WHAT’S NEW • Betsy Beads

• Now available as a paperback book, downloadable PDF or “Stitchip” (a USB flash drive)!
Betsy Beads: Confessions of a Left-brained Knitter

 

 

 

 

This is my book. Plain and simple, I am as proud of this effort as anything I have ever done professionally and forever grateful to the team at XRX Books who encouraged me to write it and provided all the support any author could ask for in bringing it to reality and putting it out into the world. Along with technical bead knitting instruction and over 30 pattern designs, it tells the story of my creative awakening in a series of seven essays scattered through the book as well as a publisher’s colophon.

How I got from where I was to where I am today encompasses quite the journey. I share an abbreviated version of that journey in the short form video I created for the Society of Arts & Crafts “CraftBoston: Fiber Stories” online show that runs from July 16 thru August 29. You can view the video on You Tube HERE. Visit the online show HERE. See my work in the show HERE.

If you are sufficiently intrigued to learn more, the book is available for purchase HERE in its original paperback edition, or as a downloadable PDF or on a USB flash drive called a Stitchip that you can connect to a computer or laptop. All from the original publisher, XRX Books. Still undecided? You can preview the book by clicking HERE or on the link named “Betsy Beads” that you should see in the Navigation Menu to the left of this post. I hope you’ll check everything out as time permits. Proud knitter here!



• “The Creative Landscape of Aging”
A Book I’d Love You to Read

As many of you know, especially if you are familiar with my book “Betsy Beads: Confessions of a Left-brained Knitter,” the issue of creativity has been a lifelong interest of mine. Sharing what I’ve learned about it, with a focus on those left-brained folks among us (like me!), was well worth the two years plus process of writing the book and I could not be more proud of the impact that sharing my personal creative journey has had on so many of you. I am so grateful that you continue to share your own stories with me and they bring me so much joy. There is now a new book about creativity, with a somewhat different focus, that I can recommend to you wholeheartedly.
 
A year and a half ago, I was interviewed by Judith Zausner for her award winning blog entitled Creativity Matters. The blog consists primarily of interviews with varied artists, with a focus on how their creativity has been influenced by their aging and vice versa, how aging has influenced their creativity. She has now assembled 16 of these interviews along with 21 insightful essays and a lovely photo gallery of the interviewed artists’ work. I am honored that my interview was one of those she selected to include in the book.

With her keen eye, quick mind, facile way with words and years of experience studying and passion for her subject matter, Judith has created a book that has much to teach us, whatever our age may be. I hope that many of you will buy it and read what she has to say. Your creative lives will be all the richer for it.

You can find her book for purchase here.



• Yarnings Shop to Host Workshop, Book Signing, Trunk Show & Sale
Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19,2012 in Skippack, PA

An exciting weekend is coming up in my local area! Yarnings is a beautiful yarn shop in Skippack, PA, about 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. On Friday evening May 18, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, they are hosting a book signing, trunk show and sale of jewelry. You’ll be able to buy my book, Betsy Beads, view selected pieces from the book and I’m also bringing along lots of One-of-a-Kind and Limited Edition jewelry that will be available for sale. The following day, Saturday May 19, I’ll be teaching my Design & Knit Beaded Bracelet class  from 9 – 4 pm and the Trunk Show and Sale will continue. And of course you’ll be able to take a gander at all the fabulous fiber that Yarnings has to offer. Stop by and say hello!

 

             

For directions to the shop and further information, visit the Yarnings website



• Betsy Beads: Confessions of a Left-Brained Knitter
Now Available from XRX, Inc and Your Favorite Retailer

It’s here!! I’m so excited to share that after two and a half years of work, my book has been released and is available for purchase.

First copies were made available at the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat in Tacoma, WA and the formal launch of the book took place at Stitches WEST in Santa Clara, CA. The reception has been beyond any and all expectations. XRX, Inc., my publisher, has already ordered a 2nd printing! Wow.

Thanks to everyone who has already bought the book and for so many kind words already shared. Betsy Beads is out there and the adventure has begun!

Buy Betsy Beads here: Betsy Beads or from your favorite retailer

Book Cover Photos: Alexis Xenakis, XRX, Inc., © 2012