Keeping my nose to the grindstone ...

Today I got the great news that my Painting with Fire workshop was accepted for Bead Fest Wire next April. You have to submit your class proposal so darned far in advance that it seems like you're always waiting to hear ... from somebody!

Things are progressing with the book. Today I sent off the last of the how-to descriptions for the projects. Now begins the finishing of three final projects, the inventory of materials and tools I need to bring in order to complete the projects at North Light, determinations as to what projects need some pre-assembly prior to the photo shoot.

It's hard to believe that I'll be writing to you from Cincinnati in 3 weeks.

Hope you all have a great weekend and get some "creating" time!

A long awaited day ...

Finally, the website for Painting with Fire Artwear is up and running. It's a product site, it's a training site, it's an eye-candy site ... and more!

The site needed to function for an inventory-based business. But I wanted it to also provide the history of the immersion process of torch-firing, my workshop schedule, "our story," a portfolio, a jewelry shop, a place to talk about the pwf ning ... geez, I'm outta breath! Jewelry will be added in the coming days ... and the portfolio will represent a greater selection of my work.

Website designer extraordinaire, Desiree, got the feel of the site immediately. In the upper left-hand corner of the banner she used a plant impression from one of my raku ceramic plaques ... and in the bottom right-hand corner ... she created "lollipop trees" from another set of impressions. Of course, no site would be complete without a photo of my model ... and daughter ... Laura.

As Desiree and I worked, the site evolved ... oh yes, we need that ... and don't forget we need this ... and never once did she show any signs of irritation. Rather, she seemed to enjoy that I was a pest. As the time got closer for the Big Reveal, the emails were fast and furious ... without salutation or signature ... but by that time we were almost functioning as one ... except she had all the knowledge! So it is without hesitation that I recommend Desiree (fact40@gmail.com) ... she is one sharp cookie!

The site has lots more stuff than my etsy site. It just didn't make sense to be adding inventory to etsy when the website was nearly finished. Yesterday was an exciting day, with orders coming in ... for which I am very grateful!

Please visit me at my site and sign up for my newsletter ... look for the Mail Chimp icon. I'll be sharing tips and techniques from the studio, specials and other goodies. It will be fun ... and I am so looking forward to it! Thanks to my blogging buddies for bringing a genuine richness to my life ... Barbara

Beads Featured in Stringing Magazine!

Painting with Fire Artwear appears in Bead Beat of the Fall Issue of Stringing Magazine. Check out page 8!

Torch-Fired Enamel Workshops!

The Annapolis workshop is already FULL, 2.5 months ahead of time! Six students, out of a possible 12, are already on the list for the workshop at the Morean Arts Center and registration hasn't even opened yet!

I just want to remind you that registration for Art and Soul, Hampton, VA opens tomorrow. I don't want anyone who wants to take the workshop to be disappointed because it has filled. We enamel over 50 beads and embed watch gears into enamel pendants ... and do other cool stuff like that!

Here's a peek at one of the projects for the book and at what you can do with torch-fired enamel!

My list of "partners in crime" is growing! Come join us!

Blog Award!

I received this blog award from Amy at Copper Diem (I love that name! and Amy's blog, of course). Thank you, Amy!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Pass the award along to 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are fabulous
4. Contact the bloggers you chose and let them know about the award!

1. I love peanut butter and apples.

2. It's dangerous for me to go to the county landfill because I find treasures and must be stopped by loved ones before I bring home my than I took.

3. My favorite Christmas album is by The California Raisins. It's a family favorite. We misplaced ours at one point and had to pay an ebay seller to ship one pronto!

4. I love Indian food.

5. Cooking is a waste of time ... like stopping for gas ... until you run out!

6. I would love to live in the Hill Towns of Italy with a bunch of friends and family.

7. I'm becoming addicted to the "Real Housewives ... " shows .. and now they added another one, "The Real Housewives of D.C." which is my birthplace.

Okay, here goes! I'd like to give this award to the following friends:

Christine Brandel - A Hot Piece of Glass

Malin deKoning - Beading by Malin deKoning

Molly Alexander - beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com

Carol Bradley - carolbradleydesigns.blogspot.com/

Jenn Judd - http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com/

Judy B. - http://judithbdesigns.blogspot.com/

Maire Dodd - http://mairedodd.blogspot.com/

Melissa Meman - http://melissameman.blogspot.com/

I'm sorry, Amy, I ran out of friends ... but I got 8! Does that count? LOL

Whew!

I feel so relieved at this moment! "Why?" you ask. Because I sent half of the projects for the book to the publisher today ... by overnight mail!

To celebrate, I'm showing you just a corner of one of the pieces for the book. It's amazing the discoveries you make when you have sustained time in the studio. My husband has totally taken over the job I once had in his psychology practice so that I can work freely on the book. He's an amazing guy! He has always wanted the best for me. He said to me one day, when I was a potter, "You know, just because I earn more than you do doesn't mean that what I do has more value and what you do has less. It's our society." And, I thought, you know he's right. If I were a potter living in Japan, where pottery is revered, it would be different. But, that feels like a lifetime ago in some respects.

So, folks, have a nice night. I know I will ... I'll be watching last night's episode of "The Closer!" A simple life of simple pleasures!

Giveaway at Waterstone!

This is a great giveaway ... because I can vouch for the maker of gorgeous bags and totes! I own three! It's dangerous for me to visit Lori Plyler's shop, Waterstone, because what I keep saying to myself is, "I better buy that bag because one day Lori is going to triple her prices!" Folks, she's that good, I'm not kidding and if it weren't 5:46 am, I'd get up out of bed and take some pictures of the bags I have.

Lori not only makes beautiful things, they function equally as well. She pays attention to detail ... how the strap feels resting on your shoulder, is the closure placed properly and is it secure, the lining and how many pockets ... I can't say enough good things about Lori and her bags at Waterstone. Do yourself a favor and enter the drawing ... Do you feel lucky?

Go here to enter!