Stitched and Stacked

I had the pleasure of taking a few class with Mary Hettmansperger on Friday and Saturday at the Shepherdess (www.shepherdessbeads.com) here in San Diego. The classes where Stitched and Stacked and Copper Enameling with the torch.
I really enjoyed Mary she has a great personality and sense of humor which kept us all laughing out loud. Her teaching style is very laid back which puts you at ease, so you don’t feel the pressure to create something fabulous, unless your a perfectionist like me and you always put that added pressure on yourself.
Being a bead artist I don’t have much experience with metal and the torch, I have to tell you the fire kind of scares me; but after 2 days with Mary I REALLY like the torch and want to use more metal in my pieces.
But, I have to say that I wasn’t so hip to the torch enamel firing at first, having done the traditional kiln firing process in the past, I wasn’t getting the refined look from the torch firing that you do with the kiln firing. But after I embraced the funkiness of it I really liked how things came together. And thanks to Mary for spearing us on when we got discouraged.

I’m looking forward to when Mary comes back to San Diego to teach us new process.

If any of you want to learn more about Mary check out her website www.maryhetts.com and her new book Mixed Metal Jewelry Workshop.

Survived Talmadge Art Show

We survived the Encinitas Talmadge Art Show last Saturday, Aug. 7th. There was good attendance, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Sharon and Alan always do a good job at making sure everyone is cared for and happy. Hopefully I will be seeing you all at the Nov 21st show at the San Diego Women's Club.

Talmadge Art Show

Just a reminder that the Talmadge Art Show is happening this Saturday at the Encinitas library. The show is open from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Its going to a beautiful venue so stop by and say hello.

Summer Time and the Fair

The San Diego county fair is on at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. My husband and I go every year to get our greasy food fix. This year I tried the chocolate covered bacon, as they say everything is better with bacon on it and it was. Wanted to try the deep fried Klondike bar but needed to step away from the grease. A girl can only take so much fair food. So that will be on my list for next year along with the deep fried Pop Tart.
But the best part about this years fair is that I received a 1st place ribbon, Best of Division award and the Nyla James Award. This award is in memory of Nyla James, a longtime Home Arts Coordinator, who appreciated and encouraged creativity and innovation. The item that I entered is a bead embroidered choker with peacock feathers which was inspired by an Art Deco brooch. I also entered a bead embroidered cuff that received a 2nd place ribbon. So another fair almost done, time to think of what to enter next year. Hope you locals get a chance to go, if not there’s always next year.

Best Friend and Antiques - The theme of the week was antiques, crafts and laughing (always laughing)

Last week I went to visit my best friend Suzanne, she lives outside of Richmond, VA. We both love the thrill of the hunt of Antique shops, so that was the theme of this trip. After she picked me up from the airport we went to Cary Street, this area is close to the college so there are some great boutiques and specialty shops. The shops that we particularly like are Anthill Antiques, Bangles and Beads, and if your into vintage clothing there is a great shop called Bygones Vintage Clothing. And for lunch we eat at the CanCan Brasserie, I can’t stop thinking of the yummy Croque Monsieur sandwich I had. Will have to learn how to make.

Day 2: Historic town of Fredericksburg - we found some great treasures at places like R&R Antiques, Upstairs Downstairs, Fredericksburg Antique Mall. If you ever find yourself in Fredericksburg at lunch time try Eileen’s Bakery and Cafe great gourmet sandwiches, its in an old church. Very cute!

Day 3: We found our way to the West end of Richmond, finding even more great finds at places like Heritage Antique Mall, Cold Harbor Antique Mall, and Antique Village.

But I have to say my friend saved the best for last on the fourth day we went to Doswell and experienced a place like no other - Squashapenny Junction. A must see! Susan the owner has stuff for everyone and everywhere. OMG! it was sensory overload.

Sadly I had to go home, but as usual when Suzanne and I get together we have a great time, and with all the great stuff we found I had to ship a box home. I have to give Mike her husband a gold star for putting up with our stuff.

New Adventure

This is the first day of my blog, blogging is a big new world that I am not real familiar with but hope to enjoy. I'm looking forward to sharing new things, thoughts and adventures.

Here's to a new adventure! Cheers!