Holiday Shows this Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Copper & sterling hammered necklaces[/caption] This Friday, November 30th, I will be participating in the Craig Hospital Holiday Craft Fair, in the gym.  The sale benefits the Craig Hospital Employee Assistance Fund.  Shopping hours are from 7 am - 4:00 pm.  There will be baked goods, and lots of handcrafted gifts, including my jewelry & ceramics.  The amazing Craig employees work tirelessly with spinal cord injury & traumatic brain injury patients.  It's truly an amazing place, and was ranked #3 Top Work Place by the Denver Post.

And once again, my Open House is this Saturday & Sunday, December 1st & 2nd from 11 am - 4 pm.  Come by to shop and have some food & drink.

Zephyr Street Studio Sale Friday & Saturday

Once again, we are opening up our studio for you to come & shop.  This year, we'll have jewelry, ceramics, mixed media, pewter & more by 15 artists.  Stop in, have some food & wine, and beat the Black Friday crowds at the mall.   Everything is handmade--so take the "Buy Handmade" challenge.  The address is 1495 Zephyr St., off Colfax, between Wadsworth & Carr.

Hours:
November 23
Friday
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

November 24
Saturday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Foothills Holiday Art Market opening tonight

New smaller "petal" pearls[/caption] Opening night reception at the Foothills Art Center is tonight from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  It's free and open to the public, there are handmade gifts for all!  The Foothills HART is an amazing collection of gifts for the holidays.  I am one of the jewelers who will have their work for sale.  The market continues through December and closes on the 30th, just in case you receive cash from Santa and want to spend it there.

This Sunday is Sami's Home Show.  Turn in to her neighborhood off Hampden at Poplar, then head south to Kenyon and go east.  We'll be there from 11am - 4pm.  Stop in to nosh & shop!

My Fall Schedule

Sweet necklaces, fine silver with sterling silver chains[/caption] Here's the information for my upcoming fall shows.   The highlighted links will allow you to find out more information about the venue.  The first show is an Open House at my friend Sami's house.  She lives in the neighborhood behind the Whole Foods on Hampden.  The Foothills HART show in Golden, runs until after Christmas.  The Zephyr Street Show takes place in the metal working studio I go to and will feature jewelry, and mixed media and ceramics.  It's located in Lakewood off Colfax on the same block as the Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson dealership.  The Craig Hospital Craft Fair benefits the hospital, and takes place in the gym.  My Open House will be the first weekend in December.  I'll have good eats and drink, so stop in to shop & have a bite.  The Arvada Center Fine Art Market runs for a week and a half and the admission is free.

I have an amazing array of new pearl vessels, great new earrings, and other cool new pieces.  I also have olive dishes, and other ceramic pieces.  I've stocked the galleries I have work in also, Evergreen Gallery has a great selection of my jewelry, Creator Mundi in Cherry Creek North, Baby Does Clothing in Golden and Willow in Littleton.  And I hope to soon have my website back up and running and my blog integrated with it.  Busy time and exciting times!  And don't forget--every vote counts as we approach November 6th!

Foothills Holiday Art Market

809 15th Street, Golden, CO

November 9 - December 30

Sami’s Home Show

7405 E Kenyon Avenue

11 am - 4 pm

Sunday, November 11

Zephyr Street Show

1495 Zephyr Street, Lakewood, CO

Friday, November 23, 2 pm - 8 pm

Saturday, November 24, 10 am - 5 pm

Craig Hospital Craft Fair

3475 South Clarkson, Englewood, CO

November 30, 7 am - 4 pm

Candice’s Open House

382 Cherry Street, Denver, CO

Saturday December 1, 11 am - 4 pm

Sunday, December 2, 11 am - 4 pm

Arvada Center Fine Art Market

6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO

December 6 -December 16

Playing in the studio

enamel over copper puffed heart with touch-up[/caption] I met a woman a few years ago and she told me about a studio that had metal working equipment and a retired college metalsmith teacher running the place.  You commit to one or two days a week, or evenings, and you can use all the equipment there as well as get instruction.  At the time, it was hard to commit to going once a week especially in the summer when I am teaching summer camp and doing shows. In the last year, I decided to try and get to the studio one day a week.  It has been fruitful in many ways.  I work on things and have been sharpening my metalsmithing skills.  I complete projects!  I'm am far less distracted than when working at home.  I'm learning new things.  You can weld metal, cast, press, enamel, etch, solder, melt, roll, you name it.

This photo is not retouched.  I think it could use a little tweeking--but maybe the shine of the enamel adds some depth.  I finally upgraded to Creative Suites 6, and used Photoshop to alter the top photo.

I'm getting ready for fall shows.  The first show will be the Colorado Potters Show & Sale where I'll have metal clay jewelry and pottery for sale.  It's November 1, 2 & 3 this year.  I'll post the rest of my schedule soon! BTW

The Affordable Arts Festival, Sunday August 26, 10am - 5pm

New booth shot, taken by photographer Jim DeLutes[/caption] I will be showing my work this Sunday at a new festival on the Arapahoe Community College campus.  This show is put together by the group that does the Downtown Denver Art Festival each year over Memorial weekend.  They fashioned it after the Starving Artists Show that is in its 44th year in Milwaukee, at Mount Mary College. Their website features all the artists in attendance.  There is a $5.00 admission charge that goes to the ACC scholarship fund.  You can print out a discount coupon with this link.  You can purchase tickets online with this link.  There is a ton of free parking on campus, just go south on Santa Fe Drive--or better yet--take the light rail.

I just took the plunge and updated to Adobe Creative Suite 6 from the first version.  The interface looks very different! I can now update my blog and save photos for web viewing and it even has Dreamweaver for web development.

Anyone having fun with Fast Fire BronzClay?  I am trying to get the firing right--I had to test fire 3 times to get the correct sintering temperature for my kiln.  I like the product so far, it dries without warping as much, and is great to carve.

Hope to see you at the Affordable Arts Festival this Sunday!

Golden Fine Arts Festival, August 18 & 19

CopprClay batch, drill press & engraver[/caption] The festival is in full swing and the weather couldn't be more perfect.  There were great crowds today, lots of friends stopped in to see my new work & say hello.  I finished quite a few new pearl vessels, large and small.  I set a handful of "petal" pearls and they turned out fabulous!  They are petite and perfect to wear casually or not.  I also had a new batch of Copprclay come out of the kiln to make more earrings.  In the photo you can see my drill press to make consistent holes in the dried clay and an engraver to sign my pieces in the leather hard state.

I will be gearing up for another one day festival next Sunday, in Littleton on the campus of the Arapahoe Community College campus.  There is an admission charge,  you can print out a coupon for $1.00 off the admission of $5.00.  Or stop by my booth, I have a few flyers with a coupon attached.  The proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.  And at this show, all merchandise will be priced under $100.00.

Lastly, my week was full of emotions, as we took our youngest son to college.  It was a happy sad moment and we look forward to many new adventures ahead.

Golden Fine Arts Festival is coming up soon!

Copper necklace with hand applied patina[/caption] August 18 & 19th is the weekend of the Golden Fine Arts Festival in historic downtown Golden.  The festival runs from 10am until 5pm both days.  I'm in booth number 19.  There is no admission fee, there will be music to entertain, and a Kids Art Zone.  It's a great festival--worth the trip to Golden.  And if you want to shop for clothing & jewelry, stop in to Baby Doe's Clothing, Artisan Jewelry & Fine Craft at 1116 Washington Ave.  From 12pm - 3pm there will be a painting demonstration and Creative Cooking for Kids demo.

I'm also gearing up for the Affordable Arts Festival, its first year taking place on the Arapahoe Community College campus on South Santa Fe Drive.  There's lots of parking on the grounds, and the festival runs from 10am - 5pm.  There is a $5.00 admission fee, which supports the ACC Foundation Scholarship Program.

And while down there--please check out Willow, an artisan's market in downtown Littleton, 2400 West Main Street.  I have a collection of jewelry there now.  They were recently picked in the 5280 magazine, Top of the Town.

Winter Park Alpine ArtAffair this past weekend....oops!!

Well--I tried to make a blog post from my iPhone, but apparently it didn't post, it was saved as a draft--so sorry to post this after the weekend! Here was the post...

If you happen to be in Winter Park area enjoying the Jazz Festival stop in to see me and all my new work. I've been so busy this summer and have been remiss about my blog. I did a major upgrade on my desktop Mac and have been suffering ever since!! I now need to upgrade Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.,  in the mean time I'm using my ancient laptop.  And trying to use the amazing iPhone.

I hope to be blogging more soon and getting back to normal. I have lots to share as I attended last PMC conference in June and have been playing with a new group of friends in the "Bronze Club" in Boulder.

I have two more outdoor shows this summer--the always fun Golden Fine Art Festival August 18 & 19.  And a new show this year that will be really fun--the Affordable Art Festival Sunday August 26.  Stop in and say hello if you are out and about.

Zephyr Street Studio Sale this Friday & Saturday

1495 Zephyr Street[/caption] My jewelry and ceramics will be featured this Friday & Saturday at the Zephyr Street Studio.  It's near Colfax & Wadsworth in Lakewood.  This appeared in the 40westarts.org newsletter and the event is featured as part of the "Inspire Arts Week" -- the 40 West Arts District, which runs from June 6-16, 2012:

On June 8 - 9, Zephyr Street Studio -- a group of exquisite metalsmiths and pewtersmiths -- located at 1495 Zephyr Street, a 1/2 block south of West Colfax is holding it's 2nd Annual Sale on Friday, June 8 from 6-9pm and Saturday, June 9th from 10am-5pm.  Come and see their remarkable silver jewelry, metalwork and pewterware.

I'm working on another batch of bronze and copper clay and have new styles in sterling silver as well.  Zephyr Studio is a working studio where I've been able to work on traditional metalsmithing techniques. I'm working one day a week there.  It's a great place to practice what I learned in art school in the 80's.

I'm also gearing up for these shows this summer: Winter Park Alpine Art Affair, July 21 & 22; the Golden Fine Art Festival, August 18 & 19; and a new festival on the campus of Arapahoe Community College, the Affordable Arts Festival, Sunday, August 26.  All art featured at this show will be under $100.00.

And I'll be sending my boy off to college mid August!  Waaaaa!

A few new images for the Gallery

[caption id="attachment_1215" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Large square pearl, added Feb 2012"][/caption] I have added a few new pearls to my "Gallery of Work" page.  They each have unique chain and can be worn either long, around 32 inches, or can be worn shorter, around 16-18 inches.  They were featured at Barbara & Co. Clothing on South Gaylord Street, Denver and the Boulder store.  They have an organic look, each vessel made to fit the pearl.  I am in the process of taking more photos, so will post more pieces as soon as they are finished.

[caption id="attachment_1228" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Hold the phone..."][/caption]

I found this great mobile phone attachment the other day at West Elm in the old Tattered Cover space in Cherry Creek North.  It brings back memories, we had one wall phone in the kitchen of our house growing up, attached to the wall. You couldn't go far and had no privacy while chatting.

[caption id="attachment_1230" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Beads for Jewelry Workshop"][/caption]

I'm teaching 2 weeks of kids camps this summer st Stanley British Primary School. Some of the beads available to use are pictured above.  My weeks and classes are:

June 11-15........morning: Cooking around the World; afternoon: Clay Creatures and Other things made from Mud

June 25-29........morning: Jewelry workshop; afternoon: For the Love of Art

You can view the catalog and sign up online by clicking this link, Summer at Stanley

Trunk Show at Barbara & Co

[caption id="attachment_1207" align="aligncenter" width="383" caption="long pearl vessel"][/caption]

This Saturday, I will be at the Barbara & Co store on Old South Gaylord Street showing my jewelry.   My work is there now, along with new pieces, long interesting chain that you can double up, with new pearl vessels similar to the pearl above,    you'll have to stop in to see it.  I love the store, they always have unique things, and lots of basics.   And there is a fantastic fall sale going on now, 50% off the marked down prices.  I found a few amazing pieces at great prices.

On Monday, we saw our accountant for 2011 taxes.  Kinda of early, right?  This year, I decided that I'd spend one week on taxes.  I use Quicken and set up categories for my sales, sales tax collected, cost of goods sold, etc.  In a little over a week, I was pretty much done.  What a relief!  It has also freed up my time and my brain to work on new designs.  In the past, I would spend weeks agonizing over the details of the tax stuff.  But in the big picture, all the details can be managed if focused on and finished in a timely manner.  My hope for next year, is to enter in monthly as I go along.  January  2012 is done.

Back from Tucson

[caption id="attachment_1191" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption=" desert winter flower"][/caption] My annual trip to Tucson was very fruitful, I found lots of great things.  I found tools, stones, beads, more tools, silver, cabachons, and gifts.  Saw old friends and made some new ones.  My budget was bruised by the increasingly high cost of silver this year.  I'll continue to explore other metals.  One great thing is I can find more unique copper, brass, and bronze findings now.  It makes it easier to use alternative materials.  We hit quite a few shows and oh yes-- the weather this year was wonderful, 70 and sunny mostly every day.  I'm adding a culinary tour of Tucson this year.    My travel buddy and I eat Mexican every day.  This little locally owned place, Mariscos Chihuahua, has a dish I've not had other places, Camarones Ciluchi, seafood or shrimp covered in a wonderful creamy poblano sauce.  There is a demo with Jevon on Youtube on how to make it.

[caption id="attachment_1181" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Camarones Chilici"][/caption]

Our next stop, Mi Nidito, a restaurant that President Clinton helped put on the culinary map.  There is often an hour or more wait, so put your name in & have a margarita.  Always authentic Mexican fare and good margs after a tough day of shopping.

[caption id="attachment_1186" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Mi Nidito, a must eat each trip"][/caption]

The To Bead True Blue show saw some different vendors this year.  Some of the vendors from the Whole Bead show migrated there.  We found some nice vintage ribbon, similar to what sold at a Denver store years ago.  Great colors and lots of unique ribbon.

[caption id="attachment_1190" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="vintage ribbon, To Bead True Blue Show"][/caption]

Another favorite of ours is Taqueria Pico de Gallo, in South Tucson, serving great Horchata and homemade corn tortillas.  We stopped in for breakfast.  The carrots are the best!

[caption id="attachment_1180" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Huevos Rancheros, Taqueria Pico de Gallo"][/caption]

Another favorite is a small Guatemalan restaurant that we are afraid is struggling to stay open.  Please if you are in Tucson, enjoy a great authentic meal at Maya Quetzal, and tell Sandra the Denver girls sent you, it's near the university.  I love the spinach stuffed chili relleno.

[caption id="attachment_1184" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="chili relleno at Maya Quetzal"][/caption]

This neighborhood is near Reid Park, and the To Bead True Blue show.  I love the colors of the homes, the vegetation.  Some fresh juice anyone?

[caption id="attachment_1187" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="fresh oranges, anyone?"][/caption]

Can you find the moon?   Shopping from 10am until 7pm every day with hardly a break works up an appetite.  In-n-out burgers filled that gap.  Try ordering from their secret menu next time-- my favorite the lettuce wrapped burger with the mustard sauce--please open a place in Denver!

[caption id="attachment_1185" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="ok--we strayed from eating Mex--lettuce wrapped burger-find the moon"][/caption]

We made it back for dinner at Taqueria Pico de Gallo and enjoyed fish tacos, another delish dish.  Their version of Pico de Gallo is fresh fruit, in a cup with chili powder sprinkled on it.

[caption id="attachment_1188" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="fish tacos at Taqueira Pico de Gallo"][/caption]

I have an affinity for color and the houses in Tucson are colorful.  Isn't turquoise and purple together great?

[caption id="attachment_1182" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="colorful neighborhood"][/caption]

Last day, lunch with friends who knew they had to take me here--Little Cafe Poca Cosa in downtown Tucson.  Lots of protesters nearby holding signs "We Are the 99%".  The food was fabulous, and the fresh beet & lime-aid--gorgeous!!

[caption id="attachment_1189" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Lunch only at Little Cafe Poca Cosa, no dinners--fresh beet & limeaide"][/caption]

We did try one new restaurant this year, and the photos didn't turn out.  El Minuto near the Convention Center and the AGTA show has really great Carne Seca and the Albonigas soup is wonderful.  We ended up there twice.  And lastly I have to say, Mexican food is very subjective, these are our personal choices!

Home again to a winter wonderland.  Photographing my purchases, getting ready for a trunk show this weekend at Barbara & Company in Boulder.  I'll have new pearls--new things.  And ...........it's snowing again!

[caption id="attachment_1179" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="back home to winter!"][/caption]

Getting inspired for the New Year

[caption id="attachment_1152" align="aligncenter" width="383" caption="Welcome to my newly organized work room..."][/caption] Happy 2012!   I find my self looking ahead to an exciting year--new creations to be made, new techniques to be learned.  Last year I made a list of all the jobs I do--about 11 came up.  Have I farmed out anything?  Not really!  But I've learned to be more forgiving and more organized.  I recently moved out of my work room, and then back in after removing old carpet and painting the walls, and having the floors sanded.  Next time I'll remember not to schedule floor sanding in the fall!

[caption id="attachment_1153" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="the PMC area, and cat window"][/caption]

I recently received an annual report from WordPress, in 2011 I made 18 new posts to my blog, uploaded 40 new pictures.  I have the intention to blog more, hopefully I'll be more organized to do that.  My new year's resolution is to manage my time better!  I look forward to making a trip to Tucson this winter and I hope to travel to the PMC Conference in June.  And this is the time of year to look at summer art festival schedules and make sure I know when the deadlines are.

[caption id="attachment_1154" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="a few cats hanging out"][/caption]

Last year I wanted to add more color to my work--I succeeded in setting quite a few stones.  I also did some mixed metals, a bit of enameling.  This year I want to do more with color--and try new things.

[caption id="attachment_1166" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Thanks to Ikea and my handyman, Paul, new shelves in the bead area"][/caption]

That was a trip around my work space, newly decorated and still in progress.  Curtains yet to be hung.  The new IKEA was a big help with my new desk tops, cardboard organizers, bookcase.  I found a great space for this painting by Julie Puma from 2002, Grandma Rachel's desk, and the cat tree was last to fit in.

[caption id="attachment_1155" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="back to my desk and calendars"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1173" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="painting by Julie Puma, famous artist & teacher"][/caption]

And a few finds from my travels to Cedarburg, and Columbus.  (Wisconsin & Ohio that is)

[caption id="attachment_1172" align="aligncenter" width="308" caption="yes, it does"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1174" align="aligncenter" width="279" caption="how I felt at the end of this season!"][/caption]

Creator Mundi, Cherry Creek North

[caption id="attachment_1143" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="New pearls, the right one is sold"][/caption] My work has been featured at Creator Mundi in Cherry Creek North for quite a few years.  It's a wonderful gallery of sacred art and gifts.  If you need a card for someone special, a book about faith or meditation, a Hanukkah gift, a nice piece of jewelry, it is the place.  And they have parking off the alley behind the store, which is a bonus in Cherry Creek.  I dropped off some new pieces yesterday, so if you need a last minute gift--stop in there.

The Foothills Holiday Art Market in Golden, will run through December 30th. I took some new pieces there as well.  They have tons of small handmade gifts, for your kid, your dog, your Grandmother, or your honey.  There is an amazing array of artful things.

I was thinking recently of giving and gratitude, and I'll share a few of my musings.  Thank someone.   Tell someone they inspire you. Tell someone they are special to you.  Listen closely without interrupting.  Be thankful for your gifts in life, for your family, for your friends, for your health.  Never take things for granted.  Dare to be creative, dare to make something truly original.  And lastly, enjoy the holidays with the ones you love!

Arvada Center's 25th Annual Fine Art Market Show & Sale

[caption id="attachment_1130" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Arvada Center"][/caption] This Thursday is the opening for the Arvada Center's Fine Art Market.  Here's a description from their Facebook page:

The Art Market is designed to be an exhibition and sale of fine contemporary art created by Colorado artists. This sale and exhibition credits its popularity and success to the more than 100 Colorado artists who participate in the event each year. Our patrons look forward to this exciting sale and exhibition because of the excellent quality and unique selection of original artwork.

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 8, 2011, 5:00-9:00 p.m., Free Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

There are a number of fabulous jewelers there, myself included this year, so please come and have a look, also great pottery, and art, art, art!

Holiday Open House this weekend

[caption id="attachment_1123" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="new pieces ready for Holiday Show"][/caption] Here's the rest of my schedule, including a show this Friday at Craig Hospital:

Craig Hospital "Ye Olde Craft Fair"

benefiting the Craig Hospital Employee Emergency Fund

Friday, December 2: 7am - 4pm

3425 S Clarkson, in the Craig Hospital Gym

Candice's Open House

Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4

11 am - 4 pm

382 Cherry St, Denver CO 80220

Arvada Center Fine Art Market, Show & Sale

Opening Reception, Thursday, December 8: 5pm - 9pm,

then ongoing from December 9-18

Arvada Center

My fingers are already cracking and winter has just begun--I'm ready to do the super glue trick to seal up the crack, it has worked in the past.  I'm also at my torch making beads for the appetizer serving pieces I sell.

I'll also have a few new things at the Evergreen Gallery before the holidays.  Other places you can find my work are Baby Doe's Clothing in Golden, Heart of Oneness, in Golden, Foothills Art Center through the end of December.  And in Denver, Creator Mundi in Cherry Creek North has a nice selection and Barbara and Company on South Gaylord.

Back to work before it gets cold again!

My Fall Show Schedule (revised)

[caption id="attachment_1118" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Opening this Friday November 18th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm"][/caption] Here are all the upcoming shows where you can find my work starting this Friday evening at the Foothills Art Center in Golden:

Holiday Art Market, Foothills Art Center, Golden, Colorado

Opening Reception, Friday, November 18: 5:30pm – 8:00pm, and then ongoing November 19 – December 30

Holiday Boutique, featuring 5 designers

Saturday, November 19: 10am - 3pm

1120 Hudson Street Denver, CO 80220

Sami Hazan's Open House

Sunday, November 19: 11am -4pm

7405 S Kenyon Street, Denver CO

Craig Hospital "Ye Olde Craft Fair"

benefiting the Craig Hospital Employee Emergency Fund

Friday, December 2: 7am - 4pm

3425 S Clarkson, in the Craig Hospital Gym

Candice's Open House

Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4: 11am - 4pm

382 Cherry St, Denver Co 80220

Arvada Center Fine Art Market, Show & Sale

Opening Reception, Thursday, December 8: 5pm - 9pm, then ongoing from December 9-18

Arvada Center

Saturday fun!

[caption id="attachment_1108" align="aligncenter" width="388" caption="Beckons Organic Yoga Clothing"][/caption] This Saturday, stop by Becky Prater's home on 1120 Hudson, for some holiday shopping.  She makes a line of comfy yoga clothes, I will have my latest jewelry there, and 3 other designers will be featured.  If you can't make it there, on Sunday, near Tamarac mall, I will be showing my jewelry at Sami Hazan's home.  Hope to see you there!

Holiday Boutique this weekend

Featuring 5 artists will take place on Saturday November 19th at Becky Prater's house.  I will be showing my jewelry, also: Becky's amazing yoga clothing line;  Annie Waterman's accessories including Peruvian belts & bags; Chanda Thomsen's crochet creations and Randall Sampson's clay sculpture.  Join us from 10 am to 3 pm at 1120 Hudson Street. And on Sunday, my good friend, Sami Hazan will have an Open House from 11 am to 4 pm, featuring my jewelry.  Near the Tamarac Mall, at 7405 East Kenyon St.  Stop by to nosh & catch up and see my new work.