A "Cool" Necklace

I love the soft, almost neutral color of these pearls and the translucent amber glass pendant that anchors them.

I love pendant necklaces

The colors in this flame agate focal bead knock me out and I love that the stone is nearly transparent. I found the stone at a lapidary show and it lingered in my stash for a long time until I found a beautiful strand of flame agate rounds that complimented each of the pendant's colors. Pretty stuff.

Getting the chimney pointed

No, I'm not taking a picture of the chimney and posting it! Just noting that it's interesting to watch a worker perform his trade artfully and efficiently. It's what I aspire to in my own artistry.

The Craft Show Doldrums

Maybe if I applied to more shows in the summer, I wouldn't feel like there is NOTHING happening right now.
Does give me lots of time to create, however, so all is not lost.

Househunting

Househunting with one of my daughters has taken its toll on blogging time! I keep making things, listing them on etsy, and selling at craft shows, but my blog has become something of an afterthought. The thing is that one really has to work at a blog and I can always think of something that needs doing.

Like creating jewelry, as in the black gold amazonite necklace pictured. Those stones are so cool--both color and style.

Flagfest at Betsy Ross House

What a wonderful event this one was! One reason I was so happy to have participated in it was that I did very well on the money side. But the event was nice in other ways, too.

First, the event staff was awesome--helpful, generous with their time and making sure the vendors were comfortable, willing to go the extra mile to hlp--in particular, moving vendors around on Sunday to accommodate traffic. Thank you, Chris--and Michelle and Keith and many others.

Second, lot of fun stuff, like Uncle Sam on stilts, guys riding up and down on those wonderful big-wheeled bikes, Punch and Judy shows, John Philip Sousa band music, food of many kinds, and a great variety of vendors.

Finally, a wonderful crowd of potential customers. There were lots of Boston Red Sox fans in town for the series with the Phillies, and they were lovin' it! Also lots of travelers from everywhere in town for a few days--I met a wonderful duo, Barbara and her sister, who not only bought some nice pieces from me on Saturday but came back on Sunday to say good-bye as they were leaving town--how nice was that? Lots of kids and dogs and balloons and ice cream...I hope the Betsy Ross House folks run this again. It's a real winner.

Flagfest Philadelphia 2009

http://www.betsyrosshouse.org/prog_flag_festival/

I'll be participating as a crafter/vendor at the Flagfest celebration weekend at the Betsy Ross House at 3rd and Arch on June 13-14. It's kind of cool to be exhibiting my own skills at a festival celebrating America's most famous sempstress.