Jan 27, 2012

Dream Come True!

Finally!! I can finally tell you what I have been dying to tell you for months now! I am so excited that I couldn't even sleep last night.

I just got my advanced copy of my first book that I ever styled and photographed! Quilts from The House of Tula Pink.

And in honor of the advance copy, I am writing this post in pink!

I have so much to tell you and so many stories that go with this book, that I don't even know where to start. So for today, I will just share some quick pics that I took when I tossed the book down on my table and snapped the pics so I could show you. I don't even have any PR materials to upload yet. I didn't even wipe the crumbs off my table, as you can see, I was so excited!! I am so very honored to be a part of this book. I hadn't planned on writing about this book for about a month, as I was told to wait, but then I suddenly started to get congratulation emails from some people who didn't know a thing about it...and I wondered how in the world did they know? Then I discovered that Tula Pink finally announced the book...and I thought...I better let my readers know about it now! 



Before I go into some of the details, I first must thank some very key people. First, I want to thank Nancy Soriano who recommended me to the publisher for this job. It all started out way back when I attended the book signing in NYC for Where Women Cook, and Nancy approached me (I was floored that she even knew who I was) and told me that she may have a project for me the following spring. That was I all I knew. I am so grateful that she and the F & W Media team took a chance on me and hired me to do this job. By the way, if you haven't been to Nancy's site, you MUST stop over...it is fantastic!


Next, I must thank the publication team that I worked with personally, Kelly Biscopink, and Julie Barnett, for giving me complete freedom in my choice of location, styling, and shooting style. Having never met them before, they gave me complete control of the shoot and provided only technical direction of what shots were needed for the quilt projects. Everything else they trusted to me completely, and for that, I am so very grateful.

I have never met, nor spoke to the author and designer-extraordinaire, Tula Pink. I will admit, if I designed such fabulous quilts, I am not sure if I could just turn them over to a complete stranger for several months and let her shoot them without not even knowing what in the world she is doing with them or if she even gets my vision. But she gave me complete control over her babies, and because she had a name for each of them, I felt a bond with them and finding a "home" for them in each setup was not hard to think of. (Now accomplishing it is a whole different story....)

Finally, I have to say, in all honesty, if it weren't for Debbie McReynolds, Renee Gaska, and Cindy Engelhart, and Rusty at Forever Antiques, this shoot would have never happened - ever. Seriously. These gal pals, business women, (and Rusty) came through when I really needed them. They let me hold their items hostage (more on that later), they gave me keys to their homes and businesses so I could just come in take what I needed, when, and they put up with my crazy hours, fearful days, and encouraged me when I thought I just would not be able to do some of the things I eventually got done. They will be forever in my heart and a big part of this beautiful book.




Like I said, I have so many, many funny and amazing stories to tell, but for today, I just want to show you how excited I am and share with you what I have sitting right next to me as I type this. The book will be available in April, I believe. And I hope to have a button on my blog and WEBSITE soon. Yes, my website was supposed to be done by now...so very excited... but my web guy is waiting for updated software to come in from the company so I wait....I am thhhiiissss close to finally having my website done!

But for now, please take a look at Tula's book. Her quilts are just super amazing...and I'm not even a quilt person. Tula designs fabrics that aren't "grandma" and she is super cool...go look at her site and you will see. 

Thank you for letting me share my joy with you. I so appreciate it and appreciate you...







A special thank you to Tiffany and Alan Smith who lent me their barn for the day...total strangers. I just knocked on their door and moments later, I was unloading my car....a story for later.





Don't you just love the little graphics, font, and the little stitching graphic that Julie and Kelly chose for the layouts? They are perfect, I think. Very talented editors...




I just love the font that they chose and graphic print...


Isn't this little stitching graphic perfect?














Over the next few weeks, I hope I don't bore you, but I will be showing some photos that weren't used, as well share some behind the scenes photos and tell you some really interesting stories and how I felt during those hot months that I shot in this abandon building...and what I experienced.

Oh...you didn't think I forgot about my wonderful barber husband, did you? You've heard of saving the best for last, right? I must thank my fabulous BETTER half for not only loading and unloading many truck loads of furniture...but for putting up for my many bad moods after many hot days in the sun, for my cranky long nights at the computer, and for my many,  many nights of not being home to make dinner or keep him company for my being on the road. He and I don't always do well under stress, but he sticks around and deals with it and for that, I am most grateful. I love him so much. 

Best of all? He plops down next to me on the sofa, positions the lamp just so...and slowly turns each page of my first book and points at each photo as if it is the first time he's ever seen it(and believe me, it isn't) all the while making me feel like Annie Leibovitz.

from my house to your house,



Signature

46 comments:

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

OMG!!!!!!!How EXCITING!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to you Elizabeth:)It looks like a gorgeous book. You are so talented how can it not be a beautiful success:) I am off to order it or preorder it now:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

The book looks beautiful.
I love the contrast between the bright quilts and the set design you used.
And where might one find a copy of this lovely book.
Susan

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Debra for being so excited! Your comment made me smile and light up! I appreciate your excitement.

:-))

Susan, the book will be in Barnes and Noble, Amazon and most fabric and large craft stores. I will hopefully have a button soon on my blog/website that will take you to a direct link to order as well. Should be available late March, I think. Thank you for asking! Got so excited, I forgot that little piece of info! :-))

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Anne Lorys said...

I could NOT be more happy for you, Elizabeth!!! I know how long you've been dying to share this news, and your photos are just stunning!

You continue to serve as my number one inspiration, not just as a photographer and blogger, but as a lovely woman of God, too.

Love ya, sis. :-)
Anne

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Love you too Anne...thank you for being such a good friend and understanding me...quirks and all. The passion for photography is something we share...but we both know that we both have lots of help from God in that department and I am grateful that I can talk to you about that.

Thanks for checking in on me from time to time girlie!

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Claudia said...

I'm thrilled for you, my friend. Your work is gorgeous - I'm not at all surprised. And I quilt! I will have to buy a copy of this beautiful book - perhaps my friend Elizabeth will sign it for me?

xoxo
Claudia

Valerie (Favorite Stops Along the Way) said...

Wow, you have such an eye! It's wonderful to see that God is using you, and the gifts he's given you, in such a wonderful way. I first discovered your blog after seeing your kitchen on the Rate My Space website, and as a person new to blogs, I really admired the way you shared your testimony, and the photos of your wedding. You have such style. Congratulations on the book. Praying for continued blessings to you. I can't wait to buy the book.

MJ said...

Oh - My - Goodness Elizabeth!!!! I am over the moon excited and proud of you! You are an amazing photographer and talented stylist and now more people will get to see it! I will definitely put this on my bday wish list. You are a treasured friend and mentor and it fills my heart with joy to see your dream come true!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
MJ
Lucky 7 Design

jade said...

Elizabeth...
Just read on my sis's facebook(lucky7design).
That's so amazing.! It's beautiful.
I have to tell you I'm not even into quilts, but your styling and photography ALONE make me want this book. You have mad skills!!!
Much love,
Jennifer

MIL said...

Congratulations Elizabeth We are really excited for you. Love Jim and Diane

Richard Cottrell said...

Ms. Elizabeth, it is wonderful, never doubted it would be. Glad you stood your grounds. I can't wait to find a copy. And yes, i am going to be in Victorian Homes Magazine again next month. Yahhhhh!!!!!Richard from My Old Historic House.

Tina said...

Congratulations Elizabeth! SOOOOO Exciting! Will get the book for sure, and you know, she was so very lucky to have your enormous contributions! HUGS!

cathypentonatelier said...

It looks amazing!!!! but you always do AMAZING work!!!! love to you xo

Anonymous said...

I will be purchasing at least two! One for me and one for Karri! Maybe it will be a wedding shower present! --can you believe that--? congratulations! Beautiful work!

kim

Carol Spinski said...

So proud for you GirlFriend!:) Can't wait to purchase the book too:) (((Hugs)))
Carol
www.CarolSpinski.com
www.GoodStella.com
http://raisedincotton.typepad.com/

helen tilston said...

My congratulations. Well done. It looks spectacular.

As you new follower I will look forward to your visit,
helentilstonpainter.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

very beautiful photo's love the barn pic..congratulation.....love all pink on the cover...what beautiful quilts

Kelly

Anonymous said...

Hi Elizabeth--congrats on your new project! I met you years ago (at your shop)when visiting from Oregon. I love your style and am reviewing old posts of your beautiful apt above your shop. I'm thinking of using your color pallete in our new home. Thanks for your wonderful blog--I check in EVERY DAY! Allegra from Bandon, OR

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Oh, St. Louie girl! I'm SOOOOO happy for you! The images are incredible. No wonder they hired you! No wonder NS recommended you! Spectacular work. To God be the glory.

Deb said...

What a gorgeous book!!
Congratulations Elizabeth ♥

House Things said...

Oh My Goodness Gracious! I'm so excited and happy for you! Hearing this great news has turned my so, so day into a great day. Congratulations!

Tamra said...

Congratulations Girly Girl!! I am so happy and excited for you. The beginning of many more exciting things to come! Well done and well earned.


When I read that you just knocked on someones door and to use their barn to shoot photos.....oh how I wish our paths would cross! If you showed up at my barn, er, front door you wouldn't be able to leave here for days!! And I mean that in a good way of junk sorting, photo shooting, giggling and wine sipping. I don't mean that in a stalkerish way at all, LOL!

Tamra
The Gilded Barn

karmucaycuquino said...

me encanta este libro
un saludo y feliz fin de semana desde
http://karmucaycuquino.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Everyone!

It is a bright and sunny (but cold) morning and how lucky am I to have so many well-wishers commenting on my blog! I feel so very blessed to have so many who took time to write me to wish me well and to express excitement...that so warmed my heart...

I thank God for each and every one of you for your support, love, and confidence. God has been very good to me in so many ways. My earlier mention of several amazing stories I want to share with you over the next few weeks is just that: I want to share some amazing things that took place that clearly (very clearly) had God's hand in it, and I wanted to do His work justice by giving those times its own story. He deserves His own posts...hope I do it justice.

For now, I am going to visit YOUR blogs and thank you personally for stopping by and visit those who are new to my site - welcome!!

For those who don't have a site or a way for me to connect to you:

Kim!! I love that you wrote...and Karri....wedding shower??? CONGRATS...so happy for you both. I am so happy you wrote...it REALLY warmed my heart. Big hugs to you both. I would love to sign her book...I still remember saving a little horse photo for her when she was still a little girl!! Big hugs...lots of them :-)

Allegra! How wonderful to have you visit me...and I love that we have met. I am so flattered that you visit me via cyber! I would love to see photos of your home after you have worked on it. Thank you so much for taking time to write to me. It means so much to me that you take time to visit and keep up. I said it a lot, but I really mean it...I am always so amazed and very humbled that so many really care what goes on in this crazy noggin of mine...really! Big hugs to you!


I got home so late last night and wanted to spend this morning catching up with you all.

I am still pinching myself and feel so amazed and very lucky to have worked with such a talented team that put this all together.

Thank you again for appreciating all the hard work in this book and for making my weekend start off on such a happy note!

Now, off to visit you all on your sites and have some hot tea and enjoy my morning seeing what YOU all are up to! :-)

Big hugs to you all,
And love
Elizabeth :-)

Little Susie said...

Oh Elizabeth, i am SO HAPPY for you! Anyone would be honored to have you be the stylist/photographer of their artistic creations, you are so funny to have said that about "taking a chance on little ol' me"...girl, you are it! lol......i love everything you do and gush gush gush as usual, on your work in this book....i especially love the photo on the side of the barn...LOVE THAT SO MUCH, and the one of the 3 quilts draped over what looks like classic vintage high school auditorium chairs, and the golds/greens of the quilts draping over the gilt looking french chair legs with the the little adorable smudge pot looking thing just floating off in dreamy spender underneath...sigh-oh-dreamy-sigh on how you create a world in each of your photos.....as usual, your talent is always ever reaching to the stars, always inspiring and unique and fresh....can i compliment you some more??? believe it or not, YES!!!!! lololol....(anyways, i don't know if you remember me or not, but i've followed your artistic adventures ever since i discovered you on HGTV RMS a few years back...i'm morningglory from hgtv/rms but i started my "little susie's cottage" blog now and for the love of god never post, but only talk to other bloggers!!! lolol......i'm the girl who loves everything you do, but particularly the one foyer styling/photo so much that you had done, and way back when, i had asked about the "fishing satchel basket" you had hung in there).....i just adore you and you're such a sweet person and you crack me up at how you always give your greatest credit to god....bless you little angel, your photography in here is as wonderful as ever, and has your personality all over it!! LOVE YOUR SIGNATURE MUTED FRENCH GRAY TONES PLAYING OFF HER BRIGHT QUILT FABRICS! and i'm so happy for you and thank you for sharing your news, it's so sweet to see how excited you are, you were born to be published, you're one of a kind :)...your book will be on my birthday wish for sure till i get it, lolol...love and light always, susie <3

Elizabeth Maxson said...

I was just about to start my adventure of email/visiting posts when your comment just pops up Susie and I had to smile....only because I love how you took the time to really remind me of who you were...

....you must really read my posts because then you know how AWFUL I am at remembering names and such. But because you went into such detail about how we "know" each other (via cyber, of course), as I read our connection, it all started to click with me, and I thought...."Oh, yes!! Susie....the basket lady!"

Yes! I do remember you...you have a GREAT memory...I so admire people with such great memories...really I do. Had to stop and say quickly how the enthusiasm of you and my readers just jump off the page and makes my heart sing. Such joy...and makes me so happy. Thank you for comments on the details...can't wait to tell more stories...it is all about the details... :-)

Again, big hug to you (basket lady) :-)
Elizabeth

Margo @ Legacy of a Single Girl said...

How fabulous!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to see all the photos you post, your images are just stunning!!! And I have to say how cute is your barber hubby to sit and enjoy the moment with you; most guys don't have the time to be so encouraging!! You are blessed!!
Hugs, Margo

amy of studio four corners said...

so absolutely wonderful for you! it all looks so beautiful and creative -just like you!

Stella said...

What a talented and hard-working woman you are. You have my admiration.

trash talk said...

E...I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you and for you. Now I have to ask two questions. What took so long 'cause girl...you are the bomb.com at stying and photography!
Second...curiousity makes me ask...did a certain very hot trip to Texas figure into all this exciting news?
To all this I can only think of three words...God Is Good!
Deb

time worn interiors said...

Congratulations Elizabeth, that is great news! Oh, I know you had a great time with project! The book looks so interesting! I can't wait to see more pictures! You have inspired me for years!

tot

sweetpea said...

oh elizabeth, it's just perfection! nothing less from you my talented friend. thank you for your wonderful comment. i am flattered beyond words by it...

hugs,

shelley

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Elizabeth! Can not wait to get a copy of the book. So happy you did not explode before you could release information about the book.:D Love you and I am so proud of you.
Sherrie xoxo

rings said...

Thats fantastic, cant wait to see it.

Donna Reyne' said...

Congratulations Elizabeth!
This IS So... EXCITING!
What an opportunity for you to show your amazing talent! God has truly blessed you with an incredible gift!
You Go girl!!!! I am so glad that all of your hard work paid off in such a beautiful way! I don't usually buy quilting/quilt books but will have to order this one just to see your work up close!
hugs from here Elizabeth!
Donna

Kate said...

Oh Elizabeth how truly wonderful!!!

You are so very talented and what an a beautiful way to bless all of us with such a wonderful book!!!

You are a blessing

xoxo
Kate

Curtains in My Tree said...

I will be checking the book stores for this book in April

Congratulations Elizabeth

I know all about quilts not having grandma's old vintage material in them . There is some fabulous art quilts , even painted quilts at the last show I went to in Paducah Ky, I mean quilted then painted on

everything you do is fabulous

Low Tide High Style said...

I found you through Anne at Fiona and Twig, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Your photography is gorgeous, and I'm now wondering how the heck I haven't found you before now! Congratulations on your book, I wish you much success, and look forward to seeing more pictures in the weeks to come!!!

Kat :)

Patty said...

Dear Elizabeth, at Anne's urging I read your post of December 2007. I cried as I read it. It touched me for so many reasons. We never hear about this type of accident from your perspective, although we see them on the news all the time. I think it hit me hardest because I thought I was going to die last year. I had multiple pulmonary embolisms and I knew that wasn't good. I started crying, thinking I was on my last day. But a moment later I was calm, unworried, smiling at my ER nurse. Your story brought all the terror back to me. I cannot IMAGINE going through what you did. I agree, you had angels with you. God allowed you to stay with us to share your talent and grace. Congratulations on the book. It looks like a winner. I feel you have much more to share with us, and I know you will use each of your adventures to teach and inspire, create and beautify, amaze and impress. God bless you, Elizabeth. I look forward to each of your new posts as I become a follower.

Truly,
patty

Nan said...

Congratulations! Just discovered your blog through Fiona and Twig and I am so glad I clicked the link. I could eat your photos with a spoon they are so luscious. Can't wait to buy the book and continue to read your blog.

Dori @ Bell Jar Vintage said...

I just found your blog by way of Fiona & Twig. Your photography and styling is stunning. However, I was compelled to comment because I first read your post about your car crash. I was in tears, not just because it was a moving recount of your trauma - but because it was so close an experience to mine. I, too, rolled my car near the edge of a bridge. I, too, initially freaked out and thought "This is it". Then I felt a total calm wash over me and thought, "It's okay. I'm okay that it's my time." Then the glass that was headed straight towards my face and the trees and hill on the other side of the bridge faded. I remembered thinking that someone was with me, protecting me. The glass and debris fell to the right of me like there was a wall up. Then that feeling was gone - the calm. I was sitting in my smashed car realizing that I hadn't in fact died. I think it took a few seconds for it to sink in, then I started to scream hysterically. I didn't mention yet that I was following my sister on a dark country road. She witnessed the whole accident in her rear view mirror - sure as your husband (now) that she had lost me - or at the very least, I was terribly injured. I came away without a scratch. Just a bruise from the seat belt from being upside down.
Your recount took me down a vivid memory lane. And we are both still alive to tell these tales of angels. And it is still good to remember that life is good, but living is better - as you put it. But that when it's time - it will be all right. :)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello dtcappas!

I went to your blog to respond, but you only had a profile, so I will respond here and hope you read it. Your story of your crash made my eyes tear up to the point I couldn't see the computer screen and a lump in my throat where it was hard to breath. I think it is still remnants of PTSD that I was diagnosed with that pops up. I could so feel and "see" your crash in my mind as I read your story and certainly feel all that you went through.

I was so amazed (and again comforted) of how you, too, felt that moment of calmness and how you felt okay with it being your time. I try so hard to hang on to that feeling as time passes...I never want to forget that peaceful feeling - ever.

My barber husband the other day came home and said he had a customer in his chair and the older gentleman announced to my husband that this would be his "last haircut." My stunned husband inquired and ask questions, and the older man (in his eighties) said he found out he had advanced cancer and was checking himself into a hospice. The older man started to tear up and hide his crying as he told my husband how he didn't want to die or be alone. I teared up as I heard the story and my husband said he cut his hair and talked to him and stayed calm. He has been cutting hair for over 25 years and has heard a lot from a lot of men over those years. My barber husband asked the gentleman if he "was right with the man upstairs ..." (my husband just has a way of talking to these men after thousands and thousands of haircuts) and the old man told him, that yes, he got "right" years ago. And simply and plainly, my husband said, "Then you aren't alone and never will be..." I don't think a lump in my throat ever grew so big in my life. After the man left, another customer sat in the barber chair and told my husband, "Wow, you handled that really well."

I prayed very hard for that gentleman that he comes to find peace and calmness in his heart like the moment I found during my wreck and like you did in your wreck. I trust that he will.

I am so glad you made it out okay and I have no doubt you weren't alone either. Your sister and my husband have something in common: feeling so helpless and thinking they were losing someone the loved and couldn't do a thing about it. I really believe my husband having that helpless experience of almost losing me is what kept him so calm with this elderly gentleman and kept it together and just listened. He knows exactly how it feels to be completely out of control and could relate to this gentleman.

Thank you so much for sharing your story - I love it when readers take time to share something so personal about their life...especially brand new readers! Thank you for visiting from Anne's blog and stopping on over. I love that you did that.

Take care and big hug to you (and your sister)
Elizabeth :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Nan!

Welcome and thank you for stopping on over. I am so happy to have you! I am excited about the book, as you can see, but even more happy that others are excited too.

I appreciate you taking time to make such a lovely comment. :-))

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Patty!

And welcome! I am so happy to have another one of Anne's great followers hop on over to read one of my stories. I am so glad you are still around as well. What a horrific year you must have had last year. But like the other reader, below you, it comforted me to know you felt a moment of peace as well! There is a part of me that now believes that in our moment, while our "human part" is afraid, our spiritual part is peaceful because we are not alone. And why you, me, and others some how are spared in that moment, only God knows why. I personally think He just wasn't ready to deal with my craziness yet, so He is keeping me at arms length a bit! :-)

Thank you for the nice comment and I look forward to hearing from you again. Anne is a very caring and compassionate blogger friend that I have yet to ever meet in person. I find her amazing and her readers as well.

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Congrats ~ I just had to stop by, since reading the Beautiful post by Anne F&T... I think I will be sitting awhile & catching up on your wonderful blog~
Cheryl

Nancy in Cincinnati said...

Congratulations on a gorgeous book, Elizabeth! The photos and styling are just stunning ... I can't wait to see it in print. It's sometimes long periods of time in between my checking in with your blog, but I always come away inspired! I was a magazine design director at F & W quite a while back, but I recognized Christine Palumbo's name in the credits. Your post brought me right back to those days! I'm sure the book will be a big success!

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