The Biggest Heterosexual Male Fan ...

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

About the new Botanicals . . .

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

Projects from the Interweave Store

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

Interesting comments on ...

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

Bead Renaissance Shows Features Bead Romantique

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...

Art Bead Scene Reviews Bead Romantique

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

Show Stop: June 5-8, 2008 Bead and Button Show

A collection of photos from my first Bead and Button show. It was an experience, definitely and I would like to thank my friend Jannell Botto AGAIN for this chance to visit the MidWest. I was booth sitting but maybe next year you'll visit me at my own booth. I'll be in touch with Bead and Button to make that happen. We'll see how that goes.

And, even though on two evenings we had tornado scares and everyone was kept on the show floor on Saturday until the warnings were lifted, you folks were real troupers. Shows are about friendships and making new connections/renewing old ones. Thank you to all that came to visit me at the show. Bead and Button even did an web interview of me on an upcoming project I have in a future issue. You came, you spoke, you listened and I appreciate everyone who did all that, despite the horrible weather outside. We had a spectacular show because of all of you!

Thank you also for buying ALL the copies of Bead Romantique in the house. We rock 'n rolled and SOLD OUT of the case of books Nick carried to Milwaukee by Friday early afternoon. Whew! And as far as I knew every other copy available in the building at three other booths were gone by Sunday. I will get the orders out soon for those who did not get a signed copy at the show. I was thrilled and touched by your comments on my work. THANK YOU. If I can say this without jinxing myself "I hope to see you all next year again in 2009".

My favorite piece in the entire exhibit. Perhaps it's the child in me.

It's a shame that all the exhibits were behind glass because I would have loved to capture them without glass between us. Some of the pieces were simply spectacular. I especially enjoyed the Japanese exhibit.

I had a few customers asked me if I would consider entering one of these design contests. And you know what? I don't think contests are for me. For one, I am very competitive. The competition would totally consume me and ALL my time. Besides, I'd like to design pieces that are wearable, not showy and impractical to wear. I'd like to design on my own time and in my own style, not with the pressures of pleasing a panel of judges. There is only so much time in a day and I've got to be ME. That is why I don't enter design contests. Thank you for thinking I should though.

I hope you enjoyed the collage of photos above.

Food Talk in the NEXT few posts,
Lisa

A View of Glendale and Shorewood, WI: Bayshore Town Center and Bic Bay Park

Bayshore Town Center and Bic Bay Park

Monday, June 2, 2008
Approximately 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Okay, so I admit we didn't miraculously hop off the plane and found a Trader Joe's in the neighborhood. Before ANY trip, I seek out a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in whatever town USA I happen to be traveling to. If none are available, I just have to settle for the local market. There is something comforting about walking into a store you love where you already know the treats are tasty!

So there was only one Trader Joe's and one Whole Foods north of Milwaukee. Since we landed so early and it was still daylight, we decided to go check out Trader Joe's for some snacks and also found the Bayshore Town Center nearby, before checking into the Hilton.

While at Bayshore Town Center, we spied some interesting restaurants and movie theater. We made a mental note for future days, which later served to keep us entertain, amidst the dreary Milwaukee weather.

There was a Barnes and Noble here. Again, I can't help walking into a bookstore, if I see one out of the corner of my eyes. If you only knew how I am around books. If you attempt to restrain me, I'll be like the HULK and break free, to fight you off just to run into a bevy of bookshelves. That's me and books. I am beyond help.

Oooh... and YES! I did see Bead Romantique there.

We had a quick Greek salad snack from Trader Joe's and wanted to save room for a nice dinner on our first night in Milwaukee. I convinced Nick that we should forget taking the freeway back to the Hilton but instead to drive Hwy 32 on the scenic route with a view of Lake Michigan. We drove about and saw so many GORGEOUS homes along the route. Unfortunately there were no vista points for us to stop and capture some of the architecture to share with you. As both fans of fine architecture, trust us they were beautiful homes! Nick and I spoke about moving into one of the waterfront mansions, dreaming of a possible future in retirement. Uh, yeah right! I've been a SoCal girl all my life so the thought of moving anywhere was ... was the last thing on my mind. I love the sun, the SoCal melting pot culture and was surely missing it now. I'm such a wimp in cold weather. Then we spotted a one way street and Nick turned to park the RAV4. We were both itching to stop and get out to walk around. We took in the scent of the lake and fresh air. We got a good whiff of it and then proceeded to walk towards a trail.

We found Bic Bay Park.

Overcast but still not raining yet. We used every bit of sunshine to explore.

The path down and up, which way are you walking?

On the walk down to the water, the jagged rocks pave the way.


Isolating and Serene. A perfect hiding place to just think.


Walk this way. This is my FAVORITE photo from this trip!!


At the end of the path


Turn around. Is it the end or just the beginning?


The icy cold waters of Lake Michigan.

It started sprinkling and the mosquitoes were starting to fly about. It was our sign to get on the road and to check into the Hilton. The day was not over as we'll take you to one of Milwaukee's great eateries in the next Food Stop post. We still hadn't eaten our first real meal and was hungry for something delicious. We found Harbor 550 Restaurant, formerly known as Pieces of Eight, finally after a long drive! Come with us to dinner next.

Time for some YUMMY talk,
Lisa

SoftFlex Company Spotlights Bead Romantique

SPOTLIGHT ON ... June 2008

"Bead Romantique by Lisa Kan is 140 pages of pure inspiration... She really has an eye for detail..."

"I highly suggest that you pick up a copy of this book as it is a must have for beading enthusiasts!"

Read More...

---

Sara Hardin Website Beading blog Email: Sara@SoftFlexCompany.com Sara has been a Soft Flex Company employee for 9 years and is an active designer. Besides jewelry design, she also enjoys fashion, music, theatre and just about anything art related. Most days she is available by email or via live chat on the Soft Flex Company website for designer assistance.

PPT is Almost Here ...

Countdown, the first shipment of the Japanese Professional Precision tools are being delivered from my freight forwarder TOMORROW. In the past week and a half, I have learned a LOT about fluctuating exchange rates, wiring money, US Customs, freight forwarding, duty fees and how extremely expensive it is to import product into the USA. Custom fees are where the US government gets it's revenue, second only to income taxes from the IRS. Woohoo. Yes indeed, I feel GREAT being able to help the US government and economy in my own special way!!

When I first got my hands on the round nose and chain nose pliers in late February, thanks to a gift from my friends at Ezel Findings, I NEVER imagined I would become the exclusive importer of these Japanese tools. I'm a beadmaker, jewelry designer, beader, metalsmith and author but tool importer? Well I am an ex-electrical engineer so I knew good tools when I felt these in my hands. It was instant LOVE at first touch! I KNEW I had to have them ALL and thus launched my quest to complete my set of five tools with the missing three pliers (bent nose, flat nose and flush cutter). I tracked down a Japanese friend who happened to know the factory manager. What a small world full of connections. I truly believe these RED handled tools FOUND ME as I didn't look for them.

In order to get a good price to complete my own set, I had to order a small sampling of these tools which I originally intended to gift to good friends, selling the remainder few extra sets. I didn't WANT to become a tool importer but the tools wanted me to! I began to realize that although I knew NOTHING about importing product, MORE designers would benefit from these tools than just me and a mere 24 others! (my original sample order arrived right before Bead Expo Portland in March). So within a few short weeks through my Japanese friend we were able to negotiate the exclusive US distribution. I still had NO idea what I was getting myself into. I had to forecast possible future sales. This is why I decided to take pre-orders at the recent bead shows, beginning at Bead Expo Portland. I needed to gauge how popular these would be by just demoing the pliers and letting people feel them.

Once you feel these pliers in your hands you will instantly realize why they are indeed special. Once you see them in person, you will note the ultra fine jaws that are not available in any other pliers in the market today. So, the orders came from these show demos with NO real notification to the industry and half of the first shipment has sold. I still have a nice quantity for Bead and Button orders and forecasting for the next 6 months will happen very soon. So, this is how fast everything happened and why you did not read about these tools in my book, Bead Romantique. Now the real work begins.

In future months, you will start seeing product features on these innovative tools in key magazines. The first feature will appear in the August issue of Step by Step Wire. I will post the feature on the blog later as this is SO EXCITING. My first official ad for the PPT will also appear in this issue. The Interweave team has been playing with the tools for the last few weeks and I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to read what they think!

With this feature and ad, I hope more will come to know how special indeed these tools are and how hard I've worked to bring them to the U.S. Having NEVER imported anything until now and because of my recent experiences, I appreciate all those Suppliers whom I know import more products than I. Wowza! So here's to these tools and let's see them ROCK the wire artist community. Don't forget to think about these tools for gifts to anyone who loves to use fine tools as they are not limited to jewelry designers only! Xmas is going to be here faster than you know.

I only sell these in kit form but will be offering the pliers to bead stores soon, who will offer them individually. If you can't find these tools at your local beadstore (have them contact me to bring them there!) and don't need the whole set, you can find them at the San Gabriel Bead Company who can ship them to you. You really CAN use every single one of these tools, so if you are a completist like me, then you'll want them ALL eventually. The introductory price ($125) may not last after the first shipment sells out. I will have to gauge the exchange rate situation and make a judgment how long the promotional price can last. I believe in bringing a great value to everyone and do not promote any product I don't believe in or use personally. So you know I will try my best to keep prices reasonable. And, even at the retail price of $150, you will find that these five tools are a bargain in this quality which can't be beat. If you can find similar ultra fine tools for lower prices - SHOW ME! I do not know of ANY pliers like these, available in the US, which are made with Japanese cutlery grade Stainless Steel.

In the next few days, my family (THANK GOODNESS, I need all the help I can get!) will help pack ALL the pre-orders to ship out by this Saturday. Then I am off to the Bead and Button Show to demo these in person! I won't have computer access all next week but I'll be armed with my Powershot G9, so I'll report on all my adventures when I return through my camera! It's a crazy time here, as you can well imagine.

In Anticipation and Relief
The Shipment is Finally
Arriving!
Here at last! Here at last!
Lisa

Bead Romantique Project Seed Colors

Bead Romantique Project Seed Colors

Many of you have emailed me to ask me for the EXACT colors I used in Bead Romantique. While I was designing, beading and compiling the thirty project submissions (yes, THIRTY projects) for the book last year, I actually made multiple samples of most of the projects you see. Generally my first sample, I just bead. If I make a second sample, I tweak and fine-tune the design further. I have a lot of seed beads at my disposal but I generally use a select few colors always to project the feeling of vintage beadwork. The reason we did not include the numbers to the seed beads in the book (and you will note this in most books and magazine projects) is to not favor one seed bead company over another but also because beadstores/online retailers have different nomenclature. We used descriptive words instead to be more generic and to also encourage you to select your own colors.

Although I've listed all the colors here for EVERY project which utilized seed beads, my hope is that you discover your own "inner Color Goddess" to find colors that you enjoy working with. If you visit me at beadshows, you may also see alternative samples with colors different to those listed below. Also my friends SpecialtyBeads, Vintaj and Ezel Findings will also showcase alternate colors to the samples you see in the book at their booths too. I was a busy girl beading, let's just say. Please note only projects from the book are listed below. Thank you again for purchasing my FIRST (and hopefully not last, if I can find more time in the day) book.

With no further delays, here is the info that you have been waiting for! I have made suggestions for optional substitutes that are close in color to the original, to be more flexible to you, in case you can't locate one color or another. Please note that the San Gabriel Bead Company, Out on a Whim and Jane's Fiber and Beads will have these colors in stock between all three of them. You can find a wonderful selection of Czech charlottes from Charlotte Silverstein of Garden of Beadin'. All these folks are MY sources for most of my seed bead needs.

If you have a hard time finding any of the seed beads, the San Gabriel Bead Company is offering to ship them to you. Most often the exact seed beads are available but substitutes may occur. I work with them closely so can provide color consultation. All you have to do is email me with your contact info and the projects you want to recreate. I will work with the store to get as many of the beads in a semi-kit to you.

Project 1: Scalloped Chain Necklace (pages 14-17) - No seed beads used

Project 2: Ndebele Pearl Medallion Earrings and Bracelet (pages 18-23)
a. Topaz AB 15/o = 377B (or 377 or 377L)
b. Bronze Metallic 15/o = 457
c. Brown Iris 11/o = 458

Project 3: Netted Rivoli Chain Earrings (pages 24-29)
a. Matte silver lined amethyst 15/o = F639
b. Topaz Rose AB 15/o = 301
c. Fuchsia crystal lines 15/o = 395A
d. Amethyst AB 11/o = 356E (or 384 or 928)

Project 4: Pearl Cascade Necklace (pages 30-33) - No seed beads used

Project 5: V Scalloped Necklace (pages 34-39)
a. Matte Sage Iris 11/o = F460H (or F460G)
b. Matte amethyst AB 11/o = F460N
c. Bronze metallic 15/o = 457
d. Silver Lined Lt. Olive cubes = IC991

Project 6: Mesh Pearl Bracelet (pages 40-43) - No seed beads used

Project 7: Ndebele Twist Band with Flower Center (pages 44-53)
a. Amethyst AB 11/o = 928 (or 384 or 356E)
b. Bronze metallic 11/o = 457
c. Perwinkle AB 11/o = 387
d. Bronze metallic 15/o = 457

Project 8: Bohemian Drop Earrings (pages 54-58)
a. Bronze metallic 15/o = 457
b. Chartreuse AB 11/o = 318Q
(page 58 earrings)
a. 15/o = 638
b. 11/o = 319H or 318E
(page 59 earrings - from left to right)
1a. 15/o = F460E
1b. 11/o = 318Q
2a. 15/o = 457
2b. 11/o 318Q
3a. 15/o = 299A
3b. 11/o = 399L

Project 9: Rivoli Y Drop Necklace (pages 60-67)
a. Matte Cranberry Fuchsia 11/o = 299J (some may call this F299J)
b. Purple Luster 15/o = 430I
c. Bronze metallic 15/o = 457
d. Cranberry fuchsia AB 15/o = 299J
e. Dark Purple Iris 15/o = 454

Project 10: Quatrefoil Nouveau Festoon Necklace (pages 68-75)
a. Bronze Metallic 15/o = 457 (color is noted as Brown Iris which you can also use, 458)
b. Chartreuse AB 11/o = 318Q

Project 11: Double-Sided Maiden Necklace (pages 76-83)
a. Matte sage iris 15/o = F460H (or F460G)
b. Silver lined topaz AB 15/o = 377 (or 377B or 377L)
c. Amethyst gold luster 15/o = 319
d. Cranberry luster 15/o = 313
e. Purple luster 15/o = 319H (or use optional flower seed colors listed below)
f. Chartreuse luster 15/o = 318J
g. Sage iris 11/o = F460H (or F460G)
Optional flower seed colors: 275 and 395A

Project 12: Medici Rhinestone Necklace (pages 84-72)
a. Silver lined topaz cranberry AB 15/o = 638
b. Cranberry Luster 15/o = 318E
c. Matte cranberry 11/o = 318E (some may label this F318E)
(page 93, Rivoli version necklace)
a. 15/o back of rivoli and also the loops = 729 (or 229 or 375A)
b. 11/o = 729 (or 229 or 375A)
c. 15/o encasing front of rivoli = 318B
Optional: use 13/o marcasite charlottes for last row to contrast

Project 13: Deco Collar with Gemstones (pages 94-99)
a. Matte rose gold 11/o triangle = F460S
b. Cranberry bronze 11/o triangle = 502 (or 460F or 460H)
c. Matte cabernet 11/o triangle = 703 (or F460A)
d. Fuchsia crystal lined 15/o = 395A (or 395B or 2247)
e. 24kt Gold 13/o charlottes (the expensive versions!)

Project 14: Black Lace Lariat (pages 100-107)
a. Black 13/o charlottes
b. Black 11/o charlottes
c. 11/o triangles = 49

Project 15: Quatrefoil Renaissance Bracelet (pages 108-115)
a. Brown iris 15/o = 458
b. Chartreuse AB 11/o = 318Q

Project 16: Victorian Diamond Cuff (pages 116-123)
a. Brown iris 15/o = 458
b. Bronze metallic 15/o = 457
c. Brown iris 11/o = 458
d. Matte cranberry bronze = F460A

Project 17: Triple Spiral Garden Lariat (pages 124-130)
a. Chartreuse lined aqua 15/o and 11/o = 229 (or 375A or 729 or 284)
b. Chartreuse luster 15/o and 11/o = 318J
c. Dark sage luster 15/o and 11/o = 307 (or 459)
d. Teal lined topaz 11/o triangle = 729 (or 1825 10/o Miyuki alternate)
e. Chartreuse luster 8/o = 318J
f. Fuchsia lined 15/o = 395A (or 395B or 2247)
g. Cranberry AB 15/o = 299J
h. Silver lined Berry Topaz AB = 301 (or 638)
i. Chartreuse lined aqua 15/o = 375A (or 729 or 229)

Enjoy beading!
Back to the torch
Lisa

Random Thoughts...

Random Thoughts

When things come undone
I use this magical string
To bind and sew
The pieces together
Making me whole again
***
As thoughts flow freely
Time for contemplation
Of laughter and smiles
Consider the possibility
Of everything in nothing
***
If you could hear my thoughts
Live as me in dreams
In a wealth of experiences
A life with no regrets
Where tomorrow is today
***
I can't stop, stop singing
This song in my head
The words come alive
My mind is consumed
With visions of a dream
***
Life is quite simple, no?
We eat, drink and be merry
Sing a song or two
Give hugs and kisses
To love and be loved
***
If I could capture every star
In the night sky this eve
To bring you some light
Of hope, peace and happiness
You will be living the life
***
In the eyes of the child
Who gazes in wonderment
To all that surrounds
Why is the sky blue?
And the clouds a fluffy white?
***
Money can buy a lot of things
But it can't buy you love
Or happiness and joy
When you stop searching
Everything comes naturally
***
In the fields out yonder
Wild flowers are blooming
A river flows through
In the solitary serenity
Is where I buried my heart
***
Why ask why?
Things are just as is
As real as real can be
So just accept thyself
What can be, will
***
Never give up, shooting star
Aim high, don't look back
Think ahead, play smart
Remember who you are
To not become who you're not
***
Empty stares, attention fading
Looks away, turn this way
Come and go, to and fro
Speak no more, hear no less
In your life, then out the door
***
Random thoughts
Flow through my mind
As I sit to write today
Making no real sense
But to me, myself and I

(written 5/20/08)

P.S. Tomorrow I post the seed bead colors to projects from Bead Romantique. I need to verify a few more things tonight at the San Gabriel Bead Company and then it shall be up, as you wished and have asked from me. Ask and you shall receive (not always but in this case, you will receive the info).

P.P.S. Thirteen random thoughts listed above. More to come in the future, when the mood strikes. I never know what I will write when I come to post some days. But when I come here, I will always write. If I write poetry, the words and ideas flow freely from within. I do sometimes "clean up" the thoughts afterwards but for the most part all the poetry you read is adlib - on the spot - genuine as only I know how to write and project myself here on this blog. Read it, feel it and know it. Understand all of my words? Now maybe that is too much to ask of anyone. Even *I* sometimes don't know why I select to think nor write or even design with a certain mindset. Just let it be, let it be to become so much more than what was intended. Step one, step two and three steps later - moving forward always.

Photo borrowed from Raindawn from Flickr

~smiles~
Ms. Random Thoughts
Lisa

Bead Expo Phoenix: The Booth

Bead Expo Phoenix Booth
Friday to Sunday, May 2 - 4 2008
Approximately 9:00 to 10:00 A.M.

I was representing my friend Ezel Findings at this venue, so had three tables to fill. Normally I have my corner booth and that's that. However, my friend Sun Young had to take a trip to Paris (lucky her) and asked me to help out, so I brought Tina along. Tina stayed until Saturday and then Nick flew in to help the rest of the time. We spent some time with Uncle Joe and Aunt Dee, my first time meeting Nick's family. I hope they had as good of a time as I did getting to know them/me.

(click on any of the photos below for an enlarged view)

Walk around my booth to see what goodies I've filled it with. It was challenging to fill THREE tables but I brought along ALL of the project samples from Bead Romantique to help me out.

Lots of Freshwater Pearls in exotic colors for just $5 a strand!

There's the book and Digital Frame frozen in time with the Medici Rhinestone Necklace shown

And as you walk around, you'll notice the BEAUTIFUL Japanese pliers. I only had two sets at the show so am taking pre-orders before the shipment arrives after Bead and Button

This table showcases my glass work, you will find Ginkgos, Mesa, Strata, Fusion, Sandstorm, Haiku, Le Fiore Vive, Luft and Serenity amongst the selection. I try to have a nice assortment at teach show but this was the third show back to back so I had very little time in the studio.

Another Bead Romantique book and the Quatrefoil Nouveau Festoon Necklace, V Scallop, Triple Spiral Lariat, alternate Medici Necklace with 1122 Rivolis and the Double Sided Garden Maiden Necklace. Ezel Findings business cards to the side too.

Closeups

A closeup of the lovely Digital Frame

There are those Japanese tools amongst my glasswork

This Mother of Pearl necklace was made for the Mother of the Bride in mind. It was the key necklace showcased on Sonoran Living LIVE

A closeup of how beautifully the festoon necklace would hang when worn.

The graduation project, as I'd would like to call it, the Triple Spiral Garden Lariat, is not difficult - it just takes a LONG time to finish. You will learn so many techniques from this project alone.

There is Jane of Jane's Fibers and Beads getting her booth ready. A view of my booth from a distance and right across all those seed beads. Jane tempts me at most shows with all those tiny beads!! If you ever seen Jane at a show, she carries signed copies of Bead Romantique.

*****

Smile for the Camera, will you?
Lisa