I'm PUBLISHED!

Who knew when I purchased a kit and tutorial for enameling from Barbara Lewis that it would change my life?  I was looking for a way to stand out in a jewelry crowd and came across her web site Painting with Fire.  I couldn't order the kit fast enough.

The next year she had a book come out that hit #1 on Amazon Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry.  I also got to meet her and her husband at Philly Bead Fest and we became friends.  

Imagine my surprise when she asked me to contribute a piece for her newest book Mastering Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry.  There were only four of us.. and we each were asked to create a piece using the color wheel .. I got complimentary colors.  I had to figure out what colors to use and then what to design.

I used one of my favorite components, vintage leaves I purchased a few years ago from CJS Supply in NYC.  I made a lot of them.  Then I wire wrapped them to a vintage chain and added recycled silk ribbon.

 My reaction to getting my own copy of the book autographed by Barbara reminded me of this scene in one of my favorite movies..

I'm Somebody NOW!

Make sure to check out my other contributors fantastic designs

Laura Guenther - Blueantiquities
Heather Kelly Marston - Crystals, Stones and Wire: Jewelry by He-He Beads
Carol Dee Myers Czt - Carol DeeZigns

I'm Still Here

Yes.. I've been AOL for about a year.. but a busy year it has been!  Between growing my jewelry business and my hair salon business I have also been Ballroom Dancing!  The last year and a half has been about trying to take better care of myself physically and mentally.

On the jewelry side I've been accepted into shows I never dreamed I'd be in.  This will be my second year at the Hyde Park Art Show  and my third year at Autumn Air Art Fair.  I've lost track of how many times I've been in  Art in the Park and Art Off Pike.

I've added some new events/shows to my list as well.. Mellwood Art Show in Louisville KY, the Holiday Market and Winterfair in Cincinnati and Winterfair Columbus OH.  I'll also be back at the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show in 2015.

I only realize how far my work has come when I see these shows on my list that I attended but never dreamed I'd be a part of.

Added to the shows I will have a necklace featured in a book coming out in the fall.  Mastering Torch-Fired Enamel is the newest book in the Painting With Fire Series by Barbara Lewis.  I was truly honored to be asked by the author, who is also my friend and mentor to contribute a piece for this book.  I can honestly say knowing her and learning to enamel changed my life.

Next up is a trip to Bead Fest Philly.  A great chance to meet friends in person that I've known for years online in the Creative Bead Chat Group on Facebook.   I just got featured in their online magazine.  And I have some upcoming posts for the magazine and for another online blog.  I'll be hitting up all my favorite stores in NYC with my side kick Heather of HeHe Beads and a few new bead hoarding buddies.

So yes, you will see me around here more.. but hang on cause it's gonna be a bumpy ride!