There was some major tutu twirling happening at the studio today! Why? Because of each and everyone of YOU. Yesterday, I got a twitter text from @InterweaveNews that my book, Totally Twisted: Innovative Wire Work + Art Glass Jewelry, was voted The BEST Beading Book by readers in 2011 About.com Reader's Choice Awards. I can hardly believe it. I don't know what business my book had doing in the company of such awesome beading books (it isn't a traditional beading book by any means), but you all spoke up and made that happen. YOU made that happen!! I am seriously honored and just so in awe of the response you all have graced me with. I can't say THANK YOU enough for your support.
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
Know what else? My book is now a YEAR old! One whole year!! (actually, its 1 yr and 1 month old!) I really should have thrown a party to celebrate. I saw a sales report last week that made my mouth hang open in shock. You all have bought up nearly 10,000 copies of my book in this first year. Nine thousand nine hundred forty one, if you are curious about the exact figure. I kinda convinced myself it would take years to sell all the copies in the first printing but if things keep going at the rate they are, it'll sell out by this summer! (fingers crossed that I didn't just jinx it) When I stopped to think about just how blessed I am, to twirl a bit, to crank up the music, and to blow some kisses, it is absolutely impossible for a bad mood to survive. So, I owe you thanks for lifting my spirit too.
And really, what thank you wouldn't be complete without a special give away? When the vertigo of twirling wore off, I made this bangle. It is a new one I am calling Buttoned Up. The lampwork glass headpins I created dipped in raku frit are sweet button shapes. Flat backs and very bumped out tops made for a delightful cluster of beads on a two tone wrapped band. I wish you could see just how beautiful the rainbow raku effect is on the surface. Well, one of you will see it... because this is for YOU! YEAH!! One of you!!
Just leave a comment telling something you are feeling HOPEFUL about and I will draw a winner on Monday morning.
GOOD LUCK!
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95 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS! That is fantastic news!
I am hopeful for the new journey I'm going on. I recently lost my job of 16 years and we decided that I would be a stay at home mom for a while. It's not going to be easy, but it should be a lot of fun!
Hot damn! But you are one BEAUTIFUL girl! I love that picture of you in the header. And your painted hands. And that bangle. And the way you twirl. And you, my dear, are my shero! I am hopeful that one day I will come up with an idea for a book that will be uniquely me, celebrate all the loveliness that I have no choice but to adore, and promote a spirit of collaboration and connectivity! And then of course, I would hope that it would be half as successful as your book has been! That and I am hopeful that by the end of the year I can be at half time at work. But that would take a major miracle to happen. It would be more likely that the first thing would occur! ;-)
Enjoy your twirly fantastic day!
Erin
Congratulations!!!
I am hopeful that I will survive the empty nest next fall. My youngest is off to college. I am already dreading the day we drop her off. ( I know I will survive, just being a bit dramatic!)
I am now taking classes and have set up a studio for metalsmithing. I am very excited and hopeful that this will bring new joy into my life.
Life is change and change is good!
Love your bracelet!
I wish I could make more things with the pieces parts I have collected, yet still help or just support my BF's search for mental health. Balance is what I hope for.
I am hopeful because today is my birthday. I am looking forward to a new year for me and all that will come, the challenges, the surprises and the joys
Lori Ortiz
You once again created something so wonderful. I am hopeful that one day I can be as creative as you. Your post today brought a smile to my face. I can't wait for your next book.
Tina
Kerry, that is SO fabulous about your book sales and the votes for it! We wouldn't have known to vote without you letting us know it was happening, so thanks for that.
I LOVE your blown kiss photos too!
What am I hopeful for? A job for my husband...although I have to say that these past few months have been a wonderful gift as we've spent more time together than any other year in our 34 years together, so I can NOT complain!
I am also hopeful that your creativity is sparking in new realms now that you have your new studio. The freedom a space like that can provide is limitless.
Thank you for the giveaway. Wearing it would always make me think of you in your tutu, blowing us kisses.
Congrats! Your book is one of my favorite "go to" books for inspiration!
Congratulations Kerry! Well deserved...I am hopeful that a few of my pieces that are about to be unveiled in the coming months will be well received, hopeful that I can come up with something new and beautiful...and hopeful that I win that gorgeous bracelet!
Congratulations Kerry on such a wonderful achievement. I hope that as the year progresses, I will be just as successful in my studies at NMIT.
Congratulations -- always happy to see someone "make it"! I'm thankful that spring comes every year -- and I am able to play in the dirt and grow veggies!
Congratulations, Kerry! What a fantastic milestone! And your studio shots are just so much fun -- totally digging the tutu!
I am hopeful that the work I make this year will be more representative of ME, more cohesive, more expressive, more aligned to the vision in my head....just more. :)
Congratulations!! I am not surprised it's an amazing book! I love the twirling picture, great way to celebrate!
What am I hopeful for? Today I am hopeful for some relief for Japan in the aftermath of disaster. I am hopeful for my spring seeds to grow that I just planted. I'm hopeful for my "dream" class this weekend!
Love the bangle LOVE IT!
CONGRATS!!! What a wonderful celebration to twirl and a feel so happy. I'm truly happy for you. And not the least surprised at the amount of books sold. It's a wonderful book.
Today I'm hopeful. Hopeful for spring and the upcoming flowers. Hopeful that my 9mo son won't need any more surgeries. Hopeful that one day I will be like you and somehow find the balance between a creative career and a loving mother. Thank you for sharing your life and creativity, I find you most inspiring.
congrats again!
Oh my gosh Kerry, that is w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l news! See how your mood has changed?! I hope everyone in your studio building knows - like all those food freeloaders - ha!!
I'm hopeful for finding a real job again with real income so I can support and grow my creative side without too much worry.
I'd love to show-off that bracelet.
Congratulations!!!
It's beautiful Kerry!
What am I hopeful for? I'm hopeful that I will overcome my limitations and actually live as a "normal" person!
Congrats on your book. I voted like crazy so I am super excited for you. I am hopeful for my jewellery business to become successful. More etsy sales and success doing home parties and craft fairs so I can keep buying more beads and not have to sell a kidney ;-)
Wow congratulations . . . . what a fantastic achievement and I love the photo of you dancing and twirling. Perfect.
Great News!!
I am hopeful that such awfulness will stop happening to Japan so that they can get back on their feet.
I am also hopeful that you pick my name from the hat. :)
WOWZA Kerry, do i know a good book or what i keep telling you how abso fabu your book is and how much i love it! Congrats!!!!
The first thing i would be hopeful for would be that all the people affected by tragety around the world could be safe & sound> Now for myself i would be hopeful that i could go to a real live bead show & meet all of my new creative bloggy's & take some workshops here in Ontario we are not fortunate enough to have all of those wonderful shows & stuff i see in the mags. I love that bracelet and would love to win ttfn L :)
Congrats on such exciting news! TO write a book is achievement enough, but to have it be picked #1, well, it just doesn't get much better than that.
I'm hopeful that I can get a job. Been out of work got over 10 years due to spine issues. I'm thankful that I've had jewelry making & lampwork to keep me busy. I had a 2nd spine surgery in Sept. & am feeling much better so hoping for some good job vibes. :-)
Congratulations! I too am a "creative mum" (2 year old girl), and I wake up feeling hopeful every day that I can keep living this life of being creative, and being at home with my girl, even with all the uncertainties we face from every direction in this world - economic, natural etc. I love reading your blog!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Oh WOW, that's amazing. Go, Kerry!!!
Excellent! So happy for you. I am proud to say I own one of the nearly 10000 books :-) I am hopeful that my 2011 is as successful as yours.
I know your secret for twisted wire...all your twirls!!! I am hopeful that my studio will eventually get finished this year. jerisew.blogspot.com
Congratulations and may I say it's well deserved :)
I am hopeful that I will survive these grueling months of anesthesia school. Truly this might be the hardest thing I've ever attempted and the worst part is it's eating up all of my time for creating!
The bracelet is beautiful (of course!) and whoever wins it is a lucky duck :)
Congratulations, Kerry! That is wonderful news! Hope is my mantra this year. Last year, my 33 year old daughter was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She's doing well. I am very hopeful that she will beat this cancer. She's too young to be facing this disease.
I am feeling hopeful that i will have a FULL time paying job soon. been way too long.
Congrats! And I'm hopeful that the brave people of Japan will master the terrible desaster that devasted their beautiful country!
What an awesomely positive and uplifting post! I love those shots of you blowing kisses. And your new header is fab! I am hopeful that I can somehow manage to balance all the things in life that are important to me because they sometimes feel like they're slipping at the moment - college, work, beading and I would say relationship but I am lucky enough that that is always solid. Nothing like a brilliantly supportive partner! I am so glad you feel your mood has lifted, thanks for cheering me too.
Congratulations!!!
I am hopeful that things get better in Japan and that my husband who is currently on the USS Ronald Reagan helping with the relief efforts stays safe.
Your book was destined to be voted the best because its NOT a 'normal' beading book, we love it cause its different!
I am hopeful that the new shop I am going to open in April(on my birthday!) is goig to be a knockout success!
That's awesome! How very exciting that must be.
I'm hopeful about finding a way to make a living off my beads. That takes quite a bit of hope since I don't sell enough, but my day job is really taking its toll.
Love the bangle!
Looking forward to your new book!!
Hopeful that Japan will recover quickly!!!
Congrats Kerry! I am hopeful that we will not have anymore snow this year, I am so ready for warmer weather to take walks after work.
Marcia B.
Congratulations!!! You are such an inspiration! I am hopeful for more time to make more jewelry!! I love your photography and you are a gifted writer too! Keep it up! Love your blog.
Tami
What wonderful news! I am hopeful that we always have a home over our head, food in the fridge and our children who love us!
I am hopeful thatt here will be stability in Japan soon and that the reactor will be under control and no longer a threat of meltdown.
Wow! That is such a fantastic accomplishment! And totally deserved.
I am hopeful of starting an Etsy or Artfire store this year, and finally selling some things, so I can buy more beads! :)
Blessings!
Congratulations!
I am thankful you wrote the book! I have enjoyed it so much and have gotten so much out of it! I am looking forward to the next!
Congratulations Kerry, you are so deserving!
I am hopeful that my husband figures out his job situation. I don't really want to have to move if he decides to change jobs. I love where I live and my daughter has been accepted into the zoo school and she will be so upset if she can't go!
The bracelet is fantastic!
Cheryl
Congrats on your success. It's a great book.
I'm hopeful that retirement brings me the calm and time to really take on the new endeavors of my dreams!
Well, yesterday you became one book closer to selling out by summer 'cause I just bought one.
:D
I am hopeful that one day soon my dream of being a working artist will be realized!
Thanks!!!
Congrats on the book!!!! I can't wait for your next one. The bangle is super awesome. I Love the pics you post. I am still in the learning stages with mine.
I am hopeful that our Saturday overtime at work wil end soon so I have more than one day to do things around the house. I also am hopeful you will pick MY name.
Kathy
Congrats!!! How awesome to have such great book sales and be voted #1 favorite book! Oh - you just rock!!! I was wondering how some of those head pins would be used. Cool Bangle!
I am hopeful that I will gain a new clarity and understanding of not just gardening (I'm currently studying to become a Master Gardener - volunteer educator) but how plants, insects, and environmental factors feed into the entire ecology of gardening…
It's a long way around, but I feel better when I have more knowledge about things & can help others understand easily too. Oh, life...
OMG that bracelet is beautiful! I am hopeful that we are going to see 60 degree temps in Webster tomorrow for the first time since November!!!
congratulations kerry - this is absolutely wonderful! now i understand the pics on flickr!
i am hopeful that by year's end our family will know peace and it will facilitate healing...
Congrats on your book sales ~ in this day and age, those are serious numbers!
I am hopeful that my husband is serious about taking a lampworking class and becoming my bead monkey ...
I am HOPEFUL that with all the help you have given me Kerry, that maybe just maybe one day I to will become an amazing artist just like you! You truly are an inspiration to me each and everyday. I start and end my day reading your blog. It reminds me that even when my day is dark and gloomy that there is an amazing world of color waiting for me. Thank you for giving me the the courage to follow my dreams and turn them in to my reality!
Tabatha:)
meklo1029@att.net
Always love to see you twirling in your tutu! Congrats on the book, I would vote for it cause I love my copy.
I am hopeful that my new jewelry endeavor will be successful.
The tutu is wonderful! Congrats on such a successful year with your book - that really is just such an awesome thing! I wish you even more creativity and success that you can even imagine! :)
congratulations!
I am hopeful that this year, which will be one of huge changes for my family, will roll along smoothly and happily.
That is soo exciting, and congratulations! I'm hopeful that one day I am as successful as you in publishing a book and that I get to twirl and twirl til I'm dizzy!
Congrats-thanks for letting us know to vote! Had Totally Twisted out today for inspiration and it worked ! I am hopeful my skills with glass and wire can someday rival yours ! Love your studio and your twirling !!
Beautiful book, beautiful blog, beautiful inspirations. Glad to see you twirling happily. You work hard and you are an inspiration to MANY. Thanks for sharing your...JOY.
That is wonderful news. Congradulations!
I am hopeful that I will be successful on Etsy this year.
hey gorgeous, congratulations on the book sell! yay! SO deserved ;o)
I just want to be hopeful....I lost my dad to cancer on Saturday and on Tuesday got the news my mum has Lymphoma and has to start treatment immediately...either chemo or radiotherapy...we are seeing the consultant tomorrow to discuss treatment plans...so for me just being hopeful is enough
hugs sweetie
hello gorgeous xxx
Your book was one of the first beading books I ever bought. I bought because I loved the colors and I thought the instructions were very helpful for a first time wire worker. Congratulations!!!!
How did you make the two tone twisted wire that is on the bracelet in the photo.
I am a homeschool mom and I am hopeful my children will turn out alright.
Congratulations! I voted for your book, too!
My elderly mother moved in with me 4 months ago - I am hopeful that she can relax, adjust, and realize that she is not a visitor here, but part of my family!
Patti Vanderbloemen
I love this post!!! Congratulations on your book ... and the bracelet is to die for!
Congratulations, Kerry! I am hopeful that this year I will begin living the artful life I have dreamed of, instead of just dreaming about it!
Congratulations! Love this bangle, those beads are delicious :) I am hopeful for a new business idea that's brewing...and seems to have serendipity on its side...
Love the pictures in this port Kerry - they really made me smile! Congratulations on the great news!
I've got so much to be hopeful about - my beautiful big boy is thriving in his first year at school, my beautiful baby is just, well, beautiful! And the surgeons got all of the cancer in my mouth, I'm back eating solids adn the speech therapist is really pleased with my progress. Such a change! Four weeks ago I was in intensive care!
I'm looking forward to the new book!
Jo x
Love the twirling, it looks so carefree. I am hopeful that we are able to look past all of life's little irritants and be thankful we have our homes and our health. Japan is struggling so much right now. I've been thanking God every day for my blessings. Focusing less on the small things.
Congratulations! You go gurl!
I'm thankful that I get to do what I love every single day, and that is to create lots of lovely shiny happy things, which hopefully make the recipient feel shiny and happy!
I AM HOPEFUL....that I might have a chance to place in the Bead Dreams contest. I admire you for pushing yourself, taking a chance and being hopeful. With no formal art education, I think I am never good enough so rarely step out of my comfort zone. I've had an Etsy store that I'm scared to fill....what if, what if, what if. So, I'm hopeful I stop this, take the bigger risks and enjoy the journey.
A big congrats-I'll make sure my copy knows about the big hubbub!
I'm hopeful that the acupuncture treatments will help my hip so I can ride like the wind (once it stops raining).
Congrats :)
I am hopeful that my grandmother's passing will be peaceful. I said my goodbye yesterday.
-sorry for the Debbie Downer but that's all I got!
Congratulations! Would love to win that beautiful bracelet! I am hopeful that the job-related decisions we make in the next year are the right ones for our family. If it leads to more time for beading that would be cool too!
I hope my friends' & family's burdens are lifted - at least for a little while. Maybe I can cheer them up with some marvelous jewelry inspired by Kerri's book.
Would love to win that bracelet.
I'm feeling hopeful about winning that gorgeous bracelet. What a talent you have. Thanks for sharing your up's and down's with all of us.
Vikki
Congrats Kerry! Such a huge accomplishment, you must be SO excited! Because of you, we have such a wonderful book!
I am hopeful that I can make the right decisions about where I want to go in the future.
I would love to win this beautiful bracelet! That would be awesome. Sometimes I lose hope, to be very honest. When I'm hopeful my biggest hope is to move from Texas to California where both of my daughters (and both of my granddaughters) live. That would make me very, very happy! Congratulations on your book's success. I love it, too.
fantastic news Kerry! I LOVE your book! I had e-mailed you awhile back when I first purchased it last year to tell you your explanation for wire wrapping was the first I read that made sense! So I totally agree that your book rocks! I wish you much more success in the future. what do I wish for myself? I am so hopeful that may jewelry business may take off soon. I've been plodding along but I lack the ability to "self-promote". But I do continue to create and hope. congratulations again!
Congratulations to you -- love your book! My 40th birthday is coming up, and I am hopeful that 40 will be better than 39! I have already taken steps to make this possible by taking better care of myself and including me-time and me-activities in my life. Yay!
Congrats!! I certainly enjoy my copy! I have humble hopes right now that someday, some-night, my daughter will sleep through the night. I'll probably get up anyway since thats what my body expects now :)
I am feeling hopeful that soon I will be hopeful again...
How could you even wonder about the success of your book...it totally kicks ass!!! And so you do...love you, bead girl/mom/amazing woman!!!
I have your book and read it again and again. Whenever I need inspiration it's my go to book.
Congrats on it's success (and yours)
I love your new bracelet and would wear it with pride .
My hope is that this year brings serenity to my dad who lost his soul mate last summer after 61 years together (he's 91). He is finding it so hard to go on without her. Every event this year has been bittersweet for us.
Hope is eternal.
yay!! I am hopeful for an awesome year at the hungerford! love your joy, enthusiasm and creativity - looking forward to seeing more of you, being inspired by you!
Congratulations on your wonderful achievement! I am hopeful when it comes to my new blog (that I'll make some connections w/other artists), that the project I sent in to a magazine will be published (they will be deciding in May), and, like "slm" who commented above, that I'll find my meant-to-be career after being underemployed since September.
Listening to my daughter sing in the shower fills me with hope for her future. Who will she be, what will she choose to do with her life, will she follow her passion which is music? I hope that she and her brothers will fully enjoy all that this life has to offer. I also hope that one day far from now, they will give me lots of grandchildren!
Congratulations on the success of your book.
I am hopeful that I will complete more projects than I start this year.
I saw a robin this morning and am feeling hopeful about SPRING!
Congats to you and your lovely book.
Congratulations...obviously you earned the award!!!!!!
Love the new header...photos are amazing!
I'm hopeful for calm in my life...and for my creativity to return...I generally loose my creativity in December and it returns in full swing by the end of January...not so this year???
Enjoy your award & the rest of your weekend!
Cheers
Little flower Kerry! I am hoping for more World peace and Lord knows we need it. Big kudos to you for your book!
For me I am hoping for great beads, since I took a great Lampwork class yesterday! Good health too. And happiness for you..inner peace and Joy too xx
Ok, Monday is way to far away. I keep checking back just to see if maybe you decided to do it a little earlier. :) I cant wait to see who wins! Tabatha
congratulations..what wonderful news.
i'm hopeful i will be better organized this year..hey it could happen
Congrats on the great news! I am hopeful that my job interview this Thursday goes well, and I get hired for a second part-time job!! Thanks for the giveaway - the bracelet is TOO cool!!
Lets be hopeful that some of this political unrest and aftermath of natural disasters will abate and make us all stronger and self relient and well as kinder to strangers and also to the ones we love
couI bought your book because of the colors you use which caught my eye, but also your style. I have bought my torch and all I need is encouragement that I can do this. I hope I can someday be I can make beads almost as good as yours.
I love your book! Best Bead Book! Yes, best purchase for me.
I am hopeful for the move I am about to make. To find a job that I will love and to create more each day!
Ann
mycriticaleye.com
annrishell@gmail.com
Monday where are you? I have never wanted Monday to come so badly...
I am hopeful that one day I am able to make BEAUTIFUL beads just like you can. I am also hopeful that I will get another chance to take a lampworking class taught by you.
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