Garnets By The Pound

Have you ever seen a bucket full of gem stones? Well I saw a couple of them. Pretty impressive. Well.... they are not quite faceting quality but very nice. I saw some garnets that were 1/4" diameter and some that were the size of plums.


Derek has been really inspired by seeing all of the large quartz crystals on display at the gem show. There is so much of it here it's hard to believe there's anything left underground to mine. We purchased some great small samples which we will have for sale in our shop.


Amethyst being one of favourite quartz crystals will be influencing my summer collection of clothes. The colour and some of the points and angles will show up, just wait and see.


I'll be back in my studio by the first of March, can't wait!!

Hello Tucson

Derek and I are back in Tucson again this year. We arrived the day before the main gem shows started which meant we would be up and moving early the next morning. So out we went Saturday morning and the first thing I see is what I think is my ride. It's the same colour as my hair! Unfortunately no, we're walking.



This year I'm looking for large beads made of precious materials and Derek is looking for pyrite cubes and quartz crystals.



The day was drawing to a close, I was tired and I found a comfortable spot to sit on this lovely orange leather sofa behind the $30,000 petrified wood coffee table. The legs are cast bronze with the texture of bark. While sitting there chatting with the maker of the tables a woman wandered up and asked the question which I have been asked hundreds of times. "How long did it take you to make this?"
Good news from the table maker he's already sold several tables. It's a sign, we're all going to have a good year. Yeah!!

New Year, New Ideas, New work, New Me?

Well... not exactly a new me but I am trying to be the best Me that I can be. And with saying that I have to tell you that after 2 and a half years of threatening to try yoga I finally did. I joined Ann Green's "Bliss" studio and have jumped in with both feet. Ann is running a program called "Blissology" which has me up and down to the studio by 6:00am. I know most of you can't believe that I can actually get myself vertical at that time of day but I've done it. I am at the beginning of the third week and still going. I feel so happy with myself for persevering and trying something different.


As far as new work I am crocheting new funnel shapes which I will add to necklaces. Right side up or up side down my work always ends up looking Dr. Suessish. As long as it brings a smile I've done my job.



When I was young people use to comment that I always had a smile on my face. I lost that for a number of years but I hope I'm getting it back. For the past year or so strangers have stopped me to say they like my style or they like my glasses. I must be smiling to give people I don't know the courage to stop and talk to a stranger. With that I hope I can pass on that smile and encourage you to "shine on".



Here's what I have done with the new funnel shapes. Flower vase necklaces.

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

It's been snowing for days and I'm love'n it. I don't have to drive anywhere now that the shows are over. Derek has been blowing the snow from the driveway and a path to the bird feeders so we can keep those chirpy little birds feed. Bossy bluejays get their feed first and then the chickadees. We have a pair of cardinals and several small woodpeckers rounding out the avian spectrum.



In two days I've been to 3 fabric stores and Romni Wools. I'll be working on a few Christmas presents but mostly I'll be working on a new spring line. Keep watching. I will be writing every Sunday and Wednesday nights and maybe a few more if I can.

Last Show Before Christmas

Holidandy was the name of the show at Alana's Awkward Stage Gallery. Thanks to everyone that came out. I hope next year more people decide to shop local and I don't mean your local Costco. With a little investigation you will find a lot of great handmade gift items in your own community.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

The snow came and it has stayed. This year we have more snow by early December then we got all last winter. Lets hope that the weather is getting people into the Christmas spirit. Get out there and shop. Preferably locally and from your favourite artist.
Hey..... I can hope.



The bird feeders needed a little work this morning before the little chirpers could enjoy breakfast. But of coarse the squeaky wheel always gets breakfast first so Tyson beat out the birds and enjoyed his bottle while the chickadees sat and waited.



I have said this many times lately but I will say it again I am really excited about getting back to work. I have ideas for new adornments and drawings. New textures, colours and feelings are going to take me into the new year with a smile on my face.

Back Home

It's Tuesday and I am still trying to get caught up on sleep. We had a wonderful time at the big show. Lots of long time customers along with many new acquaintances. Lori, my weekend help, and I had time to get caught up. We usually spend the whole show together but this year Lori decided to take a break. The art nest was the star of our show with about 400 of them going out the door. Thank you little birdies for all of your colourful nests.Ruby Diego (me) sold one of the sterling silver big chain necklaces. Yeah for Ruby! I am really excited to get back to work and...... set up my expanded studio in the attic. The couch and TV will be moving into our bedroom to make room for a large work table in my studio. Now I will be able to get my fabric cutting off the floor and spread it out on a surface where my back won't hurt.

Stay tuned for the new dresses and other fabric pieces......

Someone was happy to see me home!