spring - summer - what's new in the studio??

After a little break from the blog, i'm back to report on some shows i participated in & to show you some new pieces i have been working on. i was so happy to participate in a couple of very nice large shows this spring. sales were brisk, people were happy; a couple of really great weekends. the second show was rained out (for the most part) on the second day but such is life for those of us on the outdoor sales circuit! the good news is that my tent didn't link, my dh put all my important items in plastic bins & we just battened down the hatches & rode out the storm. once the storm passed, we were ready to re-open for business but, unfortunately, the festival was cancelled at that point. lesson learned: ALWAYS be able to get things up off the ground or at least into plastic bins for every outdoor show - you never know when an unexpected shower will pass through.

the other show was great - no weather problems but i did have a couple of problems with theives the first night - unbelievable. one group of three acted drunk & tried to push over one of my tables but my dh got to it & saved the day. the same group were later arrested with LOTS of jewelry in the purses of the two women. i did catch a thief in my booth later that night - he tried to steal a bracelet right in front of me so i just instinctively grabbed his hand. possibly not the best thing to do but it was instinct, you know? anyway, since i prevented the theft he wasn't arrested but was given a stern warning by the police. what are people thinking? the lesson from this show?? hmmmmm - i'm learning to watch HANDS, not faces when i think something is "up". oh, also, if something odd or unusual is happening in your booth, you are probably being robbed.....something to think about, eh?

now, for the fun stuff - here is a picture of a design i have been working on lately. i think i mentioned earlier that i was working on some things to see me and others through these "lean" times.

This little bracelet is called "simply elegant" and I'm really happy with the way it turned out. i like the contrast between the straight pieces and the round ring and pearls. i always love pearls and sterling silver together. i make these with pearl drops, faceted amethyst drops, hematite drops, coin pearls, coin onyx (faceted & dramatic!) and some other stones as well. i just make very simple little earrings to match and they have sold well for me. i think maybe people appreciate a lighter, less expensive design option so i 'm continuing to explore that.

This photo was taken by a new, but still local, photographer. the one i was initially using just didn't work out. this photographer's name is david wortman & i am really happy with his photos - not quite as dramatic as those of ralph gabriner but still very nice.