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

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.

Register for ArtBliss!

It's time, it's time!! Head on over now to ArtBliss and register for the fantastic Inaugural Event.

I can't tell you how excited I am to be heading to our nation's capital, Washington DC, this September to teach LAMPWORKING! YES!! Lampworking!! My new class is called K.reating A.rt B.eads. It is an introduction to lampworking class that is perfect for those that 1) have never lit a torch before or 2) have struggled to get the basics down on their own and need some guidance. This class will take place on Saturday and we are limiting the class size to 12, which will keep things intimate and comfortable. I am going to be able to give tons of attention to each student and I am seriously excited. Each student will have the opportunity to purchase a kit (available soon on the ArtBliss website) which will have everything you need for the class. The kit includes a Hot Head torch (the very torch I started on and used the first 3 years I was making beads), a mounting kit for the torch, mandrels, bead release, bead rake, rod rest, vermiculite, Mapp gas, and of course, GLASS! This is awesome for several reasons. 1) You will walk into class and the kit will be all set up and ready to go, no lugging stuff to with you and worrying if you are bringing the right things! 2) You don't pay shipping on the kit!! 3) You will have everything you need to makes beads when you get home!!! Seriously, I think that is the very best part because you are gonna leave so inspired. I just know it. You will want to run home and make beads until your Mapp gas taps out.

The second class, on Sunday, I am equally excited about. I have taken my individual bangle classes and combined them into one ROCKIN' day of Bang-A-Rang'ing. We will make a total of 6 bangles (3 practice in copper, 3 in sterling). I think myself very clever for this one because I have designed the class so that the first bangle will have a single core wire and wrap the wrist in one piece. The second will break into two (like my Unhinged bracelet) and the third will be three!! How cool is that? Each one will first be made in copper and then we'll do them up with sterling and lampwork. I am making each student a set of One-Of-A-Kind beads for their bangles with 15-18 beads. Yeah, I just said I am making each student a set of 18 OOAK beads. Seriously peps, it is like you are getting the class for free!! You can't get a set of beads that big for less than the price of the class. You don't want to miss this.

Along with the classes, there is going to be a Meet & Greet night on Friday where you will be able to visit and chat with the teachers. Plus, lunch is being served by ArtBliss each day. I feel so blessed to call Cindy Wimmer one of my best beading friends. She has let me in on some secret goodies that she and Jeanette Blix have planned for students. Let me tell ya, this is going to be a very special weekend.

Okay... what are you waiting for?!? Seats are filling fast!! High tail it over there and register!!

Ready To Register?

****Important! The registration time has been changed to 9am!****

Just a quick reminder that TOMORROW SUNDAY JUNE 13th at 9AM! registration for ArtBliss will open!! Mark your calendar or set a timer to go off on your cell phone... what ever it takes!! These spots are going to fill up fast. I will make another announcement tomorrow, but you are gonna want to be ready. :)

Exciting Announcement:: ArtBliss Workshops

I am so excited to be making this announcement. ArtBliss: The Inaugural Event is taking place September 24-26th 2010 AND I WILL BE THERE TEACHING!! Two of my favorite beading ladies, my very good friend Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio and Jeanette Blix Ryan of Fundametals, saw a need, had a vision, and have been working together to make that dream come true. I get to be part of that dream and I couldn't be more honored. Both these ladies live in the Washington DC area and they found that there was a complete lack of national caliber workshops in their area. So, why not create their own workshops and weekend of activities. That is when ArtBliss was born!!

I know you may be thinking "Kerry, you teach all the time now, why are you getting so excited about this one?" Well, you really should be the excited for this because I am going to teach something extra special at this event. Wait for it... LAMPWORKING!! Yes, yes, you heard me right. I am teaching lampworking at ArtBliss in September. I have had so many emails asking when and if I would ever be teaching lampworking. I am so so excited to finally get to shout YES!! Check out all the details about my class, K.reating A.rt B.eads - Intro to Lampworking, at the ArtBliss website. That is my Saturday workshop, for Sunday I have some wire working fun planed for everyone: Bang-A-Rang, a day devoted to creating awesome wire bangles.

Of course, I am not the only instructor that will be there. This is a star packed event, I tell ya. Also teaching is the amazing Deryn Mentock, the fantastic Melissa Manley, and the creative Lesley Venable. This is not only a jewelry workshop weekend, but mixed media art as well!! Truly, something for everyone. It is going to be a weekend you don't want to miss. Cindy and Jeanette have booked an awesome venue with super room rates and free shuttle service from the local airport, lunch is even included with the workshops!! Registration will open on June 13th, and I know spots are going to fill up fast! Don't worry, I will give you reminders :)

I hope you are as excited as I am about this. I can't wait for September to get here!! (Mind you, this isn't the big secret project. Sorry!) NOW, we need to get the word out about ArtBliss. Cindy and Jeanette are having a fantastic giveaway on her blog to celebrate the announcement. Pop over and check out all the goodies you could win and leave a comment to enter and/or tweet about it and/or facebook about it.

Twisted Tuesdays - Kit Talk

I am gonna let you absorb a little color before I start blabbing away... enjoy.




I doubt there is a person out there that wouldn't love to run their hands through all those beads. OH how awesome they are when they are piled up together. What you are looking at is how I have spent the better part of the past three days. In that pile are more than 225 handmade soft glass lampworked beads (I think a big old bunch of beads deserves a fancier description then '225 beads'). I won't ask you to guess what they are for, the post title gives it away. Yep, they are for kits.




Now, those that know me well maybe wondering if I have lost my mind. I am known to suffer from a rather severe condition called reactance, lol (click the link and read the definition, it is me to a tee). Knowing I am like this may make you wonder why I would agree to teach classes that would have me doing my least favorite thing (making the same thing over and over because I *have*). To that I say, it is a easy to commit to something eight months before you actually have to do it. I figured I would make beads here and there as time passed and then voila, my kits would be ready in time to teach. YEAH, right! What happened was I made beads like that once in the past eight months and then the other day realized just how many days are left until Bead Fest Wire and that lit a spark under my butt.

Teaching on a national scale is a huge opportunity for me. It is one I don't want to mess up by being a bumbling teacher only half prepared with partial kits and not enough tools. I am taking this very seriously. So, how to react to my reactance and get the job done? Enter my alter ego, Carrie. You remember her don't you? She is the part of me that loves to clean (rather psychotically), likes order and straight lines, and twitches when I, meaning *Kerry*, repeatedly avoids starting a load of laundry when I pass the pile on the way to the studio. For the past three days, I have let that organizational, methodical, big girl part of my brain take over. And I tell ya, when I do that, some pretty amazing things can happen.





While one part of my mind carefully deducted which beads needed to be made when and in what order, my creative side got to wander and imagine the other things that could be made with these beads. So, as I went along, Carrie set mini goals and rewarded Kerry for her patience... ex: get through the next 6 beads then make a green hollow for yourself. It really was a win/win situation. I have been banging out beads like crazy and working on new designs too!! What could be better?!? I am really taking this on as a personal challenge. I want to prove I can do this. I can make kits, AND I can make them unique and one-of-a-kind. Look close at those photos... no two kits sets are the same. Seriously? Seriously.

Now, some of you may be thinking to yourself (apart from thinking I am nuts for talking about myself with different egos and going so far as to name them) "I can't get all the way to PA for a class, but I want to make a BANG Gal!, is Kerry gonna let me in on any kit action?" The answer is a resounding YES! You just have to be a bit more patient. Here is the plan (plans are important to Carrie, so let her have her way on this), I am making 25 kits for each of the 4 classes I am teaching. What aren't used by my students will be made available under a soon to be added Kit category on my website. When I run out of these kits, I will start to take orders for them. These won't be "custom" orders but rather "made-to" orders. That means I will make an order as I get it in the color combos shown on the item page and those kits will mail out in a set amount of time (I am guessing with in a week). Then, once the novelty of these first 4 kits wears off, I will release other kits from Totally Twisted each month. I am also envisioning special edition kits with different color combos. But note, kits will be created for personal use only and not intended for resale.

I really must say, I feel like such a grown up making this announcement about kits. Seems silly, but for me, I rarely remember that not only am I a Mom, Artist, and Author, but I am a Business Woman too. Acting like a spoiled brat about not wanting to do certain things often sweeps that Business Woman part of me under the rug. I am proud to let her be known more and still maintain my artistic values (like keeping things one-of-a-kind). So, here is to me dawning some big-girl underwear with a purple and blue pin striped suit while my hair is in a bun and I strut around in red shoes.

Beading Daily!

Wow, wow, wow!! I am completely over the moon right now. I am busting with so many emotions. I have no idea where to begin!!

The day started on a somber note with my Grandpa's funeral. It was a really nice service, over seen by the Bishop of Rochester (a huge honor for the family), and sun warming all our faces graveside as he was laid to rest. The reception that followed was full of literally 100s of people. All loved and respected Grandpa and it was a memorable event, to say the least. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, comments, emails, cards, texts, and phone calls. I appreciate you all soo soo much. Thank you.

When I got home, my emotions swung the total opposite direction with lots of exciting news in my email inbox. First, CHECK IT OUT, I was interviewed by the lovely Jean Campbell for Beading Daily. Yeah, seriously... an interview of *me* was blasted out to over 100,000 people!! Holy COW!! How cool is that?!? Over the moon, I tell ya, over.the.moon. Jean asked great questions, and I loved that they shared so many photos from the book. Thanks Jean!

Now, those 100,000 people all (okay, maybe not all of them) ran off to Amazon.com and did an even more awesome thing... they zinged Totally Twisted to #1 in the Jewelry category, #1 in the Metal work Category, and #1 the Beadwork Category!! Double holy cows! See screen shot below!!



I am going to settle into what will hopefully be a less emotional evening, lol. This is way too much excitement for one day! I think there needs to be a cake made though... I need to get my hubby on that.

More Totally Twisted Classes!

I have really got to focus if I am going to be prepared to teach this year!! I have been having tons of fun designing my class kits. I had this cool stickers printed for the fun boxes all my class goodies will come packaged in.

I have already told you about teaching at Bead Fest Wire in April. (and yes! there are still spots available so go sign up!!) Now, I get to tell you that I will be teaching at Best Fest Philadelphia too!!

Here is what the schedule looks like for August:

Thursday August 19th 9am-12pm Framed: Start the morning off learning my cool technique for making custom coiled "frames" to any shaped bead. Cost $175: included in the class kit will be a one of a kind set of my "plaid" style beads, sterling silver wire, copper wire (for practice), some colored copper wire too, chain and play beads too.

Thursday August 19th 1-4pm Timeless: After lunch, I will be teaching this fun bangle design. One of my favorite designs ever, truly! In this class you'll get to work with a variety of gauges of wire, experiment with coiling, and how to make "snail" style links. Cost $165: included in this kit will be one of my fab lampwork glass discs for your faux watch face, all the wire you need, and for this class, we will make a practice version with copper that features a coll hammer textured copper disc as the focal.

Thursday August 19th 5-8pm Bang, GALS!: Oh yeah... all Kerry all day long! The third class of the day will be an evening class showing how to "use whatcha got" to create a great bangle. What's that mean? Bar glasses as bracelet mandrels, nail polish bottles to make coils... all sorts of goodies can be grabbed in a pinch to help shape your wire!! Cost $175: included for this one, just like all the others, is all the beads and wire you need to make a bangle of your own and the materials to make a practice version too.

WOW!! What a long day that is going to be!! But I am so so excited to be a part of this show. If you can't make it to Wire Fest in April, come see me in August. You won't be sorry, I promise you.

The Big Bead De-Stash 2009

THE BEADS ARE READY!! Go have at 'em!!
And while you are at it, don't forget to grab a signed copy of Totally Twisted too!!

Bead Star Winners Revealed!!

YOO HOOO!! I have had to keep a secret from y'all for several months and I just got word this afternoon that I can reveal the news. My piece "Spring Into Action" won an Honorable Mention in Glass Category for the 2009 Bead Star Competition!!

I have had my copy of Bead Star magazine for about a week now. The designs are wonderful and it should be on newsstands soon. Inside, you'll find the instructions for making those big ole coiled springs bonging around this design as well as tutorials for all the other winning designs. How cool is that?

"Spring Into Action" won't be returning to the studio anytime soon though. It is staying with Interweave and will be auctioned off to raise money for the American Heart Association's women's heart-health initiatives during Bead Fest Santa Fe in March. I will be sure to let you know more details about that when I have them.

Congrats to all the winners!! YOO HOOO!!!

Attention Class!!

It's here, did you see?!? Interweave Press has posted the class catalog for Bead Fest WIRE 2010 in King Of Prussia PA April 9-11. And yours truly is going to be teaching!!

This is such an exciting new direction to be taking. I love.love.love. to teach, and I am going to be getting to teach projects straight out of the pages of Totally Twisted! I thought you might like to hear a little more about the projects that are going to be offered.


First up on Saturday April 10 from 9-4 (with an hour break for lunch) we'll be making Delightful: Cost $225. This is a full day class and I think rightly so. I will be teaching you how to make FIVE different handmade wireworked chains. Each student kit will have a one-of-a-kind set of beads to make the final necklace, plus some extra beads for practicing with. We'll play with colored copper wires and mix them up with sterling silver too. I'll show you tricks for keeping your coated wire from getting scared by your tools. OH, and coiling too!! This class is definitely the best bang for the buck.


Saturday evening from 5-8pm we are going to make a truly Timeless design: Cost $165. I am really excited about this class too. I have some fun up my sleeves for this one! Not only will be making this bracelet, but first, to practice the techniques, we are going to make it in copper and brass with stamped and textured washers as the focal. How cool is that?!? And again, each student will get a one-of-a-kind bead for their faux-watch bangle.


On Sunday April 11th from 9am-12pm we will create a Framed bracelet: Cost $175. This is a fantastic technique that every wireworker/jewelry maker should have in their bag of tricks. I developed this "alternative" technique for framing beads a few years back and YES just how to do it is going to be in Totally Twisted!! I will be making each student a set of my uber cool plaid style beads in colors that really compliment oxidized sterling silver. Yep, we'll be oxidizing and stinking up out convention center room!!


I am finishing up the weekend teaching one of my favorite projects, ever, on Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm making Bang Gals!: Cost $175. Oh yeah. I love these bangles. I love the big coiled swirl of wire and I love all the color poppin' out of it. I just screams "Kerry Made Me" doesn't it? Yep, this one is another one from Totally Twisted and yep, I will be making each student all the beads they need to create the project. We'll be chit chatting the afternoon away in this class taking about color in design and using whatcha got to create cool jewelry without special tools. (ex: I used a pint glass I "borrowed" from a pub in London to get that bangle nice and round! HA!)

What a whirl wind of a weekend it will be. I am so looking forward to getting to meet up with some of my online girly friends. I'll be rooming with the fabulous Cassie Donlen. And I will be getting a little assistance one night from the lovely Cindy Wimmer. Plus, Lori Anderson says she'll be making the trip to PA too. Please send me an email if you are headed to the show. I would love to say HI!!

Now, go download the pdf of the class catalog at Interweave's Bead Fest website. Get your highlighter in hand and circle all the classes you want to take. Then be sure to log on this Thursday when registration opens up and grab your class seat!!

Last Round

The third round of Lickety Split Super Quick Ring beads are out in the mail, making their ways to their new homes. I decided it is time to call LAST ROUND for orders on these guys. I have made over 100 of them since opening orders up a few weeks back and now it is time to move onto something else. As I told someone yesterday... there will never be any new and fabulous beads if I am always making discs, right?

Taking these semi-custom orders did teach me some things though. I have said countless times how I hate taking orders. I am a brat of an artist at times and just wanna do what I wanna do, but doing this, with boundaries, really helped my attitude. It is an attitude I am going to need to continue to work on, since I am now planning on teaching in 2010. Teaching means kits... kits mean lots of the same beads... hopefully, I can keep it fun, fresh, and one-of-a-kind. I am getting a little ahead of myself. We have several months until my first MAJOR teaching experience... we will stress, worry, complain, and stress some more about that when it gets closer (are you prepared to encourage me through it?).

Anyway... it's official... LAST ROUND!! Get me your orders by FRIDAY!! If you need a reminder about the rules for ordering, check out this post HERE. The beads will be in the mail next Friday the 21st and then it is on to new things 'round here. I have big plans for the studio and cool new jewelry ideas I am working out.

Bead Fest Wire 2010

Yesterday I received an awesome email asking if I might be interested in teaching at Bead Fest Wire in PA in April 2010. I am thrilled to have been asked!! And will be jumping at the chance to be at such an exciting wire event. I am scrambling to come up with class ideas and would love your help.

I had it in my head that with the release of my book, I would teach an intro to wire class, but unfortunately, I have heard intro classes don't do so well. Students like classes where they get to spend a few hours learning a new technique and leave with a finished project in their hot beading hands. I have a couple ideas for projects from the book that I can teach, but I was thinking I should come up with a few fresh things too. OR, I could teach some oldie but goodies. There are just so many options and very little time to get the proposal pulled together.

So... give me some ideas. From you, the future wire students, what would you like to learn! What projects have you seen me make that you would want to see available as a class or kit? Feedback people. I need it.

Lickety Split Super Quick Beads

(rings modeled by the lovely Lindsey... back in February when I wrote the article. forgive her winter ravaged skin. and she has tiny hands, that's why the rings look HUGE!)

The emails are rolling in like crazy since the release of the summer issue of Step By Step Wire. Everyone wants to know "where do you get those beads!?!" Those of you familiar with my work already know that answer to that one... I make the beads! I bet you are wondering if you can place an order to get beads to try this project out for yourself.

The answer is YES!!

For a limited time, I am going to be accepting orders for the "Lickety Split Super Quick" beads. The cost is $15 p/bead and the size of them is approximately 1 - 1 1/4 inch across. Shipping will be $3.50.

A couple of ground rules since I don't usually do orders like this. 1) You can pick the shape of your beads. (circle, square, triangle, ruffle) 2) and you can suggest the colors, BUT, I reserve the right to creative control over the color combinations. (Please don't tell me you want a green bead with a blue edge and pink dots... I'll get bored and I won't want to make them anymore.) 3) Turn around time is going to be about two weeks (unless I get more orders than I can handle, at which point I will tell you if it will be longer.)

If you can live with those rules, all you need to do to place an order is send me an email! Kerry (at) kabsconcepts (dot) com. I will respond and confirm your order. Then, I will send an invoice via Paypal. Once payment is received it holds your place in line to have the order filled. I will send you a photo of your finished beads before I mail them so you know just what to expect!!

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful response to this project!! Happy Beading!