Make Good has the goods...

 I've just filled my case at Make Good , 2207 Fern Street, in South Park with gobs of baubles. This antique locket with a vintage mother of pearl pendant, fresh water pearls and sterling silver chain is just one of the treasures waiting for you there.

                    A beautiful vintage bird and a handmade nest with some ruby red quartz
                                                           just dying to hug your neck.

You deserve a little retail therapy for all the hard work you've done taking care of everyone else this year, come find that perfect adornment and while you're at it, finish off your holiday shopping. Make Good has loads of gift ideas, all crafted by over 100 local artists, you're sure to find some things you'll love, you'll avoid the malls and most importantly, you'll be supporting small business and shopping local!
Find Make Good here...

get ready to do a little shopping...

I just listed some new items in my Etsy store, just click on the scrolling photo link on the right hand side of this page to get there. I've added a coupon code for 15% off purchases, the coupon code word is holiday.

I'll be listing new items through the weekend so stay tuned...

 Well, the flurry of trunk shows has ended for this season...I'm going to miss hanging out with my old and new favorite creative folks but look forward for more shows in the spring!

 The list of venues this year was really great, trunk shows have taken on a whole new attitude.

Re-purposed, forgotten about buildings were transformed into very hip gathering spots and lots of locals took notice. I was impressed by the artists I met and it was awesome to feel the awareness to support and shop locally, handmade treasures.

SoNo Park Holiday Fest

Come see me here tomorrow, it will be an awesome day!

creative procrastination...

I've been under the weather this week and couldn't seem to get my jewelry making mojo on but I felt the need to be creative to feed my soul. Sometimes I end up in the middle of a project without even realizing it...

The result is these paper ornaments made from recycled catalogs I've been hoarding...

I kinda love them and it validates my need to hang on to magazines with creative intent!

  I'm excited for the upcoming show at The Glashaus this Sunday, I'll be there with 20 other fantastic local artists and crafters. Go to LocalColorCraftFair.wordpress.com for details and get a peek at the other talents that will be there. It's this Sunday, rain or shine, from 11:00-3:00. See you there!!

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I'm giving new life to cameos with cast off bits and baubles...

I've been digging through the treasures that clutter my work space and occupy my heart to create some new pieces for upcoming shows...

It's Time For Another Handmade Revolution Trunk Show!

Hope you'll join us for The Handmade Revolution's Annual Holiday Trunk Show, Sunday, November 6th from 11:00-5:00 at The Yellow House on B Street at 2940 B Street, 92102 in Golden Hill. Click on the flier above for more details and be sure to check back, I'll be posting some teasers as we get closer.

The passage of time...

I can't believe it's October, really, is there some kind of time warp happening? I remember when I was a kid I used to wish time would go faster, I couldn't wait to be older, not have to take naps or eat my dinner if I didn't want to, can I take that back...? My aunt told me once that as you get older, time seems to slip by faster and faster and that I would wish I was still a kid someday. Of course, I didn't believe her, adults act like they know everything!
The necklaces here are inspired by one of my favorite holidays, Dia De Los Muertos,Day of the Dead, and of course the fabulous Frida Kahlo. Day of the Dead is November 1st and 2nd, in accordance with the Catholic holidays, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is part of Mexican culture to honor and celebrate departed loved ones by praying and making altars honoring the dead with their favorite food and drinks, sugar skulls and marigolds.
These Frida necklaces were a special request from my good friend Sophia, owner of Make Good in South Park, 2207 Fern Street. You can find my work and the work of over 100 local artists there, where we will have a Dia De Los Muertos celebration Sunday, November 1st in the afternoon. Stay tuned for details http://www.themakegood.com/

Road Trip

I'm packing the car for my annual road trip with my boy to the Bay Area. We go to visit my other dad, affectionately called Dan-Dan, in Menlo Park and this year I'll be doing another show at my cousin Heather's in beautiful San Rafael, a favorite venue I must say! A little bird told me some of the girls were looking for some color so I thought I'd post a teaser, I did a whole line of these birds and roses in several colors to bring along...
Always feel like I'm forgetting something and I usually do despite several lists and my very helpful husband, nothing a trip to Target won't solve!

Inspiration Point

This last weekend my extended family and I had the pleasure of enjoying our very generous friend's mountain house. It is an amazing rustic mansion surrounded by spectacular views.
I was there to relax and enjoy some quality time with loved ones but truth be told, I had work to do so I packed it all and set up a work station in the back corner of the living room, flanked by windows. This is a partial view and the photo does it no justice but you get a little taste of what it was like...

The good company, beautiful scenery and fresh air proved to be quite a creative inspiration and it turned out to be a productive weekend. Counting down to the show at Heather's in San Rafael, can't wait!

Gearing Up For Girl's Night In!

I'm excited to say I'll be doing another show in San Rafael hosted by my fabulous cousin Heather! It will be a great girl's night in and I can't wait to get there. Thought I'd post a few photos as teasers over the next few weeks so stay tuned!

The much coveted 1940's flower pendant, I might finally be ready to part with this.....

Gorgeous big faceted baubles with a carved black rose, with tank and jeans or a party dress, done!

Gobs of faceted chunk gem stones and a rescued cameo on vintage rosary beads.

For the very fabulous Veronica...

A Legacy of Love

Today marks the 5th anniversary of my dad's passing and although he's gone, his full of life character and spirit remains in our hearts forever.
The anticipation of this day has really caused me to reflect and examine my feelings about what this mark means to me, the truth is I don't know if I can articulate my feelings accurately and I'm not even sure I need to.

I did find myself wondering what it means that he's no longer physically here, where is his spirit? I thought about what it might be like, you know, the afterlife. I realized that in the same instant that we say goodbye to our loved one that they may about to be greeted by many they've loved and lost in their lifetime, parents and grandparents and friends lost too soon.
I imagine him jamming with Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald and Sara Vaughan, THAT would be heaven to him!

I was reminded by a good friend today how blessed I was to have had the amazing relationship I did with my dad, she's so right, I have so many treasured memories and not everyone has that with a parent.

I'm reminded of him daily in so many ways, some memories evoke sadness but most remind me of how valued and loved I was by him. So many of the memories cause me to smile and some just make me laugh out loud.I'm happy to say I inherited his sense of humor but also his bad temper and intolerance for things that most simply ignore or don't notice.
I'll always think of him as I cringe at the widely misused and unnecessary repetitive phrase " he, himself".
And of course, as I spout obscenities at the table leg on which I have just practically broken my baby toe.

He is missed by many more than me today; his life partner of nearly 30 years, Danny, my brother, Sean, his sister, Kathie, his grandson, Spencer and my husband, Ben,so many friends, too many to list really- what a tribute to his endearing personality!

This day has turned out to be full of love for me and I'm sending love to all of you thinking of him today and to anyone that's felt the sting of grief when losing someone you love dearly.



"I am ready to meet my maker, but whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British politician.

Memories of Love...reposting this today in honor of Valentines Day

I decided to re-post this today in honor of Valentines Day; I am so blessed to have so many people in my life to love and be loved by, Happy Valentines Day!!

Today is my Dad's birthday and this month will mark the fifth year without him, I miss him so much and sometimes can't believe he's gone. The other day my brother brought to my attention the fact that I had referred to him in the present tense "when I look at Daddy" I had said, I didn't even realize I said it that way and afterward it really made me think, I do still carry him with me in so many ways, I really am reminded of him daily and wouldn't want it any other way.
This necklace was inspired by him, he was such a source of love in my life. He truly was the first man I loved, he gave me my first book of love poems, he always wrote sweet encouraging letters and would always draw hearts on the page. He showed me the best example of a loving relationship with the love he exhibited for his life partner and my other dad ,Dan.
Because he was such a master of celebration, I know the best way to honor him today would be just that; to celebrate his life and the love he left in his path.
Happy Birthday, Daddy, I love you.

New Etsy Listings

I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things after a very busy holiday season, I know- that was over 7 weeks ago- hence the word "slowly"...
Here is a few photos to entice you to my Etsy shop, these are recent listings and I will continue to post more hoping to help some of the indecisive spouses and mates to find that perfect Valentines Day gift.
Just follow the link on this page to find my Etsy shop or if you're in the South Park hood, stop into Make Good at 2207 Fern Street for lots of fabulous baubles to chose from.