Graduation Gifts

So, I'm bragging, plain and simple...but its my blog...so I'm allowed...right? I don't know. Anyway, I got some really sweet gifts for graduation and they were just too cool to keep to myself:)My parents bought me this sweet solid wood jewelers bench from Starr Gems in Tucson.Two of my sister in laws gave me this mini jewelers bench, which is working perfectly as a little soldering station for me.My husband bought me this AWESOME hydraulic press (made by Michael Dale Bernard).

My friend Lizeth Garcia, a woods grad at ASU, gave me this carrot spoon she carved from basswood. Check out her etsy shop.

My professor, Tedd McDonah, gave me this fishing lure he made from recycled tin. Get your very own Recyclure in his etsy shop.
My friend Ellie Richards, another woods grad at ASU, made me this beautiful little wood chair from recycled 4x4. I love it! Ellie just opened up an etsy shop and you can get your very own chair here.And my friend Katie Poterala, made me this necklace and earrings, which I totally love. Check out her etsy shop here.

Tons of New Jewelry and a Reminder

Guess what?! I have TONS of new jewelry in stock and it will all be at the:

HOLIDAY ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL

When: THIS SATURDAY! Nov 22, 2008
Start time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Mesa Arts Center

"The annual Holiday Art & Musical Festival will feature original works of art for sale by several local and regional artists, live entertainment showcasing local talent on two stages, artist demonstrations in Glassblowing, Metals and Ceramics, children’s activities, and a variety of food from featured local restaurants. Come to Mesa Arts Center to kick off the holiday season at this fun-filled community festival! Admission is free to the public.
For more information about this event, visit our Interactive Brochure"

Come, buy handmade gifts and support local artists!

Here is just a sampling of some of the jewelry I will have. I still have tons in progress and lots of fabricated work in the finishing process. Come check it out!

Unfortunately I have to teach at Phoenix Center for the Arts that day, so I have to leave my booth for a stretch in the middle of the show. My husband Scott will be there to watch my booth and he is a much better salesman than I so watch out! I should be around at the beginning of the day, and also for the last few hours so be sure to stop by and say hello.

Mark Your Calendars!

This year, I will again be participating in the Mesa Contemporary Arts

HOLIDAY ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL

When: Nov 22, 2008
Start time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Mesa Arts Center

"The annual Holiday Art & Musical Festival will feature original works of art for sale by several local and regional artists, live entertainment showcasing local talent on two stages, artist demonstrations in Glassblowing, Metals and Ceramics, children’s activities, and a variety of food from featured local restaurants. Come to Mesa Arts Center to kick off the holiday season at this fun-filled community festival! Admission is free to the public.
For more information about this event, visit our Interactive Brochure"

Come, buy handmade gifts and support local artists!

July 8th

Last Tuesday was my 24th Birthday. It was by far, one of the best yet! I started the day out by going to the grocery store and buying about 200 popsicles. Then I took them to the Boys and Girls Club in Guadalupe (where I used to teach art and now just volunteer sometimes) and gave them out to all the kids. Then all 200 something kids sang me happy birthday and gave me sticky fingered hugs. I couldn't have asked for more. It was great!

I spent the rest of the day with friends and family just hanging out and having fun.

I also got some really great gifts that I love!

Scott gave me a dock for my ipod. I love this thing! It is so great! I don't know how I ever survived in the studio without it. It even has a remote, so if an embarassing song comes on that I don't want my studio mates to know I secretly love, I can change it real quick without having to run across the room throwing things out of my path to save myself from the humiliation of everyone knowing I still listen to the Spice Girls. Ok, so I dont actually have the Spice Girls on my ipod, but I don't share the same taste in music as the people I share a studio with so the remote comes in handy. The sound quality is great too. I really do love this thing and have been taking it with me everywhere since I got it.

My little brother gave me the first season of the hilarious show, Flight of the Conchords on DVD. The show is an HBO series (I dont have cable) about two guys from New Zeland that are members of the band Flight of the Conchords. Very dry humor. Check out some clips of the show Here, Here, or Here. Guaranteed laughter convulsions. I promise.
Then I went to the studio (yes, on my birthday) to do some work. I don't really consider it work though...because I love what I do so much. Anyway, my friends there had made me this killer necklace! They sometimes call me The Flame, its my nickname, if you know me then you know why:) Hence, "The Flame tunrs 24." This will adorn my studio wall. Forever. I love you guys!They also collaborated and made me this AWESOME little sculpture. I love it. See the little pearl? Isn't it gorgeous?! I think they should sell these on Etsy! (Its about 4" high.)My friend Kristin gave me a gift card to go to a swanky salon in Scottsdale. I am saving this for a cute back to school haircut! And she took me out for some yummy sushi at Kabuki. It was delicious!My mom gave me a new flat iron that I've been wanting for a while. Sometimes I like to make my BIG hair small...and flat. Thanks mom!
So, another year has passed and now I'm older and wiser. Thanks for being there with me and for making my birthday great!