Happy End of 2009

This is it for 2009 and I don't think I am alone when I say DON"T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE A#$%.

But this blog isn't about complaining or negativity. When I look back on this year, I am really so incredibly grateful for all of my loyal, and new, customers who helped me survive a history-making (and not in a good way) year. I still was able to make new designs, repeat old ones with a fresh twist, and pay my bills. I havn't had to cancel my health insurance, and my "nuts " are stored for the winter. I am looking forward to a few months of fun in the studio. Who could really ask for more?

Jewelry is really about JOY, and I believe exists as a totally optional way to celebrate the self, and the day. If this is true, as I believe, despite everything in 2009, joy still triumped over despair in many hearts.

I do know, however, that it was a challenging year for a lot of people. To those people I wish positivity and hope for the new year. As long as we are breathing, there is hope, and many many ways exist to celebrate your life. If you can't think of one, make one up and do it. I am going to do this right now too.

Oakland - The Crucible Holiday Gifty Show This Weekend

The Davis Art Center show last weekend was a really fun time. I spend more money at that show than any other one! I got a new ( handcrafted of course) hat, and I had to limit myself to one, since there were THREE that I really loved! And of course, the candy......
On to Oakland this weekend, where I will be at The Crucible's Holiday Gifty Show. The Crucible is a teaching non-profit facility, and they teach what I call the 'fire' arts, welding, glass blowing, lampworking, etc. It is a huge building in East Oakland. I will need to add a link with a map, or at least a link to the Crucible's website. There will be about 60 artists here, and if you don't feel like driving across the Bay Bridge in the rain, you can stay in the east bay and still do your holiday shopping. I hear it will be cold in this building, since it is so big, and probably well ventilated, so bundle up!

Davis Art Center This Weekend-Dec.4, 5 & 6

I am almost ready for Davis this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This holiday gift show is at the Davis Art Center, which features many rooms filled with artists for this annual show. The volunteers cook great soups, sandwichs and salads for customers and artists alike, and I am especially happy that there are a lot of vegetarian choices!!!!
There is also a few "handmade" candy vendors here that I particularly like! Wonder why?
There is a link to the right with a map of the location. The show starts on Friday at NOON!, then Saturday until 6, and Sunday until 5. Hope you can make it!

Whats Happening?

I had a really wonderful time in Reno, but I had a very sick little cat this week, so I was too sad to write about it. So now it is time to pack up for San Francisco.
I will be in booth 220 in Fort Mason for this weekends Celebration of Craftswomen.
Hope you can stop by. I have a lot of sterling silver earring designs. This is a departure!!!

Getting Ready for Reno

I am bringing my silver earring/bracelets to Reno. I havn't had them at a show in a few years, mostly because I just couldn't keep everything stocked the way it needed to be, with the glass necklaces, pendants and stones and pearls. Now it is time! I am going to put them on Etsy in a few weeks, so they can be purchased there. A lot of my newer customers have never seen my silver!!!

I leave for Reno on Wednesday, as there is a fashion show on Thursday night, the preview night with food and wine. No wine for me of course. I drank up my life time allotment already.
I am working on restocking earrings sold at Saint Marys. The Mom's that put on the St. Mary's show really do a great job. Everything went like clockwork. Good job! I took my husband to the emergency room for a sprained ankle, so there will be a little less new earrings than I would like!

It is always fun to see my regulars at the shows and catch up with what's going on in their lives if there is the time to do that.

Another Blue Pearl for Sacramento

I just love this pearl! It has great subtle tones of purple and pink, but overall of course it is blue.
I have no idea how they color this pearl. I have heard that perhaps they dye the water the mussels are living in. I have also read that they are radiated, irridized or who knows what. They look great, however they do it!

Working for Sacramento - St. Mary School Fine Art & Craft Show

Here's a new piece for St. Mary's- pearls and quartz crystal.

I have been making a lot of glass the last couple of days, but the only thing finished is the Black Lava and Crusty Bead Squares Necklace on the right. I should rename that piece!

I am also working on some small glass and silver necklaces with matching earrings that are "giftable". If you don't see them, you will know I couldn't make it work!