it’s been a long week, no?

tonight i’m going to see the sex and the city movie with the jewelry ladies, liz, eliza, and laurel. i’m seriously excited to get dolled up and have a few cocktails with the girls- also, i can’t WAIT to see carrie’s fashions in this one (look at those shoes in this picture!!). only a few more hours to go . . .

this morning the two dogs, steve and i took a little hike in robert e. lee park- only minutes away from our studio. it makes me realize that every morning should begin with a jaunt along the water and in the woods.

find this photo here

during my hike, i came to a few decisions:

- it’s time to focus on my two wholesale shows coming up this august. i must refrain from making new designs every month but, instead, attend to pulling together a coherent collection for the shows.

this will be hard for me as i like to just make whatever comes to mind whenever it comes to mind!

- i will not be participating in the renegade craft fair, brooklyn this summer. i realized that i completely overbooked myself and had to let this one go. i will still be doing the local shows- pile of craft, crafty bastards, and artscape. none of these require traveling long distances, overnight stays, or a rental car.

- i love my job

a little bit about me- i would put jewelry making on the back burner to be a back-up dancer.  yes.  it’s true.
i watched madonna’s confessions on a dance floor tour dvd last night and WOW!  that desire to shake it came back again!  have you seen this two hour dvd?  the costumes, theatrics, and dancing are deliciously over the top: madonna comes out on a bejeweled crucifix, there are roller skaters, whips, parkour, sparkly unitards, a light-up cape and MUCH more.

there i said it.  now you know- back to the jeweler’s bench i go

images from the new york times

so sadly, this is the only photo i took all weekend at the art star craft bazaar!

this was the view from my tent on saturday.   needless to say, i packed up after hearing of a tornado watch!  i have a confession though-  i was secretly glad for the rainy weather as i got to enjoy my very favorite dish at my very favorite place to eat in philadelphia:  vietnam restaurant.  yummmmyy

luckily, sunday turned out to be sunny and bright!   i had a wonderful time hanging out with all my jewelry gal pals and charm city craft mafia peeps.  though i must say- i’m SO GLAD that my next show will be indoors!  phew!

today i brought these to the studio for closer examination.

it’s incredible the patterns that you can see with the help of the camera’s macro setting.

i also brought these because they make me smile- my new bento box accessories: reusable food picks!

i’m in a funk today. maybe it’s the weather. . . is it may yet or what? all we’ve got here is rain, clouds, and fifty degree weather.

i’m being a baby today- i know.

these things did make me happy:

new death cab for cutie album:

working on secret wedding project for my friend rachel:

all of a sudden, i have a handful of ideas that i’m itching to put into metal.    perhaps i will have something to show you tomorrow?  (the finale of the one-a-week challenge has been put on the back burner for now until i work some of these new thoughts out.) for now, here is an inspiration image that i’ve just tacked up to my wall.  look at those delightful scallops!- found on page 96 of the june ELLE magazine-

i really would just love to put on a dashing swim cap with this suit and lounge around by the pool today . . one can dream!

found via ffffound 

seriously. why didn’t anyone tell me about this blog? the carrotbox- all about RINGS. be still my heart!  go there quickly!

found via catherine chandler.  thank you!!

and look! artist diem chau and i share the same last name. it makes me extremely happy and proud to see makers by the last name of chau. her portfolio is breathtaking:

hello all!  i hope you had a nice relaxing weekend.

i’m in the full swing of things here in the studio so i’ll be sitting out for this week’s one-a-week challenge.  i know kait is pressing on, so  be sure to see what she is up to over at tether.  and of course, if you are working on a one-a-week challenge of your own, swing me an e-mail and let me know!  i am a nosy one, indeed.

photos of the things on my desk

inside plant looking out . . .

using about 6 calendars and planners. . .  good or bad habit?

and linkage for your reading pleasure (if you’ve been living under a rock like me. . . ):

ffffound!  (thanks steve!)

today is a good day.  i’m happy with my new piece.  the sun is shining.  and there’s a CHANCE that the body shop is done repairing my car.  there’s more- tonight i’m headed to april’s opening.  april- i am so happy for you.  SO HAPPY!!!  please, for the love of all things good.  you must promise me that you will sleep for one entire week straight after the show.  you have been an INCREDIBLE inspiration to me through the years.

A Consuming Desire

Towson University - Center for the Arts
Holtzman MFA Gallery

Friday, March 14 – Saturday, April 12
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 13, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

i drink more than my fair share of coffees and lattes. in my lifetime, i have probably used hundreds of those cardboard cup sleeves that protect your hands from the heat of the yummy beverage. VERY BAD ME! i’ve seen knit cozies, but they are just not my cup of tea (HA!). then today i spotted these on the front page of etsy! by cupkozy, these good lookin’ sleeves even have a little clip and elastic band so that you can roll it up and attach it to your key chain! so brilliant. goodbye cardboard sleeve! for those days when you forget your reusable thermos, of course!