Thursday, February 13, 2014
Would you like a PDF version of my original book, Freeform Peyote Beading?
Today's the last full day for my Kickstarter project and it's time to pull out all the stops.
If we reach full funding by midnight tonight, I will add a digital (PDF) copy of my first book, Freeform Peyote Beading, to ALL pledges of $40 or more. This is the first time that I have ever offered Freeform Peyote Beading in a digital format, and you will not see this again anytime soon.
This is in addition to the specific rewards for your backing level and is my way of saying thank you for making my first Kickstarter a success.
But we're not there yet! With 23 hours to go, we're currently sitting at 84% funding. I need your support to make this happen.
Share the link on your Facebook wall and Become a backer today!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Down to the Wire
If you've been on the fence about supporting my Kickstarter for Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading, now is a great time to jump in as a backer. We are coming down to the wire. The campaign ends Friday morning at 9:45AM PST, so we're running out of time.
Special Incentives through Wednesday
But why wait until Friday? Become a backer before midnight tomorrow, help me reach my Week Four Stretch Goals and reap the rewards along with all the other backers.
Stretch Goals are Cumulative! When we reach the second stretch goal (75 backers/90% by Wednesday), I will draw beady sketches in all print books ordered AND send the exclusive digital addition to all backers at $5 or above.
The stretch rewards are the same as last week, because I like them and I'd be thrilled to be able to add them to everyone's pledges. But they will not be repeated again. So if you like the idea of an original sketch inside your book (or even on a separate piece of paper if you prefer) and an extra PDF tutorial, then become a backer now.
You'll be actively supporting the publication of the next book on Freeform Peyote.
Backer Levels and Rewards
You can pledge any amount from $1 on up, but here's a quick look at some of pledge levels available:
$1 - Community Spirit: Thanks for your support! I hope you’ll stay tuned to the campaign. Your name will be listed on a special page on my website as a supporter for this project. Don’t forget that you can always increase your pledge later. (And at $5 you're eligible for the second stretch reward listed above).
$10 - Name in Lights: Your name will be listed in a special acknowledgement section of my book as well as on my website and blog. You’ll also receive a personal email from me thanking you for your support.
$20 - Electric Dreams: You’ll receive a digital copy of the book (either PDF or Kindle if I reach my first stretch goal) at publication and a personal email from me thanking you for your support.
$30 - Beta Tester: You’ll receive beta-versions of the book in PDF format
delivered electronically on a 4-6 week cycle beginning as early as June
2014 and the finished ebook (either PDF or Kindle if I reach my first
stretch goal) at publication. All supporters at this level or above will
also receive a signed postcard from me thanking you for your support.
$35 - Digital Deluxe: Besides the Beta and Final digital versions of my book, you’ll also have your choice of TWO of my three freeform peyote bracelet PDF tutorials. Choose from Ocean Currents, Peacock Spring or Winter Blues. Includes the PDF tutorial only, not the beading kit. My bracelet tutorials typically retail for $12.00 each on Etsy.
$40 - Old School/Paper & Ink: You’ll receive a signed print copy of the
book (with optional personal inscription), plus any applicable stretch
rewards. Does not include a digital version of the book.
$60 - The Whole Shebang: You’ll receive a signed print copy of the completed book as well as digital and beta book versions. The print and digital copies will be delivered after publication, beta book editions to be delivered electronically on a 4-6 week cycle beginning as early as June 2014.
$90 - Double Trouble: Two signed print copy of the completed book as well as digital and beta book versions. The print and digital copies will be delivered after publication, beta book editions to be delivered electronically on a 4-6 week cycle beginning as early as June 2014. You will also receive two copies of any stretch rewards.
$150 - Kit and Kaboodle: The Whole Shebang plus your choice of one limited edition kit and tutorial based off of one of my freeform bracelets featured in the book. The kit will include the exact supplies I used in my piece and is ONLY available through Kickstarter. You will have two-three options to choose from. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a special blog hop/guest post in 2015.
$500 - Virtually There: Four private, half-hour Skype sessions on the beading/design topic of your choice. I will contact you via email to set up the first session. Also includes The Whole Shebang (signed book, ebook and beta). Must be redeemed by December 2015.
I invite you to visit my Kickstarter page to learn more about this book and become an important part of the process.
Special Incentives through Wednesday
But why wait until Friday? Become a backer before midnight tomorrow, help me reach my Week Four Stretch Goals and reap the rewards along with all the other backers.
- 65 backers or 80% funding by midnight Wednesday, February 12th, I'll add an original beady sketch to the title page of every book ordered through this campaign.
- 75 backers or 90% funding by Wednesday, I'll create a special digital addition and will send it to every pledge level from $5 up once the Kickstarter succeeds. The addition will feature a photo essay of the construction process for a piece not included in my book, and will be exclusive to this campaign. The project may not be a bracelet, but the tutorial will be similar to my Winter Blues Freeform Peyote Bracelet PDF tutorial currently available in my Etsy shop, but an entirely new design. And only if we meet this stretch goal.
Stretch Goals are Cumulative! When we reach the second stretch goal (75 backers/90% by Wednesday), I will draw beady sketches in all print books ordered AND send the exclusive digital addition to all backers at $5 or above.
The stretch rewards are the same as last week, because I like them and I'd be thrilled to be able to add them to everyone's pledges. But they will not be repeated again. So if you like the idea of an original sketch inside your book (or even on a separate piece of paper if you prefer) and an extra PDF tutorial, then become a backer now.
You'll be actively supporting the publication of the next book on Freeform Peyote.
Backer Levels and Rewards
You can pledge any amount from $1 on up, but here's a quick look at some of pledge levels available:
$1 - Community Spirit: Thanks for your support! I hope you’ll stay tuned to the campaign. Your name will be listed on a special page on my website as a supporter for this project. Don’t forget that you can always increase your pledge later. (And at $5 you're eligible for the second stretch reward listed above).
$10 - Name in Lights: Your name will be listed in a special acknowledgement section of my book as well as on my website and blog. You’ll also receive a personal email from me thanking you for your support.
$20 - Electric Dreams: You’ll receive a digital copy of the book (either PDF or Kindle if I reach my first stretch goal) at publication and a personal email from me thanking you for your support.
 |
| Peacock Spring PDF tutorial |
$35 - Digital Deluxe: Besides the Beta and Final digital versions of my book, you’ll also have your choice of TWO of my three freeform peyote bracelet PDF tutorials. Choose from Ocean Currents, Peacock Spring or Winter Blues. Includes the PDF tutorial only, not the beading kit. My bracelet tutorials typically retail for $12.00 each on Etsy.
$60 - The Whole Shebang: You’ll receive a signed print copy of the completed book as well as digital and beta book versions. The print and digital copies will be delivered after publication, beta book editions to be delivered electronically on a 4-6 week cycle beginning as early as June 2014.
$90 - Double Trouble: Two signed print copy of the completed book as well as digital and beta book versions. The print and digital copies will be delivered after publication, beta book editions to be delivered electronically on a 4-6 week cycle beginning as early as June 2014. You will also receive two copies of any stretch rewards.
$150 - Kit and Kaboodle: The Whole Shebang plus your choice of one limited edition kit and tutorial based off of one of my freeform bracelets featured in the book. The kit will include the exact supplies I used in my piece and is ONLY available through Kickstarter. You will have two-three options to choose from. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a special blog hop/guest post in 2015.
$500 - Virtually There: Four private, half-hour Skype sessions on the beading/design topic of your choice. I will contact you via email to set up the first session. Also includes The Whole Shebang (signed book, ebook and beta). Must be redeemed by December 2015.
I invite you to visit my Kickstarter page to learn more about this book and become an important part of the process.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Entering the Home Stretch
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| my Kickstarter Campaign as of February 6, 2014 |
Explorations will be a companion book to Freeform Peyote Beading, with new projects, new photographs, more and expanded beading diagrams covering more techniques, works by other artists and so much more.
Without the support of the Kickstarter, I still hope to write and publish Explorations. However, I fear its publication date may slip into 2015 as I will need to focus more of my time on activities that can help me cover expenses in 2014. I may also need to scale back on the scope of the project.
And on a totally personal note - writing is lonely. Knowing I have backers and people who want the project to succeed makes it less so. Instead of writing for a nameless, faceless audience, I will be writing for you - my Kickstarter supporters - as representatives of my larger audience.
Interested in becoming a part of that community and helping to insure that Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading: Designing Original Art Jewelry and Beyond is published in time for Christmas 2014?
Spread the word by sharing the link to your Facebook wall. And if you're feeling generous, consider becoming an official backer of the project as well. You will have my personal thanks, a chance to pre-order copies of the book along with other special incentives and the knowledge that you helped a new beading book see the light of day.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Superbowl Monday
When the Seahawks won the playoff games, and the town realized they were indeed headed to the Superbowl, the energy skyrocketed. It's felt like the entire city has been on a roller coaster ride, waiting for the final game; 12th man fever running rampant.
My first indication that this wasn't going to be 'business as normal' were the blue and green lights decorating the trees in the plaza between the International Districts and the stadium. Holiday lights had just come down the week before, so when I first saw them, I actually thought someone had made a mistake. Nope. New celebration.
Since the Superbowl is in New Jersey, I'd expected it to be quiet around the stadiums (and my studio) after the playoffs. Nope! The closer to the game, the more people poured into the stadium district. By Friday it had reached almost a carnival atmosphere, complete with people hawking 'limited-edition' Seahawks beads and pretty much everything else imaginable, guys playing pickup games of football, and families taking pictures of loved ones in front of the stadium. The guy that runs the hotdog stand behind my building mentioned that the sports shop next door couldn't keep jerseys on the shelves.
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A friend and I met at the studio on Saturday to work on paper mache armatures for a beading project she had begun a while back. It didn't occur to me then, but on the bus ride home I noticed that her color scheme - blues, greens and teals, worked suprisingly well with the Seahawks colors too. How did that happen?
At the bank, I was asked if I'd be watching the game. I had to smile and say no, but was able to mitigate my response by passing out 'Go Seahawks' stickers that someone had handed me as they were still in my jacket pocket. Every where I look, there are 12th man flags.
Even the lattes at El Diablo, our favorite coffee shop got into the act!
Sunday morning, the atmosphere at El Diablo's could only be described as a tailgate party. Everyone so happy, so excited, barely able to sit still, the adults far more excited than the kids. As if everyone's birthday, Christmas and 4th of July had all been rolled into one. And I started to really, really hope the Seahawks won. Simply because everyone was going to be so sad if they didn't. If they had lost, Seattle would have been one majorly depressed city.
I was concerned enough that I checked the scores periodically to see how things were going. But we knew when the Seahawks won, as fireworks erupted simultaneously from several different locations around our home.
This morning the front page of the Seattle Times has the largest newspaper photo I've ever seen, stretching from the headline above to well below the fold proclaiming the win. Eveyone I've met seems to be in a particularly good mood, but otherwise everything seems to have gone back to normal. Party's over, real life returns. Just a little happier than before. So thanks Seahawks - you did a great job.
And whomever came up with the idea for the 12th man? Amazing marketing! Totally amazing. I've never seen a town rally so totally around a team.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Breaking through the Mid-Campaign Slump
Week Three Stretch Goals
- 60 Backers or 75% funding by midnight Wednesday, February 5th, I'll add an original beady sketch to every book ordered through this campaign.
- 70 backers or 80% funding by Wednesday, I'll create an exclusive digital addition and will send it to every pledge level from $5 up once the Kickstarter succeeds.
- Just so we're clear - if we reach the second stretch goal (70 backers/80% by Wednesday), I will draw beady sketches in all print books ordered AND send the exclusive digital addition to all backers at $5 or above.
How you can help:
Become a Backer - Show your support by becoming a backer. Specific pledge rewards start at $10, but EVERYONE who backs my project at any level from $1 on up will be listed on a special page on my website and blog as an amazingly wonderful supporter of this project
Spread the Word: Head out to your favorite forums and social media sites. Make sure they're relevant: beading, freeform peyote, seed beads, ... you know the score. With an emphasis on no spamming here and adhering to forum protocol and rules: write a post or comment in an existing one about this book and Kickstarter. Someone else already created a post? Add a comment; it still counts. Have your own thread going from a couple of days ago? Add something to your earlier post to freshen the topic, or write a new post - perhaps mentioning the new stretch goal. Don't spam - no one loves a spammer - make the posts thoughtful and contributory.
That's it ... continue creating a buzz. You have all been truly, wonderfully AWESOME in this respect! When you do this, post a comment here and let me know.
Add ons
Several people have asked about ordering extra signed copies of the finished book. Now, any backer at the $10 level or above can purchase additional signed copies of the book for $30. Simply add $30 for each book (up to 10 total books due to Kickstarter rules). If we reach this week's stretch goals, I'll even draw sketches on the title page of every copy if you'd like.
After the campaign succeeds, I'll send out a survey to verify what the extra amount was for so I get it right.
Feedback
Anything else you'd like to see, or anything you think I should add to this campaign (Including topics for inside looks at the book project itself)? Let me know - I'm always open to suggestions!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Call for Entry - Now Accepting Submissions
This is a call for entry for my upcoming book Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading: Designing Original Art Jewelry and Beyond.
What I'm looking for are original designs, high-quality photos and a wide range of styles. The predominant beading style of all work submitted for consideration must be freeform peyote, though pieces may include other beading styles, stitches and media. Works may be jewelry, accessories or small sculptural pieces. The Call for Entry is open to all artists, whether within the United States or international.
The artists and their works will be listed in an index of photographs, with a link/URL to their website, blog or estore. In addition, each artist will receive a digital copy of the completed book.
B) Featured Artists - Here, I'm looking for artists willing to share information about their creative process as well as their finished piece. The goal is a quick peek into your process, including two to four progress photos and your source of inspiration as well as the finished piece along with some commentary about your process.
The featured artists and their works will be listed in an index of photographs, with a link/URL to their website, blog or estore and will have a short biographical statement associated with their work. In addition, these artists will receive a print copy of the finished book and a $50 token of appreciation for their contribution.
Copyright: All work must be submitted by the artist who designed and stitched the piece. You must hold the copyright to the design. If your work was inspired by the work of another artist, please include the name of the artist and their work, explaining how it acted as your inspiration.
Works submitted for consideration should be relatively new, produced within the past three years, preferably that has not been published in any other print format, to avoid potential licensing infringements. If your work has been reproduced in another book or magazine, you must let me know where as there may be copyright/licensing issues involved. If your work has appeared on a blog or other digital format, please let me know this as well (including URLs where available) and whether it was that particular photograph that was used for the site.
Licensing: If your work is accepted into this project, you agree not to publish your work in any other format (including your personal blog and social media pages) until the publication date of the book, or December 31, 2014 if the book has not yet been released. You retain all rights to your photograph and to the original work. You grant Karen Williams and Skunk Hill Studio the right to reproduce photographs of your work in print and digital formats, including publicity materials (websites, press releases, blog posts, postcards, etc) related to the book.
Image Format & Sizes: Images may be submitted as .JPG or .PNG. Minimum file size (1500x2000pixels), Maximum file size 3MB (3072KB). If your image is selected for inclusion, I may contact you to see if it is available in a larger format.
Photography Hints: I am looking for the highest quality images as well as the highest quality work. If you're looking for tips and hints to improve your photography, I highly recommend The Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos by Heidi Adnum. Remember to keep backgrounds simple - the focus should be on your jewelry.
Deadline: The deadline to apply is Monday, March 31st. I will be selecting work for inclusion in my book project in an ongoing process throughout the application period.
I'm running a Kickstarter campaign to help crowdfund and support the production of this book. Right now my budget is very slim, meaning I will need to keep the number of external artists (especially featured artists) low.
More artists means a broader range of ideas and inspiration as every artist has their own style and method of working. Your support and a successful Kickstarter will allow me to greatly expand the number of artists’ whose work is included in the book.
Click here for the official submission form.
If you you would like to be considered as a featured artist, make sure to include at least one work-in-progress image and indicate your interest in the additional information section.
I am using an EmailMeForm account to standardize data collection. Due to upload limitations, the maximum file size for each image is 3MB, with a maximum of three images per entry. You may submit up to two Call for Entry applications if you would like to submit more than three images.
Any questions? Let me know!
What I'm looking for are original designs, high-quality photos and a wide range of styles. The predominant beading style of all work submitted for consideration must be freeform peyote, though pieces may include other beading styles, stitches and media. Works may be jewelry, accessories or small sculptural pieces. The Call for Entry is open to all artists, whether within the United States or international.
There will be two levels of participation:
A) Images of Works - One to two images per artist. I will use these pieces to help illustrate specific design or construction elements and/or in gallery pages. The caption will include the artist’s name (and photographer’s name, if different) and the title of the piece.The artists and their works will be listed in an index of photographs, with a link/URL to their website, blog or estore. In addition, each artist will receive a digital copy of the completed book.
B) Featured Artists - Here, I'm looking for artists willing to share information about their creative process as well as their finished piece. The goal is a quick peek into your process, including two to four progress photos and your source of inspiration as well as the finished piece along with some commentary about your process.
The featured artists and their works will be listed in an index of photographs, with a link/URL to their website, blog or estore and will have a short biographical statement associated with their work. In addition, these artists will receive a print copy of the finished book and a $50 token of appreciation for their contribution.
Requirements
Copyright: All work must be submitted by the artist who designed and stitched the piece. You must hold the copyright to the design. If your work was inspired by the work of another artist, please include the name of the artist and their work, explaining how it acted as your inspiration.
Works submitted for consideration should be relatively new, produced within the past three years, preferably that has not been published in any other print format, to avoid potential licensing infringements. If your work has been reproduced in another book or magazine, you must let me know where as there may be copyright/licensing issues involved. If your work has appeared on a blog or other digital format, please let me know this as well (including URLs where available) and whether it was that particular photograph that was used for the site.
Licensing: If your work is accepted into this project, you agree not to publish your work in any other format (including your personal blog and social media pages) until the publication date of the book, or December 31, 2014 if the book has not yet been released. You retain all rights to your photograph and to the original work. You grant Karen Williams and Skunk Hill Studio the right to reproduce photographs of your work in print and digital formats, including publicity materials (websites, press releases, blog posts, postcards, etc) related to the book.
Image Format & Sizes: Images may be submitted as .JPG or .PNG. Minimum file size (1500x2000pixels), Maximum file size 3MB (3072KB). If your image is selected for inclusion, I may contact you to see if it is available in a larger format.
Photography Hints: I am looking for the highest quality images as well as the highest quality work. If you're looking for tips and hints to improve your photography, I highly recommend The Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos by Heidi Adnum. Remember to keep backgrounds simple - the focus should be on your jewelry.
Deadline: The deadline to apply is Monday, March 31st. I will be selecting work for inclusion in my book project in an ongoing process throughout the application period.
 |
| Kickstarter |
I'm Seeking Backers for this Project
I'm running a Kickstarter campaign to help crowdfund and support the production of this book. Right now my budget is very slim, meaning I will need to keep the number of external artists (especially featured artists) low.
More artists means a broader range of ideas and inspiration as every artist has their own style and method of working. Your support and a successful Kickstarter will allow me to greatly expand the number of artists’ whose work is included in the book.
Submitting your work:
If you you would like to be considered as a featured artist, make sure to include at least one work-in-progress image and indicate your interest in the additional information section.
I am using an EmailMeForm account to standardize data collection. Due to upload limitations, the maximum file size for each image is 3MB, with a maximum of three images per entry. You may submit up to two Call for Entry applications if you would like to submit more than three images.
Any questions? Let me know!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Tracking Progress
Just discovered this fun site, Kicktraq, that creates tracking widgets for Kickstarter campaigns.
I'm happy to report that mine's off to a strong start. Many, many thanks go to everyone who has helped spread the word and who have become backers for this project. When this campaign succeeds, it will be because of you!
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