No news is good news

Since I haven't heard from my publisher then I would assume that no news is good news and they are progressing on the formatting of my book. I could be wrong but lets hope not as April 22nd is the date I'm hoping for a proof copy and that is fast approaching.

I only have a couple of gem tree workshops scheduled for this Summer in Billings, Montana, but I can always get another group together with just a few participants. My husband and I will be demonstrating at several shows this summer, but only in Billings will we have a complete workshop with participants taking home a tree and the book.

The book will be available from the publishers web site and I'll post that info when I get it as well as any other web site that will be selling my book.

I have received several e-mails from folks using my tutorial that have had great luck and lots of compliments on their finished trees. I want to thank them for their e-mails as it has been a driving force for me to get this book out and gives me an idea of how many people there really are out that interested in making a gem tree.

My husband is already planning that I'll be writing a follow up book and I just might. I do have an idea for a smaller book with loads of color photos vs. the B&W version that would only feature a couple of trees vs. eight. But for now, I'm in a holding pattern and not wanting to start something else until this one is finished. I'll still dream in my head and maybe one of these days start writing it all down on paper.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Dana

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Gem Tree Kit

In my very first post of this series, I listed all the materials needed to create one of these wonderful trees. Since then I have done some research on purchasing all the materials and have found that in my area of Washington State we have a bead store that sells the majority of items needed, but for some, you may have to go to several different stores. This being a major inconvenience, I will be offering gem tree kits for sale on my Dana's Jewelry Design.com web site. Click on the link and then go to Gem Tree Kits. So you will now have the choice of purchasing a completed tree by my husband or myself or purchasing the kit with printed instructions. Two kit sizes will be available, 1st kit would make a small tree as in the 3 leaf design within this blog and the 2nd kit would be a larger quantity of the same items, such as the gemstones and the wire. The 2nd kit would make several of the smaller trees or one large tree.

These kits would be great for a Cub Scout or Girl Scout activity or any kids club. They also make wonderful gifts for anyone crafty.

If you do live in the Western Washington State area, I do have classes available. Please contact me if you have a group that would like a private class or you would like to attend one of my scheduled classes. I do provide all the tools and materials for classes.

Here is a little bit about my skill and knowledge in designing gem trees and teaching gem tree design. I've been making trees for the past seven years and teaching in a classroom setting with up to 13 students for the past 4 years. I also demonstrate gem tree design with my husband at several Western Washington gem and mineral shows during the Summer and Fall. This past year, I entered a gem tree competition at the NW Regional level for gem and mineral clubs and won first place in my division. I have also helped design a workshop with my husband and an associate, Colleen Delaney, on the mental and emotional healing aspects of gem tree creation.

If you have any questions at all please e-mail me at dana@acorn-hill.com. My goal is to empower you to be creative and enjoy the process of learning and discovery. I also have an additional site that includes more instructions on how to make gem trees with more stick drawings. See my favorite links to connect to that site.

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