CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Photo courtesy of D. Evans

Last month, I was fortunate enough to be part of a joint effort to create a truly OOAK gift! Author Suzan Lauder, had just recently released her book "Alias Thomas Bennett" and wanted to celebrate this by creating a truly special gift for her friends in the publishing world who helped make it all happen. It was her vision that created these truly whimsical pieces:

- from the adjustable colored pencil bracelet by Miceart to the polymer clay mini book charm from Book Beads - all were inspired by her written word! The perfect eye candy for any bibliophile, wouldn't you say?

2013 Jane Austen Collection

It's been a few years since I introduced a tribute to Jane Austen with Book Beads. Thanks to you, this was met with much enthusiasm and has become a resounding success. How to build on this? I decided I couldn't go wrong incorporating three themes: Regency, floral prints, ladies of fashion. Without further ado, may I present....the 2013 Jane Austen Collection. 

Sculpted out of polymer clay, book beads are burnished, fired, sealed & glazed before being configured for the end piece (earrings, bracelet, necklace etc.) it was meant to be. It takes about 3 weeks from start to finish, to complete a bead. Their cut, clarity of image, size and durability are without rival -  a fitting tribute to the timeless Jane Austen!   Whether you want something a la carte or wish to custom design an item just for you, come and visit our MAIN site or via Etsy. There's bound to be something there to feed your inner book geek.

THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS

by Abigail Reynolds

Can't get enough of Mr. Darcy, Lizzie and the Bennetts? Like you, I've read my fair share of Jane Austen sequels. A notable series, The Pemberley Variations,  is one penned by Abigail Reynolds, who explores the possibilities of the roads not taken in the novels. The books look into the potential of "What if...?" and take us in unexpected, but satisfying directions!

Abigail and her novels are joining the ever-growing Book Beads family. With permission from the author, may I present The Pemberley Variations Collection:

 
You can order Abigail's book beads at the MAIN site. Enjoy!

Featured In A Magazine
- A First For Me!

A day after introducing my Jane Austen Book Bead collection earlier this year, I received an interesting communique from Liz Good, the editor of Interweave Publications.  They were compiling a first edition solely devoted to what Jane Austen and Regency ladies would knit during their time. They were asking permission to include my stitch markers (shown below)! 

Duh. Double Du-uh.  Didn't even have to think about it. YES. Si. Merci! And here we are...

Jane Austen Knits  came out in newsstands in November 2011 to much hoopla among all fans of Jane and historicals. And right on page 8 was little old me. My stitch markers. My contribution. In wee corner (click to magnify):

Thrilled doesn't begin to describe it. Let's just say I've had a permanent grin and been breaking into the "happy dance" at odd times since I received my copy (to the mortification of those around me). Credit for the wonderful book covers goes to book designer, Megan Wilson, of whom, I am a big fan of (can you tell?).

If you like Jane Austen and craft about Jane, the call for submissions for Jane Austen Knits 2012 is ongoing (deadline 1/31/2012). Check out their website for more information. 


Thank you Interweave for everything. It's been one heck of a ride!