'll know what she is up to?

Well....

So today I was thinking a little about writing on the blog, my long list of "to do's" and coming up with a topic for an upcoming Softflex Company bead article I am to write.

Then...

I came across my article from 2009 and thought I'll buy some time (I mean ...I thought I would share it here with you all) my thoughts on getting published in bead magazines...

So it's not too quiet on this blog.

Here goes...

Enjoy the read and I promise I will write more on this blog later.

I have two shows coming up back to back (more details on this later) so guess what?

Yes, I'm going to the studio after I post this...because "I am buying some time..." :o)


**********
(previously written for and published by Softflex Company December 2009)


Writing for Bead Publications
Written by: Lisa Kan 
 
Do you have ideas to share with the bead community and want to see your designs in print? Perhaps it is the fear of the "R" word that keeps you from taking the first step or jumping that last hurdle. The "R" word, you ask is what we all fear and it is quite normal to have these feelings. It's "REJECTION" in capital letters. Capital letters because it strikes our egos and beats down our spirits. As it is said "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going". And to tell you the truth, rejection happens to all writers and designers, we just don't talk about it much. 

Rejection is GOOD for us because it makes us persevere and become better artists. There is always room for improvement. Challenges allow us to grow internally and externally. And there is always more to learn, to write, to design, to create, etc... as the journey is never ending, so never give up. Positive or negative critique, we should all aim to please the most important person, ourselves. So, I am here to cheer you on and give you some tips on how to submit your first article to a prospective bead magazine.

I submitted my first article in Fall 2005. Reflecting now as I write this article, I can't think of a better way to share with the beading community and creating a "voice" for my work than through writing. Since I don't have time to teach in a classroom setting, I have focused my efforts in the last four years to sharing my work and techniques through publication.

You must be willing to “let go” of your design when you submit and get accepted for publication. If you thought the hardest part was taking that first step? Letting go may be the second hardest in the submission journey. I encourage you forward as it’s amazing what can happen with just one article and how one can grow as a designer by letting go. I do warn you in advance that once your design is published it is now “out there”. Even with the advent of copyright laws there is little one can do to stop someone else from copying you. If you have problems seeing others recreate your designs or making it their own, then stop reading here, writing for publication may not be for you.

As I've written in a past Soft Flex® article and to quote the painter James McNeil Whistler again:

"An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision". 

Your rewards are not always tangible. You are the visionary, be original in your design approach and in the utmost, be true to yourself to create unique works... so let us now begin this journey:

Researching
The focus of this article is on writing how-tos for bead publications but you can modify any of the suggestions to your respective subject. First, gather the magazines that you subscribe to and read on a regular basis. Sort them so that you have the most recent magazines for reference. In the bead magazines, look at the types and complexity of the projects. Go over the layout and familiarize yourself with what will be expected should you pitch a project and be accepted for an assignment. Be cognizant of the page limitations you'll have as magazine articles want to be concise and most projects are between 2-4 pages with diagrams.

Most magazines now have their submission guidelines available on the Internet. Visit the respective magazine's website and search for their submission guidelines. As a last resort contact them for the submission information if all avenues have failed. You don't want to appear as though you have not done your research if all this information is readily available online. Go over the submission guidelines to see what is expected of you once your project idea is accepted. Many times, the editors like to be queried with a photo of the finish project first to determine how the project may fit in future issues. The editorial team also would like to see if the project is something they have published in the past or have already accepted.

Taking the Photos
Taking good photos are by far one of the biggest challenges in project submission. If you are writing a step by step with photos, make sure you are taking photos in a neutral background. I like to use gray gradient screens and daylight specified lighting (6500K) like Ottlites. A camera with a macro setting is a must if you are taking close-ups. A tripod can keep the camera steady and images sharp. As the photos will most likely be the same photos used for the article, they need to be crisp. I like to take at least 3-4 photos of the same step and then select the best when I write the instructions. Most of the time, you only need to snap photos of the finished design when submitting a prospective project for consideration.

The sample photos give the editors a sense of your design style as well as the complexity of the design. For magazine how-tos less is generally more. You'll need to consider the wear ability of your design and how easily assessable the materials can be found.

Duplicating your Submissions
It is generally not good practice to send an identical design query to multiple magazines at the same time. Magazine editors generally frown upon a duplicated design and if more than one magazine editor likes your submission, then what will you do? Wait until you get a response before submitting the identical design to another magazine.

If you do this, you may end up on the black list of designers. Each publication has a list of authors that they will not work with. You don't want to be on that list. Also each publication has a list of designers they use regularly and call with ideas. Your goal is to get on this particular list of regular contributors if you want to write for publication regularly.

Introductory Cover Letter or Email
Dependent on the publication, you may be sending your query via email or snail mail. Make sure you introduce the project in your cover letter to describe its inspiration or maybe how you came to select the components used for the project. A good story behind your design will make it more inspiring for the readers to recreate. If your design employs a unique technique this may also increase your chances of acceptance.

In this cover letter, you'll also want to note how soon you can write up the instructions or if they are already completed. Sometimes after getting an assignment, you may have as little as two weeks for the final package to reach the publisher. Can you do it in such a tight time constraint?

It also takes some time for editors to review submission requests so if you don't hear anything immediately, it is not necessarily a rejection. Wait a month and follow-up with an email to inquire on the status. After a certain time lapse, I say about two months, if you haven't heard anything it's time to move forward to the next magazine.

The Acceptance and Contract
Once your project is accepted, the publication will let you know the deadline to have the finished piece and instructions delivered to their offices. Read the contract carefully as signing any legal document becomes binding. Generally, the fees for the project are documented for use and for non-use. Sometimes, the contract also specifies details for reprinting the project in electronic media, etc. Once you sign the contract you have made a commitment to meet all the terms outlined. Impress the editors and get your package in before their deadline.

Writing the Instructions
Familiarize yourself with the industry terminology and the respective magazine(s) you hope to write for. Write instructions in more detail then necessary assuming your reader is a beginner. Every step it takes to get from point A to B then C, etc should be documented. The technical editor will trim your instructions to suit the page layout and their audience. While designing your piece, take copious notes, which will help also during the editing stage.

Re-read and go over your instructions before finalizing them. There are many ways to get from point A to point B, so try to use the most concise for the industry. I tend to go over my instructions 3-4 times before I consider them done. Some designers may also have their friends test bead their project. If time permits, exhaust all avenues. But, remember you are ultimately responsible for the content of your article so take suggestions openly. There are many ways to achieve the same results in beading and your way may just be the unique aspect the editors liked. For me, most of my designs are created especially for magazine publications and I generally bead multiple samples to avoid time delays in test beading. You'd be surprise how a second sample can improve your instructions.

Most publications will email you their edited version of your instructions to ensure that the integrity of the article is maintained. If this is a step that is important to you, ask before accepting the assignment. You don't want to lose your creative license by allowing any publication to change your article drastically. It is possible that instructions can change after editing that it becomes no longer "YOUR" design.

Diagrams
Once your project has been accepted, if you are writing a how to for a seed beaded project, most likely you will need to document the steps with diagrams. I am very old school when it comes to diagrams, I hand draw every step on graph paper. I usually draw out more steps than I think will appear in the magazine leaving it to the graphic editor to decide what is necessary or not necessary. In this case, more is better than less. Not everyone understands beadwork the same and there is a big possibility that the editor is not familiar with your technique.

After drawing out the diagrams, I also scan the drawings for my personal portfolio. This also helps in the editing stages when the graphic editor has translated your drawings into computer graphics and you want to refer to the original for consistency. It is always a good idea to have a hardcopy and an electronic copy for your final package to the publication as well as for yourself.

Putting it Together
The submission package is an extension of you so make it as professional as possible. I see any submission as a presentation of me. First I get some folders with sleeves from the office supply store. The ones I usually get have slots for a business card and two pockets for papers.

I compose a cover letter to the editor covering the details of the package and a short paragraph on the inspiration behind the design. In another sheet, I compose "about the author" and provide contact information. I place the cover letter and the "about the author" sheet on the left pocket of the binder. Then I tape down (so that it doesn't accidentally slide out in transport) my business card in its slot. The detailed instructions composed in Word, a sample photo of the finished project on top and the diagrams behind, are stapled together. A CD with all the same information is protected in a CD sleeve and placed in the right pocket of the binder.

The finished project also needs to be sent with the instructions and I place the sample(s) carefully in jewelry boxes and secure with tissue/bubble wrap. When mailing, I insure the package and document the tracking number. When the publication receives your package, you will know that it arrived safely.
Then it's just a matter of waiting for the specified issue to be published to see yourself in print.

***************

The above are just high level notes and suggestions for getting published. As you write more, you will develop your own ways of presenting your work. Writing will become much easier with subsequent submissions. In writing, it is inevitable along the journey that there is rejection. Just remember, rejection allows us to improve and persistence allows us to grow. By sharing ourselves with the bead community, through writing or teaching, we give back to the art of craft and the craft of art will continue to reward us.

Bead Creatively,
Lisa Kan

Friday, August 13, 2010

Bead Fest Philly Free Pass: August 20-22, 2010

(Right click on image and save to your desktop to print out)

Visit me at Bead Fest Philly absolutely FREE. 

Save money at the door to spend on beads.  

Drop by my booth #209 first before you stroll the rest of the show. I'm on the top level, main exhibit hall.  Enter and turn left, walk about 100ft and you'll find me to your right. I am right next to my friends, Saki Silver. 

I know I've been very bad about blogging. 

Can you blame a girl who was working hard torching in the studio all summer long?

I will be introducing fabulously new purple and fuchsia shades of Botanicals at Bead Fest.  Once I return from the show, I'll update the website with the new selections.

We'll see you at the show!!!
Lisa

Monday, June 21, 2010

Blythe Blanket... On Again, Off Again

I thought I would have a chance to knit a bit and work on my Blythe blanket (shown to the left) after Bead and Button, but who am I kidding?

SO SORRY, Blythe...

I DO miss you.

Please don't be mad at ME!

It won't be until NOVEMBER before I have time OR energy to knit.

At least you're getting a sneak peak at the masterpiece I have been working on since last winter.

I am a fast knitter but this blanket will take at least 60 skeins of various yarns and maybe two more years until completion at the rate I am going.

But...

priorities are priorities AND I have to be a grown up about things.

After returning from Bead and Button, I've been tackling special orders and requests. I should be all caught up by Tuesday then move forward to prepping for August shows.  There are many back to back shows, so I better be good and not indulge in my other "hobbies" as I had wanted.

Looks like I won't get to bead either since my special project deadline has been extended.  There is no rush to design "yet". 

So it's just me and my glass for the next month... all July.

I've been playing with new limited color rods I got the other day, experimenting with even more color mixing possibilities, for the Botanical series.

(BIG smile)

I absolutely LOVE playing with color in ANY medium.

Next post, I promise to talk more about the new Botanical colors introduced at the Bead and Button show. And, I actually introduced more colors than I originally thought but also four colors were recently "retired" or discontinued due to running out of the respective limited production glass color(s).

Aaaaah... but those are the breaks!

Makes things interesting as well as frustrating if you like a color a lot!

Life remains VERY busy for this girl.

I stay out of trouble when things are busy for me.

THIS IS GOOD!

P.S. You are not imagining, I can write shorter posts and the blog does have a new look thanks to Blogger's new template designer.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

The Perfect Tomato

The PERFECT tomato... heirloom tomato to be exact.

This is the first tomato that came out of our garden.

Before leaving for the Bead and Button show, this perfect tomato was the first of several to be vine ripened.

For the gardeners and those with green thumbs out there, you may laugh at me for making such a big deal out of one small tomato.

But this first perfect tomato was the MOST delicious I have tasted.  It was split in half and shared with my husband who was the one really responsible for the TLC required to make it the best tomato EVER.

You know I have to say this because he was kind enough to share HIS first tomato with me.
Check out the closeup photo of this PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL tomato.

I know you are salivating as you look at these wonderful tomato pictures. (wink)

It's okay, go ahead and salivate.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Introducing a NEW limited fabric wrap...

This will be a VERY short post (for me, it is short) as I have not gone to bed at all and have been up for more than 24 hours.

Don't ask me why.

See the above wrap?

I will be introducing this fabric only in the larger toolwrap size. They are very limited so if you are attending Bead and Button (BnB), you get first dibs.

I am tempted to save one for myself since it is purple and have cherry blossoms. What's not to like? Can't go wrong with that combination!

So.....

Uhmmmm....

What else was I suppose to write here?

(Lisa is thinking....)

I intended to also post about the new Ginkgo and Serenity leaf colors I will be introducing but although I snapped the photos earlier yesterday, I am TOO exhausted to work in Photoshop.

I will also be introducing six new Botanical colors. This brings the current available colors to a whopping FIFTY-FIVE colors. There are two to three limited edition colors that will be discontinued soon due to the rods are no longer being produced. I'm always working up new variations to the existing color selection. So don't worry, be HAPPY.... more colors are coming.

I will write a blog post about the new Botanical colors when I return from Bead and Button.

I'm not taking the laptop on this trip but will have my Dell mini to check in now and then.

If you don't read from me on this blog or Facebook, then it's because I'm having a fantabulous time in Chicago... in Madison... or in Milwaukee. I will have a great time because I'll get a chance to visit with friends I haven't seen in months, beaders who are excited about creating, thunderstorms to run through, etc.

So anyways.... why do I not sleep more than 24 hours before leaving for a show?

I am NOT a last minute kind of person, this is just my modus operandi.

Why ask why?

I just like STRESS. It makes me feel like I'm working extra hard to reach a goal.

(You know I'm kidding, right?)

I NEVER sleep the night before an impending trip because of the fear of waking up late and missing a flight. So I just stay up to work and have just finished packing because earlier in the day I was still cleaning beads. After the beads were cleaned, they had to be strung and priced. There is also a trick to packing the beads compactly so they don't break.

But no matter how well I pack, I always get stopped and searched. My beads are small and piled on top of each other separated by bubble wrap so the airport scanners can't readily detect what's inside. At least that's what TSA agents tell me each time. I'm so used to it, its just part of traveling and not a big deal.

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZ

Oh...uh

Where am I?

Who am I?

Where are you?

Why am I here?

(Lisa rubs her eyes...)

Well I'd love to continue typing to you but I'm a bit exhausted and I fear writing something here that I may regret later. I better go before my fingers start typing on their own.

These fingers, they misbehave at times. But since they have a mind of their own, I take no blame for what my hands, these fingers type.

NO BLAME.

I AM BLAMELESS!

Until next time, I'm gonna have a grand time in Chicago, my first stop. I'll take you along with my photos on Facebook upon returning. It'll be like you were with me but in reality you are NOT really and Rebel is there with me. Rebel is always with me.

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZ...

Oh it' time to get up already?

Where is my cup of coffee?

Geez look at the time... I am CRAZY. I'll have to get some shuteye on the plane. I hope I don't snore!

See everyone soon in Milwaukee
But before then, time to have a few days of FUN first

Fun First, Work Later
Adios,
Lisa

P.S. Goodness gracious. THIS is a VERY SHORT post? And I was just mumbling nonsensical gibberish as I normally do when I am half awake. Bad fingers.... very BAD.
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