Lisa Kan

The Road to Tucson 2011

2011-01-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

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 me. I 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

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

2010-09-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Writing for Bead Publications

2010-09-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-08-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

(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

Blythe Blanket... On Again, Off Again

2010-06-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

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.

The Perfect Tomato

2010-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Introducing a NEW limited fabric wrap...

2010-06-05T03:33:00.001-07:00

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.

Introducing the NEW Limited Edition KITS at BnB!

2010-06-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started writing projects for publication in late 2005, there was always a desire to eventually be able to offer kits for some of my designs.

I often use vintage beads, Swarovski crystals or high quality semiprecious gemstones in my beadwork, so the feasibility to recreate certain designs was not economical to some.

Many of you have asked me for kits, especially since my book Bead Romantique was published in March 2008.

I was and have been listening.

REALLY!!

I was not ignoring your cries.

But I have also been very busy with MANY projects and focusing on my glasswork. Most of my time is devoted to ensuring my preparedness for each show which I have many each year. I am only ONE person and do not have a team of little ants working for me. I do everything from photography, web design, procurement, advertising, packing, shipping... etc.

You get the idea!

I didn't have enough hands to work on developing kits, until.....

I had a wonderful discussion with my friend Pamela Maxfield (owner of Bello Modo) in Tucson 2010, where I was attending as a designer this year instead of the glass beadmaker. Bello Modo was also representing my Botanicals at the Whole Bead show. And after some brainstorming in Tucson (Feb 2010), discussing further in Santa Fe (March 2010) and MANY emails later, I am very EXCITED to be able to offer you my exclusive collaboration of LIMITED EDITION kits with Bello Modo.

The first kits are based off of THREE designs featured in Bead Trends Magazine's June 2010 issue. In the feature I designed 7 ensembles inspired by Victoria's Love Story. We will be introducing these limited and numbered kits at the Bead and Button show next week. You will be able to view the originals at my booth, #818 and then walk down to Bello Modo to purchase alternate colorways at booths #838 and #840.

And we haven't forgotten about those who can't attend Bead and Button, so the kits will be made available on Bello Modo's website soon. I'll add a link here and on my website when Bello Modo launches the kits on their website. Different colorways will also be developed on popular designs overtime. Remember these are limited edition colorways so if you like a color get it soon as some of the components are hard to restock.

The kits will come with full instructions and a nice photo of the finished design for your reference. All materials to recreate the respective design is included, EXCEPT the standard tools like chain nose, round nose and flush cutters which most beaders have in their tool stash already. I used the Professional Precision Tools for all my wirewrapping and should you need a kit, you can find them available on my website or the kit is also available at my shows. I will have a limited quantity of the tool kits at BnB and an optional upgrade with a small fabric toolwrap!!!

ALL crystals are guaranteed to be Swarovski and ALL antiqued brass findings are Vintaj. You will note their respective logos on the kit packaging.

Here is a sneak peak at what is in store at Bead and Button and soon on the Bello Modo site.

The photos below show the actual colorways being offered currently:

Capture Thy Heart (Necklace and Earring Kit): The thought of finally seeing Victoria after several weeks of absence quickened his steps. He scuffled through fallen leaves and pushed aside the ivy vines that hid the pathway into their hideaway, careful not to make too much noise. He wanted to take her away and start life anew but that was not immediately possible. He still could not believe that he was able to “capture her heart” nor could he fathom that she loved him as much as to risk her father’s antipathy.

*****

A filigree heart connector cages and captures a Swarovski crystal heart drop. The symbolism in this design evokes Victoria feeling caged by her father’s will, yet her heart is captured by love and now belongs to Him. The festoon necklace scallops romantically around the neck to lovingly caress the wearer.

Water Lilies (Necklace Kit): Victoria sat at one edge of the pond in the Secret Garden, a special secluded hideaway from prying eyes. Water lilies floated amongst several frogs, hopping from lily pad to lily pad whilst sunning themselves in the afternoon sun, croaking loudly in unison. The noise did not bother her as she drifted dreamily into thought, feeling rapid anticipation for the late evening. She smiled contently.

*****

Custom coated waterlily colored baroque crystal drops adorn this netted chain necklace. Combined with golden shadow briolette drops and faceted rounds, the design evokes a subtle elegance. In any lighting, the crystals sparkle from the right, from the left and from center stage. This necklace caresses the neckline in choker length with sparkly drops dancing about, adding to the fluidity, flow and movement of the design.

Note: Waterlily colored baroque crystal drops were unavailable but will be offered in the future. There will be many other colorways to select from later.

The Damsel & the Dragonfly (Necklace Kit): Victoria, “The Damsel in Distress”, is represented by the large oval rhinestone wrapped by the orchid filigree. The filigree symbolically frames the contours of her face while the two small drops represent her earrings. It has been several weeks since she saw her Love. Arriving early to the Secret Garden, she waits longingly for her “Knight in Shining Armor”. A dragonfly dances playfully below her face. Dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength and happiness.

*****

This necklace can be worn long as a sautoir or doubled by joining the spiral clasp as a double tiered lavaliere. When worn as such, a crystal necklace frames the pendant protecting Victoria in her Secret Garden. The chandelier earrings with its tiered chain embellishments and crystal dangles compliment the pendant’s wrap style.

Note 1: The large jump ring that attaches the filigree wrap to the dragonfly dangle requires to be carefully added from the back, slowly and precisely. It will be snug but as you can see in the samples above, it will work. Also, the original design used a vintage oval Swarvoski crystal. In the kits we will be substituting a similar shaped Czech or German oval crystal due to the obsolete Swarvoski crystal. This changes the crystal link counts on both necklaces but with no material changes. The kit instructions have been revised to reflect this change.

Note 2: We are working on issuing the earring kit separately. Due to the vintage nature of the stone I used, we are seeking some alternate sources.

*****

Note for ALL kits: Although there is sufficient wire included for each project, the length of wire in the kits are based off of my method of wire-wrapping. It is recommended that you pick up an extra spool of 24 gauge Artistic Wire vintage bronze (or "gunmetal" as called by some) if you make a mistake and need to redo a wrap.

*****

ONLY Bello Modo is authorized to create and sell my limited edition kits with the original copyrights of these designs to myself, Lisa Kan Designs. No other third parties may sell, distribute, OR reproduce any part of the kit in any form. EVERY kit is numbered for authenticity and each colorway has a limited edition of NO MORE than 250 or LESS kits issued when components used are vintage.

*****

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peak and take advantage of the limited edition kits at the Bead and Button show. These first few kits and this launch are VERY limited.

See everyone at the show soon!!!
Lisa

Bead and Button Show: June 10-13, 2010

2010-06-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is SHOWTIME again at the 10th Annual Bead and Button Show. The LARGEST Consumer Bead Show in the WORLD!!

This time I am flying to the Midwest with a few days in Chicago and Madison to enjoy before the show starts.

This will be my THIRD year exhibiting at BnB in my THIRD booth assignment!! My booth has THREE numbers!!

You may know the significance of the number "three" to me.

I have had many good associations with the number three this year and so far so good, so I hope the momentum continues!!

There is a forecast of thunderstorms again this year. Last year, the attendees were held up on the show floor because of tornado scares. We even lost electricity several times. This is definitely an exciting show full of energy from the attendees AND many days of thunderstorms!

So if you are in the area or are attending the BnB show, here are the nitty-gritty details that you'll want to know.

If you want to see what goodies I am introducing at the show then please read the posts in the next few days.

Show Location (NEW name but same location):

Frontier Airlines Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Downtown Milwaukee.

Show Hours:
June 10, 2010 - 4 PM to 9 PM
Private Shopping Preview
Exhibit halls open to registrants ONLY

June 11, 2010 - 10 AM to 8 PM
Bead and Jewelry Marketplace
Exhibit halls open to general public.

June 12, 2010 - 10 AM to 6 PM

June 13, 2010 - 10 AM to 4 PM

Daily tickets are available at the Frontier Airlines Center box office at 9:30 a.m. each day, but the Bead Marketplace does not open until 10 a.m.

Click here for a daily $2 Coupon.

For MORE info on the show schedule, visit the Bead and Button Show website.

Lisa Kan Designs Booth is located on the 800 aisle. You will find me at Booth #818. Look for my banner and showguide ad. We are in a new corner booth but just one booth over from last year.

See you all soon!!
Lisa

Social Networking Etiquette

2010-06-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

Subtitled: Confronting Negative Comments

Original article by Peggy Jo Donahue
Commentary by Lisa Kan in RED is meant to be humorous. If you are a customer of mine and one of my Facebook "friends" DO NOT take any of what I have typed personally.

Uhmmm...

Nevermind.

Let's continue forward to the sage advice from MJSA industry leaders. (MJSA = Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America.)

Many Facebook novices worry about negative comments marring their social networking pages. But experienced networkers in the industry say nearly every online personality or brand has endured negative comments-and lived to see another day. The ones who have handled it well have even won praise.

You can please some of the people, some of the time, but you can't please all of the people, all of the time. If you get stuck on some negative person's comments to bring you down, get under your skin or ruin your day then they'll just keep on doing it. The better way is to stay positive and get rid of anyone who gets in your way. Remember sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will NEVER hurt you. So hurl around some "sticks and stones" and maybe they will hit the perpetrator.

"I welcome it as an opportunity," says Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City. "In the past, people who were unhappy would go away without saying anything-and never come back. At least now I find out and can do something about it." The key is handling it constructively.

Is Daniel Gordon for REAL??? How would any one welcome a negative comment as "an opportunity". I think most people these days WILL tell you they are unhappy with you on Facebook by either saying it on your page or just canceling out on the "friend"ship. The key is to be on top of things and continuously monitor your Facebook page. Make sure everyone behaves and ONLY say nice things about you. Fortunately for me, no one has been rude enough to tell me they are unhappy with me "yet". But then again, you wouldn't know if they have... (wink)

If you get a negative comment from a customer, follow these guidelines for responding:

• Think before you act. It’s hard to react positively when your company has endured what might be an unfair attack. "First, take a minute before you react, so that you can craft a positive response," advises Ann Arnold of Lieberfarb, a manufacturer of bridal and anniversary rings who is active on social networks.

I would just get rid of the person and disconnect them from your Facebook page. I thought about it for one second too long and they are GONE. There's the big "X" to cancel them out of our relationship. Who needs negativity in your life? Read my Happiness post from March 3, 2010 Get RID OF THEM! ;o)

• Let your fans come to your defense. Waiting a bit before responding has a second purpose. Fans may quickly come to your defense-before you even need to say a word. It’s one of the reasons that Veronica Wei Sopher of Ben Bridge in Seattle takes the time to create a give-and-take bond with her connections in social networks-even on non-jewelry issues. "Sometimes a co-worker will ask, ’did you really need to ask that customer about her headache on Twitter?’ The magic of all that is realized when a negative voice shows up," says Sopher. "If I’ve done my job well, the strong and supportive community around the Ben Bridge brand will speak up and drown out the negativity."

Waiting will allow more people to see the negative comments, Veronica!!! By deleting the comment immediately, you can avoid having to explain the situation to the rest of your Facebook friends or fans. The key word is the Fans "may" quickly come to your defense. I'd like to bet on a sure thing. I'd like to know the negative person is gone before anyone else gets hurt. Besides what if you don't have a "Fan" page. Now why would a "Fan" provide negative input anyhow? You would not be a "Fan" or a "Friend" of someone or company on Facebook if you felt negatively towards them right? UNLESS... this negative person is just trying to infiltrate into your positive energy.

This is the reason why it is safer to have a regular Facebook account. Yes, Fan or "Like" pages as Facebook calls them now, allows you to have endless contacts but it also allows free reign for anyone to join thus later say absolutely anything on your page. With a personal account, you can "accept" whom you want and "ignore" whom you don't. There is a lot of maintenance involved but there is something I like about having control over MY own Facebook page. So I would NEVER wait. I would instead handle this the Lisa Way!!

• Apologize publicly. When you’ve given it a little time and thought, there’s a way to respond, say experts. A quick "so sorry you had a bad experience," is the first step. Then, get it offline quickly, says Sopher. "Ask: ’Can I communicate with you directly, so that we can discuss all of your purchase details?’"

There must be something wrong if a customer, who is a "Fan", is contacting you to resolve an issue on Facebook and YOU have to APOLOGIZE publicly. By the time it reaches Facebook, you already have not done your job. Why are you in business anyways? Why wouldn't you communicate on the phone or email before the situation escalated to this point? I think if it does reach this level of negativity then the customer just wants to send bad vibes on your "Fan" page. I for one would not stand for this type of retaliatory behavior. What happened to "forget and forgive"?

Another reason why you should not have a Fan page. A regular account will allow you to have up to 5000 friends. Unless you are a big humongous company, do you really need to have a news feed of more than 5000 people typing to you? How could you address the needs of 5000 people effectively? You would need to be on Facebook 24/7 monitoring each of their behaviors. Also, NO ONE needs to see how you handle these sensitive situations in a public forum. What I would do is to send a private email to the customer and then delete their public comment. That is what Lisa would do. And she would do it IMMEDIATELY before any other evidence is left. (wink)

• Don’t hit "delete." Though there’s a temptation to erase the offending remarks, it’s the worst thing a business can do. "A personal attack or one that’s vulgar, absolutely, you can get rid of, but otherwise, it’s better to engage publicly with a response," says Carrie Soucy of Miamore Communications in Providence. Companies that delete all negative remarks risk being branded as inauthentic and controlling, two qualities least likely to win you more fans. Worse, the complaining customer could spread the news throughout his network that you ignored or silenced him. Nothing makes social networkers angrier.

I'm not too sure about not hitting "delete". I think the complaining customer who is acting as a "Fan" coming to a business page to complain is up to NO good. Why should this person hold all the cards? There are moderated newsgroups and chat forums, why can't a Facebook page be moderated too. What's controlling about this behavior in wanting to maintain proper decorum by deleting improper posts? And what constitutes as an "improper post" is determined by ME!!! I'm in control here, right? If a customer is complaining this incessantly to have their negative comments reach Facebook, then maybe you should be OUT of BUSINESS!!! I think anyone taking bad experiences to a Facebook page is going too far and they should be canceled out of the relationship. They are not a "friend" or a "fan". These instances should be handled with gloves.... (not kid gloves)... but gloves as in "I'll meet you in a boxing ring" type of gloves. Challenge the complaining customer to take care of this like a man.

(Uhmm... but I'm a lady!! Maybe this won't work in my case. Nevermind.)

**********

These are some tips from jewelry industry leaders on Facebook etiquette. You can take their advice or mine. It's your choice.

But... IF you do it MY way, the Lisa Way...

tell me the story later and we'll both have a good chuckle.

If you want to setup a "Fan" or "Like" page as it is known on Facebook these days, here's another article you may want to read up on from the experts. The info may be a bit outdated since Facebook just changed a bunch of settings June 1, 2010!!:

Getting Started with Social Networking.

I hope I have been helpful!!
but if not...
then at least you had a good laugh

The Night Owl

Lisa

Victoria's Love Story

2010-06-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

After all my shows were completed in 2009, I worked on a special collection of designs for Bead Trends Magazine's Designer Highlight feature on my work that was just published in the June 2010 issue. You can read more about this feature in May 27th's post.

Due to the magazine format, I could not share the story behind the designs. I want to take this opportunity to share with you the love story that was not printed along with the seven ensembles so you may understand my inspiration for each design.

The designs are listed below in the order of the storyline with the cover design, Blushing Blossoms, as the "finale" to the story.

Enjoy my little fairytale romance.

This is Victoria's Love Story...

Project 1: Victoria's Spiral
She stepped into the ballroom in a flowing black gown trimmed with all the finery of golden threaded lace. She searched the room with its multitude of unfamiliar faces cautiously. The room grew silent as attention spiraled towards her walking down the last few steps of the grand entrance. Then out of the corner of her eye she spied him as she greeted her father. There he was with a silly big grin greeting Victoria with a wink. Did anyone else see this? Her heart skipped a beat.

*****

In classic and elegant black with bronze/brass metallic accents, the versatility of this design is captured by both the faceted jet beads and black onyx quatrefoils. The necklace is connected so that it is worn asymmetrically but with a defined pattern. The spiral clasp represents Victoria’s “spiraling” grasp on her suitor’s attention. The complimentary bracelet can be connected to the necklace to continue the flow of design and converts the princess necklace to opera length. The necklace can also be worn doubled as a choker when connected with the bracelet extender. The earrings continue the spiraling symbolism.

Project 2: Water Lilies
Victoria sat at one edge of the pond in the Secret Garden, a special secluded hideaway from prying eyes. Water lilies floated amongst several frogs, hopping from lily pad to lily pad whilst sunning themselves in the afternoon sun, croaking loudly in unison. The noise did not bother her as she drifted dreamily into thought, feeling rapid anticipation for the late evening. She smiled contently.

*****

Custom coated waterlily colored baroque crystal drops adorn this netted chain necklace. Combined with golden shadow briolette drops and faceted rounds, the design evokes a subtle elegance. In any lighting, the crystals sparkle from the right, from the left and from center stage. This necklace caresses the neckline in choker length with sparkly drops dancing about, adding to the fluidity, flow and movement of the design.

Project 3: The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden was a place of magical possibilities where Victoria came to dream, escape reality and to pretend to be just like any other woman, not the privileged daughter of the Duke. Here is where she came to meet Him with the belief that although they came from two different societies in life, they were equals within the walls of this garden. She had to maintain this inner strength to continue the façade. No one must know, least of all, the Duke.

*****

The garden trellis medallion captures the essence of romanticism. The champagne coin pearl is filigree encased and wrapped into the pendant’s center. The coin pearl symbolizes the confines of the safety Victoria feels when she is within the garden. The champagne pearls, Waterlily drops, golden shadow crystals and rose luster firepolish beads were all carefully chosen for their subtle colors to evoke the feeling of privilege and status. The motion of the crystal dangles added to chain follows the movement of the wearer as she walks about. The earrings were designed to continue the necklace motif, which by no coincidence also compliments the Water Lilies netted chain necklace (Project 2).

Project 4: The Damsel & the Dragonfly
Victoria, “The Damsel in Distress”, is represented by the large oval rhinestone wrapped by the orchid filigree. The filigree symbolically frames the contours of her face while the two small drops represent her earrings. It has been several weeks since she saw her Love. Arriving early to the Secret Garden, she waits longingly for her “Knight in Shining Armor”. A dragonfly dances playfully below her face. Dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength and happiness.

*****

This necklace can be worn long as a sautoir or doubled by joining the spiral clasp as a double tiered lavaliere. When worn as such, a crystal necklace frames the pendant protecting Victoria in her Secret Garden. The chandelier earrings with its tiered chain embellishments and crystal dangles compliment the pendant’s wrap style.

Project 5: Capture Thy Heart
The thought of finally seeing Victoria after several weeks of absence quickened his steps. He scuffled through fallen leaves and pushed aside the ivy vines that hid the pathway into their hideaway, careful not to make too much noise. He wanted to take her away and start life anew but that was not immediately possible. He still could not believe that he was able to “capture her heart” nor could he fathom that she loved him as much as to risk her father’s antipathy.

*****

A filigree heart connector cages and captures a Swarovski crystal heart drop. The symbolism in this design evokes Victoria feeling caged by her father’s will, yet her heart is captured by love and now belongs to Him. The festoon necklace scallops romantically around the neck to lovingly caress the wearer.

Project 6: Midnight in the Garden
The hour is just past midnight. He is late again! Where could he be? As soon as Victoria thinks this, she hears leaves rustling, followed by the noise of someone walking towards her direction. Could it be her Father, her Love or just the night wind teasing tauntingly at her? She sat nervously still as her heartbeat quickens in anticipation. She hopes it is He but she better hide, if not.

*****

Much of my designing for this collection is of similar components. With the use of smaller components joined in a myriad of ways, one is left with more flexible design options, where a simple element can become a more involved design. Designing and beading is very much like a puzzle to me. Rivolis which are bezeled with a netted stitch can be joined easily with jump rings, a technique I utilize often. It is also not a coincidence that this ensemble compliments The Damsel and the Dragonfly (Project 4). Many of the designs in this Bead Trends collection are built from complimentary colors and can be worn interchangeably together.

Please note: The rivoli bezels are created following instructions from my book Bead Romantique (pages 26-27) with two additional beaded rows. Only the two additional rows of beading have been written for the Bead Trends article.

Project 7: Blushing Blossoms
So the story ends here with a grand finale, a blushing bride wearing a Blushing Blossoms necklace. Is this just one of Victoria’s dreams, that she ran away with her Love or was she really able to break away from the confines of her duty to family and her father, the Duke? We can only hope that love conquered all and everyone “Lived Happily Ever”.

*****

Continuing the theme of romance and elegance, this blossom necklace utilizes five Botanical flowers from my new lampworked line combined with my luster (silver-fumed) Luft hollow beads. The asymmetric design adds visual interest with the Botanical flowers added to the necklace so that they could freely move, flow and dance around the neckline. The necklace in peachy and champagne tones reflects what it is to be a woman that transpires time, with a feminine mystique. This necklace would be a perfect fit in a summer wedding as the bride looks luminescent in an outdoor garden ceremony. I enjoy adding a bit of inspiration from Mother Nature and to infuse my designs with stories. I hope Bead Trend readers enjoy this exclusive collection of designs.

Please note: Reference my book Bead Romantique (page 42) for additional tips on creating a balanced and graduated dangle bracelet/necklace design.

*****

I hope you have enjoyed reading Victoria's Love Story and are enticed to pick up the June 2010 Bead Trends Magazine.

Recreate the romance for yourselves...

The Storyteller
AND
Hopeless Romantic

Lisa

Let's Facebook It...

2010-05-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed, my last few blog posts have been quite late in the evening or early the next morning, dependent on your perspective. It just so happens that I want to write and share my thoughts on the blog lately, more so than ever. For whatever the reasons, here I am.

It's just about 1 a.m. as I begin typing this post. Maybe I have too much spare time on my hands, have much on my mind or just like to stay up late blabbering on a computer screen to whomever wishes to read from me.

I'm a night owl. Always have been.

I get my best ideas as my mind wanders and a lot of work done when the house is quiet. After a long day at the torch when my hands hurt, generally the last thing I want to do is to type on a keyboard, but some days/nights I have much on my mind that I want to write.

Reverse psychology, you know. And amazingly when my fingers touch this keyboard, the thoughts just flow and I forget how tired I am.

In the past, during my studio breaks I would go flip through a magazine for inspiration, clean beads, have a snack, answer emails or knit a few rows of a project. Believe me there is ALWAYS something to do around here.

Since mid February though, I became more active on this social networking site.

Perhaps you have heard of this place?

Let's Facebook It...

Anyone and everyone it seems is on Facebook which brings me to the topic of this post. I had joined Facebook around late February 2009 only because by then I had already had a handful of invites from friends touting "you gotta get on Facebook". Even my sisters urged me to go on there so we could share family photos, etc. After Tucson of that year, I succumbed to the peer pressures.

I am usually good about resisting peer pressures, really I am.

So here I was on Facebook. The instant I signed on, all the automatic invites were my "friends" and then a bevy of other mutual friends saw the "friending" and the next thing I knew within a few minutes I had 20 friends. From there it continued to escalate.

I didn't know what to do with this Facebook. I mean I had a blog where I shared tidbits of my life as a beadmaker, jewelry designer, writer, etc. I didn't give Facebook much thought and throughout 2009 I visited my account sparingly. I was too busy being a writer and beadmaker traveling to shows to bother with Facebook. I barely had time to blog here.

Maybe I was asleep or just tuning things out but all of a sudden it seemed the whole world was getting on this Facebook. I started seeing mentions of Facebook on electronic trade newsletters. I started noticing more of my artists friends mentioning it on their blogs. I started hearing radio stations mentioning their Facebook fan pages. I mean there was NO escaping.

Facebook was EVERYWHERE taking over my life even though I didn't want it to. It seemed as if Facebook was this growing entity taking over everyone's lives and what was I doing? Was I missing out on being part of a social networking revolution? As an artist can I sit on the sidelines and just ignore Facebook? When would I have time to even participate?

A year went by and then I decided to take a leap. I began to believe that Facebook could help bring awareness of my work to a whole new worldwide audience. That, I as an artist, wanted to give back to a community by sharing more of my experiences and what inspires me to create. That I wanted to BUILD my own community of artists with common interests. So I set forth on this goal.

In mid Feb 2010 after attending the Tucson shows, I was determined to take a more active role on Facebook. As an artist, who is also a techie at heart, I couldn't let the signs of times ride along without me. I was jumping on a HUGE bandwagon even though I generally stride to a different drummer. And, Facebook was GREAT and there to help recommend "friends". And those who were my "friends" were also there to recommend me more friends. And I found some old colleagues from my past life as an engineer, so they too became my "friends".

I was asked by a few if I would start a "FAN" page. No, I was not going to start a "FAN" page because I barely had enough time to keep up with one Facebook page. I wanted Facebook to be a place I could share some photos and another side of myself that is not here or on my website. It was the most feasible method to share many photos in "albums" with a lot of people at once. There was instant feedback on Facebook, which this blog lacks.

Isn't that what we all crave when we are on Facebook, feedback?

I am AMAZED at my newsfeed these days. I can barely keep up with what all my friends are up to and I feel guilty at times that I can not respond to every one of their "news" because I genuinely do care about my friends.

Then I wonder what I could be doing instead of being on Facebook?

EVERY break from the studio since late February 2010, there I was checking Facebook updates. My mailbox was full of responses or requests for "friending". At times, the activity was overwhelming. I had to do something about this.

*****

Hey Lisa!!

Yes YOU, Lisa!!

Have you forgotten your purpose and goals in this life?

You should be CREATING!!

Get off Facebook!

*****

I could be doing a lot of other things but I also know that Facebook is an "investment" - as far as *I* want to take it - on being an artist and sharing my ideas. So I MUST be on Facebook to some degree but I must also not let Facebook take over MY life.

So these are my conclusions after actively spending 3 months on Facebook:

I've decided I don't want to go on Facebook to tell the world the minute details of my life. Who really cares? I will just visit now and then to share photos from my trips that I believe may inspire other artists. I will just visit again if I happen to be on a trip and had the most amazing meal at "so and so" restaurant so that YOU can visit too. Or I will post about an article I've written so you'll know what magazine to pick up next, if you enjoy and follow my work.

The day to day activities of me working hard in the studio... well that is really boring news.

Do you really need to know if I am happy, sad, tired, inquisitive, philosophical, etc.?

Really? (Said in a tone, as on SNL)

There is living and then there is LIVING.

It seems we are stuck in the mode of "reality shows" where we desire to get a snippet of others' lives. Facebook feeds this in each of us. I admit some people live quite interesting lives. There are so many photos that are not secured, you can see EVERYTHING on Facebook unless you know how to tweak the privacy settings and navigate safely. There lies one of the biggest problems people are lackadaisical about, the ability to secure their own privacy and learn Facebook.

WOW!!!

Tune in hourly and on a busy day my newsfeed is 300+ long. How can you really get to know a person from news feeds (unless they are already your friend in real life). It's just a slice of their life.

So if you are a "friend" on Facebook and start noticing that I'm not really there or why you don't hear from me much, come back here to read this post.

I'm LIVING, not living.

I have a gazillion things I'd like to do with the time I have spent on Facebook. Yes, Facebook is time consuming but I won't say all of it was a waste of time. I've enjoyed looking at my friends photos and seeing art being created. That is the best part of Facebook, connecting with like-minded artists, whom you would never otherwise meet in real life from ALL over the WORLD!! But I definitely don't want to contribute to the news feed clutter. I can only guess what some of you folks think about perhaps MY past news entries.

Besides between my website, this blog and Facebook, you'll know this girl is always up to something. There is only so much time in a day even if I don't sleep to get things done. Also, if you really miss hearing from me there is always email or the phone.

(Although I am generally in the middle of torching in the studio to answer phones. Nevermind, email me to call YOU back instead.)

Lately there's been so much news about how Facebook is disregarding their user's privacy, etc. etc. stepping over the bounds. But you know, YOU are in control here and are responsible for what you post in a PUBLIC forum. NOTHING is truly private on the Internet. What you share on Facebook is for all your "friends" to see and read whether you know them well or not. Even private emails and photos can be forwarded.

There is even a "quit Facebook day" (TODAY! 5/31/2010) proposed but of the few thousands that might quit, how many come back later? Facebook is like a drug. Does the loss of ten, twenty, thirty thousand or more members make a difference to the over half a billion people in this world that is on Facebook today? No matter the weaknesses of Facebook, it serves one major purpose. It brings people together and provides them an "audience".

What is ultimately sad about Facebook is not the privacy infringements on their users but that some of their users don't know how to communicate outside of Facebook in REAL life. The computer screen is their facade to create an identity which they wish to believe. I'm just saying this is the case of "some" not ALL people. I have really great friends I know in person on Facebook.

I have always loved the face to face interactions where you can see the other person's facial expressions and hear the inflection of their voice. I mean when I tell a joke, a "hahah" or "LOL" can only go so far online. And I *DO* have an excellent sense of humor.

But on the other hand, I've met a few wonderful people (quite unexpectedly) that I would not otherwise have had the pleasure of meeting if I was not on Facebook. Because in real life, our paths would most likely not have crossed, so Facebook has it's pluses. But on this other hand, I've met a few interesting characters that I wished I never came across too. I've dealt with those situations the "Lisa way".

So "Let's Facebook It" is a balance of time and in moderation Facebook will not take over your life (unless you want it to). Facebook should never take over anyone's life. If it has, then it's up to you to change that.

I'm making some conscious changes and tweaking my own behavior.

Facebook will not take over THIS girl's life.

No way, Jose!

Yes, NO way!

I'll have more to share about the business aspects and positives of Facebook from some industry leaders...

... but on a future post.

Later...

This girl has to get some sleep!

Time for these fingers to get some rest....
Good night/Good morning
Lisa

P.S. I bet you wondered when Lisa would stop typing this post. If I type this much, imagine how much I talk at these hours. Yep blabber mouth here!

Lariats You Will Love: Knotted Treasures

2010-05-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Beading Daily did a writeup on lariats. Here is the link to read the newsletter.

You will find my Knotted Treasure Lariat featured with a limited time free download. This project was originally published in the February/March issue of Beadwork Magazine in 2007. It was my first article for Beadwork, thus began my long association with the magazine as well as Interweave Press. I have written MANY articles since then.

It was later that year (August 2007), even before I ever wrote a seed beaded project for Beadwork Magazine, the editors trusted in my abilities and offered me the opportunity to write my book, Bead Romantique. As they say,"The rest is history...." I have Interweave Press to thank for having faith in my abilities, not only as a writer but as a designer.

In the meantime, the Knotted Treasure design was missing an important part that I later discovered when I designed the Pearl Mesh Bracelet for Bead Romantique. In order for the mesh not to fray, you need to twist the ends and add a dab of GS Hypo Cement. Let dry and spread the mesh embellishments into little leaf shapes.

If you need Italian Mesh, I do carry 100" spools in 28 colors of the 6mm mesh. Just visit my website to order. If you will be at Bead and Button or any show I exhibit at, you will see this necklace up close and personal.

Here's the link to download the "Knotted Treasures" project absolutely FREE from Beading Daily.

Enjoy this project!!!

Lisa

Bead Trends June 2010: Designer Highlight

2010-05-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

I want to take this opportunity to share with all of you, Bead Trend Magazine's June 2010 feature of my work.

As many of you know, I not only work in glass but I also design jewelry for publication through my articles for many industry magazines, both in the US and abroad. It is my hope that my writing and designs will inspire beaders (and stringers) old and new into the art of craft.

I do not teach in any other medium than through my writing. Through my writing, I can reach many more people and artists than I can in a classroom setting. This is why I write SO much!!

I don't have an opportunity to bead as much as I used to but when I do, most likely an article will result. Although my specialty is designing intricate beadwork for the seed beader, at times I am invited to share my design techniques in other mediums. I look forward to each of these challenges.

This feature on my romantic and vintage design sensibilities has been over ONE year in the works. I would like to first thank Tatia Meyer, editor of the wonderful idea book Bead Trends, for inviting me in late 2008 to be part of the Designer Highlight after her invitation to design the cover of Bead Trends' December 2008 issue.

At the time, I had accepted the invitation from Beadwork Magazine to be one of four Designers of The Year 2009. That commitment was a wonderful experience as well, designing six exclusive projects for the readers in every 2009 Beadwork issue. Writing kept me busy in between my glass and exhibits! It was a challenging time not in designing but to switch hats from glass to seed beads in between all my shows.

So when my commitments were completed, Tatia was so nice to offer me again to be part of the Romance June 2010 issue as the Designer Highlight. She asked me to think romance, love and weddings.

(click the image for a larger view)

Hey, I'm the romantic and that is one of my trademarks.

It was not difficult to create the story of Victoria and a love story behind the pieces. I hope you will be encouraged to pick up this issue of Bead Trends to create a love story of your own.

In this issue you will find the following, 23 pages of my work with my story of why I do what I do and why I work so hard in doing it. Most pieces have complimentary designs that can be worn interchangeably or in a multitude of ways. Just use your imagination and go....

1. On the cover, Blushing Blossoms: pages 1 and 8

2. Designer Highlight Feature: page 41

3. Victoria's Spiral: pages 42-45

4. Midnight in the Garden: pages 46-49

5. The Secret Garden: pages 50-53

6. The Damsel and the Dragonfly: pages 54-57

7. Capture Thy Heart: pages 58-61

8. Water Lilies: pages 62-63

I also want to thank Vintaj and Kim Fox for their support in this feature. Without their wonderful findings, my designs would not be what they became. Also thanks to K. Gottf ried Inc for some of the lovely crystals used in the projects! Thank you SO VERY much to all three!

Get a sneak peak at some of the designs on Vintaj's blog!!

*****
About Bead Trends Magazine from their website:

From the novice to the professional, the art of beading and jewelry design is a craft that anyone can enjoy. It is a world of beauty filled with color, pattern, design, texture, and style. It provides a satisfying outlet to create something that is a unique expression of yourself.

Because we have a passion for creating and believe that everyone has within them the talent and vision to make beautiful things with their hands, Bead Trends has introduced a beautifully photographed series of idea books designed to inspire. Every issue is filled with a variety of styles and techniques that showcase the work of many talented crafters. A favorite section of mine is our “Designer Highlight.” In this section we are introduced to a single artist, who is then given the opportunity to express him/herself and showcase their personal style in their designs.

To read more, visit Bead Trends website

*****

Thank you for everyone's continual support and enjoyment of my work. You make my dreams come true.

I will continually give you my VERY best

Lisa

Things I MISS!

2010-05-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Lately it has been one show after another. If you have stopped by here or Facebook you'd know my crazy schedule for the last few months. It's been never ending.

As an artist, its great to be busy so I'm not really complaining.

Well not too much.

Really.

But I am EXHAUSTED!

I'm the one who scheduled all these shows last year knowing that there would only be two weeks in between four shows back to back to prep for each of the shows. And then after the fourth show there would only be three weeks to get ready for the largest consumer bead show in the U.S. - Bead and Button.

What was I thinking?

Sure, I am crazy because most people take nearly 2-3 months to get ready for this show.

So you heard it from me personally... I am crazy.

Lisa is CRAZY!

(about sharing her art with as many folks as possible)

Well, I'll be in Milwaukee by June 5th, next Saturday.

I had the bright idea of going early so I can do some photography in Chicago and visit around Wisconsin before the big show. What I should have done instead was to schedule extra days AFTER the show which would have given me a few more days of studio time.

These are my mini-vacations, extra days before or after a show. I don't have time to vacation in exotic places otherwise.

Live and learn.

So I live...

And learn...

I can be very focused and have been diligent in the studio but even a determined Lisa can humanly only work so many hours each day. I make the most of the time still remaining. My hands can only sculpt so many Botanicals before they ache each evening.

My poor right hand has two callouses from sculpting each flower petal. It can not be avoided. It is how I do my magic to create this series to share with the world... the story of the Ume...the plum blossom folklore. It is the cost of creating my art which I wholeheartedly understand and welcome.

So bring it ON! Bring it on.

Please don't ask me at a show if I make every one of my beads and if I use a mold?

It is a question I get at least once every show. I can't assume that everyone is familiar with my work in the vast bead world. But I hope when people look at my glass work you will notice that NO mass production facility can create beads of this quality, color depth and personal detail.

What factory would put this much heart into their work?

But I will answer those who ask me each and every time with a smile. And then show you my right hand, which I sculpt glass with. If you want to touch my callouses to feel if they are real, please do. Just know that it does bother me a bit when someone questions whether I am the beadmaker. I work long hours and suffer callous hands for a reason. The meticulous details, small and large, I place in my work is the reason why you may think I use a mold. If you can find a mold that does what I do, PLEASE let me know.

With My Hands, I Create.

I create from my HEART.

I create with a vision and dream of the possibilities.

I dream.

*****
So what I was REALLY trying to get at with this post was the schedule has been SO crazy that I miss the things I used to do more often when I had more time.

Do you know that I have two eight foot tall bookshelves full of books which I have not had time to read? I miss that. Those books have been sitting on the shelves for many years and there is dust collecting on them. I know I can pick any book out and read it any day but exhaustion encompasses me at the end of most days to do much more than manage the day to day activities of being an "entrepreneur".

You know what though?

I am a proponent that you have to make time for the things you love. I should listen to my own advice. So soon, after I tackle Bead and Button I will indulge again in some of the things I have missed. I'll have nearly seven weeks of no shows but that doesn't mean I'll be taking a break from the studio. The beads don't make themselves folks. I have a bevy of Summer and Fall shows to prep for too. So things will remain busy for this girl but just not as crazy.

I will give myself the need to escape, perhaps in one of those books on my bookshelves. Authors like Patricia Cromwell, Robert Tannebaum, Richard North Patterson, James Patterson, etc. sit in dust waiting for me, calling to me. I have so many favorite authors I used to visit with time and time again.

The good or bad thing about my reading habits is that if I like a book I can finish a 500+ page book in one day. I am (or was) a voracious reader. I will give up sleeping to finish a good book.

Yes, I am fanatic about reading and that is why I have not read a book in a LONG time, not because I didn't enjoy the process but because I knew if I read, I would only read. My glass and studio time would suffer.

Of course, there is the knitting too. My fiber addiction and a walk in closet full of wonderful yarns! I have taught myself many things over the years and knitting is one of them. The satisfaction of finishing a project!! The feeling of excitement to wear something I made with these hands and the wonderful yarns I select for each project. There is also a sense of pride when I have the time to make a gift for a love one. I miss this! I MISS!

There are several in process projects that have suffered from completion. I have a habit of selecting huge projects that take months or years to complete.

I love knitting blankets!! Yeah, I'm crazy. But think of ALL the love in every single stitch of the blanket. Love it.

Well, I started back knitting a few days ago. The particular project was at the foot of my bed, in a plastic bin of chosen yarns. Over SIXTY skeins will complete this project!!

I picked the project up and found the modular blanket pattern I had started late last year on my night stand. My notes carefully scribbled with alterations and stitch counts to spice things up a bit. My hands remembered easily the pattern after glancing at the instructions. It was as though the project never left my hands, these fingers. The needles flowed with each stitch and the knitting brought comfort to me, working on a project that I missed. Working with my hands, creating something from simple components, I love it.

So, hello again, Blythe Blanket!

Hello.

(My blanket is blue, purple and green and has black borders around each square. It will be slightly different than the photo below.)

I've missed you.

Even though it will take me months to finish you, I will.

Then there is my beading. I see my Facebook friends uploading beautiful finished projects into their photo albums and then I think to myself why I only bead these days if I am writing an article.

It is true.

I have not really beaded for FUN since before writing Bead Romantique! My main focus has been my glass work and prepping for shows. My beading has always been another comforting craft I indulge in between the busyness. Many people think that since I write about beading and create projects for magazines, I must also teach and have kits. I bead and write because I want to share with the world my love of beading. That's why I write so much but I have been taking a break to focus back on my glass work. And many of the projects you see in magazines are usually created the same week before a deadline.

Designing. Creating. Writing. All in a two week duration while working in the glass studio too. Now do you realize why I have little time to do the things I miss?

I suppose having an assignment and beading last minute challenges me. I so miss beading but I will get a chance to bead soon after Bead and Button. Yes, it is for a special assignment that I will talk more about later. I wish it was for pleasure but I can only justify so much indulgence without feeling guilty.

At least not TOO guilty.

So I'm looking forward to June and July for the things that I miss. I miss doing them and I will make time (somehow) each day to do one of the things I miss. I miss doing many things. The sacrifices of an artist. It's what I must do. I will miss less things soon. Doing many things keeps me sane and creating. That is why I have so many interests. Good or bad.

Thank you for dropping by to read from time to time. I know we are all busy so I appreciate the time you spend on my blog or on my Facebook. And, I'll try to be here more often to share my thoughts. I should be better about blogging even if these hands ache from a long day in the studio.

I should.

No more excuses.

Introspectively,

Lisa

P.S. Yes, yesterday, I finally started decorating this blog a bit with a new banner. After starting this blog on 07/07/07 it was about time!! There was a reason for starting the blog back then... to write to you...share with you a bit about ME. Thank you for being interested in my work and allowing me into your lives.

Bead Society of Norcal Bazaar: May 15, 2010

2010-05-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is almost SHOWTIME again.

Seems like I've been on the road non-stop with a show every two weeks apart for the last few shows and you know what? yes, I have

I am making beads as fast as I can and so my fingers are crossed I'll have a nice selection of the Botanicals for my Norcal beader friends.

From the Bead Society of Norcal website:

Please join us again this year for the BSNC Bead Bazaar, Saturday May 15, 2010

The BSNC Bead Bazaar is the LARGEST one day show in the US. With over 115 studio artists and bead exhibitors, selling ancient/vintage/modern beads, finished jewelry, findings, books, and more, this is a show not to be missed.

Centrally located at the Oakland Marriott Civic Center
10th and Broadway, Oakland, CA.

click the map to get detailed driving directions

Public Transportation: Consider taking BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit ) or an AC Transit bus, saving the $22.00 parking fee (which you could spend on beads!).

The Oakland Convention Center is located across the street from the 12th Street BART station and is within easy walking distance of a number of AC Transit Bus Lines. Remember that free, convenient parking is available at many East Bay BART stations on weekends. You can park your car at the station and take BART to the Convention Center. (For weekday parking, be sure to check the rules at the station you park at)

An easy to use trip planner for BART, Muni, and AC Transit is available at: www.511.org.

Save some money on the entrance fee and spend it at MY booth! (Right click on the image below and save to your desktop to print out the $2 coupon)

See everyone at the show soon!
I CAN'T wait to visit the Bay area again!
And spend time with good friends

There are many MORE beads to make in the next few days
so I better get busy

Flame On
Lisa

Rocky Mountain Bead Society Bazaar: April 24-25, 2010

2010-04-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, indeed.

It is almost SHOWTIME, once again.

I will be on the road again soon, this time to beautiful Denver, Colorado.

The road trip will take TWO days but I'm looking forward to stopping over in Santa Fe for some Good Eats.

If you are in the Denver, Colorado area or are just planning to drive up for the Rocky Mountain Bead Society Bazaar, come visit me, will ya?

This is my first time exhibiting at the RMBS show and I am SO excited to connect with beaders, talk about glass and creating, talk about ANYTHING really.

So welcome me to Denver, and drop by to say hello.

You'll find me at Booth #436!! way in the back but I won't be hard to find.

Just look for my banner that will mark the spot for you to STOP!!

Here are the details for the show:

The Denver Merchandise Mart
Expo Building
452 E. 58th Avenue (I-25 at 58th Avenue)
Denver, Colorado 80216

April 24 and 25, 2010
HOURS: Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5
$5.00 admission EACH day

For additional information, visit the Rocky Mountain Bead Society Bazaar page.

TWO more days and I'm on the road again.

When I return, you'll see some new photo albums uploaded to my Facebook page, so don't forget to look me up there for some "visual" stimulation!

See everyone in Denver soon...

There's many more Botanicals still to be made and lots of packin' to get done.

But I'll be READY when it's SHOWTIME.

Looking forward to getting away and taking my mind off to a distant place.

Busy is Good.

Keeps me outta trouble.

Trouble is NOT my name.

Lisa

Glass Craft and Bead Expo: April 9 -11, 2010

2010-04-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

BE THERE if you can.

This is a new venue for me this year so come visit me and keep me company. I will be at booth location G7 and H7.

Also a first for me is my design "Spring Blossoms" for the Gallery of Excellence exhibit.

“Spring Blossoms” celebrates the arrival of Spring and the exuberant colors of the season. The necklace showcases my new Botanical sculptural glass florals, inspired by the plum blossom. The design incorporates peyote, twisted herringbone and fringe beading techniques in addition to wireworking.

*****

Here are the general nitty gritty details for Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2010:

Location:
South Point Hotel & Casino
9777 Las Vegas Blvd, South
Las Vegas, Nevada

Classes: April 7-11, 2010
Show floor: April 9-11, 2010

Show floor hours:
Friday, April 9; 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 10: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, April 11: 10:00am - 3:00pm

The $15.00 admission is good for ALL THREE days of the Expo.

Special coupons you can use at select vendors at the show.
List of vendors exhibiting at the show.

For MORE info, visit the Glass Craft and Bead Expo website!

See you in Las Vegas,

Lisa

Ume... Plum Blossoms... the 3 NEW Botanicals

2010-03-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

Lisa is tired ...

VERY tired

What's keepin' me up is adrenaline and looking forward to my Santa Fe trip where I'll be seeing some of my favorite people, dining at some great eats, and just plain fun with artsy folks...

See previous posts for info on Bead Fest Santa Fe and the free pass you can print out.

Don't say I didn't try to save you some money!

Come spend it at my booth, will ya? (#208, at the Convention Center)

I wanted to write one more blog post before heading off to Santa Fe... just ONE more.

Does this redeem me for my lack of writing last year? Pretty, please?

Goodness I have been so active with my writing, its a wonder how I got all these beads made.

I know MAGIC folks.

So before my head hits this keyboard...

I want to let you know... for each show this year, I hope to introduce at least three or MORE new Botanical colors.

How is it possible to have MORE colors, Lisa? Isn't there a limitation to the color palette?

Well yes and no.

If you have a Color Goddess on your shoulders looking over you while you make Botanicals... then you are blessed to create infinite combinations of colors in differing shades and hues.

Hey besides, I know MAGIC!

So with no further adieu, Bead Fest Santa Fe attendees will be able to pick up the following three new colors. Please come on Thursday March 18th for opening night festivities from 5-9p.m. If you come, you will get first dibs on everything.

Everything is limited...

Don't say I didn't warn you to come early. If something sells out, well I guess you can always place an order and "wait".

I do make custom orders on rare occasions, only if you give me an extra $2 dollars for every bead or special request.

So, I am human and can only make so many beads each day. Don't want to have carpo tunnel.

But I have been productive even though some of you know that I have also been quite active updating my page on Facebook.

I can usually do 3-4 things at once and plan my time accordingly. Besides, by the time of this post, you'll know I really don't sleep much.

SLEEP IS OVER-RATED!!

Here's the new colors... as I need to get back to packing.

BT047

BT048

BT049

Well that's about all you need to know. The photos speak for themselves I hope.

And if you visit my website catalog, you'll find I have many sales going on... because there will be some interesting surprises coming

And I'm NOT telling you what they are... until you buy up all the items on sale.

So come see me in Santa Fe if you are near... I promise I won't talk to you to death. I'll probably be snoring behind the booth, trying to catch up on the Zzzz's.

Good night/Good morning

Yes, back to work...

Lisa

Come to Bead Fest, Santa Fe...

2010-03-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

It's SHOWTIME folks!

I will be exhibiting at the Bead Fest Santa Fe show from March 18th to March 21st. If you are nearby and happen to be in Santa Fe, please come by the show and visit me at booth #208. I'd love to chat and visit with you. I'm at the Convention Center.

Here are the nitty-gritty show details:

Santa Fe Community Convention Center
201 W. Marcy St
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Santa Fe County

2nd location with more vendors:

La Fonda Santa Fe
100 E. San Francisco
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Santa Fe County

For a list of exhibitors you can visit, click here:

Bazaar Hours:
Thursday, March 18: 5 PM - 9 PM
Friday, March 19: 10 AM - 6 PM
Saturday, March 20: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday, March 21: 11 AM - 5 PM

Admission Fees at the door: *Cash Only*
1 day - $10
2 day pass - $12
3 day pass - $14
4 day pass - $16

OR click here for a absolutely FREE pass.

But if you use this pass, you HAVE TO come to my booth for a visit.

*****

Also just announced by Interweave is a BRAND new show this October!

Mark your calendars folks, this new show is coming to Texas. I have been asking the Bead Fest folks to add a venue in Texas and finally it is coming true! I am COMING to see all of you in Texas this October. I don't care if I have to slave in the studio. I am SO there! So Texas... HELLO out there!

Bead Fest Texas
October 1-3, 2010
Arlington Convention Center
1200 Ballpark Way
Arlington, TX 76011

*****

See everyone soon in Santa Fe!

Goodnight

Lisa

Introducing the NEW Metal Clay and Polymer Clay Toolwraps

2010-03-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

What you see above are the fabrics being introduced at Bead Fest Santa Fe later this week.

What for Lisa?

Well, thank you for asking...

With the popularity of our small and medium Tri-fold Tool and Bead Wraps, we of course was planning all along to introduce the large version. Projects like these take time to develop. You can read more about the wraps on my website and see more detailed photos.

Basically this wrap is targetted for the Metal Clay and Polymer Clay artists. Have you seen all the tools they lug around and generally in plain looking toolwraps? I think having one of our toolwraps would make creating oh so much more fun. Don't you say?

So here are just some photos of what you can use our new LARGE wrap for. I'll let the pictures do the talking because this girl is WAY too exhausted right now to write any more.

For the Metal Clay and Polymer Clay Artist:

For the Seed Beader:

For the Knitter, Crocheter and Needleworker:

For the Painter and/or General Crafter:

For the Glass Artist:

Now, can you see why we are SO excited about this new line of wraps? Now we have three sizes to meet all your needs.

So drop by Bead Fest Santa Fe between March 18th to March 21st as we will have a limited quantity. These are MSRP at $39.95 and are made in the USA by ONE person, my sister Sandy.

If you purchase more than one wrap, you will get $5 off each subsequent one. So come on by and check these wraps out. I'll do a demo for you too if you'd like.

See everyone in Santa Fe soon

Good night/Good morning!!

Lisa

Happy Surprise.... It's a SURPRISE!!

2010-03-14T23:51:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, you just do things for others because that's who you are.

I do things for others "just because" I care about them, sometimes even before they ask me.

Never do I expect anything in return... but perhaps just a simple "Thank You!" showing their appreciation.

One of the fun things that makes me HAPPY (yes that subject again) is giving my friends and family unexpected SURPRISES.

I've sent friends unexpected gifts just because I know that whatever I send would bring a SMILE to their faces.

It's not what you give someone (as in the material good), but rather WHY you give them that SURPRISE. Think about that statement a bit.

"Actions speaks louder than words."

A SURPRISE shows someone you are thinking of them and care for them.

I think it is better to give rather than to receive because the more you give others, the more you will receive back tenfold later.

It may not be apparent at first or immediately, but all good things will come back to you. The adage of "What goes around, comes around", you know.

You send out vibes of Happiness and Love... well that is what you will get back!

If you meet up with someone who takes and takes from you... well read my Happiness post from March 3rd and get rid of 'em.

These types of people are not helping the "circle of life". In a circle everything goes around and around... give-take and take-give.

This circle should spin counterclockwise and clockwise, nearly equally.

So, it makes me HAPPY to make those who make me HAPPY, HAPPY...

Life is much better when one is HAPPY.

So what's with the photo of the irises Lisa, if you are talking about Happiness yet AGAIN?

*****

Tuesday March 9, the doorbell rings... I was NOT having a great day this particular Tuesday!

(Ding Dong)

My husband opens the door and it's our neighbor from down the street. We have the same house number but different street names. Apparently a delivery was dropped off erroneously at her house and she walked up to deliver it.

Anyhow, I was in my studio working on Botanicals for Bead Fest Santa Fe and I get called to get a package with somewhat of a perturbed tone.

"Someone apparently sent you some flowers..."

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.... ?

Huh, who would send ME flowers? I couldn't think of anyone who would send ME flowers besides my husband of course. It wasn't my birthday and my husband was not in trouble with me YET. haha.

Well, I opened the box from Proflowers and there was a card.

It said "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day and life to drive us to and back from the airport."

For a moment I said to myself ... "HUH? IS this a JOKE or is this from one of my goofy friends?"

Then it dawned on me who sent me these irises.

This was a most generous and elder man much my senior.

And OLDER man.

This wonderful man, who just made my day with this wonderful SURPRISE.

I was all SMILES the rest of the day, erasing my earlier bad mood.

The flowers just started blooming in it's vase a few days ago and aren't the irises simply gorgeous?

Makes me HAPPY to know that the bouquet of irises were sent as a "just because" I know you have been working hard and still thought to take care of others, even though you were busy, getting ready for your big show!

I wanted to share with all of you that this wonderful man is none other than my FAVORITE and ONLY Father-in-Law!

I'm such a lucky girl!

Who would have known that driving someone to and from the airport would result in a beautiful bouquet of irises?

I definitely didn't expect this surprise and after the week I had, I *REALLY* needed the irises to cheer me up. No elaborating necessarily... but this girl is NOT always happy go lucky. There are things that DO upset me. But I don't want to go there when I am writing a post on Happiness!

So it's OKAY to get flowers from someone other than your husband, especially if you've volunteered your services as a chauffer to the airport.

Does anyone need a ride to the airport? (wink)

Relish in Surprises

In the Giving as well as In the Receiving

Make Someone Special Happy

With a Surprise!

Goodnight!

Lisa

Passionflower on Knitting Daily Spring 2009

2010-03-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to my romantic side again and again through my beadwork.

This is Passionflower...

This design was one of six designs, originally published in the April/May issue, which I created to share as Beadwork Magazine's Designer of the Year (DOY) 2009.

As you can see, I can't help but to be influenced by the Victorian/Nouveau period in my work.

This design is actually quite simple and quick to make. Don't let the finished piece fool you. It's one of my techniques in writing projects... to create designs that look difficult but are easy to create. Although it appeared in 2009, you can still pick up the back issue or the project PDF on Interweave's website.

Why am I going back in time and writing about this design on the blog, you ask?

As many of you know, one of my favorite things to delve into during the winter months is knitting with natural fibers (WHEN DOES LISA FIND TIME TO KNIT?) , especially that of wool/silk blends. I have been teaching myself knitting for the last few years but only realistically knitting for a few months because there is just so many things to do around here. I'm a fast learner and have knitted not ONE but TWO queen sized blankets that I'll share photos here sometime later)

(Lisa's informative side note: Your hands are the best creative part of your body... second only to your mind and imagination... your hands create the art that your mind thinks up! So folks, take care of those HANDS!)

So, I was clearing my mailbox of old emails and found that I had wanted to make a note here sometime ago but got busy. Knitting Daily featured the Diminishing Rib Cardigan, cover project from the Interweave Knits Spring 2009 issue, in a superb and wonderful gallery on their blog.

Now how does this EVEN have ANYTHING to do with the Passionflower DOY project?

Have patience my readers...

I'll get to the rest of the story. (For those folks who love trivia like me, this is a Paul Harvey reference.)

Well if you click this link you will find the answer but please promise to come back to my blog, okay?

I'm waiting....

Okay...

Thank you for coming back to my blog.

I appreciate you listening to directions. ;o)

So now that you've visited the link and even if you didn't, tonight I feel nice and HAPPY so I'll tell you what this is all about, anyways.

(I'm not REALLY THAT nice, folks...don't believe the rumors of my niceness from anyone who DARES to spread such rumors about me. Just go to my Facebook page and see how mean I REALLY am!)

The good folks at the knitting division of Interweave Press, was nice enough to model their Diminishing Rib Cardigan WITH my Passionflower design for Knitting Daily's Gallery.

How COOL is that?

That is Way COOL.

I love SURPRISES, don't you?

Sorry for the caps folks, I am just Happy.

I found this link quite by accident roaming around in knitting newsgroups searching for info, searching for yarn, researching as I do on most things I get myself into.

This was a WONDERFUL surprise and can you tell from the photos that all the models are HAPPY? They are HAPPY to be out in the sun and wearing my Passionflower necklace while wearing the lovely, beautiful Diminishing Rib Cardigan?

Being Happy is GREAT!

If you are puzzled as to why I have reference the word "Happy" or feeling of "Happiness" so often in this post, then you must read THIS POST from Wednesday March 3, 2010.

Go there NOW!

Then Come Back Here!

Enjoy Your Surprises

and BE HAPPY

Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Goodnight!

I'm Tired

Lisa

Happiness....

2010-03-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

I must be on a roll...

Three posts in three consecutive days.

(a bit of trivia for those who love trivia... The number "3" is often used to signify the number of completion.)

I think I've finally made up for the months that I slacked off NOT writing here towards the end of 2009.

I am forgiven right? (wink)

So what is on my mind today and why is Lisa writing so much on the blog this week?

Uhmmm look up there.

Yeah, way up in the RED section.

The topic of this post?

Uh huh.

Because I am "happy".

And so... when Lisa is happy she tends to write, write and write. If you are SO lucky to get one of Lisa's long emails recently (you know who you are), then hey you can always hit DELETE!

And if you have the unfortunate fate of being in her presence, she will talk, talk and talk. So bring some ear plugs if you visit Lisa at a show when she gets into one of her "happy" moods.

What?

Really, what?

Don't you talk about yourself in the third person when you write about yourself? ;o)

*****

Sometimes when I write about "Happinesss" here, I write poetry (one of my favs, Random Thoughts) and other times it's just "free association adlibbing" aka "blabbering out loud".

(okay I took a much deserved break and am back to finish this post. I hope I haven't lost my train of thought but I guess if I don't make much sense, then you'll have your answer).

Let's see here... (flipping through my mental notes.. all the happiness thoughts are in my head and it is all jumbled up from working in the studio all day...) Aaaah Got It...

***** (continued from earlier)

Happiness. What is it and how does one achieve it. It's simplier than you may think. If you search on this blog, you'll find many references on this topic that I've written on over the years. If you find the poetry, then you'll know I can be silly about this topic too.

I don't claim to be the happiest person all the time but I am generally a happy person. There are times, of course, when life deals you cards that you can't "put on a happy face" but here are just some tips I have on staying happy as often as I can.

It takes a lot of energy to be negative (upset or mad...) use the energy instead to channel it towards HAPPINESS. So what will it be for you?

Will you try to be HAPPY with me?

Follow my TOP FIVE tips on how to get and stay Happy. You'll then know the true sense of Happiness like me!

1. Eliminate negative thoughts. Thinking negatively not only brings YOU down, It brings other's down. I try not to think negatively unless it's about someone who is thinking negatively about ME. Hey, turnaround is fair game, so go for it! The double negatives will collide and make a positive. (Math reference, I can't help it!)

2. Eliminate negative people from your life, COMPLETELY. You just show 'em. If YOU're not negative why would you want to keep those pesky so call "friends" who are negative around you, around. Get rid of them. Negative energy around you will bring you down. I try to eliminate all negative people around me. So if I am not around you that much, guess what... yep, need I say more?

3. Listen to your Heart (Not your Wallet). If you do what you love and love what you do, you're a more happy person. It's real simple and not rocket science. For my artist friends out there, if you think about the pocketbook too much, you will invariably sell less. When you create your art.. think about the art... NOT how much you will sell it for at a show. Trust me, I know.. have you seen how cheap my prices are? Guess what? I'm not rich in my wallet but I'm rich in my heart. ;o)

4. Love more, Hate Less. Love your fellow man/woman/child/brother/sister/pet/etc. Simply put, share yourself and your ideas with others. You'll be surprise when you sit next to a stranger at a restaurant or something... just start talking to them. If you get a strange look, well don't BLAME me. I think you just made the wrong selection and that person must have been a "negative" person. Refer to #2. Get rid of 'em. Most people will just smile strangely at you and it's okay because YOU ARE HAPPY and they AREN'T, so you're already ahead of the game! ;o)

5. Don't take things too seriously, just let (it) go. So you have a fight with your best friend. Generally, I think most arguments start out small and is made big for no reason. I mean can't the other person just see it MY way? Be the bigger person and just let go. I mean really just let go. Take the person you are angry with to the tallest bridge in town... then just let (him/her) go. ;oP

Have a great night or morning

Be Happy

I am

Lisa

Change...Changes... Changed

2010-03-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

People say "change is good"...

I come here this morning again, typing on a new keyboard. Actually not really new just confiscated from storage because I had to "change" to a new keyboard.

Let me tell you a funny story about Lisa, sometimes also fondly referred to as, Ms. Klutz.

There are many things I am capable of doing, especially when I get up early in the morning - all charged up - about what needs to be accomplished on any given day. I generally start off with a Cup of Joe and maybe if I am good a few almond biscottis.

Now mind you, I NEVER eat or drink in front of the computer...

(What am I saying? I can't tell a fib to these GOOD people)

How do you folks think I get as much done around here if I didn't eat in front of the computer? I know bad habit. Bad habits are hard to break sometimes.

So this REAL funny thing happened to me this morning around 7ish a.m...

I've been VERY productive in recent days and getting up at the crack of dawn to work, work and work as I have this HUGE mound of paperwork, computer work, etc. to do. A day in the life of a glass bead artist is not just making glasswork in the studio. There are many business things that need to be accomplished, so that there would be studio time later in the day for preparation of shows like Bead Fest Santa Fe.

Anyhow (I'm not really laughing but...),

Funny thing happened this morning. You see I was just about to take a sip of Joe from my FAVORITE Hershey's mug I picked up from PA last year... , and uhmmmmmmmm somehow I didn't get a good grip... it slipped slightly but because I am so ambidextrous (just look at the photos I shot of my right arm with my left hand holding the Powershot G9) I was able to catch the mug BEFORE too much damage could be created.

However... things don't always seem as they are. Being technically inclined, I knew I had to shut the power off or my entire keyboard may be fried.

So there goes the power.... OFF

The mess was cleaned up but later when my laptop came back on... funky keystrokes would result when I typed.

I mean...

LOOK at this garbage...

dffirfirollllljfdioeireighghghachdfiaccb///fereow

Now how am I supposed to make sense on this blog, in emails, on Facebook, on my website... or anywhere else, if I typed like that??

(Not that I make all that much sense usually... but let's play nice and play with me, okay?)

Fortunately I am not all that DUMB after all. I have an arsenal of keyboards stored in SEVERAL boxes in the attic.

Why does anyone need more than one keyboard you ask?

Well...

Uhmmm.... you haven't guessed yet?

Well... for THIS exact reason.

(Do you think this is the FIRST time this mishap has happened?)

So here I am with my old Logitech keyboard connected to my laptop and fortunately nothing more on the laptop was fried like the HARD DRIVE. Goodness... this would have slowed me down if I couldn't get online. I would have lost so much data too...

(slaps herself on the forehead)

The interesting thing is... now, if I don't like an email or the person emailing me, I can respond with the fouled up keyboard from the laptop.

If I like the email or the person emailing me... then I use the Logitech.

On the brighter side of things...

THIS IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN!! (wink)

If you get an email from me from this day forward, make sure you can read it (smile)

If you can't then... uhmmmmm... I don't know what COULD of happened.

(Maybe you spilled a Cup of Joe on your computer monitor, don't blame me now.)

So what is the lesson of this story?

Don't eat or drink in front of the computer?

NO... Not really...

Although I learn from most of my mistakes and try not repeating any, this girl likes to have FUN, has a lot to do and will still try to maximize time by eating in front of the computer, at times.

Sometimes I change my habits for the good... but in this case, my habits better change with me or ELSE!!

Don't spill again or I'll have to break you into shards!

Yes, I'm warning you, Hershey Mug, for the LAST time.

Don't mess with me.

P.S. I highly recommend other klutzes in the world, who happen to be reading my blog, to go get some of those keyboard covers. You will save yourself a LOT of hassles. Ask me why and how I know. You own me $1 for this valuable tip of the day.

P.P.S. For those who read my blog regularly, you will notice that I have changed the blog's appearance/colors as of today... but still this place is quite unattractive.

Now why would someone (Lisa Kan) who is passionate about "color, shape, texture and creativity" have such an uncreative, color bland blog? I'm working on it...really I am... there are many more higher priorities to handle right now....like getting ready for the next FOUR back to back shows (with only about two weeks apart) and that's not counting other special *secret* projects I'm working on.

And it takes time to find the right accoutrements... but change will be coming folks. It'll just take awhile but I'm working as hard as any human being can behind the scenes. I hope you will see the fruits of my labor soon. Goodness knows, even a spilled Cup of Joe, can't slow this girl down.

Have an Excellent Day Creating Everyone,

Remember this though...

It's okay to make a mess as long as you know how to fix it

Ms. Klutz

Lisa

Stop For the Roses ...

2010-03-01T21:41:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone...

Yes, you are not imagining things...

It is I...

I am here...

Here I am...

To write to you because I'm in that kind of mood this evening and want to share some thoughts. Plus I feel sorely bad that I haven't really written here (my way) in a long long time... I sometimes get so busy with life, with work, with shows, with everything... that I am lucky to even have the energy to breathe, let alone sleep or eat.

I was reminded recently that there is much more than just working hard in life, there's the need to take a break and have some FUN. Granted, I admit my work brings me FUN and I make my work FUN. It's cyclic but there's hope for this workaholic still...

Which is why and how I selected my topic tonight. Plus a certain someone gave me the idea when emailing about "Why photos of roses evoked a sense of HAPPINESS?" (and I know he will probably read this so thank you, Mr. Certain Someone).

So what is Lisa talking about? and what is this topic "Stop for the Roses?" Well you know the old adage "stop and smell the roses". If you don't, I found Mac Davis's song by the same title and here are his lyrics!

Stop And Smell The Roses
Mac Davis
(Davis/Severinsen)

Hey Mister
Where you going in such a hurry
Don't you think it's time you realized
There's a whole lot more to life than work and worry
The sweetest things in life are free
And there right before your eyes

You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the roses along the way

Before you went to work this morning in the city
Did you spent some time with your family
Did you kiss your wife and tell her that she's pretty
Did you take your children to your breast and love them tenderly

You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the roses along the way

Did you ever take a walk through the forest
Stop and dream a while among the trees
Well you can look up through the leaves right straight to heaven
You can almost hear the voice of God
In each any every breeze

You got to Stop and Smell the Roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the Roses along the way

You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the roses along the way

******
So that's what I meant by "Stop For the Roses". Mac Davis said it better than I probably ever could.

And since I am talking about roses and stopping for them, why don't you mosey over to my Facebook page when you get a chance. Remember all those photos I promised to share from my trips but didn't get a chance to here? It is much easier to share with everyone the bevy of photos I capture on my adventures on Facebook.

I have started to upload collections of photos from various U.S. gardens I've had the pleasure to visit. And many of them have photos of roses, so how appropriately fitting I would tie this in with this evening's post topic.

(big smile... I am a sneaky one.. better watch out for me.)

With time, I will share with you select photos from my photography archives. This girl tends to get trigger happy when she has her Powershot G9, so there are lots of photos to go through and limited time to do so. But you will start seeing them on Facebook if you visit my page there.

I have more to write but have to save it for later this week. This girl has been up since 6 a.m. and although I have more to say... I will stretch it out a bit... to share with you another day.

(YES! more than one post from Lisa this week...)

(The REAL truth to the sudden ending of this post is that Anthony Bourdain is coming on the Travel Channel. Okay I fessed up. I am both SNEAKY and GUILTY!) (wink)

Until next time,

PLEASE Stop For the Roses everyone...

(This includes YOU as well Mr. Certain Someone!)

Lisa

Bead Fest Santa Fe, FREE Pass!!

2010-02-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, especially Bead Fest Santa Fe attendees...

I've got you set up here with a FREE invitation to visit Bead Fest Santa Fe. The show is fast approaching and will be held from March 18-21, 2010 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and La Fonda Hotel. If you can come on preview night, March 18th, you will get first dibs on EVERYTHING. We will be opened from 5-9p.m. and I'm at the Convention Center, Booth #208!!

So save some money on admission to spend at the show and print out the following FREE pass below to the upcoming Bead Fest show. (Right click on image and save on your desktop to print out!) If you are planning to attend more than one day, you'll need to fill out this pass for EACH day!

I will have lots of Botanicals, the tools (PPT), tool wraps, my book, pearls and Italian mesh with a few other surprises too. We'll be including our Botanical silk corsage bracelet tutorial and idea sheet as a free giveaway with every Botanical bead purchase! We will also be introducing our NEW larger tool and bead wraps for metal clay and polymer clay artists in our signature Japanese fabrics, all handmade by my sister Sandy! There will be limited quantities but you'll get a chance to see the wonderful new fabrics we've added to our limited edition tool wrap line in Santa Fe!

So come for the fun and the beads - to chat and to see - be inspired and be enamoured, etc. Make sure you visit my booth too, #208! Then stay a bit longer for some great Southwest dining!

I'll see everyone in Santa Fe!

Lisa

Happy New Year to YOU!

2010-02-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

I want to first wish everyone a Happy New Year! I know it is late but not really because we just celebrated Chinese New Year.

I'm off the hook right? ;o)

Well, can't blame me for trying...

I must apologize to those who read my blog that I was very busy after my last post entry regarding our trip to Portland Bead Fest. 2009 was a very challenging year for our family but I won't go into the nitty gritty details only to say that I am glad it is over. 2010 promises a new fresh outlook and I am SO excited about where I am taking my art. I am fortunate and feel blessed for the many friends/customers I have in the bead world. Thank you for your continual support. I wouldn't be where I am without YOU!

I have since started a Facebook page that I hope to be able to keep up. (biting nails) I hope to make announcements about shows and upcoming articles as well as interesting "other" things that I do. With Facebook growing exponentially each year, lots of artists are finding new audiences for their work there. So join and visit me on my Facebook page, Lisa Kan.

In the meantime, I'm working on a lot of neat projects and collaborations, simultaneously to preparing for shows. Its a bit hectic at times but I'm loving it. So although, postings here will be less, I hope to come here from time to time to share my thoughts with you.

I took a break from exhibiting in Tucson this year and just attended the shows for a full week of fun exploring. Walking around Tucson, I was energized and inspired by all the eye candy made by my friends and fellow artists. Brimming with new inspiration, ideas and opportunities I could hardly sleep all week. Adrenaline was what kept me going most days. I enjoyed every moment of Tucson even though I did miss visiting with all the beaders at my own booth.

I have decided that I will not be exhibiting in Tucson in the upcoming years (at least the next two years) so I can continue my exploration. I think that far ahead. Yes, I do. It will be fun to see how my art will change with this extra time off to work on many ideas I've put aside "on the back burner" while I was writing so extensively the last few years. I already know how to fill the time as I have been waiting for this opportunity for a LONG while.

I am still exhibiting at my regular shows the remainder of the year so I'm not taking a complete break from exhibiting totally. This only affects Tucson. I would be loss if I could not talk to beaders and glass enthusiasts at shows. I love talking to all of you when you visit my booth. I can not give that up but I have modified my 2010 exhibit schedule so I can make this happen. I've actually added three new shows this year to make up for missing Tucson. I will be exhibiting at Glass Craft & Bead Expo (Las Vegas, NV) and the Rocky Mountain Bead Society Bazaar (Denver, CO) this April. I have also added the Softflex Hawaii Fall to the show lineup. Actually it is an excuse to visit Hawaii and share some time with beaders at the same time. This means that we will not be at Softflex's New York venue since most of you come to the Bead Fest Philly show (August) to visit me anyways. These new changes are all fun and exciting.

For Tucson, don't worry, my new glass designs will be represented exclusively by my friends at Bello Modo at the Whole Bead Show, Windmill Suite 125. We already have some exciting things planned for next year! I'll also make sure to be at the Whole Bead Show on Friday night (openhouse night until 9 p.m.!) to meet, to greet and to answer any beady questions you may have. So let's mark the calenders and you have a date! Meet me in Tucson 2011 at the Whole Bead Show (I'll list the show dates later as we approach Tucson 2011)!

Right now I am getting ready for Bead Fest Santa Fe and taking care of some back orders. So I will cut this post short only to invite all of you to join me on Facebook where I'll be on from time to time. Drop by for a visit - to chat, to look, and/or to read. I look forward to our next visit together.

Stay inspired and keep on creating
Lisa

September 20: Eureka and the Redwood Forest

2009-09-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

Let's continue the road trip towards Bead Fest Portland and show you folks some of the "fun" we sometimes get to enjoy on our trips.

All work and no play is simply not in our vocabulary.

*****

We left Redding, CA in the early morning with the agenda of driving through Hwy 299 then onward to Hwy 101 towards Eureka, CA.

Nick shares my fondness for architecture and found out Eureka had some pretty nice Victorian landmarks/homes. Armed with our trusty GPS which we have since fondly nicknamed "Roxanne", we were on our way. Hwy 299 is a historic scenic route and you can really drink in all the beauty that is Mother Nature. Hwy 299 was a winding and curving road. We kept ourselves entertained by singing along to our favorite CDs, stopping at as many vista points along the way as we could.

And then we arrived...

Eureka!!

Some of the fine samples of Victorian architecture we were fortunate to partake in ... the most beautiful being the Carson Mansion!! From the Eureka Heritage's website on the Carson Mansion:

One of the most written about, and photographed Victorian houses in California, and perhaps in the United States, the William Carson Mansion epitomizes the range of possibilities for eclectic design expression that created a peculiarly American style of architecture. Derived from many sources, but unique enough to represent none predominately, this much discussed and debated property stands today in virtually the same condition as when first constructed. The designers, Samuel and Joseph Newsom, were well respected San Francisco architects who heartily embraced the concept of the "picturesque", a quality that continues to fascinate all who see the Carson Mansion's intricately composed interiors and exteriors.

Prominently sited [143 M Street], the extensive grounds provide a substantial pedestal for this sculptured edifice. Eye-seeking and shadow-producing surfaces showcase the use of wood as a building material. This three-dimensional "pattern-book" took over one hundred men over two years to construct. Its influence on the design of subsequent buildings in Eureka is readily apparent even today. In addition to the abundant use of redwood, Mr. Carson imported 97,000 feet of primavera or "white mahogany" from Central America, along with other woods and onyx from the Philippines, East India, and Mexico. The elaborate interiors include stained glass, plasterwork, and carved ornaments in exotic woods.

The Carson Mansion was owned by the descendents of William Carson until 1950, when it was sold to the Ingomar Club.

*****

Unfortunately the Carson Mansion is a private property and not opened to the public for tours. This is to ensure the integrity and beauty of this historical landmark. But, Oh... I would have loved to stroll down the halls and seen the interiors personally. If the building is this pretty on the outside, I can only imagine how breathless it may be inside. You can view the interiors though from the Ingomar Club website. Simply marvelous architecture and interior decor! Ain't history grand?

Now here are other fine samples of architectural delights around Eureka I would like to share with you...

The Pink Lady:

The Arkley Center for the Performing Arts...

with a Deco influence.

Uhmmm....I'm drinking up the facade at the Carnegie Free Library...

Look at the angels! We even found a rare antiquarian bookstore! Of course I HAD to stroll in. I found a lovely book on the history of Cartier jewelry design. Uhmmmm.... I love rummaging through a used bookstore and finding something that wets my appetite to create. Then again, I can't enter any bookstore generally without buying a book or magazine.

This was not the only book I bought on this trip. (Eeek...bitting nails!) but more on that in a later post...

*****

No time to diddle daddle so we got into our car and hit the road along Hwy 101 to check out some of the Redwood forests along the way to Oregon. We have a habit of stopping at as many vista points as possible. At one of the vista points, we saw a swimmer training in the cold waters and spent a few moments speaking to her.

Earlier we had seen people on the highway near some bushes. I thought that was odd since it was close to a freeway entrance. After speaking to the swimmer, we strolled around and realize why those people were in the bushes.

No it's not what you think...

or maybe it was? haha

I'll let you know when you view the next set of photos that I had NOTHING to do with encouraging Nick to pick wild blackberries and posing for these photos.

Do you believe me?

I too was guilty and acting like a kid, having fun running about picking berries. There were so many wild bushes full of berries.

Only pick the black berries as the red ones are not riped yet.

And here is "Mr. Guilty One" in action. I happened to have brought some ziploc bags (how convenient) along on the trip. And here is "Ms. Guilty One" with two ziplocs full of wild black berries on her lap. (grin) We would have some of the berries sprinkled with Splenda. They were a bit tart but half the fun of it was picking them. We left a bag for the hotel staff to enjoy. We got back into the car and continued our drive up the coast towards the Redwoods. With the Pacific Ocean to our left, we were eatting up the view. Then we spotted a nice beach area at another vista point!

So we had to stop!

Then someone had to go have an adventure... and it wasn't me.

See the lovely rocks in this beautiful picture?
The lovely rocks had some lovely barnacles...
With intent and a mission, the Adventurer thought he would go explore the lovely rocks with the lovely barnacles... So what is Mr. Traveler not a Tourist going to do? He decides that it would be fun to climb around the lovely rocks with the lovely barnacles.

He then slips...

On the lovely rocks with the lovely barnacles...

All I can say is... OUCH!!!

*****
It was time to drive through the Redwoods ... to forget the pain above...

This way to the Big Tree!

Nick versus the Big Tree. See how small he is?

We continued on our route and arrived at our next stop, Medford Oregon after picking up some first aid. OUCH! What a sport to not have complained about the pain and to drive all that way.

More to come on the continuing road trip and adventures to Bead Fest Portland...

Always the Traveler, Never the Tourist

Lisa and Nick

September 19: On the road ... to Portland

2009-09-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

So here I am on a Friday night and instead of being out in downtown Portland living it up and partyin', I'm blogging.

Goes to show you that I lead a very exciting life. haha. ;o)

At least I have my priorities and know that I promised to write here during the trip so here I am.

I thought I would give you a synopsis of the road trip and share with you some favorite sites in case you visit California or Oregon in the future. Every moment was precious and we had lots of "little" adventures along the way. I took tons of photos, as usual, to capture our experiences.

So come with me and Nick on our road trip through Northern California as we travel towards Portland.

We left Southern California in the wee hours of the morning on Sat Sept 19th. Sure, we could have had a few extra hours of sleep but we were excited and anticipated the fun of this road trip. We drove pretty much straight through and stopped over for the evening in Redding, CA. After checking into our hotel we had a few extra daylight hours to explore the surrounding area. We had wanted to go to the Shasta caverns but was too late for a tour.

Always the adventurer here and not one to waste time when there are things to do and things to see, I found the intriguing Sundial Bridge nearby on our tourist map. The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay's Exposition Park is the largest operating sundial in the WORLD which is also a bridge. Wow!

We actually had no idea of its existence but was just fortunate to be at the right place at the right time to discover this first adventure.

From their website:

The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding, California. Opened July 4, 2004, the bridge links the north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park and serves as a new downtown entrance for Redding’s extensive Sacramento River Trail system.

The bridge celebrates human creativity and ingenuity, important themes of the 300 acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The steel, glass, and granite span evokes a sense of weightlessness and the translucent, non-skid decking provides for spectacular viewing at night. The bridge is also environmentally sensitive to its river setting. The tall pylon and cable stays allow the bridge to avoid the nearby salmon-spawning habitat there are no supports in the water while encouraging public appreciation for the river. Plazas are situated at both ends of the bridge for public use; the north-side plaza stretches to the water allowing patrons to sit at the river’s edge.

In addition to being a functional work of art, the Sundial Bridge is a technical marvel as well. The cable-stayed structure has an inclined, 217 foot pylon constructed of 580 tons of steel. The deck is made up of 200 tons of glass and granite and is supported by more than 4,300 feet of cable. The structure is stabilized by a steel truss, and rests on a foundation of more than 115 tons of steel and 1,900 cubic yards of concrete. The McConnell Foundation, a private, independent foundation established in Redding in 1964, funded the majority of the bridge’s $23 million cost.
World renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design, his first free-standing bridge in the United States. Calatrava has built bridges, airports, rail terminals, stadiums, and other structures around the world. His notable designs include the new PATH transportation terminal at the World Trade Center site in New York City and several projects at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, including the main stadium where opening and closing ceremonies were held.

While having fun with my camera, I spotted a lovely grouping of ducks frolicking in the waters underneath the bridge. It seemed like they were waiting and posing for my camera.

We wandered through the botanical gardens nearby and realized we should really go get some dinner after foregoing lunch earlier in the day. I found one of my favorite Northern California restaurants, Cattlemen's, nearby. I highly recommend this restaurant for prime rib and rib eye if you are a "meat and potatoes" kinda person. Simply delicious and just what we needed.

We called it a day and made plans for a great adventure the next day

More later, as the fun continues

Always the traveler, never a tourist

(ala Anthony Bourdain) Lisa

Botanical Ring, Hairclip and Bracelet

2009-09-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Just a quick post before we drive off to Portland early tomorrow a.m. I'll have the laptop with me so hopefully I will finally have time to go over the gazillion photos I've taken on our trips to catch up on blog entries. There is so much to share and write.

*****

My fingers were itching to create so for the last several days, while I was packing all the show gear, I set aside some time to create finished projects with the Botanicals to show at Bead Fest Portland. No seed beading this time but instead I created with wire and the Professional Precision Tools.

Check out what fun things you can make with these flowers!

A hairclip accessory (BT032) or a lovely ring (BT028) with Vintaj anyone?

Or maybe three complimentary Botanicals colors (using BT001, BT024, & BT034) for a lovely pearl bracelet

Can you say FUN? a whole lotta ... lotta fun?

To view a new necklace design containing both Botanicals and Luft beads, visit my website! So many of you have asked me "how would you design with the Luft beads?" I hope I answered your call with this double bonus, showing the versatility of using both these series. The Luft beads also make great earrings too.

*****

There are now 34 Botanical colors available for ordering on my website and most selections will be available at Bead Fest Portland. Come early to the show for the best selection, if you want to purchase the limited production colors, as they will be the first to go. There are many more floral colors in the works too. All I need is more studio time to create. These fingers are about to fall off with the hours I've put in since returning from Philly. Hard work never killed anyone and I'm not done creating even more colors as this series continues to expand.

What colors will come out of the kiln next time?

So what do you think of these design ideas?

Stock up on those 6mm crystal AB margarites! - a staple in my bead stash! They work wonders for the Botanicals.

These flowers will also make great embellishments for altered art, mix media, scrapbooks, and etc., basically just about anywhere you need a touch of Nature.

Can you see what I see?

*****

Riding off into the sunset and looking forward to the beautiful Pacific Northwest

Lisa

Bead Fest Portland, Free Pass

2009-09-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, especially Bead Fest attendees...

I've got you set up here with a FREE invitation to visit the Portland show coming up the weekend of Sept 24-27. If you can come on preview night, you get first dibs on everything. We will be opened from 5-9p.m.

So save some money on admission to spend at the show... and print out the following FREE pass below to the upcoming Bead Fest show. (Right click and save on your desktop to print out!)

Make sure you come visit me at booth 218! I will have nearly THIRTY colors of Botanicals as well as tons of new pearls. Come to also see the Plum Blossom necklace.

We'll be driving up to Portland this year so will be leaving early to enjoy the road trip. I'll make sure I take lots of photos and share on the blog later or maybe even during the trip.

See ya all in Portland!

Lisa

Beadwork Oct/Nov 2009 Designer of the Year Project: Plum Blossom

2009-09-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share photos of how the Plum Blossom necklaces are worn. I will post additional comments and give you the nitty gritty on seed colors I used later. When time permits, I will also backtrack to previous Designer of the Year projects to write about them. I'm trying to make up for lost time...haha...

Become a modern flapper with this necklace. The blue version below has a slightly different rope that is not covered in the Beadwork article. It is a twisted Ndebele (Herringbone) rope. It will be gifted soon to my friend Jannell Botto of Specialty Beads. You can really tweak this design and use the beaded Plum Blossoms (Ume) as bracelet or ring embellishments. I also see possibilities with the Botanicals in this design.

Hmmm... I think I sense a beaded project in my future.

These necklaces will be showcased at Bead Fest Portland. YAY! I'll actually be wearing one.

I'll also periodically post my show escapades from this year. I have a lot to catch up on with the blog... so you'll know that I am not sitting around... doing nothing. heheh...

*****

Many have asked at shows... no I am not working on a new book right now. I do think about potential projects all the time though. You should see the amount of new research and reference materials I have collected for my library shelves ... and to be honest magazine clippings are all over the floor too. I collect ideas from many sources and they end up in almost every room. I am currently taking a break from designing/beading to refresh myself while focusing on my glasswork.

One can realistically create and devote themselves to one medium at a time without resulting in cruddy work. And I DON'T have any desire to create cruddy work...

I WILL return back to designing and beading when the time is right... when the tiny seeds start yelling at me... that is, if I am not knitting, which I also miss. ;o) (I'll also share and write about knitting again soon.)

I'll write more on this post later... time to head to the studio for another 12+ hour day... at least it has cooled down a bit here and we are surviving the fires. But these fingers, hands and arms are aching from working these hours!

Anything for the sake of art... even if these arms fall off. ;oP

(Developing...)

The Biggest Heterosexual Male Fan ...

2009-09-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

What is your beading skill level?

Let's be honest about this question...

Exhibiting in many shows, I get many opportunities to meet different skilled level beaders. Then there are those who never ever want to imagine sewing with tiny seeds and immediately tell me that they are "stringers" or "that is WAY too much work for me." The comment I have the most trouble with is "I CAN'T do that!"

Why do I have a problem with the last comment the most? It's the word "CAN'T". I tend to want to believe that anyone can do just about anything if they put their mind and energy into it. "Never say never" and I try my darnest to never say "CAN'T" either. At least make an attempt... please? So this brings me to write about Gabriel Miller. (I had the okay from Gabriel to write about him... just so you know I'm not writing about someone behind their back! haha)

Gabriel had the most interesting introduction when he visited my booth on Sunday. He walked up and said (paraphrasing) "I think I am your biggest heterosexual male fan". Wow... I have never heard that introduction even though I have had male beaders buy my book. When I heard how my book inspired Gabriel to start beading and why he even bought my book, I thought to myself "This is what writing the book was all about".

So what was it all about? Inspiring folks to bead of ANY skill level. Sometimes beaders think they are more advanced than they really are. Sometimes beaders don't give themselves credit that they are capable of making anything if they put in the time and effort. Beadweaving is a challenge but a good challenge reaps rewards and results in an heirloom. I was totally amazed when Gabriel mentioned to me that he had never beaded before attempting the Triple Spiral Garden Lariat as his FIRST project. That is the graduation project for most and that is why it is the last project in the book. It is NOT a difficult project. It is a project that takes a lot of time and effort.

I usually recommend beginners to start with the easier projects in the front of the book and with earrings if they have never beadwoven before. Bead Romantique is not entirely advanced, the projects are gradually more difficult as you progress through the pages but begin with beginners projects like stringing/crimping if you are hesitant with the beadwoven projects. Then there are also a mix of wire projects consisting of making wrapped loops. Beginners tend to gravitate towards the more elaborate projects and think "I can't do that". Please change that mindset to think "I may be able to do that". And when you follow the instructions and complete a project, you may then say "I DID THAT"! Try not to give up before even making an attempt. How do you expect to grow as a beader? Fast and easy may be just fine for most but if you are like me or Gabriel, then a good challenge will keep you thinking and growing.

Gabriel shared some photos of his beading from Bead Romantique projects which were all amazing. He has also started designing his own creations. Perhaps because he is an engineer too he found the instructions straightforward and easy to understand. Gabriel was a beginner but yet he was able to complete (wonderfully, I might add) the most complicated design in the book. He put in the time and effort which took him a total of 100 hours. So it can be done and Gabriel did it (as well as 4-5 other projects from the book.) I hope sharing this story, you will have a different perspective when it comes to beadweaving. Thank you very much Gabriel for taking the time to visit my booth and share your beading journey. I hope you continue the journey and create fabulous designs of your own. You and others like you who share your beading stories, answer for me every time "This is what writing the book was all about".

******

I may not post much here and my friend Andrew Thornton reminded me in Philly that I should write more here. He manages to write consistently on his amazing blog nearly every day. Andrew is very disciplined. Me? I get myself in so many projects that I sometimes work 12+ hours daily getting prepped for a major show. I have lots to write about... LOTS. Finding the time and energy to get all the words and upload my gazillion photos from trips takes a lot of time. I will try my best. At times I can be a very private person and just want to keep my thoughts to myself. Then there are those times where words just flow out of me, these fingers, and you can't shut me up.

Philly Bead Fest was a challenging show last year as many of you know I had a major theft about 1 hour into the opening of the show. This year, I pleaded with the show folks to change my booth to be rid of the "bad vibes". So I was in a new fantastic location next to my new friends Saki Silver. On many levels Philly was an excellent show. A few weeks prior I had discovered that Bead Romantique went into it's second printing (first printing was 10,000+ copies!!). YAY! We also sold out of all the copies in the building. So things were just hopping this year and I want to thank everyone who came to the show to visit our booth. I had a few relaxing days prior to the show to enjoy with Nick, who is now able to exhibit with me.

I will share some Philly photos, meals and stories next time. We had lots of fun in Amish country, in Old City Philly, at Longwood Gardens, at the Valley Forge Historical Park... etc.

Until next time, never say "CAN'T" okay? If you are a newbie beadweaver, just start beading and you'll surprise yourself.

Keep on creating and believing,

Lisa

Tutorial: The Under 15 minute Botanical Silk Corsage Bracelet

2009-08-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Well, like I mentioned on my website a few days ago, I had such a blast in Philly that I brought home the flu too. So I took Tuesday to Thursday off from the studio to rest a bit, worked on paperwork and updated the site with the Botanicals catalog. (Not really resting but... not in the studio in the 100 degree weather.) You can now find photos of the 23 (and I'm not done creating more yet) Botanical colors now available. There are some limited edition colors made from rare production glass rods from my vault. I still have more rods to go through so who knows what floral colors will turn up next. Stay tuned!

So at Philly Bead Fest I was showing off my "Under 15 minute" Botanical Silk Corsage Bracelet. I am sure you can utilize this idea for other types of beads/materials but the bracelet turned out so beautiful using silk ribbons from my friends, Fran and Judy, of Class Act Designs. Simplicity is the key here, not only in materials but in techniques. Sometimes you don't need to employ seedbeading and hours of labor to make a wonderful "instant gratification" and "I am DONE?" piece of jewelry. The flowers on THIS corsage will live forever and a perfect gift to make for yourself (or someone special). I used the Professional Precision Tools for the wrapped loops.

Here goes my first free online tutorial!

All you need to make this wonderful corsage bracelet is three 6mm Swarovski Margarita crystals (Crystal AB is what I used); three 1.5" headpins, three Botanicals (I used BT005 for this sample), three 8/o seed beads (or any leftover bead about 3mm for cushioning between the wire and Botanical flower) and one silk ribbon from Class Act Designs (or similar product). Make shank buttons as shown above using the wrapped loop technique.

Carefully slide the three Botanical buttons onto the silk ribbon. Center the three as best as you can, visually. I spaced mine about 1/4" apart. You are done making the bracelet! Walla.... really? Yes you are REALLY done.

To wear the bracelet, center the flowers on your wrist. Wrap ribbon around your wrist, criss-crossing through the center to lock the flowers. Wrap ribbon as much as you'd like around your wrist until there is just enough remaining ribbon to create a square knot. Then tie a loose but secure square knot. Don't knot so tight that you can't undo the bracelet later. Lastly, tuck the knot under one of the ribbon wraps to hide. If you practice, you can tie the bracelet around by yourself without any help.

There you are! Wear and enjoy the bracelet. Make a few more as these make wonderful quick gifts that won't break the bank.

Disclaimer: Dependent on how proficient you are in making wrapped loops, creating the button shanks may take you longer than 15 minutes but that is an average. You may also want to periodically iron your silk ribbon so that the ribbon lays flat with each wear.

So go have some fun with the Botanicals! Look below at some of the bracelets I've made recently! (No, they were not all for me)

Using Botanicals Item #BT013

Using Botanicals Item #BT014 Limited Edition

Using Botanicals Item #BT004

P.S. Talk about ambidextrous. I took all the photos above with my left hand while my right wrist was being modeled!

Until next time,

Bead Simple but Creatively

Lisa

About the new Botanicals . . .

2009-08-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there...

Yeah, I know... you don't have to say it.

Sorry for not posting more often here on the blog, but I really have been busy in the studio, really.

This time, I've been getting ready for Bead Fest Philly!

So, I hope everyone's summer has been going great and you've been able to spend some quality time with the family. I know that I've been fortunate to do so most of July. Summer will be coming to an end soon and that's when the show season ramps up. I'm looking forward to all the upcoming shows.

In the meantime, I did promise in the last post that I would write a bit about the inspiration and development of the new Botanical series. I won't be able to update the website's online catalog until September so you'll just have to trust me that I've been diligently working hard in the studio. It's always a challenge to work in front of a hot torch in the summer months but the new series and experimenting with colors have enticed me daily.

Before I show and tell you all about the Botanical series, I want to take a few moments to thank all the wonderful beaders that visited me at the San Diego Bead Society Bazaar. It was fun to catch up with old friends and make new connections. Part of my joy in exhibiting at bead shows, in particular bead society bazaars, is that I get to see so many creative folks wearing their lovely creations. I get most excited when I recognize designs from Bead Romantique or a design from one of my bead articles. It is so nice of beaders to drop by the booth and proudly show me what they have created. It is even more exciting when I meet a new beader that expresses their joy in learning beadwork.

I am currently taking a well deserved break from writing and designing beadwork for publication but I hope everyone continues to look forward to the remainder Beadwork Designer of the Year projects. Two more are yet to be published!! After busying myself in writing and designing for magazines and my book for the last three years, I somewhat "neglected" my glasswork. Many glassy ideas were placed on the back burner of "to do's" until I had more time to develop them. This is why I was so very excited when the Botanical series came to life after my writing commitments were completed. Yay!

It has been several years since I have wanted to create this series. I have mulled over the technical aspects and challenges of the creation in my mind, spent countless hours dreaming consciously as well as subconsciously in the execution, and as usual, a design never comes to realization until it's time. And it was time... this July.

So here's the story...

When we purchased our home in 2002, one of the requests I made to my husband Nick was to have either plum or cherry blossom trees planted in the front garden. Not to disappoint, we planted two plum blossom trees. Although the trees are still quite young, this Spring (May) they blossomed beautifully. (see below)

Can you see above why I love plum and cherry blossoms? They are stupendously gorgeous.

The Chinese view the plum blossoms as both a symbol of winter as well as a harbinger of spring. Because the tree blossoms in the winter in China, it also serves as an example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Japanese, on the other hand, believes the plum blossom “Ume” as a protective charm against evil and traditionally plant the tree in the north-east part of the garden, from the direction where evil is believed to travel. Interesting tidbits of info...

Below is a sample photo of the first batch of plum/cherry blossom inspired Botanicals. The floral shaping is inspired by the blossoms from my tree above, but since I love to play with color and I know beaders like me do as well, I've since created these Botanicals in a myriad of colors. The photo only shows a smidgen of available colors. And since I've been busy in the studio for the last 2.5 weeks, there will be over TWENTY (20!!) colors available for Philly Beadfest attendees. As colors become standardize, I will add them to the website's online catalog. For now, the Botanical series is only available at shows.

I like to use a 6mm Swarovski margarite in the center, as shown above. Soon, when I have "free" time, I shall design a beaded collar with these flowers to give you further design ideas. In the meantime, at shows you'll see a wirewrapped rendition with five Botanicals. These plum/cherry blossom inspired Botanicals are exactly how I envisioned them and finally after more than two years of thinking about making them... here they are! These flowers range from 0.75" to a little over 1"... just about quarter sized but less than half dollar. I didn't want the flowers to be too large and I think these are perfectly sized for beadwork. What do you all think?

I'm excited... and these fingers are itching to bead but I can't ...

Not yet, at least...

Prepping for shows come first as beading is a rare luxury these days.

You will also see a connection of the Botanical series with the next Beadwork Magazine Designer of the Year project coming up in the Oct/Nov issue. I won't spoil it for you folks but you will be able to connect everything later.

P.S. Btw, many of you have asked why I do NOT teach beading in a classroom setting. One of the prime reasons is that beading is my hobby. If I start teaching beading then it will become "work" and may make beading less fun for me. That's a risk I am not ready to make just yet. A girl's gotta have some fun, so for now I don't teach.

Until next time, stay creative!!

Lisa

A long time ...

2009-07-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.

Where have I been?

After returning from Bead and Button, I've been busy completing the last of the Designer of the Year projects for Beadwork Magazine as well as spend much needed time with family.

I am also recuperating from a knee injury exasperated from a fall in February. After ignoring the pain and discomfort for a few months, the injury became "inflamed" and worsen in early June. I could not ignore it any longer after returning from Bead and Button. Anyhow, my orthopaedic doctor states that surgery is not necessary and apparently the remedy to my pain will be strengthening my knee over the next 6-12 months. So I'm allowed to have slacked off a bit the last month.

With the year long assignment of the Designer of the Year projects now completed, I hope to finally take a break from writing and designing to focus back on my glasswork. I had been intensely writing for publication for the last 3 years and need the break.

This month I have been busy in the studio prototyping a new sculptural flower series named Botanicals. The first set of flowers resemble plum and cherry blossom shaping but will be available in many colors. It has been quite fun experimenting and mixing colors for this new series. Other flower shapes will also be developed in the future. A photo will be uploaded on the site/blog soon and the new series will be launched at the San Diego Bead Bazaar in August. I envision the series to incorporate many sculptural floral shapes over time with the primary focus of use for the beadweaver. The floral beads can also be used in other decorative applications and mediums.

In the meantime, I'm gearing up for a nice selection for next weekend's show in San Diego. If you are in the area and will attend, I shall see you there. I hope to not be such a stranger from the blog but life has a way of dealing cards that has my attention focused on many things at once.

Introducing Five New Fabrics

2009-05-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

Has it really been a month since I posted here? How time flies...

I have been busy making beads for Bead and Button with spare time spent on...

Yes, knitting...

I have finished my Rambling Rows Blanket after scrounging around for the discontinued Kureyon colorway #157 from many sources. Despite having to use FOUR dye lots, it worked out since the design is mitered and not a big issue. I had to remove some of the dark brown yarn along the way so end up using more skeins than normal. I'll have a designated post showing off the blanket later. The only remaining item I need to knit on this blanket is determining the border.

Having a need to keep these hands busy...

I have since cast on TWO new projects and working on them in parallel.

Egads! I am so bad neglecting my beadwork.

I am working on new blanket (in Noro Kureyon #150) called Frankie's Ten Stitch Blanket. This blanket is intended for Nick. I also started making a Net Duffel Bag (in Louet Euroflax Sportweight in Pewter) designed by Vivian Hoxbro. I've been enthralled with mitered and short-row knitting lately.

For my birthday recently, Nick "allowed" me to purchase yarn from Webs' Anniversary Sale with little limits. I'll let you know that I did behave and control myself. I have also been collecting many knitting books and am looking forward to receiving my Addi Clicks this week. Can I spoil myself any more? Thanks Dear Husband!!

*****

And yes, I will post about Santa Fe in back dated posts later. I have been terribly bad about uploading my trip photos and now I'll soon be on my way to my next show. I have been using every bit of "spare" time to knit and I should have been more diligent in keeping all of you updated on the happenings here at Lisa Kan Designs by blogging.

You can blame these hands of mine...

itching to knit at every chance moment.

I will soon need to design the last Designer of the Year project too.

Well, here is the latest news about our new introductions at Bead and Button. We will have FIVE new fabrics in our popular toolwraps. As the initial fabrics sell out, we continually seek beautiful replacements with each new introduction. Did you see the wonderful feature of our toolwraps in Beads 2009?

Here are the new fabrics, shown in the medium size wrap, but is also available in small.

Hope to see all of you at the Bead and Button Show. We have our own booth this year (#820) for the first time after subbing for our friends Specialty Beads last year in their booth. The good folks at Bead and Button was SO nice to invite me back and we're so excited! Thank you!

We will continue to have our tool wrap specials and other great deals at our shows. See you in Milwaukee soon. If you can't make it but want one of the new patterns, just email me and I'll reserve one for you. These patterns are again limited production as we have our next batch of fabrics already waiting in the wings.

Haiku featured in Vorsicht Glas, Germany's Glass Journal

2009-04-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful surpise!

German Beadmaker Karina Stieler visited the New York Softflex Show in 2008 and did a wonderful story about American glass beadmakers for the German Glass Journal Vorsicht Glas exhibiting at the show. The article was just released in issue #10.

You can see Bronwen Heilman, Sara Sally La Grand, Patti Cahill and my work in the article. I was the only one not photographed. Must be the camera shyness. Ooops. Thank you Karina for featuring our work and sharing the bead eye candy with German beadmakers.

This year, the Softflex New York show will move to the exciting Fashion Institute of Technology. We're excited about the new location and hope you'll drop by to visit us. Visit Softflex's site for more information on the show.

The Thursday Tease

2009-04-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Black...White... Grey... Red and anything in between

Fade in...

Fade out...

Let's Rock 'n Roll!

Mixed these colors with contour shaping of the guitar and let your imagination run wild...

To create or not...

I see some interesting shaped beaded collars... beaded beads anyone in ombre shading?

I see a lampworked sculptural bead shaped by gravity then teased with my tweezers or pliers...

I see a wired component reminiscent of the strings on the guitar...long and slim... one, three or five... but always odd.

What do you see and want to create?

photo borrowed from Ipxnevermind from Flickr.com

A Knitting Interlude ...

2009-04-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

So ... what has Lisa been up to?

No good?

Really, is that what you think?

I've been really good...

Really...

Well, sort of...

If you must ask and know...

Would you believe that I finished designing, beading and writing the FIFTH Beadwork Designer of the Year project, worked on two different state sales taxes for the first quarter of 2009, worked on federal taxes, ... etc. etc. since my last post here.

Uhmmm... (cough)

(coughing again)

Yes, I even shopped for yarns for my growing stash in between...

I know I had said I was going to write about my adventures and delicious meals from my Santa Fe trip and I will...

Soon.

So after all that hard work, what is a girl to do?

But KNIT. And knit she did.

A lot of people, especially friends, ask me when I find time to knit with all the things I get myself into.

When there is a will, *I* make the way.

Besides...

Did I ever say I did housework?

Ah ha!

There's my secret revealed.

But really... I find time to knit in between and before sleep. My hands are always busy working on something. I can not sit still.

After all the hard work, I needed to unwind so I cast on for a new project setting aside my Rambling Rows Blanket. With all the yarns I have been procuring I had no excuse but to KNIT! Besides my friend Teresa sent me this link to a CBS news story featuring how knitting and crocheting (which I haven't started teaching myself "yet") is actually very therapeutic and good for one's health. Hey! I'm knitting for my health. I shared the video with Nick to convince him before he walked into my walk in closet full of newly bought yarn.

Eeek (biting nails)

He was convinced, I think

And I am allowed to continue procuring yarns (within reason)!

THANKS Teresa!

So after spending some time catching up with older issues of Knitty, I found this wonderful project from the Winter 2008 issue I had to try. Besides I wanted to make something for my sister Sandy's birthday on April 15th! She is a tax baby!

I am graduating. I graduated from scarves to blankets and am now moving towards more complicated projects... working towards that eventual first sweater where I'd actually have to swatch and check gauge. Like I said in the last Knitting Interlude, I probably can jump into a more complicated project but I'm just enjoying the process. The yarn just feels good in my hands as each stitch is made and created. From simple materials, tools and my hands I made a wonderful gift for my sister.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah creating is so so wonderful.

I would like to share with you Maja. What a wonderful and actually very simple knit. Thank you Anniken Allis for sharing this pattern with us all through Knitty. I love Knitty.

Pattern: Maja from Knitty Winter 2008 (free)

Designer: Anniken Allis of Anni Designs UK

Yarns: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Turquoise #28 (3.5 skeins)

and

Yarntopia Treasures, Handpainted Wool Silk, Dragonfly colorway (2 skeins)

Needles: US 9

Front View

Back View

Closeup of the "X" Stitches

Blocking the Shawl

As you can see it was a bit tricky to block since my blocking board was not large enough. I just extended my blocking to the carpet. Why not? It worked! I wet blocked the shawl after rinsing the shawl for 15 minutes in Eucalan (lavender scent!) which I just received from Webs.

So the shawl will be gifted to my sister Tuesday.

What?

Did you ask me something?

Uh.... yes, YOU KNOW ME. I can never only make one of anything. So I DID cast on for another Maja already. I do have to make one for myself you know. I will share the next version in a future Knitting Interlude post.

My Rambling Rows Blanket? I need to hunt down a few more skeins of the discontinued Noro Kureyon Colorway #157 to finish it. I am close, very close to finishing and then will decide on a border.

Pardon me as I go knit a few more rows ...before continuing to get ready for the Northern California Bead Society Bazaar on April 18th. Come see me there if you are visiting the show and are in NorCal. I am located in booth #206 on the first aisle, a new wonderful location!

Keep creating and knitting for your health!

Lisa

The Thursday Tease

2009-04-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Yummmmm....

Visually beautiful....

A balance of color... in presentation... simple yet complex.

And Oh So Deliciously Edible too...

Me like this photo as the Thursday Tease

Who said you couldn't mix your meal with your dessert??

Blues for the ocean, Greens for the bamboo cake border and chopsticks too ... intermixed with Salmon blossoms... only two mine you.

Not too much and not too little. Just enough to fill you up with color inspirations.

Food for your eyes and food for your tummy!

Anything mixed with sushi is just fine by me.

Enjoy creating!

Lisa

Photo borrowed from Whipped Bakeshop from Flickr.com

Your Opinion Counts ...

2009-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I received the latest BeadingDaily.com newsletter. It was filled with ideas from Beadwork Editor, Melinda Barta, on how to take design elements from the April/May issue to create your own unique beadwork. I admit I also have never attempted any designs from all the bead magazines I subscribe to or follow instructions.... haha. I usually flip through my magazines to see color combos and what my fellow designer friends are designing these days. Bead magazines are great sources of inspiration but don't limit yourself as interior design, fashion, gardening, photography, fiber, knitting and other magazines are also great resources in planting ideas for your creativity.

I also received an email from a CT beader, Judy, this morning asking me where I get my ideas and how I get inspired for my designs. I wrote several articles for Softflex Company in 2007 - a three part series, that explains how I approach designing beadwork. Take a look and read here.

In the meantime, I was excited to read that our opinions count with Beadwork Magazine. It's great to see a magazine take reader's opinions and comments to the next level to implement them in their pages. I encourage everyone to participate in the Beadwork Reader Advisory Panel.

I'll be posting some Santa Fe stories and photos on the blog soon after I finish compiling the Oct/Nov Designer of the Year project. Back to writing instructions. Last minute designing helps challenge me and push my designing sensibilities up a notch or two. I hope you all have enjoyed the Designer of the Year projects from myself and my fellow DOY designers. And please keep the emails coming. I always enjoy hearing from you all and reading what beady projects you've made. Pictures are also gladly welcomed.

Bead Creatively,

Lisa

The Thursday Tease

2009-03-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

I often reminiscence about my travels to Japan in my past life as an engineer. Although I was meant for this beady and glassy life that I lead now all along while I was "growing up", my time as an engineer gave me many opportunities to travel to places I would otherwise not have seen in this lifetime. So all is well and I'm making up for lost time in my beady and glassy world these days by working, working, and working. Designing beadwork is my way of telling my stories of my love for nature and history.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so for this week's Thursday Tease, I tease you with Bento Art. Bento boxes are a staple in the Japanese life and culture. I remembered my hosts in Japan would escort me to the train station and treat me to a bento box meal. The Japanese are such hard working people, always on the go, that they would eat their meals on the train in between destinations and changing trains. The above photo showcases the art created by food arrangement. Food doesn't have to be boring and our inspiration for our art can also be taken from FOOD! The Japanese have a way with making something quite ordinary look balance and beautiful.

So let's eat up, drink up, and create something beautiful in our art inspired by our food.

It's okay to play with your FOOD, forget what your parents told you!!

Bead Creatively,

Lisa

photo borrowed from Sakurako Kitsa from Flickr.com

Projects from the Interweave Store

2009-03-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Yes it is I and I am back from Santa Fe with new bead adventures, photos and dining stories to share.

But..............

Yes I must be a responsible beader and writer.

I must work on an urgent project the next 7 days to meet a super duper important deadline. No need for sleep and I will complete my task.

So I will write more here sometime late next week.

In the meantime, many of you have been looking for select projects from past issues of Beadwork, Stringing, Step by Step Beads, etc. I'm happy to let you know that fourteen of my previous projects and Bead Romantique can be purchased from the Interweave Store. Here is a brief listing of what's available. For a photo of each project, please visit this link:

Pearly Mosaic Item #: EP0590 - A necklace composed of sea-toned circular peyote-stitched "tiles" Mosaic tile work inspired this necklace in colors chosen to mimic the sea. By utilizing both transparent and opaque Japanese seed beads in two sizes, the designer added subtle textural interest to... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Haiku Item #: EP0592 - Poetic 3-strand necklace To design this necklace, the designer drew from her travels to Japan and her appreciation of the Japanese poet's ability to capture the changing seasons in classical haiku. Summer berries are the... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Ice Princess Item #: EP0159 - Victorian lace necklace Inspired by Victorian lace, designer Lisa Kan created graceful peyote loops to adorn a herringbone necklace. Crystal quartz briolette beads cluster like frozen droplets. [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Merlot Item #: EP0596 - Pretty Leaf Necklace Pay tribute to the season by incorporating leaves into your next jewelry creation. [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Knotted Treasures Item #: EP0594 - A rich mesh-embellished lariat This rich lariat is meant to be worn wrapped twice around the neck with a tiered effect; the double strands create a more substantial lariat with added texture. This is a great design for using... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Spiced Tea Item #: EP0598 - Cool Autumn Eve Necklace The rich, warm tones of carnelian, smoky quartz, and gold vermeil in this necklace evoke the feeling of a cool autumn eve, in which the wearer is sipping a hot cup of spiced tea and soaking up the... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Autumn Bouquet Item #: EP0879 - Brick, herringbone, and peyote stitches unite in a stunning necklace of delicate flowers and leaves. Incorporating leaves she created in her glass studio, this intricate necklace is designed using a variety of beadweaving techniques (brick stitch, herringbone stitch, peyote stitch, spiral rope,... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Painted Desert Item #: EP0460 - Southwest inspired beaded necklace. For this necklace, the designer was inspired by the colors of the Southwest - turquoise, burnt orange, sienna, and tan. The interplay of color and variously shaped beads adds textural interest to... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

River's Edge Item #: EP0597 - Five-strand necklace This five-strand necklace draws its inspiration from the designer's travels through the Pacific Northwest, where everywhere trees reached for the skies, and the sound of water was ever-present. [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Marguerite Chandelier Earrings Item #: EP0595 - Circular netting is embellished with chain fringes and crystals for sparkling ear adornments Crystal marguerites (flowers) in these romantic accessories beautifully echo the floral earring posts, while the delicate chain dangles add movement. [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Petit Fiore Trellis Bracelet Item #: EP0591 - Picot flowers on right-angle weave trellis This bracelet features a rainbow of picot-based flowers on a right-angle-weave trellis. The design encircles the wrist like a delicate corsage - a dainty and feminine piece that can be worn with... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Berrylicious Item #: EP0124 - Bracelet featuring berry colored beads Whether berries are eaten by themselves, baked into pies, or sprinkled atop vanilla ice cream, they are berrylicious! In the spirit of that, this bracelet has clusters of gemstones and pearls in... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Petit Fiore Earrings Item #: EP1127 - Simply stunning earring design Combining seed beads, crystal marguerites, fine chain, and a cubic zirconia drop and earring finding, this earring design is simply stunning. Its base is made with right-angle weave; the flower with... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs Item #: 08BD2 - Bead Romantique features seventeen step-by-step designs inspired by the Gothic, Renaissance, Victorian, and Art Nouveau eras reinterpreted in her distinctive contemporary style. Inspired by art history, artist Lisa Kan offers a truly unique jewelry collection with a romantic yet modern sensibility. Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs features seventeen step-by-step... [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $24.95

Turning Leaf Item #: EP1365 - Wire-wrapped-loop chain necklace This necklace incorporates the rich, warm colors of the autumn season. Create a custom chain with delicate pearl dangles to accent the lampworked ginkgo focal bead. [more info...]
Availability: In Stock
Price: $4.00

*****

Thank you for enjoying my work, in both glass and seeds

It was great to speak, meet and greet all

in Santa Fe, in emails, and in between

Now I've got to get BUSY or else,

To design, bead and write

The next Designer of the Year project

It is indeed always this hectic, why ask why?

When I switch hats from glass to tiny seeds

I tend to design last minute, a challenge to myself

How I love the mystery of what will result, the pressures

In the transformation of the intangible, my visions

Into reality of what is to be, will become

What I see is not always the obvious, as I live in daydreams

So I'll stop writing here in just a bit, to work hard

Or am I really hardly working, just having fun

I am driven by this great passion to share with anyone

My love of history, of cultures and of nature, stories to tell

To teach through beads, in colors and textures

So gather around everyone, to bead or not to bead

Let's explore together, our individual creativity

*****

Silly, silly

Ms. Lisa

The Thursday Tease

2009-03-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Because this week I am in Santa Fe exhibiting at Bead Fest... and RED is a favorite color of mine...

It symbolizes luck and fortune... as well as LOVE! So vibrant, strong and rich in hue.

Study the different shades of red in the drying chiles above, as the red color drifts into mahongy tones...

Uhmmmm....

This photo of chile ristras not only makes me think of some delicious dining possibilities in Santa Fe but also...

Beaded beads dangling as earring drops...

OR fringes in a necklace, bracelet anyone?

Hmmm... maybe briolettes wired onto chain... swinging and swaying ... this way, that way... here and there.

Felted pods also come to mind... who is gonna stop you from dreaming your dream creation?

So many possibilities...

Do you see a pattern with me? I love being inspired to create when viewing FOOD and its yummy ingredients!

Photo borrowed from Alasam from Flickr.com

Bead Fest Santa Fe: March 12-15, 2009

2009-03-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Location: (I am at the Convention Center, Booth 412)

Santa Fe Community Convention Center

201 W. Marcy St

Santa Fe, NM 87501

Santa Fe County

santafe.org

Location 2:

Hilton Santa Fe

100 Sandoval Street

Santa Fe, NM 87501

Santa Fe County

http://www.hiltonofsantafe.com/

Follow this link for Online event registration
Why wait in line? Get your Bead Fest Tickets now and avoid the lines! Admission Fees at the door: *Cash Only*

1 day - $10

2 day pass - $12

3 day pass - $14

4 day pass - $16

Registered Bead Fest Santa Fe Students get in FREE all weekend!

Download a $2 coupon to save on admission!

*Good at the door only, purchase tickets online to automatically save!

Bazaar Hours:

Thurs, March 12: 5 PM - 9 PM

Fri, March 13: 10 AM - 6 PM

Sat, March 14: 10 AM - 6 PM

Sun, March 15: 11 AM - 5 PM

*****

There will be fun prizes and a BINGO card game. Collect stamps from exhibitors listed and get a chance to win some fun prizes. Look for my name and come visit booth #412.

I will have select Bead Romantique samples on display and debuting my new show display. Come for a chat. Come early if you want a medium sized tool wrap. Thursday is the best day for the best selection.

See you all there!

Lisa

Something Right ... Right?

2009-03-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Finally things are just about back to "normal" as normal as things can get.

I am "almost" satisfied with the results.

After a few hours of sleep and a cup of joe, my mind was fresh to tackle the software errors I was experiencing last night while rebuilding the website.

Yes, I was pulling my hair out but I still have a head of hair.

These are just ten things I fixed or made a mental note of, while fixing the website:

1. I have fixed the Mozilla Firefox error, so now you can browse without a problem.
2. I have fixed missing page links
3. I have fixed missing photos
4. I have adjusted the site counter back to about what it was before the site crashed
5. I have BACKED UP the entire site on CD (finally)
6. I have written updates here so you are fully aware that the site was down.
7. I have spoken to "me, myself and I" to not do this EVER again or ELSE!
8. I have made a note to check out Dreamweaver for their free 30 day trial soon.
9 I have also made a note to investigate Sitebuilder from Yahoo as an alternative to ensure the site is backed up regularly should "me, myself and I" forget.
10. I have also made a mental note to make time for a workshop on web designing in the future.

No matter how I am kicking myself or have beaten myself over this stupidity the last 24 hours and for having to spend time rebuilding the website, my thought is that you learn from your mistakes. I always learn from my mistakes. I don't enjoy making mistakes but they are good for me (sometimes unless I'm leaving for a BIG show! Egads, bitting nails.)

Now I know more about website designing and development ... or do I?

(sigh of relief)

Please visit the site and enjoy. Take a look at the new tool and bead wraps we are launching at Santa Fe in a few days. Note that I will only have about 3 of the medium sized wraps in each pattern, but will be offering FREE first class parcel shipping, if things sell out at the show. I'll take care of you.. don't you worry.

Sandy is human after all and did not have time to make more for the show. She needs rest/sleep for the day job, but will be ramping up the production of the medium wraps while I'm in Santa Fe.

Help me SELL OUT of these wraps! (gotta keep Sandy busy!)

Now it's time to clean beads

...string beads

...price beads

..and pack beads.

We are leaving at a crazy hour on Wednesday morning, like 3:30 a.m. to drive all day to get to Santa Fe. It's TWELVE hours to Santa Fe with no traffic. We will also start setting up Wed night so you'll know we'll be totally exhausted with the LONG day. Why do you think I'm bringing along Nick? Who do you think will be driving all that distance. HAHAHA! I'm not THAT stupid (smirk)

I will be knitting and working on my Rambling Rows Blanket (which is 1/3rd done) on the drive and possibly getting motion sickness but who cares? My friend Lynn tells me to just knit by touch. I will try that out! I hope to finish the blanket by end of March or early April to share here with you all.

(When does Lisa find time to KNIT?)

I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends, exploring Santa Fe, dining at some great eats, taking photos and talking to all of YOU. I'll post show details later today for those considering coming to the show.

Come to the show, okay?

(WHAT? Lisa is going to write on the blog again today?)

Yes

(and I heard that!)

Time to get busy,

(when am I NOT working!)

Lisa

Just about...

2009-03-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

Just about as good as it can get at this hour...

(Lisa looks at the computer clock)

My it's 3 a.m.

This fiasco only took me less than 1/2 hour to foul up and about SIX hours to fix.

She's BRILLIANT ain't she??

La de dah... yes, siree

It's time to get some rest and then continue preparing for Santa Fe

I'm in a better mood knowing that all of you can see and browse the site while I'm gone.. but I am not happy with Frontpage!! Not the least. I'm not happy with myself. I know better than this. I used to take distress calls from people having problems with their electronics... why did I have to go trying "this and that". Why today? Why not when there is more time to tackle these mishaps! Eeeeee...

(self taught web designer here! now you know why all the periodic goof ups)

I want to thank Yahoo Small Business Tech Janardhan for his patience and allowing me to talk fast in communicating my frustrations. He recommended me to download the trial of Dreamweaver for a testrun and then shelling out the big bucks later, if I like the platform. No need to think this over... if I have to give up some beads and skeins of yarn for Dreamweaver CS3/4, I'll do it.

(Talks to self: What am I saying?...I must be desperate or really can't stand Frontpage. My yarns...my beads...how can I stop buying more?? Can't stop..don't want to stop... must think of alternatives like sneaking some expendable cash from Nick...(smirk) Aha! Yessssssss........)

I fixed it..and I'm not gonna break it again (yeah right!!)

(taking a deep breath)

It's late and I start writing strange things here...so that is a sign to get some rest.. I'll be up before I need to wake up.

I NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE... NEVER. You can't take me down Frontpage. I got you cornered and you are going "bye bye". Hasta la vista, baby!

P.S. I'm writing a lot here this week but after I return from Santa Fe, I will be absent from the blog for about two weeks or so, with the exceptions of the Thursday Tease posts. I need to work on several SUPER DUPER, seriously important assignments with real deadlines. I rather lose sleep over writing assignments than troubleshooting software issues. Egads!! I will learn with time..

Exhausted

but obviously

still loves to write

a lot

even at this hour
Lisa

Still Working on the Website...

2009-03-09T00:13:00.001-07:00

Guess what?

You got it...

I am REBUILDING my entire website because this techie didn't make a backup BEFORE she decided to move things around and do FANCY things on her website. She played around too much and managed to mess up all the photo links instead of sprucing up the site right before Santa Fe. (site is uploading on the main computer while I am typing on the Mini 9 here.)

After Santa Fe, I am going to investigate other web publishing softwares and getting myself out of the Microsoft Frontpage platform. I am going to redesign my entire website as my next big task and goal. Frontpage has become obsolete and ridiculous. I was just too cheap to buy something more sophisticated.

I've HAD it.

I will be up all night.... who needs sleep right? I rather have things right. It's my fault for even sticking with Frontpage.

(screaming!!!!!!!!!!!!! in my head because I don't want to wake the neighbors)

Generally I LIVE for these challenges but not right before a show. It shows me to backup my website more often... this took up valuable time I could have had in the studio.

Let's see if I still have my touch of fixing things that I foul up myself. (shaking head profusely side to side)

"Do as I say... not as I do."

Back to troubleshooting... (upload is taking a long time because I have literally thousands of image files for the catalog!)

Lisa is slapping herself on the forehead, hitting her head on the wall, looking for a baseball bat, what else is there around here to hit myself with she thinks to herself.

Geez!!!!!

P.S. On the positive note, yes there is a bright side to all this, at least I have the Dell Mini 9 here to keep me company. It's the consolation prize for being stupid. Sometimes the more you know how to do something.. the more you really don't know a thing.

Website having difficulties...

2009-03-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know...

I am aware of the website photos and pages not loading appropriately

And I am fixing it ...

I hope to have it fixed before I leave for Santa Fe on Wednesday...

This goes to show you that you should not make any major updates to the website right before leaving for a big show...

A bit frustrated since I thought my software troubleshooting days were over...

Back to troubleshooting
Lisa

My New Love ...

2009-03-06T00:06:00.000-08:00

Diamonds are a girl's best friend?

Really?

I mean REALLY?

Maybe to some ...

But not to THIS girl

This girl is simply tickled pink with her new love...

(squealing with excitement)

(taking a deep breath to maintain her decorum)

Lookie here....

No look a little further below.....

You're almost there...

Not quite...

My new love is ...

My brand spanking new...

and RED,

Oh yeah baby....RED (in my best Austin Power's voice)

Dell Mini 9

Here she is...

I'm in love (smooching her Dell mini) ;o)

(actual photo of my mini will be posted later!)

What were YOU thinking?

Hey now... wait just one minute

Okay so my geeky, nerdy (and silly) side is coming out. You must have known that I can't hide that side of me 100% of the time.

I'm totally excited and psyched about my new mini. I can now leave the heftier Sony laptop at home when I fly to shows. With the weight restriction for flights these days, sometimes I just go on my travels unconnected to the rest of the world. So.... Nick got me the Mini 9 as a just because you're special to me gift. I'm one LUCKY lady!

Now I can keep in touch with everyone more easily from the road. No more being tied down to working in the lobbies of hotels to check-in from their computers or drive around looking for a FedEx Kinkos!

PERFECTLY decked in RED, I'm all set.

I'm actually writing this blog entry from the mini.

Dang this mini is soooooooooo cute, itty bitty and so tiny!

I will write a techie review after I have more time to play with it to express what I liked and what I may not have liked, so you can consider if you want one of these minis yourself. So far, the only "con" I see is the small keyboard profile, but that's one of the features being so small. I'm just used to a larger keyboard so it's just a matter of getting used to. I have to get a protective bag for it when I come back from Santa Fe but found one on Amazon already.

So pardon me as I go spend some quality time with my new baby... (wink left, wink right)

This is SWEET!

Now you know the way to THIS girl's heart is ...

with ELECTRONICS!!!

I have a wonderfully sweet and thoughtful husband, whom if all works out you will get to meet in Santa Fe, if you visit our booth! (We'll be at the Convention Center, Booth 412) Seeya all there!!

Lisa, Ms. Techie

The Thursday Tease

2009-03-05T09:01:00.001-08:00

Uhmmm... tease, teasing your visual senses.

Will you ever look at slate again the same way?

Instead of just one image this week, I thought I would bombard you with four beautiful images of "slate" to entice you to create from your surroundings inspired by quite ordinary things and the Mother, our Mother Nature.

In my work, you will find many influences from Mother Nature. The earthiness, I so love. The color palette of earthy colors or tones. I'm not one for splashy brights (even if I use Swarovski crystals here and there for a bit of flash) but what calls my name is the more subdued and subtle shades. I also like the mystery and shadows created by gray/grey.

I like the rusted, the unexpected, the imaginative to be interpreted by the "eye of the beholder". Walking, looking, wandering, searching, and always finding Mother Nature is here to aid me. She shows me her COLORS, plain and clear. All I have to do is STOP, LOOK, and SEE!

See what I see?

Maybe?

Play with me, will you, as I tease your visual acuity.

I see a variegated scarf or shawl knitted up in some wonderful handdyed/handspun yarn.

I see a lampwork bead with metallic and interactive glass perhaps made with Zimmerman, Reichenbach, Moretti, or Borosilicate. Mind you, apart and not combined or it'll shatter. Shards everywhere.

I see a cuff with tiny precious size 15/o seeds in rounds and delicas sprinkled, intermingled with metallics, lusters and matte. Just a little not too much. Colors bouncing, complimenting, dancing lovingly.

I see a wonderful copper, brass, bronze or silver creation patinated or left to age gracefully with time.

I've got all the time to stop in this life and discover the wonders of my Mother. How I do love her and all that she selects to show me. My eyes are always seeking for the next tease....Thursday Tease.

Enjoy... and Please Create!

Lisa

photos in order of top downward borrowed from Beshanti2, Beshanti2, MeirionMatthias, and Perseverando from Flickr

Raindrops ...

2009-03-04T21:53:00.001-08:00

Raindrops

I shudder restless under cover
Awakened by the sudden noise
Just outside the window
Tapping in rhythmic tones
Raindrops, Raindrops

*****

A bit cold and shivering
Thoughts roaming, dancing
Through my mind, thinking
Seeking, searching amidst the cloud
Raindrops, Raindrops

*****

Inhale to breathe in

Splash to cleanse with
A cup of java, plain old joe
Warms, awakens and caffeinated
Raindrops, Raindrops

*****

Trickling down, pouring out
Mother Nature soothes the pain
Washes away fears with those tears
The child, I am, listens and feels
Raindrops, Raindrops

*****

Her cries in hollering wind, embraces
She speaks through many or a few
It could be a tree, that branch, this leaf
Or maybe even through Me
Raindrops, Raindrops

written by
Lisa Kan
on 3/4/09, 9:45 p.m.

*****
Through My Words
I Hope
You Enjoyed
This Poem
I Gift To You.

photo borrowed from aknacer from flickr

Introducing the New Wraps

2009-02-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

I am warning you... if you don't like visual stimuli... then

Don't look...

I mean...

Look...

Please look...

(below)

What happens when the Robert Kaufman fabrics below get into the hands of the Kan sisters?

Huh?

Kaboom!

Bang.

Bang! Abra ca dabra (Lisa waving a magic wand... towards Sandy)

Magic...

Simply magical... hocus pocus

Whoopee! can I have more fun than this?

So folks, here you see a sampling of the new fabric wraps we are introducing at BeadFest Santa Fe. We decided not to kill ourselves with introducing too many selections at one time even though we have some secret stash of more fabrics. So for each show, we will introduce new fabrics in both a small and medium size. This way attendees will get first dibs for coming to visit my booth and chat with me.

Come chat with me! Yay! (yakkity yak!)

The two sized wraps should cover all the different sized tools everyone has. The wraps are great gift ideas and we're doing a special when you buy two in the same purchase transaction. Come check the new wraps out at the show.

Just look at all the beautiful fabrics!! Ordering for the general public will be available after March 16th on my website. You can email to reserve the pattern but to give Sandy time to "pump up the volume" she needs time to make these.

So introducing...

Wisterias and mums

Marrakesh Kaleidoscope (perfect for the guys!)
Iris, Japanese Maple, Sakura, Fans and Ribbons (black)
Iris, Japanese Maple, Sakura, Fans and Ribbons (green)
Iris, Japanese Maple, Sakura, Fans and Ribbons (burgundy)

Mum Burst in Fuchsia, Magenta, Rose, and Gold
Mum/Kiku Garden (returning for second debut due to popular sell out)

Take a bow Sandy.

You did good sis!

You did GREAT! Excellente!

See all the goodies you can fit into the medium wrap!!!

The hard part of it all is which fabric do you like more!

Decisions. Decisions.

And if you buy an extra wrap for a gift, do you really want to gift it away?

Aahh....

I have one for each day of the week and one on each hand

(teasing) Pssst...

(wink left, wink right)

(nudge nudge)

Lisa

The Thursday Tease

2009-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmy!

Delicioso.... muy bueno... aaaaaaaaye, mi amor!

Colors. Lots of beautiful colors. My eyes are melting and hands are reaching for the screen. I want all those YARN cones!

Could this be a peep into my yarn stash?

Naaaah.....

Not yet...

...But daydreams are great for my escape. I live in my dreams some days.

This week's Thursday Tease not only teases you with color but also with fiber. A tribute to those beaders who are also knitters, crocheters, weavers and spinners.

This winter I was reading up on yarn cones and actually purchased some nice selection of wool cones for future indulgence. Sometimes you can get fabulous colors not available in commercial skeins. The only thing is that you have to rinse the binder off the yarn to allow the yarn to "bloom". The binder added allows the yarn to compress and spun into cones for ease. Generally these cones are used by weavers but hey, it's all yarn, right?

Danger zone. Danger zone. (beep beep)

(Smash... Crash... )

Fibers are as dangerous as beads. You want to have it ALL! When do you say "no" or do you? Yikes!

I'm drowning here folks with color, texture and absolutely loving it. The photo does not only show you beautiful fibers but if you look carefully there are variations of tones that can assist you in designing with color.

Yowza!

Perfecto maestro...

picture was borrowed from Photovox from Flickr

Developing the Tri-Fold Tool and Bead Wraps

2009-02-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

The Story Behind the Tri-Fold Tool and Bead Wraps

The classy logo above was designed with the help of my friend, Michael Brown, a man with many artistic talents, one of which is being an award winning graphic artist. He is currently studying at the University of California at Berkley and took time out of his schedule to help me create our signature logo.

I selected the colors for the final label and here is what they represent to me. The red color for "Kan" symbolizes good fortune and prosperity in many Asian cultures. While the gold color for "designs" symbolizes the richness of the Japanese culture and aesthethics that influence many of my designs. The gold also compliments the many gold outlined fabrics we select for our wraps. The white color for "made in the usa" represents purity and the fact that these wraps are made proudly in the USA. The black color for the label background represents the visual balance when the three other colors are combined. These colors are also represented in my show display with similar meanings.

What do we "Kan"s know about manufacturing these tool and bead wraps? Am I not a jewelry designer, glass bead maker, and writer with an ex-engineer status? What else do I have up these sleeves of mine. (looking up sleeves)

Uhmmm... I won't tell if you won't!

My sister Sandy and I have combined our knowledge to develop these wraps. Sandy loves to sew and I love COLOR/texture/textiles. It was very clear that the introduction of this line would have the influence of Japanese print fabrics and aesthetics which has come to greatly influence my work. We may also venture into Victorian and Art Nouveau fabric prints. These historical eras also influence my design sensibilities. And it is with these influences that we present the Kan Designs signature "look". It is all about quality and functionality as well as the careful balance between price and affordability. These wraps are cut and sewn one at a time by ONE person, Sandy. I warned her that she will need to bring along a staff soon once the line takes off. We have many ideas of other wrap ideas to introduce this year. There are so many beautiful fabrics we have yet to explore! How utterly exciting to see the product being created from start to finish. By manufacturing in house, we have more control on the quality.

We learned our skills from our master sensei - otherwise known as Dad. My parents operated textile manufacturing facilities throughout the 80's to late 90's for a few Los Angeles based clothing design firms. These firms supplied high end fashions and ready to wear designs to fine department stores. My father is a master tailor who is mostly self-taught. He can look at any outfit and recreate it. His skills were highly sought after for creating production samples for the showroom. My parents have since retired from production work and operating the manufacturing facility. However, we still have access to much of the machinery required.

Aha!

Aaaah...

Of course... huh?

Now do you see how we came to design these tool wraps... let me summarize the events of the last few years culminating to where we are now!

The engineer becomes a glass bead maker... who begins to do silversmithing and wireworking...who begins to seed bead on a challenge from a customer... who gives up engineering... then begins to write... writes a book... continues to write articles... then uncovers precision engineering tools that will make everyone's wirework even more EXCELLENT... next becomes the exclusive distributor of said tools to the bead and jewelry field...

Uhmmm... there's more...

Then goes back into time and rediscovers her family's roots in textile manufacturing to introduce an innovative beautiful tool and bead wrap design with her sister. The connection is finally clear... (this girl gets herself in a lot of trouble it seems!)

Maybe the Kan sisters DO know something about manufacturing and developing beautiful tool and bead wraps. Do you see the progression of events?

*****

Below is a sampling of the new Robert Kaufman fabrics for our next wrap launch in Santa Fe. Seven of the fabrics below will be converted to both the small and medium wraps. Ooooh...

Also, check out the five new fabrics from Kona Bay waiting to be converted to beautiful tool wraps too but will be launched in May or April. Sandy does need time off to sleep you know.

In Santa Fe we will have more of the small and less of the medium size so if you come early you get first dibs. The fabrics in the launch will be on the website catalog. So as to not kill Sandy from sewing, sewing and sewing... we are launching select fabrics each month or show. She can only sew so fast and makes every one of the wraps on her "off" hours while holding a full time job working for the City of Los Angeles. How does she do that?

Well, we inherited our extreme work ethic from our parents!. I handle all other logistics for the wraps like ordering and selecting the beautiful fabrics. I get to work directly with the manufacturers, research and ogle lots of beautiful textiles! I also serve as the "slave driver" to ensure we have sufficient stock for the online store, the shows and wholesale accounts.

Five new fabrics from Kona Bay with closeups

(with more on the way!)

What?

Why yes...

The Thursday Tease

2009-02-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've had some requests to bring back the Thursday Tease posts now that I am again actively blogging. The above photo are waterdrops captured on top of a rainbow-like background most likely thru glass. The water drops create mini-worlds of many miniature rainbows. Makes me smile just to look at all that color.

While driving back from Tucson, it was raining a bit. I saw FOUR rainbows on my trip back home driving 7 hours with TWO stops this time around. One rainbow was a full arch. Dazzling... simply miraculous... I love mother nature. Beautiful...utterly and plainly beautiful. The simple things in life. Seeing rainbows and driving in the rain. Smiling and singing songs from the INXS CD. It doesn't take much to satisfy me... just to be alive and to live life.

Life is great even with it's many challenges, the ups and downs, the happiness with the sorrows... the successes and the failures... there are always polar opposites in life. I take it all in and know that in the sum of all that life throws me... I am fortunate to be me and you ... you. We are unique individuals in this vast world of many simple things that when combined makes up the more complex things.

We are so fortunate to live in this time... OUR TIME, where moments become the experiences of our lifetime. To see rainbows. To dream of rainbows. Don't you think so?

SMILE!

(I don't see you smiling!!)

You too will start seeing rainbows too!

Lisa

picture was borrowed from Asadbabil from Flickr

A Knitting Interlude ...

2009-02-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've been blabbing about how I am teaching myself how to knit and you're wondering "where's the goods"? I have been dabbling for the last few years but really did not knit seriously until this winter. I really dove in by indulging myself in my favorite yarns, Noro Kureyon, Silk Garden and Silk Garden Lite. I've outgrowned the craft store brands and actually started giving those away to clear room for the good stuff. Yep, this girl has a serious yarn addiction. If yarn was my drug, I would be overdosed many times over. Fortunately, Nick is a very supportive husband and does not "question" why a girl needs a walk-in closet full of yarn (well I'm exaggerating but one can dream, can't they?)

So I thought for my first official sharing of the "finished objects" I would show you the scarf that I knitted for my sister Tina (I have two sisters) in January 2009 which I borrowed to wear in Tucson this year before I actually "gave" it to her. Hey, I need to test out these woolies for durability before gifting them and boy did this warm scarf come in handy in the chilly mornings and evenings.

I wanted to teach myself a smaller entrelac project before diving into Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style (Interweave). Entrelac is REALLY easy folks. It just looks hard. I love the concept of short row knitting. I decided NOT to knit backwards so did a lot of flipping back and forth. Check out the photos below! I'll be knitting Lady Eleanor shawl/scarf soon when I determine the colorway.

Pattern: Entrelac Scarf from Knitty Otter (free)
Yarn: Noro Kureyon, Color #92, 4 skeins
Needles: US 8

Noro, Noro, yum yum. This yarn teases me with color every time I knit. Most of my wools and wool silks in my stash are from Noro. If a yarn variegates and the colors make me salivate, I know I have to get it. Yes I said SALIVATE! I do drool sometimes when viewing yarn photos. I love COLOR!!! and Noro always packs a punch. I usually buy my yarn online because I'm afraid I may embarrass myself in a yarn shop. I have NEVER entered in a real yarn shop because I would spend all my bead money. EEEEEK!! I love Ebay for my yarns and have my favorite yarn purveyors.

I'm bad, when I returned from Tucson, instead of continuing my hexagon blanket in all Noro Kureyon (Colors #147 and #163), I decided to cast-on for the Rambling Rows blanket from Cottage Creations. I found this pattern while goofing around looking at other folks blanket and afghan projects on Ravelry.

Why yes, how did you guess? You know me sooooooooooooo... well.

The new blanket project is indeed using ALL Noro Kureyon - Color #157, knitted from the outside and inside of the skein to add more visual interest. I have a habit of discovering a new color when it's been discontinued so I've been searching and googling for sources of this highly coveted yarn.

SMIRK!

I am always successful because I am on a quest to work with these beautiful woolies. I don't give up easily. And, I have NO trouble having yarn shipped across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans either. Sometimes yarn from overseas is actually cheaper per skein than purchasing from the States even with shipping included. I always have the trusty calculator on hand before I make a final decision. Lots of folks also clean out their stash and that's great for someone like me. Give me... give me! I do spend a lot in materials when using Noro with these bigger blanket projects but I figured just like beading, quality first. I am spending a lot of time with each project so why not use a yarn I love even if I have to buy 30 to 50 skeins! Yikes, don't tell Nick okay? hahah These will be heirloom pieces that I will "possibly" give away or donate eventually. I'm 1/6th done with the Rambling Rows blanket (sized approx 65" x 80" unless I decide to make it bigger) but am on a quest for more of the colorway (I "only" have 25 skeins and have knitted 7 thus far!). I will share photos later. So far the project is quite straightforward and easy.

More Knitting Interludes to follow in the future...

Journey to and from Tucson Part II

2009-02-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

Watercolor Painting of the Manning House used for the show ads

The Welcome

So it's opening day at the Manning House Beadshow. I'm at the same booth in the Silverbell Gallery as I have been in the last three years. The show's name has changed with the new management but with that came a smaller, more intimate show and many welcomed improvements.

My booth and old photos on gallery walls

First of all, for those who had visited this show in previous years, one of the inconveniences was the lack of parking. Because the previous show grew too rapidly and too large for my tastes, I heartily welcomed the removal of the Redondo Pavilion (aka fondly "The Tent") for more customer parking. Sometimes too much is too much. Too large is too exhausting. And... I believe in the concept of "less is more" or "quality over quantity". I use these same concepts when I design jewelry too. We had less vendors this premiere year but all of them were quality exhibitors.

Some booth photos before opening on Sunday. I am always the early bird, otherwise I don't get out of my booth during the day!

As a new show, there were a sprinkling of vendors spreadout in several rooms with one wing of the mansion left unoccupied for future expansion in 2010. The show had about 43 vendors this year which made remembering everyone's names much easier. It was great, like the tv show Cheers, you're at the Manning House where "everyone knows your name". The Manning House is a beautiful venue where one "experiences" the ambiance, not to just shop. The relaxed environment is welcoming, unlike the cold floors of a cemented exhibit hall or the white-washed tents that dot the streets of Tucson this time of the year. With so many shows in Tucson offering a litany of commercial goods, walking through the Manning House is like a stroll back through history. For instance the Silverbell Gallery which I exhibit contains historical photos of the mansion and surrounding area. I don't know about you but I'm all for paying tribute to those who came before me and honoring the past. The Victorian decor compliments my beadwork so well that I can not imagine exhibiting anywhere else in Tucson except the Manning House.

Architectural elements around the Manning House taking you back into time. A show to be "experienced" not just to shop in this historical Tucson landmark.

Looking out the three french doors of the gallery, you get a view of the garden with a lovely gazebo. If time was no issue, you could order a glass of wine and stroll around the garden then come inside to shop. The leisure takes the stress out, the comfort a welcome and the beautiful architectural elements harkens back to a bygone era as you daydream strolling through the rooms. For this first show, we wanted to have some fun. Each of the vendors donated a prize for a superb raffle. Upon registration each attendee had a chance to win some fabulous prizes with a raffle ticket. I donated a copy of Bead Romantique to the prize pool. And as you made your purchases throughout the week, each time you would get another opportunity to win a prize. I sensed the excitement in the air but wanted to participate in the fun also but exhibitors were not allowed to. Did you see the loot in those display cases at registration?

One of two cases showing the "loot"

I always like to launch something new in Tucson to start the year rolling. It seemed everyone loved our Japanese tool wraps and if you were wondering, the wraps also fit other tools besides the PPT. I will compile a list of other brands of tools in the near future. Because of the feedback on just the first day, my sister Sandy and I are jump starting on prototyping the larger wrap with the same basic design concept. We anticipate launching that at the Santa Fe Beadfest in March. Another new item to Tucson was my triangle borosilicate beads. It is a new shape I am working on and color selection will expand over time. Unfortunately these are generally offered at shows and not on the website due to the difficulty of replicating the colors. Lastly, another new offering which will be added to my website is Italian Wire Mesh. Because many of you asked for kits of the Pearl Mesh Bracelet from Bead Romantique, I have partnered with my friend Jannell Botto of SpecialtyBeads to represent her product at select shows. Each 6mm wire mesh spool is 100" which is perfect for two bracelets or a matching ensemble when you select two colors. I hope to have the selection of colors on my site after Santa Fe. All mesh are the same price per spool, unlike "other" suppliers that mark prices based on color.

The first day was a busy one and I was extremely exhausted but that didn't stop me from partying with my friends at the Interweave bash, at the Tucson Museum of Art, down the street. But... before I could go enjoy myself, I checked into my new hotel. I love the casita I reserved at the Starpass Golf Resorts because it is away from the hustle and bustle. I also love the locale for the view I get each morning driving down to the Manning House. I get to experience the Tucson sunrise and breathe in the mountain air!

The morning viewMy casita!

So I quickly donned on my silver metallic leather jacket over my daywear, flung on my blue velvet ruched scarf and slide on my black boots in lieu of those Nike running shoes I wear during show hours. Comfort during the day but at night it's time to get fiercely stylish (wink). I am mostly seen as a very conservative and serious person (oh if you really only knew me...hahah)because of my "ex-engineer" status so me wearing a leather jacket is "letting loose". Hey I honestly have NEVER owned a pocket protector but I do wear glasses sometimes.

At the party I had a fun time mingling. I spotted one of my good friends Andrew Thornton of Green Girl Studios near the FOOD. Mind you, I hadn't eaten all day so was famish. The food selection was great but as I was a little late from checking into Starpass the selection was a bit picked over. I gather up some curry chicken skewers with apricot and a few chicken tortilla wraps. Andrew saw me too and I knew I had to "run". (See photo above where I am trying to escape from his camera!) He is famous for carrying his camera everywhere he goes. He is DANGEROUS! I avoid that guy when I see his camera. No photos! I am very camera shy. I think I managed to make him dizzy. hahah.

Then the drink bar called my name. I succumbed to having a diet coke. I had cut out all diet sodas while training for the 60 mile walk last November. I do not consume alcohols when traveling as a general rule unless Nick is around to vouch for me.

Interweave knows how to put on a great party and I had an excellent time with friends while making new ones. It was great of Interweave to not break from tradition and still put on this party despite the economy. They always know how to take care of their writers and advertisers. I appreciate them more than they know. What a great team of people! I especially enjoyed David Pyle's encouraging speech! I snucked away and made it back to the room to check-in with Nick. The ringer on the phone was broken or I never figured out how to enable it. So I watched for the flashing light instead to determine someone was calling. I didn't bother complaining to the management about the phone. I spoke to my sister Sandy also to make sure she was making more tool wraps. (What can I say, I'm a slave driver!! haha). That night I actually slept "a bit". I had brought some knitting to work on, but who was I kidding, I was EXHAUSTED!

(story to be continued, maybe)

Have a great Valentine's with the one you love tomorrow!
Fight less and love more
Lisa

Journey to and from Tucson Part I

2009-02-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I thought I would write a bit about my trip to and from Tucson. Since I can be rather verbose, I'm splitting the story into several posts!

You know... I should have regretted spending more time on knitting this winter and not enough on making more beads ... but I don't. It was just the renewal I needed to give me a color pick me up. I love knitting with wools and am teaching myself slowly to be able to eventually knit that dream sweater. I am sure I can just jump in but I want to enjoy the process of learning....

SLOWLY...

Knitting is so much like beading and jewelry design. It also feeds my love of fibers and textiles. As you work more intricate patterns, the project becomes longer to complete, selecting colors are fun, and the material choices are important. I have been spoiling myself for the past few months with beautiful fibers and knitting paraphernalia. Before I left for Tucson, I decided to reward myself with a handcrafted oak yarn swift made by Hornshaw Woodworks', Timothy Hornshaw.
Boy, I came home and found it waiting for me. It is BEAUTIFUL!! (see above). Hey I deserve it. DON'T I? I have a tendency of buying myself these little treats. As a matter of fact, I tell Nick to never buy me presents because I can handle the purchasing myself. This way he never knows how much I pay for something. heheh.. (more knitting and yarn talk later...)

So... the night before leaving for Tucson, I was up until 3 a.m. That was not smart but I managed to take a 1.5 hour nap before leaving for the LONG drive. If I had been working on stringing beads instead of knitting then I would have had more rest. But NO... temptation is not always bad now. So with little sleep I drove 7 hours with one break to Tucson. I had goofed up on my hotel reservations so had to find a hotel for the first night, which ended up in Oro Valley (35 minutes away from downtown Tucson).

After checking in, I went immediately to the historical Manning House Mansion to setup. And this goofball while unloading the car I spotted a friend (T-Beads) pulling up to park her car. And here I am hauling a big wide box with my special show lights.. I turn my head to smile but decided to start walking. OOOPS... I tripped over the center parking island and fell. A few bruises later, a fellow vendor ran out to the parking lot to check on me. Did I tell you that I am a BIG KLUTZ, sometimes?!!!

So, do you think you need more than 1.5 hours of sleep before driving 7 hours with one stop? I think so... but I don't learn these lessons well. HAHAH. At most shows, I exhibit solo because Nick has a full time job. These days, with the banking industry the way it is, he is very lucky to be employed. He is also the last man standing in his department so they depend on him. I'm saving his vacation time for Bead and Button and New York! If I can walk 60 miles in 3 days, I can carry a few boxes --- and TRIP --- with a few bruises to exhibit for 6 days by myself.

After setting up, my buddies Marsha Neal Studio, Specialty Beads and I went to La Fuente, a Mexican restaurant nearby. (Ms. Kelly Russell was still working on her display boards so decided not to join us for dinner!) I ordered the carnitas, one of my favorites! It was a long day and I made it back to the Best Western in Oro Valley in one piece. But....

Did I sleep? No because for most shows, my mind is still winding around whether I remembered to bring this or that. Instead, I slept a few hours and then woke up.. repeatly. I was finally up at 5 a.m. and then woohoo... the first day of the debut of the Manning House Beadshow. It was exciting!!

(to be continued)

Interesting comments on ...

2009-02-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am still working on stringing and pricing beads for Tucson but wanted to write here a bit to share some of my thoughts.

When I was approached by Interweave in mid-2006 to write a book, it was one of those opportunities that you wished for but never thought you would have so quickly. First of all, I had just started writing projects for Beadwork and Bead Unique magazines in winter of 2005. I had just "entered" into the bead world officially in early 2005 so technically had a lot to "prove" and show the world. Writing a book was an eventual goal of mine but "with time". Like fine wine, with time I would be able to fine tune my craft. When you are approached with this opportunity, you think about it but you know your answer would be "yes" no matter how, you would get it done.

Not many people at that time knew that I could seed bead. Not many people except those at the local beadstore, San Gabriel Bead Company. I didn't have a repetriore of designs waiting in the wings to submit for a book. I didn't have a book proposal ready to pitch to an editor. I didn't have ANY designs. What I had was a sampling of my work of a few classes I took while still working as an engineer, to show my color sense and a "promise" that I had a great passion to share my ideas with the world. I don't teach workshops and had never written seed beaded instructions. My only training in instruction writing was writing step by step "standard operation procedures" (SOPs) for my department. I am the most critical person of my work. What you see in Bead Romantique was designed in an amazing timeframe. All the designs were beaded and written in three month intervals, less than a year's time. What you see in the pages were not the only designs submitted. What you see is what was selected. There were a total of thirty projects. And those that were not used in the book, have since appeared in Beadwork magazine (and two other magazines).

The book is a culmination of the designs in my dreams... this head of mine... and no one expected what would come out for the pages of Bead Romantique... not even me. I generally don't know what I will design when I sit down to work on an assignment. Sure, I collect ideas from images and sketch here and there. However, the best designs are the ones I least expect.. where one stitch moves surprisingly in a different direction to yield a fabulously exciting new shape or component.. Aha moments. I love those. No one knew me as a seed beader therefore there should be "no expectations" of me, right? The only expectations were my own - to write projects that would challenge me and my fellow beaders.

I must admit that when Bead Romantique was just about to release, I told Tricia, my editorial director at Interweave, that I had some trepidation. (paraphrasing) "Will people love my work or will they say "who does she think she is?" I have welcomed all criticism, good and bad. A majority of the responses have been positive. As a bibliophile, I buy lots of books so have an opportunity to wander around Amazon quite a bit. Amazon is the place that has the most open method of criticism for an author's work. You don't even have to own the book or have bought it from Amazon to comment. You can even add pictures of non-related items to a book's page. This leaves a LOT of freedom and POWER to a potential reviewer! Frankly, I have never written a review on any book. I don't depend on someone else's criticism of a book to purchase a book. It is interesting though some of the comments you read.

I found two interesting comments made on Bead Romantique that I thought I would share on the blog with commentary. You can read more on Amazon if you wish...

Not What I thought..., September 17, 2008
(Janesville, Wisconsin United States) - The book had nice designs, but a lot of variations of the same thing. Not what I expected from this author.

Lisa's Comment: This particular review was interesting to me because the reviewer stated "Not what I expected from this author". I didn't know what to make of that statement since I felt no one expected anything from me due to me being an "unknown" in the seed bead world. Was it positive as in I surprised them with exciting projects or they expected much more from me? Hmmmm... I found the comments interesting nonetheless.

Also, the book does have several variations using similar components but in different projects to show you that you can expand from the basics. I can not assume that everyone who purchases Bead Romantique is intermediate to advanced level so there are matching earrings to the larger projects for those who are just starting out with beads. This was one of the premises of the book which was covered in the introduction. It is how I design - modular components. I enjoy seeing what one component can become in expanded designs. To say that the book had "a lot" of variations of the same thing I believe is not really paying attention. I am glad to read that the reviewer found the book had "nice designs". Thank you very much. I worked hard to create every one of those and tried to be unique in my design approach. I hope you enjoy the projects if indeed you really purchased my book and definitely looked through the projects carefully.

An OK read with enough projects to keep you busy, October 23, 2008
(Victoria, Australia) I liked the diagrams showing the progress of steps, the tips and pictures of the designs in different colours. I would have liked to see a sample of at least five projects (pictures only) before buying.

Lisa's Comments: For the next review, the beader noted that the book was "OK" and they would have liked to have seen photos of the projects. I'm not sure why she rated the book a "three" though given her comments above were quite positive. Amazon has a feature that allows you to see select pages from the book. If that is not enough you can also view additional pages from Interweave's site which can be linked from this blog or my website. There are obvious reasons why not all the pictures are shown for every project of the book on Amazon.

Rating systems are a personal evaluation. I ask anyone considering my book to judge for yourself whether the projects interest you. If you are up for a challenge, even if you are a begineer, I promise that I will take you on a journey through history. And take the components that I teach you into a different direction to make a design your own. Bead creatively and your work will speak your own voice.

*****

I want to take the time now to thank those who emailed me directly and shared their comments about their impressions of this book. Many of you have also shared photos of your finished projects. You have also visited my booth at shows to proudly wear your finished projects. Thank you and keep 'em coming. This response and feedback encourages me to continue designing and writing for publication. Please note that I do not teach at this time and don't know if I can find time to do so in the future since I get myself involved in lots of different projects. As to kits, I am still thinking about it. I may just write new projects and create kits based on those in the future.

I have also received many requests from teachers wanting to teach Bead Romantique designs at their local beadstores. Please note that generally this violates the copyright infringement laws. Although some teachers have contacted me to ask permission, I also know that there may be others who will not and I can't do anything about that. I will grant any teacher who wants to teach Bead Romantique designs permission with two criteria

1. That you have the courtesy to email me, let me know which project and what store you wish to teach the project. I want to have a record so you don't get in trouble with copyrights.
2. That you sell a copy of Bead Romantique with the class fee. This ensures that I get "credit" for the original design even if you are selecting your own colors or changing out some components.

I hope that everyone realizes writing a book is a LOT of work. Writing a book with all new projects is even more difficult. The challenge of compiling this book was actually more on the balance of time between my glass work, exhibit schedule, and other things in life. I placed a lot of energy and heart into writing Bead Romantique. I give my techniques in this book and in my articles freely. I write and share because I want to elevate beading to an art form so that many others can continue to enjoy this traditional craft. I don't ask for much in return. Besides, there are many other hobbies I could be doing besides writing/designing for publication. For instance, I could be knitting that dream sweater or finishing my hexagon blanket.

For projects appearing in bead magazines please only use those for "personal use" as one can get carried away with copyright infringement. One thing I encourage beaders to do is to take ideas from the projects to make it "YOUR OWN". I write because I want to "teach" through my writing... not so that someone can take my design to sell it or teach it as their own. Once I write for publication, it is the risk that I take. I take the risks knowing that there are "ripoff artists" out there which is unavoidable as there are always unscrupulous folks in every walk of life and in every industry. I only "hope" that I don't meet any one like that in person. (There is no knowing what I'd do to you! haha)

Thank you for reading my thoughts for today... With your encouraging emails I continue to design with my heart and from my dreams, which are plentiful. I hope to continue to share many more designs with you as one of the Designers of the Year in Beadwork 2009. I am honored to have been chosen as one of four designers for this new feature! I don't design for contests or exhibits and probably never will. I design for wearability, feminity and romanticism not for show. I hope you enjoy and will be excited to see what is yet to come... there are many more dreams in this head of mine.

Back to getting ready for Tucson
Lisa

Confessions...

2009-01-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

Okay...

You are probably wondering...

or not...

what happened to me for the last few months? Why the silence on the blog and did I fall down into a bottomless pit!

Yowza... Ouch!

Uhmmm...

I must confess... it was a crazy year, 2008... good and bad things happened... mostly great things. The book release, the tv interviews, the traveling, beaders' emails, launching the PPT, new opportunities emerging, etc.

The bad? having a necklace stolen at the Philly show ranks up there, then a week later my dog Amber passed. A month later her father Sensei passed because his heart was also broken. That makes two family deaths a month a part! How did I survive that time? It was not easy, I must say. I had and have a tender spot in my heart for my pets. They were like kids to me and acted like ones too! Somewhat spoiled and always indulged with treats! I can't help it, that's my nature being one born in the Year of the Dog.

So you must excuse my silence. My heart was in the right place when I walked with Sara in San Diego for the Breast Cancer Walk for the Cure. Heart broken by the doggies gone to heaven but heart awakened by the love all my fellow walkers exhibited enduring with their pains and aches. That sprang ankle I endured towards the end was worth all the anguish. Thank goodness for the Black Diamond walking stick I had the forethought to carry along!

And then... what there is more?

Yes, more confessions... I needed a break from "da beads"... in order to renew myself to create again.

What? You think I always live the bead life? Well maybe so in my dreams but I HAD TO take a break from the beads for nearly a month to recoup and indulge in my annual winter weakness for fiber. Eeek... it is true, I am guilty... of letting these hands wander... to be soothed by woolies.

... and diverting my attentions from those beads to YARN! I started coveting wonderful fibers this winter having a love of wools and silks to begin knitting more seriously. I'm self-taught from books and magazines and love a good challenge. Knitting can be challenging as I delve into more complex patterns! I hope to someday be able to knit my own garments. Interweave and Knitting Daily! you are partially to blame for my renewed interest! So, what's on my needles now? I'm working on a HUGE hexagon blanket that will take me a year to finish. The larger the project, the more exciting it is to me.

I will share some of my knitted creations on the blog later when I have time to photograph the "finished objects". I find working with fibers a good tease to my hunger and my passion for "color, texture and creativity". So I figured now that I have more yarns than I have time to knit, I would take my fibers on the road. I'm going to give myself a challenge this year and see how many handknitted gifts I can make on just my road trips. There's something special about making beautiful things with one's own hands. I intend to knit all my family members something this year! Besides I always need to keep my hands busy working on something creative or I'll simply go crazy. I don't like to take seedbeading on the road because I like to have accessibility to LOTS of colors and it will be more of a hassle to pack. This also dissuades me from buying too many beads because do I really need more beads? Uhmmm... well, maybe I need all the new 15/o delicas in my stash.

Besides that, in December my sister Sandy and I jump started our Japanese fabric tool wrap concept to launch in Tucson 2009. You'll have to check out what we are up to for those who own or will own the PPT tools. We're working on other wrap ideas to launch mid-year too. All this and designing/beading/writing the Designer of the Year projects for Beadwork Magazine has kept me quite busy. But now that the first show of the year rolls closer, I'm back to thinking and making beads. Eeek do I have enough beads? Probably not as I feel the guilty pleasures of woolies calling my fingers even now, but I must be strong and stay focused on "da beads".

There's still much to do around here for Tucson so I will just say that I will be back to blogging, photographying, writing and sharing in 2009. I'm taking the trusty Powershot G9 to Tucson. You'll hear from me periodically, maybe even from the road. But if I am silent for long durations it's because I am hard at work on something new and fantastic... stay tuned!

For those who are visiting Tucson, drop by the Manning House Beadshow, I'm exhibiting in the Silverbell Gallery G21. My booth is located right off the entrance from the rear parking lot and I'm across the lady's room from my buddy Marsha Neal Studio. The show will also be holding a raffle for attendees so don't forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a copy of Bead Romantique. We're opened late on opening day... until 7 p.m. so shop until you drop, otherwise 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Visit the website for more details and to register. So, see ya there! Let's have some FUN!

Susan G. Komen 3-Day 60 Mile Walk in San Diego (Nov 21-23)

2008-12-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

SPOTLIGHT ON ... ARTICLE

December 2008

Beaders Unite for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure

Written by: Lisa Kan

Read the entire article on Softflex Company's site:

*****

I hope this story inspires beaders around the world to use their "voice" and to look within your community to find areas where you may contribute. Every effort is important, small or large. Performing good deeds feeds your soul as you act outside of yourself for the benefit of others. Whatever your circumstance, wherever you are in life, there is always someone/some cause that can benefit from your kindness and lending hand. Giving what we are capable frees ourselves, adding meaning and enrichment to our lives. With the human element added to the mix, there is nothing we can't achieve together. In helping others, we help ourselves. To give without expecting anything in return is the true spirit of selflessness. There is no bigger reward than that which feeds our soul.

"People know you for what you've done, not for what you plan to do" - Author Unknown

Website Back Online

2008-11-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

After a phonecall to the folks at Yahoo, the website is back online.

I will update the webpage after Thanksgiving but wanted to let everyone know that as of today, the entire first shipment of the Japanese Professional Precision Tools are SOLD OUT. This is phenomenal as most of the publicity on these tools have been through the excellent reviews in Beadwork, Stringing, Step by Step Wire, Step by Step Beads and from the editors of Bead and Button through their forums. Word of mouth raving comments from all of you to your beadstores or friends have made the launching of this product a success.

Unfortunately those who waited to order for Christmas, will have to wait a little longer. In order to maintain affordability the second shipment (smaller than the first) shipped from Japan by sea two Friday's ago. My Japanese business partner indicates generally the shipment takes anywhere from 30-40 days to arrive. My fingers are crossed it gets here before the holidays but because of the overwhelming response I have opted to extend the promo price of $125 for those who want to pre-order and pay for the tools from the second shipment. Otherwise, once the shipment arrives, more than likely the price will be from $135 to $140, dependent on any custom fees. I think for the value and quality even this price is quite affordable.

So, I am sorry we are sold out but I promise the tools will be worth the wait. Please email me to be placed on the waiting list and order from the second shipment. There are only 60 kits in the second shipment and the third shipment will not arrive until late January for Tucson. Due to the expense in importing product and the volatility of world economies these days, I am being watchful in each shipment. This is to ensure that the costs to you remain affordable. Thank you for enjoying these tools and please show your friends your tools.

Next, when I started importing these tools, my intention was to eventually have a beautiful Japanese tool bag to carry them in. We set that project aside to see how you would like the tools but because of the rapid sell out of the first shipment we will bring the prototyping back online. I hope to have a tool bag design by early 2009 and then go into production. Once this is ready, I will post on the website. If you want to be notified via email on the bag's availability, just send me an email.

Thank you again everyone for loving these tools!
Lisa

Website Down Temporarily

2008-11-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

I just came back from my 3-Day walk with Sara and will write an update on the blog after a long absence. Need to take care of some immediate projects and then I'll catch everyone up to what I've been up to since the last entry.

In the meantime, the website was temporarily down while I was gone and I'll try to get it up by tomorrow or Weds. Just to let you know that we are nearly sold out of the first shipment on the Japanese tools. I only have FIVE kits left and the next shipment will not arrive until right before or after the Christmas holidays. This was to save money so that I didn't have to raise the prices too much, while still bringing you all a good value on these excellent tools. We've had a lot of recent publicity on these tools from Step by Step Wire, Step by Step Beads, Stringing, Beadwork and Bead and Button Editor forums. So, if we happen to sell out but you place and pay for your order before the second shipment arrives, I will honor the promo price. You just have to be a bit patient to get them as they are traveling by sea. The next shipment will be a bit more expensive due to the drastic changes in the exchange rate between USD to Yen but still a good deal. I will have the new price after the shipment clears any custom fees.

More writing later as I am recovering from the 60 mile walk with a slightly sprained left ankle and have some urgent projects to finish. Have an excellent Thanksgiving everyone.

Goodbye My Amber

2008-08-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today I mourn the passing of my beloved pomeranian Amber, who passed to a better place this morning. She suffered from a collapsing trachea, which is a common ailment of pomeranians, as they age. A small heart murmur exasperated her situation these later years and she suffered from coughs. She was with us for eleven wonderful years. She loved life, me and was the most affectionate dog amongst our three.

Life is precious and you never know when you will lose a love one. My days are emptier without her companionship but I will survive. I still can't believe that she is gone when only yesterday she was frolicking and running in the backyard, happily sitting under the shade of a tree (where she now rests in peace). Although her passing is an extremely sad event in our family, I am glad she was able to hold on until I returned from Philly, to say goodbye. I was only able to spend 3 days with her after Philly and wished I had more time with her but she left us knowing she was deeply loved. In the three years that I've worked from home, every day I would take breaks throughout the day to speak or play with her. I will continue to speak to her, as she will forever be in my thoughts/heart. She may be physically gone but my memories of her will forever be fresh.

Amber was the shining light in my life and a great companion, keeping me company as I worked. She saw me through a lot, in these years, through joys and disappointments. I will deeply miss her. I love you Amber (aka Hamburger, as her nickname). Mommy will miss your smile, kisses and cuddles. You will always be in my thoughts.

Thank you for allowing me to share my loss with you all,

Lisa

Disappointment and Feeling Violated ...

2008-08-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

I know I have been absent from this blog for A LONG TIME. I've been quite busy with other things in life that somehow came in between having time to share news with you here. Tonight I felt a need to write here as I am still in Philly, after another arduous show. This trip was one of the most challenging and demanding ones I've made in recent weeks. It seems I have been living out of suitcases month after month, draining my energies quite a bit to be creative. On this trip and Bead Fest Philly, I had some highly positive moments (when some of you came to my booth to thank me for writing Bead Romantique and sharing my design sensibilities in my articles. So thank you everyone for all your kind words which truly keep me going - designing and writing as much as I do. Then there was the spectacular experience early Sunday morning as Marlene Blessing interviewed me for Beads, Baubles and Jewels.

With all these great things happening, I was deeply affected by the singular event on opening day, Friday, when I felt truly violated for the FIRST time. After 3 hours of the show opening when I turned my attention to addressing a customer and was not looking, one of my sample necklaces were stolen from my booth. It was the only piece that I did not have a display for. Of course I should have known better and pin down the necklace, but perhaps my faith in my fellow beaders were too high. Nonetheless, this act show a deep lack of respect to me as an artist. I guess I should feel flattered that whomever took my necklace loved my work. But I am not flattered. I am hurt but as with anything I will get over it with time. I just can't believe that after three years of exhibiting it has culminated to this one event that disappoints me the most. We've all had small items taken, that's part of business, but this necklace meant a lot to me.

However, I want YOU (the one who stole my necklace) to know (not that you would read my blog) but that you have deeply sadden me. The piece that you took was the debut project I wrote for Australian Beading Magazine in 2007. Although I can easily replicate the design, it is troubling to me that you felt a need to take something important from me. I would like to ask my fellow beaders to keep an eye out for this necklace. Should you see someone wear it amongst you, know that it was stolen from me. I can not fathom that the culprit would ever return it but my hopes is that if you feel inclined to return the necklace, if you have an inkling of a conscience that you may mail it back to me - no questions asked.

My address is:
PO Box 80491
San Marino, CA 91118

Or perhaps you can easily slip it back to me next year when I return back to Philly. This event almost made me think over whether I would come back to Philly to exhibit. I hope my spirit will be lifted as I fly home tomorrow. I have to set this disappointment aside for the meantime to focus on preparations for yet another show, this time in Denver. In between, I will be busy writing and have several assignments to complete. You may not hear from me until end of September.

Feeling violated and disappointment
Lisa

P.S. On a positive note, thanks to my friends at Vintaj, I have met my fundraising entrance fee for my Breast Cancer walk. Thank you Wendy, Jeanne and Jess.. you guys are the best!

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

2008-07-18T16:52:00.001-07:00

A dozen beautiful photos of the Chihuly Bridge of Glass from Tacoma, WA. No words are necessary to describe Chihuly's work. I hope this makes up for my absence from the blog the last few weeks.

I'm getting ready for a busy August - three trips in total this coming month. Wish me luck and survival! You may not hear from me until September as I need to focus on getting things done in the studio. In the meantime, enjoy the visual inspiration of all those glorious colors in Chihuly's work.

Almost there...

2008-06-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

From my 3-Day Walk for the Cure Blog

Hi all,

Look at my fundraising efforts. Thanks to those who recently donated to my effort, I am just 15% away from reaching the $2200 necessary to walk this November. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I send xoxo's to all those who are showing their love for not just me but for all of those who are suffering with breast cancer.

There are amazing stories out there. As I exhibit at my shows this year, I have people coming up to me and giving me their thanks as they or someone they know is suffering from breast cancer. It feels good that I am taking a small part in the entire endeavor and helping "my way." I am just at the beginning of this challenge and there is more up ahead.

Well, I recently recovered from being sick after the Bead and Button show (for over two weeks!) I am just about back to my healthy self. I just also began to receive the suggested training program from the 3-Day organization. I admit, I have been out of training but it's just about time to ramp things up again. Today I'll do a video workout.

I'm leaving shortly for a show in Tacoma and you better bet I will make sure I'm walking everywhere while there. I will return back to my walk training after this trip. I need to be ready by November...and now that I'm feeling better there's no more excuses.

Thank you again everyone who has donated in the recent week(s). You are A #1 in my book. See some of you very soon.

Have a great summer!
xoxo
Lisa

*****

For those who read this blog, please donate if you can. I know things in life are tough out there but if you can give up going out to eat once this year, you will be able to help me in this walk. As of today, I'm $330 away from reaching my "admission" to walk this November. If I am still short by November, I will personally donate again, the remainder of what is necessary, to be able to walk. It will however mean SO much more if beaders out there are supporting this effort. That is why we named our team, TEAM BEADALICIOUS.

Be well,
Lisa

P.S. I will not be posting any new entries until AFTER my trip to the Puget Sound Bead Festival. My kiln's controller broke and now it is fixed. I am frantically making as many beads as possible for my trip thus the reason for my absence from the blog.

Bead Renaissance Shows Features Bead Romantique

2008-06-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

Spreading the good word about my book, from the Bead Renaissance Newsletter by Carina Van Son, Associate Show Promoter

"... There is an intricacy and element of art throughout and incorporated into each piece of jewelry..."

"... What sets Bead Romantique apart ... lies in the attention to detail and the excitement Lisa exudes throughout the pages... "

Read More...

The Thursday Tease

2008-06-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

I almost forgot that today was Thursday. It appears that the crazy weather in Milwaukee last week is now catching up to me. I was caught in the rain on Sunday after breaking down from the show, having dinner at Mader's and then running several LONG blocks to the Hyatt because Nick forgot the umbrella in our rental car. We thought the rain was gone but we obviously misjudged the MidWest weather! I feel bad for the family and kid in a carriage running in the rain. If I am THIS sick, I can only imagine how they are holding up, since they were wearing SHORTS! We were fortunate to escape into the Hyatt's skywalk to walk the remainder of the way to the Hilton. Sure I had a Puma hoodie on and had my head covered but that obviously didn't keep this cold/flu that I have now away. Hmmm... or maybe I caught the nasty germs on the plane because when you fly as much as I do, you always catch something from someone along the way. Ick. So this week I'm gonna try to rest up and work on paperwork in bed but I'm still working. I have 3 weeks to get ready for the NEXT show. What was I thinking when I booked this year's shows?

Back to the Thursday Tease, can't forget that just because I'm feeling under the weather. The above is a photo of metal shavings that I found on Flickr by Tanaka Who. I think the colors are just beautiful. Who knew scraps of metal could inspire anyone but I see blue iris, purple iris and brown iris seed beads in there!

hope to feel better soon,
Lisa

Art Bead Scene Reviews Bead Romantique

2008-06-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Fit to Print Book Review - Bead Romantique by Heather Powers

"... Bead Romantique has something for every level..."

"... Lisa covers 400 years of art history with style and grace!"

Read More...

******

Thank you Heather Powers (who makes beautiful polymer clay beads!) and Art Bead Scene (ABS) for reviewing my book. And everyone, don't forget to enter the ABS June Pearls of Wisdom contest this month to win a signed copy of my book and two strands of pearls!

Uhmmm... Why are you still sitting there reading the computer screen? ;o)

Cheers,
Lisa

Lisa Kan

The Road to Tucson 2011

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

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.

Writing for Bead Publications

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

Blythe Blanket... On Again, Off Again

The Perfect Tomato

Introducing a NEW limited fabric wrap...

Introducing the NEW Limited Edition KITS at BnB!

Bead and Button Show: June 10-13, 2010

Social Networking Etiquette

Victoria's Love Story

Let's Facebook It...

Lariats You Will Love: Knotted Treasures

Bead Trends June 2010: Designer Highlight

Things I MISS!

Bead Society of Norcal Bazaar: May 15, 2010

Rocky Mountain Bead Society Bazaar: April 24-25, 2010

Glass Craft and Bead Expo: April 9 -11, 2010

Ume... Plum Blossoms... the 3 NEW Botanicals

Come to Bead Fest, Santa Fe...

Introducing the NEW Metal Clay and Polymer Clay Toolwraps

Happy Surprise.... It's a SURPRISE!!

Passionflower on Knitting Daily Spring 2009

Happiness....

Change...Changes... Changed

Stop For the Roses ...

Bead Fest Santa Fe, FREE Pass!!

Happy New Year to YOU!

September 20: Eureka and the Redwood Forest

September 19: On the road ... to Portland

Botanical Ring, Hairclip and Bracelet

Bead Fest Portland, Free Pass

Beadwork Oct/Nov 2009 Designer of the Year Project: Plum Blossom

The Biggest Heterosexual Male Fan ...

Tutorial: The Under 15 minute Botanical Silk Corsage Bracelet

About the new Botanicals . . .

A long time ...

Introducing Five New Fabrics

Haiku featured in Vorsicht Glas, Germany's Glass Journal

The Thursday Tease

A Knitting Interlude ...

The Thursday Tease

Your Opinion Counts ...

The Thursday Tease

Projects from the Interweave Store

The Thursday Tease

Bead Fest Santa Fe: March 12-15, 2009

Something Right ... Right?

Just about...

Still Working on the Website...

Website having difficulties...

My New Love ...

The Thursday Tease

Raindrops ...

Introducing the New Wraps

The Thursday Tease

Developing the Tri-Fold Tool and Bead Wraps

The Thursday Tease

A Knitting Interlude ...

Journey to and from Tucson Part II

Journey to and from Tucson Part I

Interesting comments on ...

Confessions...

Susan G. Komen 3-Day 60 Mile Walk in San Diego (Nov 21-23)

Website Back Online

Website Down Temporarily

Goodbye My Amber

Disappointment and Feeling Violated ...

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Almost there...

Bead Renaissance Shows Features Bead Romantique

The Thursday Tease

Art Bead Scene Reviews Bead Romantique

Fit to Print Book Review - Bead Romantique by Heather Powers

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.