with a degree in metalsmithing & jewelry, it makes sense that jewelry is my first love in the world of arts, crafts and diy. i found this fun young new jeweler today at the american craft council show in baltimore. and what a name to envy!- halligan norris:

there is officially enough snow on the ground to warrant an office closing! wahoo! this means closet cleaning time, e-mail catch-up time, and blog surfing time! have you ever seen a florida girl so happy about snow before?

after many good years with my sony vaio laptop, i think it is time to retire her. i will be making the switch to a lovely little mac mini. i’m behind the times, i know. but better late than never right? any thoughts or suggestions?

steve and i are always on the lookout for affordable art. we moved into our home over a year ago, but manyof our walls still remain bare. our tastes and budget seem to limit our options sometimes. thanks to joy of ohjoy! for the tip to patent pending industries

craft tip:
the philadelphia’s buyers market of american craft will hold its annual winter show at the philadelphia convention center from thursday, the 16th - monday, the 19th. this will be my first year attending the show. i hope to come back with many thoughts to share. coincidentally, the show coincides with the Chinese New Year (Feb 18). important note: philly convention center is steps away from Chinatown, sooo this weekend will be full of festivities AND crafts!

february is an especially exciting time for me because the american craft council puts on its annual show in my very own town at the baltimore convention center. (feb 23,24,25) please visit booth #808 and say hello. i will be helping out eric silva, agelio batle, and karen gilbert (see gorgeous earrings below).