Summertime!

 August is coming to a close and the summer was a whirlwind! Craft shows, cook outs, northern Michigan weekends, swimming, good times with fam and friends. Loved every minute!! The People's Art Festival in Detroit last weekend  was a blast. Complete with artists, kick ass Detroiters, $2 Sailor Jerry and cokes, and lots and lots of sunshine made for a wonderful weekend. I snapped a few pictures of the beautiful and industrial Russel as well as a fab and supportive customer Annie, rocking two necklaces from my booth. Thank you Detroit and cheers to the final days of summer.

Heidelberg

 Back from Europe and reliving the trip through photographs. The first weekend we headed south from Cologne ( spotted a great old camper on the autobahn) and spent a night and day in Heidelberg. A lovely and picturesque university town straight from a story book We walked to the castle for sunset, had schnitzel and beers, a doner kebab for lunch the next day ( "fast" and delicious food), and stayed at the charming Gasthaus Blackmulde. Up next, the Rhein and Mosel Valley!

Thank you, Bloomington.

 Silver cast pieces

Upland wheat

yummy sandwich at Upland

 skeeball at Atlas Bar

Just arrived back in Michigan from  the Bloomington Handmade Market and a quick trip to Louisville to visit family. A big thank you to the gals who organize the event and to the awesome volunteers! The show was filled with amazing vendors, friendly visitors,and a sunny spring day. I traded with the super awesome and talented Megan of the Binding Bee for a lovely handmade journal, pictures to come. Dinner at Upland Brewery, drinks at the Atlas bar and Nick's, and a quick stop at the Irish Lion brought an end to our day. Thank you kind people of Bloomington for a great weekend!

Bloomington Bound!

Bloomington, IN is one of my favorite places to be and I am headed there this weekend for an awesome event, the Bloomington Handmade Market. It was a wonderful place to go to college and remains to be a great place to visit. Remembering stories, the feeling of the unknown, and of course the food! I always mentally prepare what I want to eat before I visit. Bloomington Bagel Company, which is provided at the craft fair, is often a stop. Followed by the Irish Lion where I worked in college (wings, brie plate, and beer anyone)? Maybe the Trojan Horse for lunch and no trip is complete without breakfast at the Runcible Spoon! To name just a few. I love Bloomington for its laid backness, the beautiful surroundings, and the amazing people. Hope to see you at the Handmade Market at the Convention Center Saturday, April 2nd from 10am- 4pm.

Wild West

Feeling rejuvenated  after a trip to Albuquerque and Santa Fe! The trip was filled with delicious food, cocktails, and laughs with old friends. Some of the highlights- P'Tit Louis French Bistro for a delicious long lunch filled with white wine, mussels, cheese, and a beet salad,  cocktails at The Apothecary Bar above a boutique hotel which used to be a mental hospital, and  exploring the Bosque park along the Rio Grande and roaming the streets of Santa Fe. Now, on to preparing for Bloomington Handmade Market next Saturday from 10am - 4pm!!

Anticipation!

Gearing up for spring shows has begun, which means lots of road trips.  Traveling is one of my favorite things. I love having a trip to look forward to and a place to research.  Learning about foods, other cultures, and looking at pictures is my idea of an ideal way to spend time, in addition to making jewelry of course! My first show this year is in my college town and my home state, Bloomington, IN. The gals who organize the Bloomington Handmade Market have given me another reason to love this quaint university town. I can't wait to go! Amazing vendors, friendly people, and I can grab a pint in my old stomping grounds. I am also planning a trip to New Mexico this weekend, Germany/Amsterdam/Paris in mid April, and then Austin, TX in May for my 2nd Renegade Craft Fair!

Inspiring!

This past weekend some old friends celebrated a dear friend and libations were had! I made a beet infused vodka for the occasion and if you like beets, it was delish and very easy. Peel, cut, and soak the beets in a bottle of vodka (I used three beets and infused in a Pyrex dish) for 36 hours. Strain, mix with simple syrup and fresh lemon/lime juice. Enjoy! We also had the opportunity to visit Half Acre Brewery in Chicago. It started out as friends making beer and now is a brick and mortar brewery, very inspiring! I love the beer, the art work for the tshirts and packaging, and the beer!