Andrea Guarino-Slemmons

30/366

2012-01-30T20:19:00.001-08:00

29/366

2012-01-29T18:14:00.001-08:00

Tucson bound!

28/366

2012-01-28T23:12:00.001-08:00

Tucson here we come!

27/366

2012-01-27T22:02:00.001-08:00

Galaxy on Towanda's belt!

26/366

2012-01-27T00:27:00.001-08:00

Oops, another late night! Late posting!

New boots for Tucson!!!

25/366

2012-01-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

24/366

2012-01-24T23:29:00.001-08:00

23/366

2012-01-23T22:17:00.001-08:00

22/366

2012-01-22T20:20:00.001-08:00

This beautiful rainbow appeared just as Nicole arrived! We are so looking forward to our Tucson adventure!!! To make things even sweeter we just scored on a rental car for 2 weeks!!!!! Check out price line and make a bid for your car if you don't already have one!

Life is Good!

21/366

2012-01-21T21:08:00.000-08:00

So technically I was late in my posting yesterday.... but really I don't post till I go to bed and last night was girls night out and we didn't get home till past midnight! Had a wonderful time though!

So todays post is from my soldering station.... Made lots of bangle with set stones in them. I had great company in the studio most of the day, Whit helped me gold plate some of my silver cups with 24 ct.

Really looking forward to tomorrow, Nicole will be here early helping me to get ready for our upcoming trip to Tucson!

Off to watch a movie with my sweetie!

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!!!

20/366

2012-01-21T00:59:00.001-08:00

19/366

2012-01-19T20:21:00.001-08:00

Snow capped hornets nest out on Chevy Chase golf course.

18/366

2012-01-18T20:02:00.001-08:00

Snow Day!!!!

Whit and I love the snow days! We went driving all around the area taking photos and playing in the snow.

This is what we woke up too.... this photo was taken from our bedroom window, a lot of the snow had been blown from our yard on this side of the house. We had very high winds last night with gusts up to 50mph! The other side of the house had much more snow....

Downtown PT looking up Taylor at the Rose Theatre..

Salmon sculpture out in Port Hadlock...

Tree out near Discovery Bay...

One of the roads near our home...

Can't wait to go sledding tomorrow!!! Hoping for more snow and cold temperatures for tomorrow!!!

17/366

2012-01-17T19:36:00.001-08:00

As I sit here in front of our nice warm fireplace I hear the winds howling outside. Seattle is expecting record snow fall tomorrow. I am hoping that we get it as well. The forecast looks like we may be a bit too far north to get as much. I am hoping that it dumps on us and I can use my flexible flyer sled that Whit got me tomorrow on our favorite sledding run!!!!!

I will fill you in tomorrow on what happens.

Got a lot accomplished in the studio today!!!!

Life is Good!

16/366

2012-01-16T21:30:00.001-08:00

Friends......

The raccoon on the right is the one that lost her baby in a car accident... almost every day since then she has shown up with her friend...

What would we do without good friends and love in our lives?

15/366

2012-01-15T19:41:00.001-08:00

My photo for today..... bracelets before patina and buffing...

Today I had a great day in the studio.... very productive. The snow was gently falling most of the day, making it so very peaceful to look outside. None of it stuck.. I made a promise not to do my usual snow dance. Tomorrow is Gloria's funeral and there will be a lot of people trying to get here for the service. Now after wednesday I guess I can dance all I want.

Towanda, my ever so faithful studio partner keeping me busy in the studio tonight while I am working away. Have a wonderful evening my friends...

Peace......

14/366

2012-01-14T19:08:00.001-08:00

Helping a friend with her new iPhone!!!

Great day in the studio, lots of visitors and a chance for snow! Life is Good!!!

13/366

2012-01-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Texture

It has been a sad and strange week... 2 dear friends passed away this week. Fortunately they both lived long happy lives and shared many stories with all of us. They will sorely missed by many .... but I feel we have 2 more wonderful angels watching over us now......

Today I spent most of the day in the studio aside from a wonderful, much needed massage! Today was all about texture.... I am gearing up for Tucson and for once I don't feel any show stress... well not yet anyways! I am making things that I enjoy making and not worrying about what I think people will want... so no production beads this year..... only silver work and beads that I truly enjoy making. I am looking forward to a very creative weekend in the studio. Have a great weekend and be sure and tell those you love "i love you" often!!!

Day 12

2012-01-12T20:39:00.001-08:00

Usually I post photo's which I have taken from my iPhone.... but today this is a photo of a dear friend of ours that passed away this week. She was one of the kindest souls I have met. She will be missed dearly by her 8 children and many more of us... We have a new angel watching over us now... rest in peace Gloria

Day 11

2012-01-11T19:58:00.001-08:00

Sunset over Mt. Ranier

Lots to tell you but just too tired tonight......

Day 10

2012-01-10T08:46:00.001-08:00

Love.....

Day 9

2012-01-09T17:28:00.001-08:00

Star fruit tree!!!! And a wonderful breakfast!

Day 8

2012-01-08T20:08:00.001-08:00

Spanish moss

Day 7

2012-01-07T17:37:00.001-08:00

So my friend Rocio has had this tortoise since it was the size of a golf ball...... that was three years ago! His name is Rainbow... he will actually come right up to you and eat from your hands!!!

I finished up the first class today and am looking forward to the next. The weather here has been amazing! Feels so nice to sit on the patio and eat lunch in the sun!!!! Tomorrow I will post some photos of the studio and students.

Have a great weekend!

Day 6

2012-01-06T14:04:00.001-08:00

Enjoying the Florida sun!!

Day 5

2012-01-05T17:50:00.001-08:00

A beautiful day in Cocoa Beach!

Day 4

2012-01-04T15:31:00.001-08:00

Beautiful sunrise over Puget Sound. On my way to Orlando to teach 2 classes! Have a great day!

Day 3

2012-01-03T16:31:00.001-08:00

Brussel sprouts... you either love them or you hate them! I happen to love them!

Had a great day in the studio, packing things up now and getting ready to fly to sunny Florida tomorrow! Looking forward to sharing the knowledge ..... I have 2 2-day classes at Rocio's studio.

Life is Good

Day 2

2012-01-02T19:17:00.001-08:00

Day 2 - Buttercups

Made a bunch of buttercups for my bracelets today! Almost finished 5 bracelets.... should be done with them by tonight. Maybe they will be Day 3 ..... or not......

Happy New Year! Day 1

2012-01-01T16:57:00.001-08:00

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365 Day Project

2011-12-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

This New Year I am going to give The 365 Day Project a go. A good friend of mine is doing it and I thought I would see if I could keep up with it as well! Each day in 2012 I plan on posting a photo that I take from my iPhone throughout that day. Some days will be just a photo, other days may be several, we will just have to see. It will be a window into my life so to speak.....

I am looking forward to the new year! With it I wish for much peace, happiness and lots of love for the world.....

Happy New Year

Seattle

2011-12-22T13:23:00.001-08:00

Had a wonderful 2 days in Seattle with Whit and my family! Couldn't have had better weather or a better time!

We went to the space needle, EMP (experience music project), IMAX, great restaurants and tons of fun just walking the streets of Seattle and Christmas shopping!

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Daydreaming

2011-12-13T14:48:00.001-08:00

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Santa's workshop....

2011-12-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

This is my new silversmithing area of my studio. I spent a few days rearranging and making room for the new bench. I totally cleaned and organized everything.....

It is going to become Santa's workshop for the next few weeks! Got any good ideas for me????

Photo of the Day....

2011-12-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hawaii Dreaming......

Another photo using the blender app.

I am looking forward to returning to the warm waters of Hawaii. It has become a yearly ritual for me. I look forward to swimming in the warm waters with the turtles and photographing the migrating humpback whales again soon.....

Photo of the Day....

2011-12-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

Whale's tail.... still playing around with the blender app.

Have a wonderful weekend! I am looking forward to spending mine with family and friends.

Life is VERY GOOD!

Spirit Flight

2011-12-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

I have been playing with a new app called blender. You can take 2 photos and work or blend them into one.

This photo leaves me with much peace in my heart.....

Home Again

2011-12-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful time in Austin teaching for Jim and Rose at Austin Blue Moon. If you are ever in the area..... or even not, this is an excellent place to take a workshop. The studio is excellent, Jim and Rose are just the most hospitable hosts ever and their store has everything you could possibly want!

I taught a lapidary class there and I believe Jim may have the students beads posted on his site. We made galaxy within beads. This is where you make a galaxy bead, add a lot of clear around it and then cover it up with frits, powders or whatever you like. After the bead has annealed we then use lapidary equipment to open windows to the bead to see the galaxy within. The students rocked it!

Me with the wonderful Jim and Rose Berry! I tell ya they are the best!!

I had a day off before my class and Jim taught me how to blow Christmas ornaments! I am totally hooked on making these now! I think I must have made about 2o in a hour and half! Jim is an excellent instructor, he is offering classes there for $65.00 and you get to make 10 ornaments! If you are in the area be sure and check this class out.... bring the family and make it a family affair.

For those of you who know "Uncle Al" he stopped by for the afternoon to visit. I love Al. He has such a kind gentle soul. I always look forward to seeing him on my visits to Austin. He always makes my day!

It is so nice to be in Texas and get to see some of my family as well. On this trip I was able to see both of my sisters and my niece and one of my nephews.

But as always I love coming home!

I had seen this workbench in Costco right before I left for my trip. I asked Whit to see if they still had any left and he told me they had all sold out.... well..... this was waiting for me in my studio when I got home! If any of you are looking for a nice bench to work on (for silver work in my case) this is the bench! The height is perfect!!!

I do believe I have the best friend, life partner and husband in the world!

I love you Whit!

Gallery Walk

2011-11-30T22:21:00.001-08:00

Stop in The Port Townsend Gallery this Saturday for Gallery Walk! It is going to be a great show!

It runs all month

A merry band of jewelry artists have joined together to present “Pieces Of Eight: A Collection of Treasures From the Eight Jewelry Artists Of Port Townsend Gallery.” The group wanted to kick off the holiday season with a little sparkle and shine, as well as spotlight their diverse work in a variety of media. Come and meet the jewelry artists at a reception during Gallery Walk on Saturday, December 3rd, from 5:30-8pm. Light refreshments and holiday cheer will be served.

Galaxy Within

2011-11-29T23:24:00.001-08:00

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Now that was FUN!!!

2011-11-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Today was a typical Northwest rainy kind of day. I woke up with a cold..... but decided it would be a great day to be in the studio. So out to the studio I go.... I was playing with making some rings with gypsy set rubies. Well it wasn't really going all that well. I think I will take a class and see if I can learn the correct way to do this instead of my made-up way!

So then I get a text from a good friend saying that she is going to the casino.... and do I want to meet her and her sister there... Well am I ever glad that I decided to go!!! WOW this was so much fun!!! I walked out of there ahead $1,700.00!!!! I am putting this money away for Tucson, it is more than enough to cover my airfare, rental car, hotel and food! I don't go to the casino very often but I have to admit the casino has been awful good to me this year!

Tomorrow I plan on making some galaxy within beads to get ready for my upcoming trip to Austin. They should be done by Tuesday and I will take a few photos to show ya!

Have a great week my friends!

Photo of the Day

2011-11-25T18:50:00.001-08:00

This beautiful rainbow appeared on Thanksgiving for us!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T21:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We again had another awesome day with friends and family. Every year Whit and I invite many of our friends for a Thanksgiving dinner the Sunday before. It seems to be growing year after year!

As usual there was lots of laughter, story telling and great food! This video will give you a little glimpse into our wonderful day.

Hope you all have a great Holiday weekend! Remember to shop local.... support your town and local shops and artists!!!

Great Day

2011-11-19T17:27:00.001-08:00

I'll never tell what we were up too!!

We had a great day at our craft show! Good turnout for a first time show. So nice to visit with so many of the town folk.

Tomorrow we have our annual Thanksgiving dinner here at our home with many friends and family... This year we are expecting around 30!

Have a great weekend!!! Oh I forgot to mention it snowed!!!!

Show this Saturday!

2011-11-15T20:27:00.001-08:00

Hope to see some of you here!!!!

1st Annual Art Show of new artist's group
Hands On Art is a showcase of the professional, accomplished artists that are part of the "Fearless Experimental Artists" group. The group of 12 artists has been meeting monthly since March of this year. The group formed as a venue to stretch themselves outside of their boxes of the artwork they each create. There is much exploration, laughter, and new artwork created amongst this loose knit group of like minds. They have found this a fun way to stay fresh in their art activities. The show is a great chance to meet these artists, see their work, and see them at work in each of their mediums. The artists participating are Andrea Guarino-Slemmons, Karen Page, Haden Starbuck, Jeannie Fine, Julie Abowitt, Phoebe Huffman, Marlene Newman, and Kath Raymond. They cover a wide variety of mediums from soap to jewelry, to paintings etc.
"Hands on Art" will be 10-4 on Saturday, Nov. 19th, at the Masonic Lodge - 1338 Jefferson.

On another note... I have had several requests to go back to this format for my blog so that people can see my links to other blogs....

More Earrings..

2011-11-06T15:39:00.001-08:00

Busy making lots of jewelry for an upcoming show! I am having so much fun playing with color.

Exciting News!

2011-11-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

VERY EXCITED to have been handpicked to be in 100 Northwest Artists - a book by Schiffer Publishing!!!!!! This is going to be a large coffee table style book!!

Here are a few of the others that have been done.

I feel very honored and blessed.....

Photo of the Day....

2011-10-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

New earring design.

Under the Sea Wave Bracelet and More....

2011-10-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

I have been playing with getting different colors on my bracelets this week. Seems like I am able to get the full spectrum of the rainbow if I am very careful. Here are just a few of the bracelets I made this week.... the last one is The Under the Sea Bracelet...

All of these are for sale in MY ETSY STORE

This reminds me of under the sea.... with lots of sea anemone's and starfish. This is a newer patina look that I have been playing with.... Let me know what you think!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!! I am looking forward to our Saturday Market.... working at the gallery and visiting with friends.

Happy Birthday Whit!

2011-10-15T23:31:00.001-07:00

I love you!

Toys.....

2011-10-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

I think that this should be the official Apple Logo from now on....

Today myself, many family members and friends were all downloading the new IOS 5 operating systems on our iPhones and iPads. All the while I kept thinking how happy Steve Jobs would be to see the excitement of so many.... I hope that from where he is he knows the joy he has brought to me and so many around the world.

looking forward to getting the new iPhone 4S on Friday... anyone else getting one????

tomorrow back to the studio for me...

Peaceful

2011-10-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

I am home once again from teaching abroad.... Towanda won't leave my side! Here she looks ever so peaceful curled up sleeping by my side. I feel so at peace as well being back home with my family! I love traveling but always can't wait to get back to them.

I am looking forward to spending much creative time in my studio getting ready for a few local shows here in Port Townsend. I will keep you posted on the whereabouts and dates of these as the time gets closer!

A few friends will be visiting and creating with me.... always makes for a fun time. Well more to post later this week.... tomorrow I plan on working on my Etsy shop.....

talk soon....

Leather Wraps

2011-10-04T23:28:00.001-07:00

Here are some of my new leather wraps using silver buttons I have made! Leather seems to be the in thing now. They are so comfortable and look awesome on. These are already sold and I am leaving for CA in the morning but will be back on Monday. So as soon as I get back I promise to get more made and into my Etsy store!!! Also I will have dark brown, deep purple and a beautiful red!

Have a great week!

New Buttons

2011-09-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick snapshot of some new buttons I made today for some upcoming bracelets for my Etsy shop this week! Stay tuned......

Leaving

2011-09-19T12:33:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to go home.... had a blast here! Looking forward to seeing my Sweetie!

I leave you with this photo of one of my favorite spots..... looking forward to returning one day

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More of Ireland

2011-09-19T01:53:00.001-07:00

One more day left.... We are going to help Cheryl with a project she is working on, she needs 100 glass flowers made by tuesday and still needs 20 more.... I am going to help get those done then off to Shannon to spend one more night then home!

I am so looking forward to my return next August where I will be teaching glass, silver coring, silver caps and making bangle bracelets! This is by far the most wonderful place I have ever taught. The studio is amazing, the accommodations incredible.... the people, some of the nicest I have ever met. There is so much to do and see within miles of here.... Look up Achill Island when you get a chance, a lot of these photos were taken there.....

well enjoy the photos and I will post more later....

I leave you with this photo of Christine and I high above Keem Beach on Achill Island....

Ireland!!!

2011-09-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

Having a fantastic time here! What a beautiful country!!!! And the people......... just awesome!

Here are a few photos of our first two days.

Just finished my second day of teaching... I will post some photos soon of the amazing studio and accommodations here in Mulranny!

Obsessed?!?!?!

2011-09-03T23:31:00.001-07:00

I am totally hooked on making these leather wrap around bracelets with Thai Silver beads! I also made the silver buttons for them. Who would of thought that I would ever have a sewing needle in my hand!!!!!

Quick Post

2011-09-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

Been busy creating more bracelets, earrings and a few beads. Will post some photos of them before I leave on my trip! Really looking forward to going Ireland this week!

Here are a few photos of some of the places I am going! I look forward to taking my own photos!

Have a great weekend my friends! It has been perfect weather here in the NW.... been spending a little time being very lazy in the hammock and just listening to the beautiful sounds of nature that surround me..... Life is Good!

Journals from BAM PT (beads and more) RETREAT!

2011-08-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Day 2 at BAM PT was journal making taught by the wonderful artist Kathy Dorfer! Thank you Kathy for teaching all of us!

These photos show the journals still in progress!

These are 2 of Kathy's smaller journals, they still need the button and the tassels...

Christine's "Dream Big" journal

Sarah's journal that she is still embellishing!!!

The front of my first journal which still needs the button and beads...

and the back.....

and these are 2 plates I started for my second journal...

We are all learning so much. Tons of laughter going on..... a feast of fresh Dungeness Crab for dinner..... and already planning and expanding on next year's event!

First Annual BAM (beads and more) PT retreat at The Guarino-Slemmons Studio!

2011-08-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

Photos from our first evening session. Leather wrap around bracelets taught by the talented Sarah Klopping from Maui.

Kathy's beautiful leather and chocolate pearls...

Andrea's leather and Thai Silver....

Christine's leather with turquoise and crystals....

And Sarah's wonderful leather and glass beads!

Earlier in the day Whit gave a How to Photograph your Jewelry Session. Obviously the photos above are not from that! We were too excited and just took the photos with our iPhones!!!

Today we are making journals taught by Kathy! We can't wait!!!!

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Location:Port Townsend, WA

2011-08-21T22:15:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful for so many things in my life. One of which is great friendships. My dear friend Kathy is visiting for a week and we have been enjoying ourselves here on the Washington coast in Chinook ( right across the border of Oregon ).

My 50th birthday is coming up and Kathy made me this incredible journal..... I was speechless when I opened it. What an amazing gift, I feel so blessed. She also gave me a Jill Platner bracelet! Something I have wanted for years.

Thank you Kathy....... I love you

We arrived just before sunset and visited Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park, what a beautiful spot. This was truly a wonderful time.

Well I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well......

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Location:Thank You

2011-08-16T22:54:00.001-07:00

Lounging in the hammock...

We went on a great vespa ride!

Whitster in the reflection.

Dinner with our Dad and Sally...

A cooner lounging while we lounged...

Looking forward to a great hike tomorrow in the Olympics! We are having awesome weather, should get some great photos.

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Location:A great day with my sister

2011-08-13T22:42:00.001-07:00

A day at our county fair......

Then home to our cooners taking naps in our red wood tree....

-

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Location:A Day of Animals

More Silver Bangles and a pair of earrings and more..

2011-08-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

A few new items listed in MY ETSY tonight....

these are my wave earrings.... I spend a lot of time applying patina to each cup to give them great color

I have been having requests for my interchangeable bead pendants.. so I have listed 3 ....

and then some more sets of 3 sterling silver bangles..... If you have any requests for other sizes be sure and let me know!

Well that's it for tonight....

And some more....

2011-08-06T21:49:00.001-07:00

A few more bracelets in MY ETSY.

I am really happy with the spectrum of colors I was able to get on these bracelets.

I will have more sets of silver bangles to go with these in the next few days... maybe even tomorrow!

Have a great weekend and be sure and go look for the Northern Lights! That's what we will be doing tonight!!!!!

New on Etsy!

2011-08-04T21:35:00.001-07:00

Check out some of my new bracelets in MY ETSY SHOP!

These first 2 photos are some of my "wave series" bracelets...

And this is one of my "good vibes" bracelets...

Let me know what you think!

Crazy Busy

2011-08-02T21:50:00.001-07:00

I have been crazy busy finishing up on orders and trying to catch up with some inventory to put up on Etsy and replace things sold in the Gallery!

Here are some bracelets I finished up yesterday....

And this is part of an order to be mailed out tomorrow... The person who purchased this bracelet didn't want any of the bright colors from the patina.... I thought it came out great!

Tomorrow I plan on working on some gold filled bangles..... there has been a lot of interest in these lately. I will post some photos when they are done!

Karma

2011-08-01T01:26:00.000-07:00

"I'm a true believer in karma. You get what you give, whether it's bad or good."

~ Sandra Bullock

Couldn't have said this better! What a great day, week, year.... life this is..... I am very happy to have such good Karma!

Be happy and give and be kind to others..... it comes back a gazillion times over!

WOW!!

2011-07-30T01:22:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those perfect days~

A wonderful morning spent with Whit...... then a great lunch and afternoon with my Dad.... and to top it off, a wonderful evening at the casino with good friends and great winnings!!!!!

Life is Good......

Photo of the day

2011-07-29T18:29:00.001-07:00

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2011-07-22T21:26:00.001-07:00

I have been playing with my new camera! Whit bought me a Nikon P500. It has a 36X optical zoom and 1080P HD video. As you can see it takes amazing photos.

This is Kim Fields taking a photo of the eagle (which you can hardly see)....

And the eagle looking down at her! The zoom is awesome on this camera

Last night there was the most amazing rainbow I have ever seen. I took these 2 photos with my iPhone

Love the rainbow ending at the ferry!

I am looking forward to a creative weekend in the studio. Have a great weekend my friends!

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Location:Photos of the day

Whale Watching Again

2011-07-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

WOW! What can I say..... another magnificent day spent with these amazing animals. Kim Fields and I spent the day on the boat and went on up to Friday Harbor. Kim had never seen an Orca before. It is such a joy to be with someone and see the amazement on their face when they see one for the first time!

I have an opportunity to work on the boat! This is a dream of a life time for me! At one time in my life I had wanted to be a marine biologist.... How cool to be able to go out on a regular basis and see these incredible mammals!

Kim got this great photo of a male spy hopping!

I love taking photos of these whales...... I especially love it when I am able to capture a family!

On the way back to Port Townsend we were lucky enough to spot

a pair of Tufted Puffins!

Today is a studio day...... who knows what Kim and I will come up with!

Have a great day!

Whales and The San Juan Islands

2011-07-15T14:10:00.001-07:00

Stacey and I enjoyed an awesome day on the water. We went out on the Puget Sound Express up to Friday Harbor in The San Juan Islands.

On the way we stopped to whale watch for about an hour or so. We were lucky enough to have run into the super pod! That is the J, K and L pod all together... we saw about 50 whales... a blessed day for sure!

Here is a shot of Pops, Momma and baby...

a nice close up encounter.....

to me this is just so peaceful.....

Stacey and I wondering among the boats looking for Popeye, the one eyes seal...

we didn't find her....

the beauty of the San Juans...

and well .... just kicking back Island Style!

Beautiful Day

2011-07-13T18:07:00.001-07:00

An amazing day in Seattle! One of those perfect days all around!

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Nice days.....

2011-07-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderful few days spent with some great friends! We went rafting down the Elwha river on Tuesday. If you look close in this photo you can see an eagle near the top .... this tree was huge!!!!

And a few photos of the fireworks here in Port Townsend at Fort Worden. They put on a great display and it is always fun spending time with the towns people.....

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July and a great week.....

Awesomeness!!!!!

2011-07-02T22:55:00.001-07:00

Awesomeness...... a great word to describe today!

The day started with a ride on my vespa to our Saturday farmers market which was packed with familiar faces and wonderful crafts and food. Of course our first stop was Rosa's (she makes the best taco's around).

The weather was just picture perfect! What a wonderful way to start out our July!

We have some great friends, Charlie and Candy, who dropped by with some FRESH dungeness crabs! It doesn't get any better!!!!!! They were so yummy.... thank you guys!

Spent part of the afternoon in the studio making some jewelry...... and then off we went to town for gallery walk..... on this beautiful evening!

Looking forward to another wonderful day.....

Have a great weekend my friends!

just chillin

2011-06-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Just kicking back tonight. Had a great day at the gallery! There were lots of people in town today ... looks like it will be a busy 4th of July here.

I am looking forward to playing in the studio with a great friend tomorrow. I plan on making some new earrings for the gallery and etsy.... also some more bracelets! I am trying to stock up and fill up my etsy store by the end of next week. Nicole is coming into town next week so I am sure it will be a creative and productive week.

For now........ back to chillin!

Wise Words

2011-06-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Surround yourself with those who won’t compete with you but will revel in

your success and somehow see your ascent as a reflection of their own

possibilities. And don’t forget that success is not just cash in the bank or

degrees on the wall; it is living out your life’s purpose. It is being all you can

be.

TD Jake's

Sweetness....

2011-06-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

The babies are here!!!!! I love it when they show up! Wanted to share my joy with all of you..

Enjoy!

New Earrings....

2011-06-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

Another great day! My good friend Haden Starbuck came over and we played in the studio. Here are some new earrings that I made today. I am already working on other pairs in different sizes and patina's. Hopefully by the end of next week I will be finished with all of my special orders and be able to stock up my etsy and The Port Townsend Gallery.

Have a great weekend!

Today...

2011-06-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect day here in the NW! I don't think there is any place nicer or prettier than the Pacific NW in the summer (when it is clear that is)!

Woke up to see the deer passing through our yard.....

then on our way to dinner saw this mom and baby.....

Today I worked on some special orders. This one is for a 60th wedding anniversary gift. This is the bracelet after patina and before buffing.

and here it is after....

I have been extremely happy with my patina's lately. The colors just jump out at you!

Looking forward to a wonderful weekend here in our neighborhood. I hope you all have a wonderful one as well!

Happy Summer

2011-06-21T21:57:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T17:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!!!

I feel so lucky to have my father live so close to us! We are looking forward to spending the day and cooking a wonderful dinner for him.

I love you Dad......

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Enjoying Life

2011-06-17T17:26:00.001-07:00

Enjoying life....

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Robyn Cornelius!

2011-06-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Robyn Cornelius totally rocks!

I know I have talked about her before but really she is awesome! We got to hang out at The Bead and Button Show and she loved the new direction I am going in from the techniques she had taught me this summer. We both agreed that it is so nice to have students that don't just make what you teach them but take the techniques and make them your own. It was also so great of her to send her students and customers to my booth to check out my work as well. I also sent my friends and customers her way.... isn't this the way it should be? So sad that some people don't see things this way......

These are the bracelets that Robyn taught us in class..... these were made by Nicole, Marion and myself.

This is the direction which I took them.....

and some more that I did with 24 karat gold plating.....

Robyn has an excellent tutorial out on creating wonderful colors out of your patina. She shares many interesting techniques! It is here in her Etsy.

Also check out her piercings..... she taught this technique to a few of us this summer...... she is definitely the queen of the jeweler's saw! Robyn will be teaching lots of great classes next year again at The Bead and Button Show and regularly teaches in Edmonton, Canada. If you ever get the chance to take a class with her don't pass it up.

Robyn I can't wait till later this summer to learn and play some more!

Home Again....

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Made it home safe and sound on Monday. The show was fantastic for us! My new work went over very well and I came home with very little left. I observed that people with new work did well and those that hadn't changed or added anything new didn't have as good of a show. The attendance seemed about the same as last year. Meet the Teachers was phenomenal!

Our class was great! I will post some photo's later tonight...... for now I am still catching up on things!

I am already looking forward to the show next year! I will be teaching 2 prelude classes...... they will involve both silver and glass!!!!!

Stay tuned!!!!

Very Happy!

2011-05-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

All packed and ready to go a day early! This is definitely a first! Looking forward to just playing around tomorrow and relaxing a bit before I leave on Wednesday!

Once again Jim Moore has made some new metal stamps. He makes these once a year for The Bead and Button Show! I will have them at meet the teachers and and at my booth (#10). They go really fast ..... so get there early! They are $30 each.

I can't wait to catch up with friends from all over. A lot of them are coming in early so we should have a great time before the show as well as during the show. I will do my best to post photos as the days go by. You can also keep up with the goings on on facebook..... just go and friend me and mention that you saw this on my blog so I will kinda know who you are!

Stay tuned.........

And More.....

2011-05-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make some simple bangles to go with my other larger bracelets... they go great together! This is just a sampling of them. Be sure and stop by at Meet the Teacher at The Bead and Button Show!!!!! My booth number is 10, first booth on the right as you walk in the show!

Have a great weekend!

2011-05-25T21:46:00.001-07:00

These are some of my 24 karat gold bangles........

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Location:More.....

A Few More......

2011-05-20T22:47:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful day it was here in the NW! Started with the sun rays coming through the window (a very welcome sight), the gym with friends, studio time, sun time, studio time, sun time.... well you get the picture!

The studio was very kind to me today.... these are a few of the bracelets I made. I am looking forward to another fantastic day in the studio tomorrow. Unfortunately the sun isn't supposed to make an appearance...... guess that just means more studio time for me.

Have a great weekend!

Patina

2011-05-19T22:52:00.001-07:00

I am very happy with the way my patina is coming out on my silver bracelets! These photos have not been altered with at all....

this photo shows the bracelet after the patina ... before being polished...

and after.......

I will have many of my new bracelets at The Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee. To get the best selection meet me at Meet the Teachers on Wednesday June 8th!

Looking forward to seeing many of you there!

Photo of the day

2011-05-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a little sampling of some of my new bracelets..... more to come with 24 karat gold!

Busy, busy, busy.......

2011-05-13T22:22:00.001-07:00

I have been crazy busy getting ready for Bead and Button, but never too busy to miss an opportunity to spend time with Ava and Dawn. We took Dawn to The Woodland Park Zoo and had a wonderful time. It is always so great to catch up with each other and just talk and laugh a lot.

Now back home and working away! I have some great new beads that I am working on and lots of new silver bracelets that I am real excited about..... will share those later this week!

Looking forward to the farmer's market tomorrow! Have a great weekend my friends.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

My beautiful mom.... I so wish that she was still here with us and could have met my wonderful husband and know about the wonderful life I am living today. I think in some way she does...... Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Mom's!

This is a great video!

2011-05-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

We Will Never Forget

2011-05-01T21:33:00.001-07:00

The Children's Festival!

2011-04-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

Whit and I had such a great time at The Children's Festival today! This is a great event that happens yearly where a lot of our great artists come and help introduce the world of art to many children! We worked in the bead stringing area. There was clay throwing, ship building, book making, seed bead work, origami, puppet making, painting, cartooning, drawing, sewing, etc........

And of course there was face painting. Whit and I got a lot of comments on our faces! I painted myself and then decided that Whit needed to be painted too, he was totally game. Boy did we get the looks when we went into Safeway after the festival!

The weather couldn't have been better. Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer. I think a beach walk may be store. Have a great day!

Getting Ready!

2011-04-29T22:25:00.001-07:00

I got so much accomplished in the last few days with a ton of help from my good friend Nicole Valentine!

Almost all of the glass is sorted and packed for my upcoming Masters Class. Business cards and banners have been ordered.... going to finish packing up my display stuff and supplies and get it all shipped out by Monday (I hope)! That way I can devote a whole month with no worries about the details and just create..... this is definitely a first for me and it feels great!

I have been busy designing new beads and silver bracelets. Many of my bracelets will have 24 karat gold plated accents applied to them.

I am so looking forward to the show and seeing so many great friends and making many more new ones!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Memories....

2011-04-28T00:14:00.001-07:00

My special Bruno.