At long last, my new book The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting up Your Life, is almost in bookstores near you. What a fun project it has been. A wild ride of a year. Turning 50 and learning the in's and outs of publishing, a few more computer skills, lots of photo styling and learning to ask for help.I am forever thankful that I was encouraged to start this project by my friend Angela Miller. Angela said many years ago when we first met, "You should do a book" and I did think it might be fun, but wasn't ready at that point in my life. Four years later, Angela called again and YES, it was the right time. I guess turning 50 helped make me realize that I have been a lampshade maker and designer for over 20 years and I had skill and creativity and that I was actually at the right place at the right time. The CRAFT DYI movement is only in it's infancy of course which I had no idea when I started my book. I had thought it much more interesting to share all my tidbits of starting a business.
As you can tell by my blogging, my writing could use big help!!! Although I do enjoy rattling on about fabrics and lighting!!! So to the rescue was my co-writer, Kathleen Hackett from Brooklyn and grew up right up here in Rutland, Vermont. Kathleen was an immense help in editing my scribbles and DYI instructions. She's had lots of prior experience and was the perfect gal for the job. Kathleen was a pro in the HOME DESIGN department. Photographer, Ryan Benji and George Bouret keep me busy finding props and homes for photo shoots. I love looking back at all our photos and remembering all the stories of how we created each shot.... They were both pros on the job. I knew the key to putting out a great book was the photos. I had concerns early on that it would be "too crafty" and hoped to take the high road creating a book that reached out to a craft/decor audience.
Schedule as of 8.11.09: Aug. 27 Demo/Book Signing at Northshire Bookstore, Manchester,VT
w/ Jane Davies, 7pm
Aug 31, Martha Radio, Am with Betsy and Kim. Sirius Radio
Sun. Sept. 6th 10-5 at Lake's Lampshades, Pawlet, VT Book Signing, also
Pawlet Art On The Green
Wed. Sept 30- Fabric Lampshade Workshop at Shop 11-5, $150, reserve
Fri-Sun Oct 2-4 Hildene Craft Show, Book Signing/Demo, Manchester,Vt
Wed. Oct 14, 11-5 Fabric Lampshade Workshop at Shop,$150 reserve spot
Tues. Oct 27, 11-5pm same as Oct 14th.
Hope you will check out my book. It should be available at fine book stores near you. Give the shop a call if you are interested in a class. 802-325-6306 www.lakeslampshades.com and don't forget to hit the BLOG button, too.
Happy August
xoxo,
judy lake
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