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Monday, March 8, 2010

A Book ... When a Dream Becomes a Reality!

When I saw Tonia Davenport's email with a subject line of "Happy Friday!" I knew it had happened ... that North Light had accepted my book proposal.  Tonia, an Editor for North Light Books, and I had been communicating since mid-December on a proposal for a book on torch-fired enamel.  There are nods to torch-firing in outstanding enameling books, such as that by Linda Darty, but nothing comes close to exploring the technique as fully as it could be.

It started quite simply with a statement from Maire Dodd, who is definitely getting a t-shirt and matching cheerleading skirt, that went like this, "You should write a book."  The next statement, from me, was equally surprising, "You think so?"  And, then, I remembered a blog post from jewelry/mixed media artist, June Roman.  I am a follower of June's blog and I adore her work ... some of the finest out there.  She had written on her blog that her book proposal had been accepted.  In fact, June's book will be released in June.




June and I both had work featured in the Winter 2010 Issue of BAJ and we were breaking our arms patting ourselves on the back ... silly girls!  So, I told June that I wanted to write a book and was being encouraged by blogging friends to do it.  I said that any information she would care to share with me would be very much appreciated.  June was so forthcoming and the essence of the conversation went like this:  you should do it!   your work is great!  and not only should you do it, you need to get in touch with my editor, Tonia Davenport!  Tonia is great to work with!  When you're ready, let me know so I can put in a good word for you with Tonia."  

A week later I'm contacting June saying, "You remember when you said .....   Well, I'm ready."  There you have it in a nutshell.  There were many more emails between Tonia and me ... but now I'm ready to get started.  

The book will focus exclusively on torch-fired enamel .... and all of its virtues.  Each chapter will introduce a new technique.  Jewelry will be made from the items that I enamel. 

I'll be busy, but I welcome it.  If you've never tried torch-firing, I hope to be able to do some hand-holding through this book.  If you've tried torch firing and have questions or want a little more, I hope you'll find it in the book.  And when all is said and done, I hope you'll find inspiration in Painting with Fire!

24 comments:

mairedodd said...

ha, i was never much of a cheerleader in school - but really enjoy it as an adult... so very very excited for you! this is surely going to be wonderful ~
goooooooooooo barbara!!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Yippee...CONGRATS and I am so excited for you! I can't wait until the book comes out!

stregata said...

CONGRATULATIONS from the bottom of my heart! How terrific!

Kerry said...

Congratulations Barbara!! I am so so thrilled for you!! I can't wait to read it.

Unknown said...

How great! Congratulations!! Looking forward to reading it:)

Lorelei Eurto said...

Put me on the mailing list for that one! YAY Barbara!!
I am completely and utterly so very proud of you. Nice job!! congrats!

Doreen said...

I am thrilled for you! I just can't wait to see it! It may just inspire me to play with fire again. Hooray for Barbara!!! P.S I got your emails. Hope your internet is back.

TesoriTrovati said...

Go team!
That is great news! And I am looking forward to June's book too. I am so glad that those who have a book in them are letting it out (gives me hope that one day my idea may take flight!)
Enjoy the day. Your class looked perfect. Wished I lived closer.
Erin

Judy said...

Wow, Barbara that is just wonderful news! Congratulations!!! I so look forward to getting the book.

Sharon said...

Oh Barbara, that is indeed wonderful news! I knew you were destined for wonderful things! I'm in line for an autographed copy!

moonlitfantaseas said...

congratulations! I can't wait for the book, I have been curious about enameling, and uisng a tourch sounds better than a kiln. and having never done either would like to know which would be best for a beginer

romantic decay said...

Congratulations Barbara! Looking forward to reading it.

Christine said...

Yaaaaay!! I can't wait to get a copy! Congrats!

Unknown said...

OOoooo Barbara! That's Fabulous! I'm SO excited for you. Your work is fabulous...I can hardly wait to get my grubby hands on a copy.

Jen Judd said...

That's fantastic!!!! Your work is so gorgeous and unique...it's going to be fun to see your great mind at work on paper!!! :) Enjoy reveling in your excitement!

Prairie Emporium said...

Congratulations Barbara!! You go girl. I know it will be a GTEAT book.

Cindy said...

Congrats on your exciting news! Your enthusiasm on this medium will shine right through...and there are many eager torch-fired enamel newbies that will be waiting to get their hands on a copy! This will be such a fun journey!
Cindy

Michelle said...

Congrats Barbara! What wonderful news! Look forward to the book.
Bead Happy!
Michelle

Gardanne said...

Congratulations Barbara, I can't wait. Thanks for the new addiction, as if I needed another.

Mellisa said...

How fantastic! Congratulations and good luck as you go through the process :)

Barbara Lewis said...

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement. It means a lot.

Carol B said...

I saw that coming. Really, I did. I'm so happy for you! I'll be glad to test-drive any instructions, etc. for you.

Tammy and Rob said...

Way to go Barbara, congrats!!!
I so look forward to this book!

Diana said...

This is so very exciting, Barbara! Congratulations! I look forward to your book coming out....I know it will be super!!!
Ta Ta
Diana