Stuff
Book Report
I'm writing a book.
I just love the way that sounds.
For the past couple of weeks, I've basically been living between the colorful, glossy pages of my unwritten book. It's just about the only thing I can think about. I've been brainstorming, doing lots of research and filling notepad after notepad with notes and ideas, happy to finally have an excuse for buying excessive amounts of pens and paper (I have a little stationary supplies fetish. The kinda-pricey set of 30 colored felt-tip pens? Yes, those are absolutely necessary for my writing process). Sleeping hours are erratic (so, what else is new) and eating is just to keep my stomach quiet. I've been even worse than usual at replying to e-mails - it seems that the best way to communicate with me these days is by playing Scrabulous with me on Facebook. (Come on. You know you want to. I will kick your ass. Unless you are Julie F.)
Things are starting to fall into place and it feels like this is actually happening. I say this with a bit of hesitation - there is obviously a huge amount of work ahead of me. Although I have a sort of vague timetable in mind, it's hard to say how long the whole process will take. I can only hope to keep up the same level of excitement for a while - or at least, that if and when the excitement goes away, it will keep coming back. I'm not going to share any more details at this point - kind of a writers' superstition kind of thing. But I will update you on my progress from time to time.
I am still making beads, of course - lots of them. Many are actually inspired by my research, which feels great. Here is a set called 'Color Study', now on eBay:
I had a bit of a photography epiphany this week: some beads look a thousand times better when photographed in direct sunlight. You'd think I would have noticed that before.
Bringing on the Bling
Among other things, I've been using lots of gold lately. I hadn't used it much before - just occasionally here and there. I am starting to realize that this shiny yellow stuff has more potential than I initially thought. Experimenting with it feels weird - I always feel guilty when a piece of 23-karat gold foil goes up in smoke, literally, without even leaving any kind of trace behind. I think that's probably why there is so little information on gold in lampwork, compared to silver. Since I have discovered a couple of cool things so far - I'm thinking maybe it is time to change that.
Here's another set - also book-related in a way - titled 'Subliminal'. Purple and green is one of my personal favorite color combinations. All the raised decoration is in R4 'Michelangelo', yet another obsession. I am obsessed with Michelangelo bubble dots. Besides the set above, I don't think I've made a single bead all week without Michelangelo bubble dots. They are so cool. The color range is amazing. And they go so well with everything.
Subliminal is also up for auction.
Italy Updates
Regarding my upcoming classes in Murano: I don't have all the information yet, but we are probably looking at the last week of March and the first week of April. It's turning out to be one hell of an event - Pati Walton (US) and Dora Schubert (Germany) will be teaching there as well, along with a few others. And have I mentioned the tours of Murano and Vetrofond's factory? I'm really excited about this. Wherever you are - you should come!
I'll be keeping you posted here, as more details become clear. You can also follow Quinton's Murano Magic blog for updates.
These are just stunning! The 1st focal is to die for, and the second focal is to kill for. and the sets are just amazing!
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Hey Sarah,
I'll buy your book! Although I don't do glass I think it's fascinating! Your's especially!!!
Susan
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A book would be great ... maybe I could proof read it for you ;0)
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When photographing in direct sunligt, use a white reflector on the opposite side of the sun, in order to bounce some light back into the subject. This will brighten up the shadows and keep the highlights (white areas) from washing out once you modify the image to put it on the web.
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SARAH! WOW!
I have to have a Gold bead from you!! They are absolutely lush and it would complete my collection! Fantastic beads as always mate. Love em!
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Hey Sarah!
I have been on your site many times checking out your beautiful bead creations over the past 6 mos or so (back around the time when I started making beads myself) after I happened across your work on Ebay. Can I just say that as a fan from Florida, I am SO EXCITED that you are writing a book! I have marveled at your use of color and the reactions you get out of the glass. You can bet that the minute it hits the presses I'll be putting in my order for your book. I was bummed I couldn't come to one of your recent classes in Europe (don't you just love Amsterdam?) and I don't think I will make it to Italy for your upcoming classes. Rest assured, your book is much anticipated here in the states (at least by me!). So, please stay inspired!
- Laurie
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