A View of Portland: The Rose City, March 26, 2008

Look through my eyes and Kodak camera lens for a view of my trip to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Portland, the Rose City. I enjoy telling stories through my photography and I can even work my magic on this traveling Kodak camera when the subject is already beautiful as in the city of Portland!

Even after heavy rain upon arrival, driving to the Red Lion Hotel, which is across from the Oregon Convention Center, this California girl did not let the drizzle and cold keep her indoors. The city shines in her light and I HAD to wander around to soak in the atmosphere, drink up the city! I didn't have an opportunity to see much more than what I photographed, since I had to immediately setup for Bead Expo Portland a few hours later. Every trip I take, I try to have at least a few hours to attempt to absorb the city. It is these precious moments that I soak in inspiration through the images I select to capture. I was able to capture some of the city to share with you. Come see with me!

And even in Portland, as in Tucson, a new friend decided to join me to lead the way to some of the city's highlights!

(click any image for an enlarged view)

Mr. Squirrel told me to follow him and walk to the right. I figured he's from the area and must know where he was going, so I followed him, until he dashed into the bushes. I guess I wasn't quick enough or he was just teasing me to see if I'd follow. I found my way to The Temple Beth Israel.

The Temple Beth Israel

(excerpt from their website)

Centrally located in eclectic Northwest Portland, our campus reflects the Congregation's commitment to Jewish learning, worship and community. Two small chapels provide intimate settings for interactive religious gatherings, while the architecturally renowned Temple (completed in 1928) lends grace and formality to services on High Holy Days, Festivals and other occasions.

The beautiful doors and architectural elements

Always look up and see, not just at eye level as there is much to be missed if you just look straight ahead. Fine examples of Byzantine architecture.

The Congregation was founded in 1858, when Oregon was still part of the Oregon Territory. It was the first congregation west of the Rockies and north of California. The then new Congregation held religious services in Burke's Hall, which was located above a livery stable located on First Avenue.

The first Synagogue on SW Fifth and Oak streets was built in 1859. Having outgrown the building, the Congregation erected its second, larger synagogue in 1889 nearby on SW 12th and Main Streets. In 1923 this Synagogue was destroyed by fire. The present Temple, completed in 1928, is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the Northwest and is designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

Congregation Beth Israel's history is also an integral part of the history of Portland and Oregon. The names of our founders and past presidents are intertwined among the civic leaders and merchants who formed our city and state. Congregation Beth Israel has had 18 Senior Rabbis in the last 148 years.

The path that leads to the cherry blossom trees. I eagerly followed.

Cherry Blossoms

Gently, there is a breeze
Cherry blossom petals amidst
Floating from above high
Drifting down, ever so light
Petals landing on my head
Here and there, more or less
I take in the sweet scent and aroma
Oh Mother Nature, how I love thee

The Park across the street and the flowering cherry blossom "Sakura" trees scattered about

The twists of these trees, oh so beautiful to me.

Be at peace, this last image is so serene. I hope you enjoyed my photo-essay.

Until next time, Lisa

Show Stop: March 27-30, 2008: Bead Expo Portland

(click on any photos for an enlarged view)

Aaaah! I am up early this morning, recovering from a cold, yes, but energized nonetheless full of ideas and new opportunities of which I shall share with you folks soon. I like to keep the mystery up of what I am up to but all is well. Aren't surprises fun?

If I had more hours in the day I would be posting more frequently on this blog. I so enjoy writing and sharing part of my life with my fellow beaders and artists. Magic is happening in the background and this year you will see the fruits of my labor!! I'm rebuilding old connections and making new ones, loving every moment of this busy life I lead!

Travel back in time with me to the second Show Stop of this year, Bead Expo Portland, through my camera lens. I tried to take as many photos as I could in Portland to share with you all but I was using THAT Kodak camera "for now" since I haven't had time to play with the new Canon Powershot G9. (The Nikon 995 stays home safe! I have SO many toys!) My new "baby" and toy is feeling sad these days because when it arrived a MONTH ago, I just opened it up to make sure it could power on. YES! I have been THAT busy. You know me, I can never help myself to those electronic gadgets but it's been a bit crazy launching the book and new Japanese tools (more on the new tool kit in another post, after the upcoming Miami trip, as it is an engineer's dream and a wire artist's friend!). I have so much news to share with you all that I am bursting with excitement. I must pace myself and post on the blog periodically so I may focus on the many projects running in parallel.



Team Interweave in their 2008 signature BLUE T-shirts welcomes you as you register for your show passes or sign up for classes. The big case to the left of this photo showcases some of the featured classes that were offered in Portland by internationally known instructors. Interweave is MY publisher for Bead Romantique. I have not met anyone "yet" at Interweave that was not sociable and nice to 'hang out' with. I am NOT saying this only because they are my publishers but everyone is on TOP of their game there. It takes a lot to impress me and I would not say this about ANYONE unless it was true.

Portland was my book launch! This was the first weekend that Bead Romantique was available to beaders. The book has been on Amazon and other book clubs, on pre-order status since mid November 2007. I "finally" had the opportunity to show this book to everyone. In Tucson earlier this year, I only had a mockup of the cover. Everyone kept on picking up the display thinking it was a book. We had to SURPRISE you for Bead Expo Portland. It was so very exciting to launch the book in Portland.

There were many firsts for me on this trip. It was my first time in Portland, my first time launching my first book, my first time showing my new gadget - a 15" digital picture frame, my first time launching an innovative and exclusive Japanese tool kit, my first time meeting my new PUBLISHER, Mr. Stephen Koenig (a very nice guy I enjoyed teasing because he didn't bring enough books to Portland and we SOLD OUT 72 books by Saturday. Sorry my fellow beaders on late Saturday and Sunday! but you can order your copy from Amazon or through me too! This is the FIRST time in Interweave history that a newly launched book has SOLD OUT at their show! Woohoo, I'm dancing in my seat. I am simply THRILLED and thank all of you for your kind words regarding my first book. Enjoy the book, the history and projects! Okay, Steve if you are reading this... "hi" and THANK YOU to Team Interweave! See you in September!!), my first time conducting demos "every" day etc. Lots of firsts that will go down in my life as memorable from this trip. I am a very sentimental person. Without the good folks at Interweave, I would have been just any designer and/or writer without a book to share my design sensibilities and love of the craft with beaders worldwide. Interweave ROCKS!! I love teaching through my writing because I can reach more people than in a classroom setting. Come with me as I discover, learn, grow and thrive in my future endeavors. Come learn with me through Bead Romantique.

In front of Hall A, where we exhibited was this HUGE golden pendulum. With my vivid imagination, I can see the below photo as a possible Thursday Tease photo. Can you see the the photo translated into bead, glass or metal? I CAN. I'll have a nice Thursday Tease to share early as I'll be flying off to Miami Wednesday! With my crazy imagination, I considered what would happen if the HUGE (humongous!) sphere would suddenly break free. Notice I am shooting the photo at a distance and using my telephoto lens. Hey with this vivid imagination do you think I would want to stand RIGHT under the pendulum. Ouch! Anyhow back to Bead Expo Portland.

Every morning I walked from the hotel to the convention center. Remember I am training for my Susan G. Komen walk in November (DON'T forget to support my fundraising efforts, if you can!) so I was walking everywhere and hauling 70lb luggage. One of the luggages going to Portland was 82 LBS! It's funny that the Budget rental car attendants offered to help me load and unload my car but I told them "hey I may be a small Chinese girl, but I need my workout". They stood back and watched me lift all four luggages into the SUV. I took the opportunity to tell them I was a beadmaker and writer as I love sharing my adventures in the bead world, with anyone who has an eager ear. (Can't run away from me now! I love to talk and talk and TALK (as well as write!) about creativity and BEADS!)

By November, I will be so much stronger and hopefully back to the fit/healthy self I once was. YES! I parked my rental SUV (yes I had FOUR huge luggages for my corner booth!) at the convention center and left it there ALL week. It was good exercise even walking in the light rain that is synonymous to the Pacific Northwest. The air was so fresh and cleansing compared to "smoggy" Southern California. I love the Pacific Northwest for it's natural beauty but this California girl was missing the sunshine. I'm such a wimp but was prepared with a long jacket, wool scarf, umbrella and even HAT!

Guess what? All the photos with that darn Kodak inside the exhibit did not come out well. I was so busy (not that I didn't remember) with the show that I didn't even snap a photo of my booth with the cool digital frame. I will do much better at the next show. I spent my free time in the mornings before the show, pre-signing THE book.



Every day 12-1p.m. I did demos on the Pearl Mesh bracelet at my booth with Vintaj, Italian Mesh, Artistic Wire, My $5 pearls and the NEW fantabulous Japanese Plier kit!! (on pre-order status and the FIRST large shipment will be at the Los Angeles port mid to end of May!) Some attendees were able to snatch up the first 18 kits. I shall share the technical details of these lovely and BEAUTIFUL pliers with you after Miami. So much to share with you all. YES these pliers are BEAUTIFUL if pliers can be beautiful. They are in the signature Lisa Kan "black and red". No the factory did not design these pliers in my booth's color schemes. As "luck" (color red) would have it, these pliers found me - I didn't look for them. The last thing on my mind was to become a tool distributor. But I HAD TO SHARE THIS great product with you all. So I am learning how to import and wire transfer money to Japan, learning about how far I can take the falling US dollar versus the Yen, learning about how to package and market an innovative tool, learning about the technology of the Japanese stainless steel standard AISI 420 aka SUS420J2 and MUCH MORE. I LOVE IT, learning new things, especially if it is technical info. I'm a nerd and a geek at heart still. I'll probably get a bit too technical next, so I'll end the Japanese plier topic here for the meantime and focus on the tools exclusively later in a future post.

The pliers DESERVE to have it's own post. The product is "PPT" Professional Precision Tools Made in Japan. I am the EXCLUSIVE US Distributor. I thought of calling it "PPP" Professional Precision Pliers but there is a wonderful flush cutter in the kit, so "PPT" it is! I know good tools when I feel them in my hands. Tools are an extension of our hands. If you can find a better and finer set of tools in the market TODAY for the detailed wire artist, I challenge you. I will GIVE you a free bead if you win! I am confident that you have never seen these in the jewelry industry because these tools are used for integrated circuit (IC) and surface mount technology (SMT) prototyping. AHA! Yes, going to engineering school at Cal Poly Pomona has not been lost in my new life as a bead artist! These tools are designed by engineers for engineers and as an EX-engineer I'm loving it that I can bring them to you at an AFFORDABLE price! I'll tell a story later about the "plier challenge" in Portland later. All I will say now is that I won the plier challenge (Hi "El Jean" yes I am talking about YOU and the plier challenge! Your plier kit is on the way!)

The next post, if I have time later today, will be photos of Portland. I was able to fly in early on Wednesday March 26th and drove around downtown a bit to find snacks for the show before setting up the booth. I love Trader Joe's and seek out one if the city I'm visiting has one! It was BEAUTIFUL even in the rain. I also spotted some interesting architecture and nature to capture. Even with that Kodak, the photos came out beautifully. When you have such inspiration before you, it is evident in the pictures!! I will return to Portland NEXT year September! See you then Portland!

I can't wait and no rain will STOP this SoCal girl from enjoying the city!


Until next time... thank you for joining me on my SECOND Show Stop this fabulous year, 2008! More photos of Portland soon.

Craft Gossip Reviews Bead Romantique

Barbe Saint John is your CraftGossip Jewelry Making Editor.

Get your Sparkle on with Bead Romantique

"Bead Romantique (released April 1, 2008)... is full of gorgeous, antique inspired beadwork utilizing seedbeads, vintage buttons, pearls, crystals and gorgeous findings..."

"...there are lots of illustrations showing you which way the threads should be going, so you never feel ‘lost’..."

Read More...

Beading Daily Interview and FREE project until March 28th!

V Scallop Necklace, Plus Interview with Lisa Kan

Meet Designer and Dreamer Lisa Kan Have you ever dreamed about quitting your job and beading full time? Lampwork artist and bead designer Lisa Kan had the same dream. In 2001, she was a quality assurance engineer when she began lampworking. Now she sells her handcrafted beads at shows across the U.S. and just finished her first book, Bead Romantique, an art history-inspired beadweaving book for the intermediate and advanced beader. Learn how Lisa made the leap to full-time beading and what's next for one of the most creative and hardest working ("Who need sleep?") beader in the business. Read the interview.

One Week Only
Preview This Free Project: V Scallop Necklace

The votes are in! More than 7,000 Beading Daily readers voted on a free project from Bead Romantique, the new book by Lisa Kan. More than 50% of the votes were for the V-Scallop Necklace! (Instructions for the other two projects--Ndebele Pearl Medallion Earrings and Mesh Pearl Bracelet--are in Bead Romantique.)

Here's what Lisa had to say about the V Scallop Necklace: "The V Scallop Necklace was inspired by the gem-encrusted collars that Hollywood mavens wore on the red carpet. The base of the necklace is a standard right-angle weave pattern which is embellished with a mix of Swarovski and rondelle pearls, in a diagonal orientation. The V shaping is a beautiful silhouette when worn with a V neckline dress or blouse. The crystals were used to add a little pizzazz, the pearls for elegance, and the scalloped edging (size 15s) for a soft touch of femininity. I used a vintage button as the closure, but you can use a commercial clasp, too. Although colors have been suggested for this project, I can imagine the design in creams and crystal AB for a wedding look, too. You should not lock yourself to only colors I used. Play, have fun, and explore."

V Scallop Necklace by Lisa Kan Free for one week only: March 21-28, 2008

Meet Lisa Kan

Lisa Kan will be signing copies of Bead Romantique at her booth (#218) at Bead Expo Portland. Stop by at noon on March 28-30, 2008 to meet Lisa and get your book autographed. Be sure to check out her beautiful beads while you are there!

*****

An Interview with Lisa Kan

Is there anything that Lisa Kan cannot do? I'm sure there must be something, but I couldn't think of anything! A jewelry designer, lampwork artist, and metalworker, Lisa's beads and finished jewelry can be found in Beadwork, Stringing, and other beading magazines. She regularly sells her beads at shows across the U.S. Plus, she recently published her first book (Bead Romantique) and can now add "author" to her list of accomplishments. Lisa is delightfully passionate about everything she does and generous about sharing her knowledge and spirit. The bead world is lucky to have her!--Michelle Mach, Beading Daily

Michelle: Your website describes your transition from an electrical engineer to a bead and lampwork artist. I think many readers can relate to the struggle between wanting to be practical and wanting a creative life at the same time. How did you make that transition?

Lisa: I was a senior quality assurance engineer for a consumer electronics company specializing in LCD and Plasma monitor technologies back when I started lampworking. At the time, I traveled quite extensively to Europe (Norway and Austria) and all over Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan) for my work, so lampworking became my outlet of creative expression which began in late April 2001. Traveling so often meant I didn't have much time to torch nor take additional lampworking classes. Because of this isolation, I was able to create and develop my own unique style, perhaps even developing unconventional methods of working glass. I think creating a unique voice is very important in any art medium. I believe taking too many workshops, at the early stages of development, will and can influence one to mimic their instructor's work. I have seen that in other lampworkers. At around the same time, I picked up metalsmithing since I enjoyed playing with fire so much.

In 2003, a local bead store, the San Gabriel Bead Company (SGBC) organized a glass bead trunk show. While exhibiting at SGBC, many people asked me how I would use my own beads in jewelry designs. Always up for a challenge, I quickly learned beadweaving, absorbing much information from books, magazine articles, as well as attending key workshops. Then in 2004, I joined the Los Angeles Bead Society and have exhibited at their bi-annual bazaar ever since. This was my first "big" show. Next, the SGBC started carrying a selection of my extra glass beads.

Two beads in the Haiku series

On November 17, 2004 I made my first big decision as a glass artist. It was then that I signed on to exhibit in Tucson at the Manning House To Bead True Blue Show. Remember, I was still working as an engineer, but I wanted so much to see if my work was good enough to be in Tucson. Always up for a challenge, I had saved up my vacation days to take two weeks off for Tucson 2005: one week to make as many beads as possible and the other to exhibit.

For the Tucson show, I created several bead series, Serenity, Haiku, and Mesa. I also developed my signature black and red show display, which emanates the Japanese aesthetics prominent in my work. Red is a predominant color in my Chinese culture as well, symbolizing good fortune, luck, and prosperity

When I returned from Tucson, I could not stop bothering my husband, Nick, on when I could quit my engineering job. He told me I could pursue my dream in 2007 or 2008 with some preparation to our family finances. The decision was made for me on April 20, 2005. My company decided to eliminate the ENTIRE quality department, so I was laid off on the second round of layoffs. It was the HAPPIEST day of my life and I truly believe this was meant to be!

Michelle: One thing that makes you unique as a designer--at least to me--is that you work in many mediums. You began in lampwork, but also explored metalwork and beadweaving. What's your current favorite technique and why? Lisa: My main focus will always be lampwork because I am constantly mesmerized by what beauty one can create from simple glass rods. The glass continues to teach me and excite me to create. At times, working glass can be frustrating as it has a mind of its own. I am a bewildered child full of wonderment every turn I take with my glass explorations.

Fusion bead series

Metalsmithing and beadweaving are equal loves. I simply enjoy every aspect of the creative process. It is so rewarding to see the birth of an idea and the transformation of that idea into reality. I don't know how many lifetimes I must live in order to create what's in my mind.

Bead Romantique by Lisa Kan

Michelle: Some of the designs in Bead Romantique were inspired by art history. In the book, you specifically mention enjoying museum books and auction catalogs. Did anything surprise you during the research process? Do you have any specific resources you recommend? Lisa: Surprised me? Not really. I am always gathering information, researching and learning, even if I don't have specific projects in mind. When I was working on Bead Romantique, I already had all the research in my library as well as designs floating in my mind. I study and absorb a lot of visual stimuli from my books, catalogs, and magazines. This constant "homework" allowed me to have endless resources and inspirations for my various mediums. My dreams fill in the rest.

I especially focus on jewelry by Rene Lalique as well as Victorian/Nouveau/Japonisme jewelry in general. Nothing much is safe from me. Often times, what I study has NOTHING to do with jewelry because I can stare at the twists of a tree branch and in my mind, I see seed beads, a glass bead design, or even a metalsmith project! I have a very vivid imagination.

In regards to resources I recommend, last year I wrote three articles that cover some of my inspirations and resources:

• Designing with: Ideas, Ideas, Ideas
• Capturing Your Vision, Creating Your Artistic Voice
• Designing with: Color and Texture

What I encourage beaders to do is to look through a different lens when viewing any subject. Soon you will begin to see everything covered with beads. Visit your library and used bookstores often for inspiration. Look at books with plenty of pictures that tease your color and visual acuity. Even the catalogs you get in the mail can be used for your inspirations. The skies are the limit!

Michelle: Many of your designs in Bead Romantique use size 15 beads. Why do you like working with that size? What can you do with them that you can't do with other sizes? Lisa: The three main reasons I enjoy using size 15 beads: You can create subtle color transitions in beadwork. It's like a miniature canvas! You just need a few here and there to give your work a punch. They are much more affordable than other materials, like semi-precious stones, crystals, or precious metal findings. It is challenging to build a larger piece of work. It's like completing a bigger puzzle. I like to challenge myself when I design and also challenge my fellow beaders who attempt one of my patterns.

Petit Fiore Earrings by Lisa Kan

Also, because my designs are mostly inspired by art history, by utilizing size 15s I can create more intricate designs. The larger size seed beads would look too bulky otherwise. I use all sizes, shapes, and colors of seed beads. Like books, no bead is safe from me, either! I prefer Japanese seed beads (Miyuki or Toho) for their uniform shape because I like precision (the engineer in me!). I prefer Czech charlottes (size 13) for subtle highlights and a little "flash". I don't use regular Czech seeds at this time in my work, but they are excellent candidates for embellishing.

Sandstorm bead series

Michelle: Your show schedule is intense! What have you learned by doing so many shows? Lisa: This year my show schedule is VERY intense. In previous years, I had more local shows. This year I am so jazzed about sharing my first book, Bead Romantique, with as many beaders as possible, I have scheduled a key show every month of the year in a different state. I am a multi-tasker and what is sleep anyways? I can't sit still for the life of me and always have to be busy!

I enjoy speaking to beaders at shows because the feedback is invaluable. What I teach in Bead Romantique is by no means the only way to create. Please keep that in mind when you attempt the projects. There are many ways to achieve similar looks and my way is only one of many options. This is what makes creating and beading so rewarding. What I am thrilled about the most is that by giving away my techniques in this book and in my articles, I am able to not only share my passion for designing and beading, but that I am able to reach more beaders than I would in a classroom setting. I do not teach in any other platform currently and I so enjoy writing!

Michelle: What's next for you? Lisa: Bead Expo Portland will be immediately next. I have a lot of collaboration projects lined up, with especially my great friend and fellow designer, Jean Yates. I'm also working with other collaborations, as building a community of artisans, is so very important to me. But, whatever else my new endeavors lead me, be assured that I will always give everyone my best because I can't imagine doing any less. I have lots of surprises ahead. While being active in the bead community is great, I think what my most challenging mission this year will be my Susan G. Komen Walk for a Cure. After all my shows are over, I will be walking 60 miles in three days in San Diego. I would love to share the details:

Serenity Blossoms by Lisa Kan

Sara Hardin (of "Ask Sara" from Softflex Company), her cousin Virginia Barrera, and Lisa Kan make up Team Beadalicious! The three have taken on the mission and challenge of walking three days and 60 miles from November 21-23, 2008 in San Diego. This endeavor supports the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust, which funds important breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment. With your help, the team hopes to show the world what beady folks can do to help a worthy cause. The team hopes to raise $10,000 or more by the time they walk, to not only help those afflicted with breast cancer now, but those that will be diagnosed this year, and those that will unfortunately be afflicted in the future. All donations are tax deductible. Lisa has also offered to send the top five donors by the time she walks, a one-of-a-kind glass bead, just in time for Christmas. You must donate under her name to qualify, so she can track this. Thank you for your support.

*****

I'd like to add that International donors are welcomed to donate to my Walk for the Cure. I will handle shipping to anyone, worldwide! No dollar amount is too small and I appreciate anything you can lend to support me in my mission! My goal is to help my team raise $10,000 by November 21st! Thank you in advance.

Happy Easter everyone. I'm actually taking Saturday 3/22 off to celebrate my Mom's birthday. Hopefully I don't fall behind getting ready for Bead Expo Portland but my Mom deserves a full day with her three daughters!

See you all at Bead Expo, Portland. I still have much to do. I'll post the Thursday Tease early Wednesday morning before I fly off.

Special Offer at Bead Expo Portland

A Special Offer from Interweave for Bead Expo Portland

This is a Special Offer at Bead Expo Portland for our customers! Come to the Meet the Instructors Reception on Thursday, March 27, 2008 and receive a free pass to the Bazaar for the rest of the weekend! At the Instructors Reception, you can see all of the incredible class projects being offered at Bead Expo and meet our world-class teachers. Also taking place Thursday night is the Bead Bazaar Preview, so you can shop, too! Be the first to see what’s new and exciting in our booth. Make plans to come to these two great events on Thursday night:

Meet the Instructors Reception: 6 – 8 PM

Bazaar Preview Night : 5 – 9 PM Admission for Thursday night will be $10 (cash).

Be sure to go online and print out a $2.00 coupon off of this price:

You can pick up your free pass for the rest of the weekend at the Reception.

Hope to see you at Bead Expo Portland!

The Thursday Tease

Spin Spin Spin.

I'm spinning my mandrel as I continue to have marathon studio days, making beads for Bead Expo Portland.

Hard at work these days, 12+ hours, but life is good. I can't complain. New projects and opportunities to share with you all later but for now I must focus on "da beads!"

So today's Thursday Tease shows off an interesting art installation featuring spinning wheels.

Ooooh... Aaaah... I can see this in glass, in seed beads, in metals, in chain and in all that is creative. Can you see what I see, as this latest image teases your senses and your visual acumen?

Let's spin, spin, spin TOGETHER and dance with the wind. (and flame, in my case - smile)

Enough beads for Portland...

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE from my website:

Please note that I NEED to close the show stock for online ordering, due to need to save any new beads for Bead Expo, Portland. I will open up the stock again afterwards as stock allows. I am exhibiting in a different state this year each month (I'm a bit crazy, you know! so I hope I'll survive this schedule), so fingers are crossed. I apologize for disappointing those who had wanted to place an online order but this is the only way I can stay organized and focused with my studio time. You can still email me to be placed on a waiting list for beads, if you don't mind waiting and I will contact you once I have a nice selection after Bead Expo Portland.

THANK YOU for your overwhelming interest in my work and please don't forget to visit your local beadstores too for your designing needs!! You can still order IN-STOCK premium electroformed leaves, Serenity, Ginkgo and freshwater pearls from my website. I don't want to disappoint Portland attendees with not enough beads to show and I'm making beads as fast as humanly possible while maintaining the utmost important factor of QUALITY. I believe quality is more important than quantity. If you can make it to any of my shows that would be excellent to visit with you too.

Back to the studio,
still breathing but working hard, as usual
Lisa

Electronic Gadgets are FUN...

Today I received an email from the Yahoo technical support team(the sixth one since the website hosting/uploading problems began). I felt extra special since every email has been from a different technical person, which undoubtedly meant I was getting a lot of personal attention. I also had to repeat my "problem" (which they created) numerous times. In my previous life as a young engineer out of college, I worked in Technical Support for several years, so I am well aware of the "cut and paste" answers from the knowledge base to save time. As a matter of fact, I used to write standard answers for my technical team to shorten the need to type new answers over and over. So I DO understand what these Yahoo folks are going through. What I don't understand though is why my problem is still not resolved (after 7 days!) All we had to do was install the Frontpage extensions which they fouled up while transferring my site to a new webhosting platform with "new fantastic features". So as of yet, things are STILL not fixed, so we continue our wait and my website looks absolutely unpresentable without it's header, footer, and pretty fonts!

The latest Yahoo email went like this:

"Thank you for writing to Yahoo! Web Hosting. We are looking into any difficulties you reported and we apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Our engineering team is currently investigating this issue. Should you wish to contact us regarding this issue, please refer to case number: 1755796. We apologize for the inconvenience."

I've been working so intensely on paperwork and updating the website offline for the last few days that I had to get out of the house this afternoon. While out, we also went electronics shopping as we needed a new phone system. We owned the last one for nearly four years before it started having problems and recently failed.

I'd be the first to admit that I can be quite "geeky" and "nerdy" around technical gadgets. Give me a new electronic gadget and I can amuse myself for hours!

My friend Marsha Neal Studio had suggested getting a digital picture frame to display my various designs and articles at shows, instead of hauling all the laminated sheets that I make with each publication release. I had been researching, waiting and wanting to get a digital picture frame since last August when I saw my friend Kelly Russell with a similar setup at the Softflex Sonoma show. I finally found a 15" screen on SALE that fit the bill. I wanted a BIG screen and who would have thought that Costco was the place I would find the digital frame for my "product signage" needs. The walnut wood frame is so rich and I will add some additional detailing to beautify it later. I've already loaded a new 2GB SanDisk cruzer with some test photos and WOWZA the slideshow photos show up so beautifully. I couldn't hardly contain my excitement that I wanted to share the news here. I can't wait to show this puppy off at Bead Expo Portland so everyone can see the digital frame in action! You would think that I won the lottery with my giddy excitement. It doesn't take much to get a lifetime techie all riled up!

Well since I was on a roll with the electronic gadgets, I had been wanting a designated camera to take on the road ever since I started flying off to exhibit at shows (Bead Expo Charleston, May 2006). Even though Nick offered to "loan" me his Kodak (5.0 MPixels) for my roadtrips, I was yearning for something with better specs. He likes the ease of Kodak whereas I like more features, macro adjustments and higher pixels. I have always been stuck on Canon or Nikon cameras as being some of the best digitals available in the market. Since I already own a Nikon 995, I figured it was time to get my anxious hands finally on a Canon. After checking out Digital Photography Review (my favorite site for MANY years to read up on digital equipment. I NEVER buy any digital camera or equipment until I've visited this site.) and viewing the sample photos, it was clear and obvious that the Canon Powershot G9 was the best choice for my needs (and DESIRES!)

And after less than an hour and some price comparisons on three sites, I've ordered the G9 (with accessories, of course)! Everything should be here within 9 days or so. I don't diddle daddle and already intended to purchase a Canon this year anyways. I wanted to have time to familiarize myself with the camera in time for Bead Expo Portland. I know I will put this new camera to good use and it will reward me with beautiful photos for years to come. My Nikon 995 always stays home for website and article photography, so the G9 will be the designated camera I'll use to take you along on my Show Stops.

Additional Accessories

Back from Tucson ... Happy Valentine's

The day for love is here. Happy Valentine's to everyone. Please remember to tell the one you love how special they are to you!


I am definitely still recuperating from my excellent show at the Manning House last week. It's a good form of exhaustion. I will be updating the site and blog with lots of info in the next few days so keep your eyes peeled for the new Luft and Sandstorm series photos as well as an alternate Strata Metallic series that will be offered periodically at select shows. (See update to earlier post for some fabulous photos of the new series!!)

I will also be adding links to the wonderful new beadstores that will be carrying my work at your local bead store (LBS) and on the website (once it is back online). Thank you to them! Thank you also goes to the customers, old and new, who traversed to Tucson and visited me at the Manning House. I had a great time talking to each and every one of you. Perhaps some of you tried to escape my long-winded conversations but I always perk up when speaking about beads/designing. Ooops.

Next week, I move forward to prepare for Bead Expo Portland and will open up the show stock for email orders. Let me know what series you are interested in and I'll email you a photo of what's in stock NEXT week. Right now the selection is low because many bead styles/colors sold out in Tucson. This is a good and bad thing. This means I have to work that much harder and stay focused to bring you new goodies. Not a problem if you don't mind being on a waiting list. I'm always up for challenges and hate to disappoint!

Thank you for sticking in there and being on the waiting list for your special beads. The website is currently having some issues due to Yahoo Webservices updating their entire hosting software (which I found out after returning from Tucson). You can still view the catalog but it's just not pretty, the fonts are all weird, the header with my logo missing, the footer with my copyright and contact gone, and I can not yet update the inventory status. I'm working on fixing all the issues behind the scenes. Just email me and I'll respond ASAP. I'm always an email away.

Bead Romantique Promotional Postcard
handed out during the Tucson show
(click the image for a larger view to get the nitty gritty details)

In the meantime. Yeah! Double Yeah! I'm so excited about the book launch at Bead Expo Portland next month! I'll have alternate samples of the projects in different colorways at my booth and Interweave will have the actual samples from the book at their booth. We are right across from each other. I'll be at my booth (#218) most of the show, since I'm exhibiting solo, but feel free to walk across the aisle for a chat. Signed books will be available at Interweave's booth. And the Girls from Vintaj will be right next to me too! It can't get any better than this!

Woo... I'm spinning with excitement.

Ring a Ling Ling ...

Unlike some people, I don't glue myself to the phone. Most of the time, I can't answer the phone because I am in the glass studio usually in the middle of making a bead. It's not like I can stop at a moment's notice, run to answer the phone, and finish the bead later. With other art mediums, the flexibility may be there. As to my cell phone, half the time it's not even charged or on. I just use it for emergencies and to call my husband. Most of the time, I am working in the studio, so the cell phone stays in the car. I have a "pay as you go" cellphone so my costs are minimal!

I had a phone appointment with my editor to talk about the next steps of the book this afternoon. By the way, this is the only way to get a hold of me - send me an email that you will call on a certain day, at a certain time. Is that bad of me or just being very organized? Back to the book - because the book projects are quite technical and geared towards intermediate/advance beaders (with some chain and wire included), the concern was how many of the thirty projects would fit in the book. You see, publishers allot a certain page count to books usually in multiples of 16. I learned this today. Surprisingly I didn't ask how many pages my book was going to be from the beginning. Before I spoke to my editor, I had gone through some of the page counts of recent books from Interweave. I saw 112, 128 and 240. Most of the books were in the range of 112 or 128 pages. So this was one of the questions I finally inquired with my editor. It turns out my book will be *144* pages. This is spectacular news, especially because most Interweave books average 112 and 128. Even with 144 pages, we will not be able to fit in all thirty projects. Oh well.

So the phonecall was to discuss the priorities. Eighteen of the thirty projects were selected to be definite "in the book" category. Eight projects were selected as optional additions should there be extra pages. The remainder projects from these eight not selected will most likely be snatched up by Beadwork magazine. All great news because if I take the time to design a project, I would like it to be published. Four projects were not selected based on several factors which I agree with. Two were not related to the theme as closely as the chosen projects, one was similar to that published already in BW, and the last one had a component that would be difficult to find (even if I really liked this design especially). I think the "jury" selected the projects I would have if I had to omit some.

So I am a bit jazzed today because we are moving forward. The projects are now with the technical editor who will tweak my instructions and condense them. I tend to be a bit wordy with my instructions to make sure I cover everything. After the TE is done, I get to give it a once over. Interweave will be taking test shots for potential covers in the next few weeks. I like the fact that they are keeping me in the loop throughout the process and will send me the photos for my opinion in two weeks. Then the layout editor jumps in and I will have a final once over by end of this year to get it ready for a Spring 2008 launch at Bead Expo Portland!

Of all the editors I've worked with, I would have to say that I am immensely impressed by the professionalism, openness, and approachability of the Interweave team. Everyone I've worked with have been so nice.