Introducing a NEW limited fabric wrap...

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

Don't ask me why.

See the above wrap?

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

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

So.....

Uhmmmm....

What else was I suppose to write here?

(Lisa is thinking....)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why ask why?

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

(You know I'm kidding, right?)

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

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

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZ

Oh...uh

Where am I?

Who am I?

Where are you?

Why am I here?

(Lisa rubs her eyes...)

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

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

NO BLAME.

I AM BLAMELESS!

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

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZ...

Oh it' time to get up already?

Where is my cup of coffee?

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

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

Fun First, Work Later
Adios,
Lisa

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

Introducing the NEW Limited Edition KITS at BnB!

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

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

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

I was and have been listening.

REALLY!!

I was not ignoring your cries.

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

You get the idea!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The photos below show the actual colorways being offered currently:

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

*****

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

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

*****

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

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

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

*****

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

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

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

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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

See everyone at the show soon!!!
Lisa

Bead and Button Show: June 10-13, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show Location (NEW name but same location):

Frontier Airlines Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Downtown Milwaukee.

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

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

June 12, 2010 - 10 AM to 6 PM

June 13, 2010 - 10 AM to 4 PM

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

Click here for a daily $2 Coupon.

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

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

See you all soon!!
Lisa

Introducing Five New Fabrics

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

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

Yes, knitting...

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

Having a need to keep these hands busy...

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

Egads! I am so bad neglecting my beadwork.

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

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

*****

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

You can blame these hands of mine...

itching to knit at every chance moment.

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

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

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






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

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

A View of Milwaukee: Architectural Elements

A collection of the ONLY photos I was able to capture, mostly on Sunday, after the show. As you can see by the photos on Old World Third Street that it WAS sunny. Then the storm came after dinner. I used every bit of light I could to capture this to share. There was more to the city that I had hoped to capture. There were Gothic style cathedrals sprinkled throughout downtown. Next trip, I hope to have better luck with the weather.

I'm a fan of wrought iron art

Interesting Elements from the Hilton Inside and Out

Not the best photos but I was shooting in the not best conditions either. I hope my next trip to Tacoma, WA will be better for this photographer!

Our flight was delayed on Monday but at least it was not canceled. A non-stop flight, thank goodness and just to be home again was what I needed before I really got SICK! No matter how much I enjoy exhibiting, the part I dislike the most after almost EVERY show, is coming home sick. I guess it comes with the territory and the price of traveling so much. There is no real rest for this gal even when sick.

Time to get back to the studio soon to be readied for the Puget Sound Bead Festival in mid July. It's my first time at the show, so come see me! Wow, seven more shows left for this year and I'm still standing.

Lisa

Food Stop: Mader's Restaurant

Mader's Restaurant

Sunday June 8, 2008
Approximately 6:00 P.M

After exhibiting at so many shows, we've streamlined our breakdown process. There is a certain way all the items have to be packed to fit properly and distribute the weight. I had to readjust everything anyways later so we broke down in less than 2 hours. This is actually not bad for a corner booth. Nick was in charge of running back and forth to the room THREE times while I packed.

We were excited to find that outside it was NOT raining. Nick was going to get the umbrella but after realizing he left it in the car, we decided to take our chances. We "thought" that the rain was behind us because it was SO beautiful outside. We both took our own cameras out and I'll share some of the architecture photos in the next post.

So we had been flipping through all the tourist magazines and saw an ad for Mader's. Hey there is a coupon too. Nick had wanted badly to try a German restaurant and he had been such a good sport throughout the entire trip. We decided to enjoy the city so walked the seven or so blocks to Mader's. As you can see by the photos, it WAS sunny when we entered Mader's.

.

(from their website)

Not many restaurants in the Milwaukee area have as much history as Mader's. You’ll dine amid a stunning $3 million dollar collection of art, suits of medieval armour and antiques dating back to the 14th century.

Mader's has been voted the most famous German restaurant in North America. Some years ago, in 1902 to be exact, things weren't quite the same. An ambitious young German immigrant, Charles Mader, poured his life savings into a speculative venture: he purchased a small building on 233 W. Water Street (now Plankington Avenue) and hung out his sign. "The Comfort," it read, was comfortable, with it's "soft" wooden chairs and Oaken tables. Today's $3,000,000 collection of Medieval Germanic weaponry hadn't arrived, but you could find a few dozen wall pegs on which to hang coats.

Young Mader only served the best of food and drink so he felt warranted in charging well for his fare. Dinner, including tip and beverage was 20 cents and big steins of "Cream City" beer were 3 cents each, two for a nickel. If you spent 5 cents on beer your lunch was free.

This was the era when "bucket boys," toting a board dangling a half dozen pails of frothy beer, made the rounds through office buildings. Their refreshing goods were passed around to all - the early beer capitals natural answer to today's coffee break. The "Comfort" restaurant fared well and soon moved to its present location, 1041 North Old World Third Street. Then, after 18 years, a crushing blow struck the establishment: Prohibition threatened! Charles Mader hung a large sign in his window: "Prohibition is near at hand. Prepare for the worst. Stock up now! Today and tomorrow there's beer. Soon there'll be only the lake."

When Prohibition struck in 1919, Mader turned full attention to his big kitchen which yielded his now famous rustic German dishes. The sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel and pork shank were called on to meet the challenge and hold the trade without the compliment of the traditional stein of beer. They held up well, all the way to that jubilant, cheering night of April 7, 1933. Mader's was there to serve that first legal stein of beer in Milwaukee and it was announced from Mader's on the city's only radio station on that historic midnight.

Times changed when the depressed early thirties passed. Mr. Mader's two sons, George and Gustave, began helping the aging Charles. The famous restaurateur passed away in 1938. His two sons took over and continued the work. World War II came and Mader's de-emphasized its German theme but otherwise fared well. People often lined up hungrily awaiting their chance to indulge in a crispy pork shank, tender wiener schnitzel or tangy platter of sauerbraten. Gus and George celebrated Mader's 50th anniversary by adding a new dining room, the"Jaeger Strube" In 1958, George Mader died, leaving brother Gus had to shoulder the entire burden. He proved to be a capable owner and succeeded in maintaining the Milwaukee restaurants tradition. Read more...

*****

So for dinner, we kind of went crazy. We started off with the Reuben Rolls which is corned beef, cabbage and Swiss cheese wrapped inside spring dough served with fresh crispy fried spinach and Dusseldorf mustard sauce. It was like eating eggrolls and I would have to say the filling was delicious but I found the flour dough on the heavier side to my preferences. The mustard was the perfect condiment and was a very tasty addition to the flavors.

When in a German restaurant you CAN NOT not order the potato pancakes with sour cream and apple sauce. So yes, we did but only was able to eat ONE pancake. It was delicious but we were getting filled and dinner hadn't even come yet. Geez.

For dinner I had to try the FAMOUS Mader's Pork Shank. I am NOT a big fan of sauerkraut so asked them to substitute mushrooms. Well, unfortunately the cook forgot or the waitress forgot, because my pork shank came with a bed of sauerkraut under it. Uhmmm, I would have given the pork shank FIVE stars but the sauerkraut, in my opinion, confused the wonderful apple demi glaze flavors. It was the MOST succulent pork shank I've ever had and I tried my best to scoop out the sauerkraut for Nick, who is a fan and ate it all up. Because of this confusion, the waitress offered a free dessert. Not being one to refuse a dessert, even if I can't have it, someone else could. Nick ordered a chocolate raspberry creme brulee. I had a itty bitty bite and started feeling it in my system. Wow, what a lethal sweet dessert. Bad Lisa, truly that small bite was not good for this diabetic. I watched as Nick spoon up every bit of chocolate heaven, flaky off the extra sugared crust and ate most of it up.

Dinner was GREAT and despite the confusion with the pork shank, I give Mader's three YUMs for the ambiance and delicious wine. Not sure what Nick ordered for me but it was a sweet white wine.

And then, we walked outside. It is amazing what 2 hours can do to Milwaukee weather. The skies were dark and the rain was beating down on the pavement. I saw a family with a baby carriage one block away from the restaurant. I looked up and then across to see the sporadic store/window coverings. Thank goodness for those purple Diesel shoes. I flipped on the hood of my Puma jacket and before you knew it, I ran to the next covering. Nick had offered me his baseball cap but like that is gonna help! I waited at the next stop until the rain slowed a bit. Then ran for it. We did this for several blocks until we spied the Hyatt. "AHA, the skywalk to the Hilton" Nick suggested. We paced ourselves and timed the lights - then ran for it. Panting we made it but there was a price to pay later for running in the rain. Nick, as the consummate good husband, had offered to run back to the Hilton to get the car then pick me up at Mader's. I didn't want to be a wimp so refused the offer. Thinking back, maybe I should have said "yes". Well I paid for it by getting extremely sick upon coming home.

*****

In the next and final post, I will feature a few of the architectural highlights I was able to capture on this trip. Normally I take 500-1000 photos every trip but this time, mother nature stopped me. Better luck next year.

Eat up and Drink up
Lisa

Food Stop: Calderone Club Italian Restaurant

Calderone Club Italian Restaurant
Saturday June 7, 2008
Approximately 7:30 P.M.

We were getting the hang of it, finding places to eat. Again, the Hilton Chophouse was fully packed and so I suggested we walk over the Hyatt skywalk to the restaurants next to the King and I. Interestingly, there is another Thai restaurant right next to the King and I which we will definitely have to try next time. People told us that the food is EVEN better but without the same ambiance. Hmmm... ambiance is important but my taste buds are MUCH more important. So mental note to self "next time in Milwaukee, we will visit Thai Palace"

Tonight it was Italian at the Calderone Club, but we didn't really have Italian food. Nick and I both decided to order steak for dinner. I was again famish as I generally don't have lunch and for breakfast it was Starbucks with some plain donuts. The weather was again not cooperating and because of the show, there were tons of people waiting to dine. After half an hour's wait, the hostess asked if we would mind sharing our table. I've never had this happen in a non-Chinese restaurant so I was fine with it. We all had to eat and why not help another set of patrons out? We share tables all the time in the Chinese culture. Nick thought I was being too friendly at first.

Then we made two new friends who joined us for dinner. This is part of the fun exhibiting at shows, you meet a lot of interesting people and have interesting conversations. Sometimes you are blown away by the people you meet and our new friends were in town for a convention. Again I was tired so if I didn't make ANY sense at dinner guys, I apologize. This girl was working on overdrive and simply exhausted. It was quite interesting that our new friends were in the power industry and trying to recruit me back into the engineering field. Apparently engineers are in high demand again but in the power industry. Uhmmm, although it may be tempting to have a regular salary, this girl loves what she does no matter how hard she has to work some days. It was an interesting proposition and I did take Jeff's business card.

I believe I was beginning to get sick at this point in the trip, but just didn't know it. Running around in the cold and rain can do that. It was a good time spent at dinner and Calderone would be a repeatable dining experience but maybe not on such a busy night next time.

Good food, company and conversations
To new friends
Lisa

Food Stop: King and I Thai Restaurant

The King and I Thai Restaurant

Friday June 6, 2008
Approximately 8:30 P.M.

After the show on Friday, our friends Vintaj introduced us to the first Thai restaurant in Milwaukee, the King and I. We had been "stuck" on our section of town because of the rain, never considering to walk through the Convention skywalk to the Hyatt, to explore restaurants "on the other side". We arrived a little later than the others, but not intentionally, as the elevators at the Hilton was operating SLOWLY that evening. We walked quickly and after several blocks made it to the restaurant. Our mutual good friend, Marlene Blessing, editor of Beadwork Magazine, also was able to join the "family" for dinner. The entire Vintaj family was there and it was great to get to know all of them. It's become somewhat of a tradition that if we are both exhibiting at the same show together, we dine at least once together. The girls of Vintaj are just fabulous, innovative, family-oriented and have become great buddies. They launched a new Fall ad which featured my tourmaline Ginkgo leaves. I shall upload a photo later to share but just thumbed through ANY Fall bead magazine and you shall see the Ginkgos shine.

At the show on Friday, a male patron visited the Vintaj booth and was somewhat mesmerized by the Ginkgo necklace on display. The necklace was the EXACT one used in the showguide ad. The necklace fell to the floor as he reached to take a closer look. Perhaps he was wondering if the leaves were really glass. I get that reaction a lot. Well, the Ginkgos were still intact when the necklace fell, but the fellow somehow stepped on not just one leaf but both of the Ginkgos - resulting in a broken set of Ginkgos. Guess what? Tourmaline leaves are by far the most popular color in my leaf series. Jean from Vintaj ran over and I only had one strand left fortunately. So a newly fixed necklace was back out on display again. Whew! That was close. Thanks to Vintaj for using the Ginkgos in their latest ad campaign! Specialty Beads is also using the Haiku in their latest ad campaign. Thank you Jannell, again and again.

Back to dinner at the King and I. Perusing the menu, there were some very interesting menu items I have never seen in Los Angeles. We all shared some Thai beef jerky that was quite tasty if I say so myself. I went for my favorite dish, Beef Panang (coconut curry, ground peanuts and sweet curry paste). The flavors were very tasty but a tad sweeter than my preference. I enjoyed it with a bed of rice to soak up all the coconut/peanut creamy sauce. Nick ordered the Mango Curry with chicken. I have never seen mango with Thai food so that was an interesting combination of sweet and spicy. The meal was delicious but the company was even better.

I am usually VERY chatty but that day I was SO exhausted Friday night. The show was opened from 10-8p.m. and this girl was up at 5 a.m. to be prepped for the web interview. This was the longest show day I have ever experienced. I tried to be good company at dinner but was somewhat "out of it" by that hour. Do you blame me?

Exhausted,
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