Wednesday, January 19, 2011

In Which I Share A Secret I have Been Keeping...

rustic wrappings begins

I have been keeping secrets... you know this and I know this. I have even said in several posts that secret things are afoot. I have been waiting for just the right time to tell you about what I have been keeping to myself. (and for those of you what don't know me well, I will tell you straight up, I.Am.Not.Preggers and have no plans to become so ever again, so that isn't the secret... I'm just saying because I know that's what you were thinking...)

I nearly told you in April when the seed of what was in my mind started to take life in the real world. I decided to wait. I almost told you in again in August when the seedling was transplanted from my tiny world out into a much larger one. But, I decided to wait. I came oh-so-very close to telling you just a few weeks ago in December too when that little seed of a thought went from transplanted seedling to leaf bearing blossom. But, I decided to wait.

Why have I waited? Oh how I could psycho-analyze the choice. I could, and I have. Mostly it is fear that has held me back. This secret has me taking risks, and leaps of faith that will no doubt having me landing outside my comfort zone. Fear leads to self doubt, self doubt leads to insecurity, and for me, insecurity leads to avoidance. If I stay with the gardening and seedling analogy, you could say it will have me sprouting outside my normal, delightfully safe, well-tended garden bed. So I am much like that last little wisp that clings to the puffy dandelion head when you blow on it to make a wish.. The list of fears that have held me back so far are too many to go into detail, but I am strong and will face them head on. I have fought the weeds of fear before and I am good at getting to their roots and plucking them. (Goodness I picked a good analogy to roll with.) Naturally, some fear weeds are more stubborn than others and for those, I have my loving family and friends to help me with. And thankfully, my friends love rubber boots just as much as I do and they aren't afraid to get a bit of dirt under their nails.

Oh alright... it is time.
Why now? Well, because in that photo above, I finally started it, so it is time.

I am writing a second book!

Could you already guess that?  You see... in April, I started creating the projects. In August, I wrote the proposal and sent it into the hands of my publisher. In September, I was challenged to push past the initial concept and dig a bit deeper into the possibilities. In December, I signed the contract. And today... today... I started putting the words on the page. My first deadline for half the book and half the projects in March 1st and the complete manuscript is due July 1st. The expected release date is Spring 2012.

And, my favorite part... the title... Rustic Wrappings: Merging Metal, Wire, & Art Glass.

Through the pages of this new book we will explore together how to create timeless designs that are vintage in feel while still being fresh. Think western sunsets, beach side cottages, romantic promenades, ruffles on petticoats, and wearing your heart on your sleeve. Color will still be a strong element but we'll use the softer, subtler, and gentler side of color to express these things. As always, my passion is for glass, so the projects will feature lampwork beads and OH what a crew of artists I have assembled to help me along the way. I can't wait to introduce you to each and every one... but all in due time. The place where I was pushed to dig deeper into the possibilities is in two areas that are so incredibly awesome, I can't reveal them yet. But let's just say I will be showing you how to add a whole new "layer" to your color palettes, and the second area is most definitely going to have me teaching again nationally in 2012 (and teaching technique rather than project based classes which is something I am so so excited about).

It is going to be a wild couple of months as I juggle not only this deadline but several others as well. Exciting times are ahead not only with this project, but others too. You are going to see a written piece from me soon in one of my favorite magazines of all time. Wire Style 2 will be hitting shelves soon too. I am contributing on a beading friend's book project. The studio has me busy as can be with my first First Friday in just a couple of weeks. There are other details too that if I start to think on them and list them, I will get overwhelmed and want to numb myself to the anxiety of it all. So let's just put those other things off until we need to handle them. Plus, I will be turning 33 in no time at all and the odd number just isn't sitting well with me. I would much rather skip 33 and say I am 34 two years in a row. But, I digress.

I am so so excited and I can't wait to share this journey with you.

38 comments:

Michelle Mach said...

Congratulations! It sounds like a wonderful book!

TesoriTrovati said...

Sweet Kerry! This is such thrilling news. Not one baby (your first book), not two babies (your new studio space) but three! That has me squeeing and toe tapping all over the place. The concept sounds so wonderful and you know I will be first in line to have a copy. Your beads are wonderful, your wire is whimsical and your style is so fresh and charming. Can't. Wait.

Enjoy the day and bask in the glow of your own sunshine!
Erin

Anne Ricketts said...

Wooho! Congratulations! Can't wait to see this one!

Brandi Hussey said...

Oh, Kerry!! That is so amazing, congratulations!!!!! I'm so happy for you!

Nancy Sells Puffer said...

Good for you Kerry! Congratulations!!

Cindy said...

I just found your first book in the book rack by my chair last night. I forgot I even had it, how ironic that you announce a second book today. I enjoyed revisiting your projects, I love the lampwork you featured in the first book. Hopefully we'll see more in this book? Not all the same, but some new ones!

steufel said...

Great news - I'll definitly buy that one too. Love your first!

sandi m said...

Kerry,
This is Wonderful News
I remember you writing a long time ago about having ideas percolating for another book; I know this will be another best seller.
I love combining lampwork, wire and metals in my designs. Can't wait to see what you do.
And all in your new studio - sweet....

Malin de Koning said...

Rustic wrappings!
You have one certain buyer/reader in Sweden anyway, that's for shure.
Great news!

Barbara Collins said...

Yeah! A new book. Can't wait.

Gardanne said...

If you skip 33 can I please have it. Can't wait to see the book and I will visit on First Friday.

Unknown said...

Woo hoo! Now it's becoming real as you type out the words. Very excited for you, Kerry!

rosebud101 said...

Congratulations, Kerry! I'm already looking forward to the new book!!!!!

Blue Kiln Beads said...

With you every step of the way. Exciting stuff.

mairedodd said...

so much good news! enjoy it kerry...

Creatissimo said...

This is soooo cool! I'm so excited for you! I hope it goes well!

Creative Arty Facts said...

Lovely Kerry! Your first book is a trusted favourite of mine - I'm sure the next one will keep it good company!

Alice said...

Oh I'm so excited for you on this book you are writing! But really, I'm not sure I can wait that long!

I know it will be fabulous, so I'd better start saving my pennies.

Anonymous said...

Squeeeaaaallll!!!
I'm so excited for you (and for me) because I loved the first book and the second one sounds so intriguing!!!
Will definitely be waiting....
Kim (Texas)

Lori Michaud said...

Congratulations, Kerry! So many exciting things percolating!

Crymson Flower said...

CONGRATS! I love the title and can't wait to see how you've pushed yourself and soon us in what directions.

elisabeth said...

Congrats - I look forward to buying a copy :-)

Pretty Things said...

Congratulations!

Cindy said...

Congratulations, Kerry! It's about time you shared the big news! I just know this book will be absolutely beautiful. :-)

Lisa Godfrey said...

Congratulations! I absolutely love your first book. It's just so fresh and unique. I can't wait for your new book! Sounds fantastic! Have fun and happy writing!

N Valentine Studio said...

YAY! I cannot wait to see it, love the title! What a great start to the year!

Debbie / Prairie Emporium said...

Thats great!!! Good luck.

Barbara Lewis said...

What great news, Kerry! The concept sounds wonderful ... I love rustic! I can't wait to follow your progress through your blog!

Robin said...

Congratulations! You can do it!

I saw Totally Twisted in Hobby Lobby yesterday and actually wondered when you were going to write another one.

Laura Twiford said...

Congratulations Kerry! The projects sound gorgeous already! So many new adventures on the horizon, have fun with them all!

joann said...

Another book?? Let me just say, WHOO HOO!!! Cannot, cannot, cannot wait!! Good for you!!

Nina B. Studio said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to see it!

Courtney Breul said...

Congratulations to you! Sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see it.

nancycreations said...

Oh how fab can't wait till its ready to share with us.

Unknown said...

This is Wonderful! You are Always afresh and New! I really Rejoice for you Kerry! ox

Kate said...

I got Totally Twisted for Christmas and love, love LOVE it. I can't wait to get my hands on Rustic Wrappings!

Shai Williams said...

What incredible news! I just loved Totally Twisted and will be waiting in line to get a copy of your new book!

Erin Siegel said...

Congratulations on the second book! This concept sounds very, very interesting to me! Looks like I'll be getting another one of your books, Kerry!