back from Florida

Miniscule cuteness.

The best pic taken of me in ages!

Gettin' sassy.

Dockside mojito's and key lime pie.

Cypress tree in Lake Jesup.

A pretty pic by Bob Burkett.

Airboat fun.

Finally home! I have to say, getting out of the van and into the crisp, cool air of the mountains was sweet relief. We had the best time, everyday another adventure-shopping, riding around in an airboat, then to the beach. We also worked on projects, went to bookstores and made gallons of espresso. So much fun!

Florida usually brings out my cranky side, as I spent my formitive years being gawky and strange, self-concious and angst-ridden. I really did not enjoy those years, so naturally, the place stirs up some of that discomfort. These days, most of the reminders of my youth are gone, replaced with shiny new everything. I don't mind. The thing that is troublesome with new growth, is the disappearance of nature. Florida has an abundance of amazing creatures (gators, rosy spoonbills, ibis's, armadillos, toads...) and mysterious plants (spanish moss, airplants and waterlilies). Our old house used to be surrounded by moss-laden trees and almost grown over with bougainvilla and crepe myrtle. There is something wild and primitive about how fast things grow and take over.

The two shows were excellent for us - thanks to everybody that stopped by to say hello! I think the Bead Mercantile Shows bring together a good mix of artists and importers, perfect for shoppers. I like the big shows, but it seems easier to shop at the smaller ones. I tend to buy from the same people (the vendors with the best prices, quality and friendliness) so for me, it doesn't matter if there's fifty stone dealers, I'm going to my favorites. Anyway, we had a great time, the shows were good and we ate like kings. What more could we ask?

Key West

Look at us in our rented electric car! We had the best time cruising the island in that little thing. We were on a mission, to find the best Key Lime Pie, a custard -like delicacy best when found closest to the source - the Keys (the winner: The Island Fish Co.). I was also determined to taste the best Mojitos ( a lime and mint concoction) ...I still think Greg makes the best. Our island trip could best be described as a quest for flavors and finding the best scenery to consume them in. Not at all difficult in such a beautiful place! We went to another butterfly garden and I picked up a couple of specimens to add to my collection. Bob took loads of pictures of gorgeous jewel -like butterflies and we are ready to carve new nature inspired goods. We are back in Orlando, relaxing in a coffee house, still sluggish from all of our feasting and fun. Azalea is ready to go back to the beach....maybe tommorow!

Ft. Lauderdale

Azalea at Butterfly World in Ft. Lauderdale.



A picture of me, mid-sentence, taken by Azlaea.



Here we are in pretty Ft. Lauderdale, Florida! Greg and Bob worked at the show and had a fine time selling lots of beads. Azalea and I lounged around the hotel room and the pool, which was a pleasure considering what a nice place The Renaissance Hotel is. I could live there. When you check in at the desk, there is a glass of champagne with a raspberry floating in it, waiting alongside fresh baked cookies. It was also really close to the beach. One of the best things about Ft. Lauderdale is all the good food. We ate at 15th Street Fisheries, right on the water and had fun luring huge fish with crackers. I was startled by a tarpon - a fish that was easily 5-6' long. I wondered how good it would be grilled with a cilantro butter sauce.

The next day we went to Butterfly World and nearly cooked to death in the heat. The insects were awesome, I just couldn't believe how HOT it was. I took some pics of koi and moths for reference and then went to the show to shop. I found some gorgeous teal and raspberry colored rubizosite in some fun nuggets from Talisman Beads. Can't wait to add them to my hoard. Well, its time to get back on the road!

goods I can't live without

I found this letter game called Bananagrams at the local toy store and I (and everyone in my family, friends....) are hooked. Its fast paced, portable and not super competitive. Think Scrabble without the board or point system. I carry it in my bag, so if we are waiting around at a restaurant or having coffee at The Green Sage, I can bust it out and have a game. Azalea plays as well, naming the letters and lining them up. I read somewhere that playing a crossword or wordfind game everyday stimulates your brain and helps prevent memory loss - can't argue with that!
The next find is that fancy water bottle pictured next to the game. Its from Sigg, a Swiss brand thats been making canteens and whatnot for like a hundred years. This is from there Vintage line, perfectly portable (holds maybe 2 cups or so) with a water tight lid. It has this magical feature of being taste neutral, so if you put something stronger in it, that flavor washes right out. Its also very well -made and beautiful. I carry it everywhere like its my elixir of life. I love my new favorite things!

summertime

A good omen.

Little chef at work preparing beenie weenies.

Look how our girl is growing! So foxy!

Azalea and I enjoyed a perfect, quiet weekend - we caught fireflies, searched for four -leafed clovers, took long naps and made fairy feasts. We went to the movies and saw Kung Fu Panda, which I highly recommend; its a comedy with a strong message that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Which is something I can agree with one hundred percent.

I also spent time researching recipes to make fruit water and found a site that carries fruit concentrates in delectable flavors (blood orange and white peach! Now you know they are speaking my language!). I will be ordering some goods from The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley right away- I think I'll try to recreate a Blood Orange and Brown Sugar Martini from Zen Den.

Occasionally, when I have loads of work to do, I find I have an urge to do something unrelated and without monetary gain. This time, I've decided to make nice things for the friends that have made a difference with their exceptional kindness for us here GGS. I want to make little drawings or pendants(maybe a combination!) - hopefully I can get everything done before we leave for Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando (Bead Mercantile Shows). Well, its time to get to work!

New Stringing!

I love Stringing magazine, it is so good! Really beautiful designs. Go get the new copy asap. I love Danielle Fox's designs, really spot on, not trendy. There is a new section about designers who are successful, and this issue features a Sundance Catalog artist. I think its a useful section if your interested in branching out with the 'big boys' of the industry. I also love my brother Andrew's work (there's an Anne Choi bead used in one of his pieces- gotta love it!) I think the layout is user friendly and has an upscale look. Can you tell its one of my favorites?

pretties

I swapped a bezel for this house by Kate McKinnon (meteor -lookin beads from her as well).

Gorgeous glass by Joanne Zekowski.

Sapphires and rubies from Kia and opals from Derek Lusk.

Beautiful Heather Wynn pendants and a recycled bottle cap bead from Glass Garden.

My favorites by Anne Choi.

Happy days in Chicago.

We are really enjoying being home! Greg and Bob left for Cincinnatti this afternoon so its been quiet around the house. Azalea and I have had fun with her playmobile set and read Nobody Rides the Unicorn about half a dozen times, played dress up, then we watched some Blue Planet and Barbie Fairytopia. I know, we played pretty hard, she's totally wiped out. We were so happy to get Kitsune back from daycare, we missed her so much! She got a bath and snoodlings and treats...she's also wiped out.

I still feel exhausted, I can't decide if its because of all the work before the show, or just how stressful the big shows can be. Maybe a combination of both. Or maybe its from all the socializing and having fun! I realized that many of the vendors and customers that I visit with at the shows have been a big part of my life since I started out in 1997, they've become good friends. It also occured to me that I don't see them as much as I used to since Azalea's birth three years ago. I felt a little nostalgia for those carefree days, but also a sense of accomplishment and excitement for all the new endeavors that have cropped up very recently. Anyway, its good to be home, I miss my buddies and its time for some sleep.

Bead and Button

new bezels (I did pour resin on them, they felt naked without them) , most sold.

me and Jessica Wiesel at the aquarium

lunch time

annual cheese gathering

Hi! Done with the show! Yay! We can relax and I'm still relaxing. We are in Chicago, enjoying city life with our long time buddy Jeremiah Ketner. We went to the John Shedd Aquarium and walked around town, trying to recharge after such an exhausting event. The show was fantastic! Better every year. So, for eveyone that gave me a comment on my last post, email me and the first three in my inbox will win some new beads. Thanks to everyone for such good marketing ideas!

So we are recuperating and reviving, after all the standing and talking and tornados, which was weird and scary. Folks were held in an extra hour on saturday because there was a tornado alert. Yikes! It was nice catching up with all of our old friends and making new ones, which is half the reason for doing the shows - that and getting new goods from my friends. When I get home, pics of my new finds will be posted.

more bezels

Hi! Here are some animal miniatures carved out of polymer clay. They still need to be painted. The photos are blurry because I used Greg's camera phone instead of my once-trusty canon. The screen went out again (the first time the repair cost me $75 and that was only last year) so I feel like its the beginning of the end. It worked well for 5 years, so I guess I got my money's worth. I think its time for a new one!

I've been hard at work, making one of a kind pieces like the miniatures in a bezel - which won't have resin poured into them. Resin is used mainly to protect and preserve the art under it, but since the polymer is so sturdy, I don't think I need it. These particular pieces are designed with no fragile parts that will break off. The heart shaped one was made by the talented Candace Wakumoto, we're doing a trade of sorts. That piece still has a couple more layers of clay to be added. The guys have been making loads of waxes to cast and have made A LOT of goods for that show, more than I think we had for Tucson, so folks should have a surprising amount to choose from at the Bead and Button Show in MIlwaukee.

Andrew and I are trying to come up with some fun ways to promote the show (any ideas?) he was thinking a raffle or contest to give away a piece of jewelry featuring the newest designs. I'm not sure how that would bring people to the show, but we are optimistic. If anyone has any smart ways to get the word out there's a bead in it for you. Just leave me a comment, and I will draw a few out of the lot.

Bezels

Hi there! Here are two new bezels and one really old one that never went into production because its so darn heavy. In theory, I could mold it, cast some waxes and tool it to perfection. Originally, I had carved a mermaid inside holding a starfish, it was really pretty, but made it even heavier, so I dug it out and left it blank. It has the last lines of a John Donne poem on the back 'Teach me to hear the mermaids singing' - one of my favorites. Anne Choi has a bead depicting scenes from that poem, one side has a falling star, a mandrake root, a cloven hoof and I can't remember the last side. She makes the best beads, I can't wait to add to my collection at the Bead and Button Show. I'm already making a list. Anyway, I'm making new bezels tonight, so we can fire them tomorrow and get them in molds. I'm shooting for three more. The challenge will be to fill them with nice sculptures. I'm thinking animals for this set. They are fun to carve. Any requests? I think more owls for Andrew (I've been promising him one for ages, but the Fusion Beads girls always beat him to them!). I can hear an owl outside right now, which is nice,but means I have to spend some time trying to identify it. Sometimes its such a nuisance being particular. I should put a movie on, I can work for hours that way, but in the summer I like to leave the windows down to listen to the birds. I like it best when its almost dawn, it seems like every bird in the forest is crying out salutations to the coming day.