Its been ages I know and if anybody has been missing these riveting bulletins, I must apologise.
Life is full, as for so many people, and though I do of course have stuff to say, you know, the fact is much of it can wait. None of it is that important, but here is a brief update.
First... see this review!

This is probably the most condensed (and refreshingly so), yet comprehensive book to date on gilded and painted glass. Concise and easy to read it mainly covers the most widely used cold process of gold and painted decoration on glass. Frances wastes no time in pointing out and clearing up the true meaning of the term Verre Eglomisé, now commonly used as a general title for any type of decoration applied to glass, but let’s not give too much away. This is all covered, including both cold and hot methods, in the opening paragraphs and under the Terminology section.

There are many old books from medieval manuscripts to un-translated documentation, so this book is very welcomed. There has been a long gap in the market for gilded glass, but now the art of glass decoration is enjoying such a revival, and with so many new and varied designs, this couldn’t really be better timed.

The book moves from techniques (ancient to modern day) to origins and the development of glass decoration throughout the world. Fabulous examples of historic and important pieces are illustrated, each with a brief description of techniques and materials used. Some of these examples show a real diversity in design and methods used.

The step by step approach for the entire gilding process is also explained and shown in great detail, covering initial design process for geometric and free hand patterns, the process of laying the leaf, engraving and colouring. Recipes, materials & tools, suppliers and useful references to websites make it easy for even a complete beginner or an amateur who has never laid a single leaf, but may wish to try their hand.

Even for the professional there is nothing comparable to this book. It is up to date, an excellent concise reference manual with a wealth of useful information, in essence it is a book that can teach even the most experienced restorer or gilder something new. Dominic Schuster for BAFRA  28.10.12

And these also came in:

….This book brings together the results of years of research by the author... time-tested arcane formulae have been thoroughly modernized; intricate order-sensitive processes are thoroughly explained. Anyone practicing today has to get many things 'right' if they expect their work to last really long-term: that is why this book is so very important.     William Gudenrath, Resident Advisor at The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass, NY, USA

I enjoyed the book enormously, and thought it very clear, practical and informative.   Karen Lawrence, glass artist, London

I started reading your book and I think that it is great...  it contains amazing amounts of information and yet it doesn't beat about the bush.                                                        Nina Binnington, mirror specialist, Germany

...I have now read four times, ever more slowly and with increasing understanding of the variables. Your experience and comments about what can be laid on top of what have in particular been very handy indeed for working out some potential snags ....I do so agree about repeating basic instructions in each separate context - from the reader's point of view, this is a blessing. Not to have to dash back and forth to re-establish an idea from a previous chapter, keeping a thumb in the page, is genuinely sensible....Thank you for making me even more determined to crack on with one of my better design brainwaves...  One thing I would add - I find that I have put pencil marks all over the pages to remind me of small important details in the text. For me, that is clear proof that this is a book to learn from and work with, not just to gawp at. Raised NEVER to scribble in books (oh the shame!) I now find that I do scribble, but only in the genuinely useful workaday ones....Richard Byrne, UK

It's a work of gilded art! This book will encourage and teach students for years to come. David Smith, ornamental glass artist, UK

I want to say how much I am enjoying the book! Its such a fantastic resource and so inspiring - a real gift to the glass world. Lucy Batt, glass artist, UK.                                                                        

... after so much time, research and careful thought, it is truly an inspiration. I am very keen to explore this use of gold and colour in what I hope eventually will be my own personal expression...  Christopher Ainslie, glass engraver, UK

I just got the book in the post. It's lovely! Really well done, so easy to follow and beautifully illustrated. Lynne Rutter, decorative artist, San Francisco, USA.                                                                                                                

Such a handsome book, and so filled with fascinating photos and text. It is beautifully organized, and will provide many worthwhile hours for readers of all levels. Congratulations, and thank you from all of us in the gilding community. Ina and Allen Marx, conservators and decorative artists, USA

The sales of the DVDs are slower, but will continue to dribble on, I am sure. So far no news on a US distributor as I have had no time to hunt for one!

Finally I am slowly getting back into working in the studio. I have various projects to do and the prospect of drawing and gilding again after a year or more is exciting.  But work is frequently interrupted as caring for very frail parents (we live together, did I say?) takes priority and other family stuff can also happen. As you, dear reader, surely know. At least I am not working to deadline. Putting myself into that position would be stupid (as long as I can control it). I don't deal well with stress.

All the best, f