Jewelry in AZ

In AZ they love their turquoise and fortunately I have lots of that. But I've also been shaping opals, dragon glass (obsidian) and fire agate. Along with silver, copper has proven to be very nice to work in. So here are a few new earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings.

Silver smithing in Mesa

Amenities at Mesa Regal are just a few reasons why we like it here, the 70 degree days and lows in the 50's are also a big plus. I'm getting ready for a spring show that will be held it in March a well attended event. I hope to feature my jewelry, lapidary and wood work (which has not yet been started) and this year, I might try selling a few pieces. 

A Tucson thanksgiving

Just a short beautiful drive south from our winter retreat sits Tucson, specifically Saddlebrooke where several of Gary's cousins live. This year, Mark an Ivah were kind enough to take us in for thanksgiving and it was quite a feast! Everyone contributed a dish to share but Ivah's base of stuffed turkey, ham, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, an array of sweets... Stop me, I'm so full I can't get up just thinking about it. What's more comfortable, sitting, standing, or laying down? I don't know but it was worth it and the drive home under a full moon was as beautiful as the drive down.

Jewelry in the works

What to do when you have some down time, make jewelry or polish stones to be placed in the jewelry. These are just a few pieces I've finished. More to come!

War of the roses

At times it seems like the roses have the upper hand, slowly but surely we will win this war with the roses! It's interesting to hear that some people in the park think they would like to do our job, until they see how much work it takes, how our arms are cut from the thorns and how warm the late morning sun can be and they just comment "they are really looking great, keep up the good work"! The second most asked question is "do you see many scorpions"? The answer is no, I'm sure they are around but when we are weeding and cutting the dead wood out we have no visitors of the stinging variety. Last year when Gary was sweeping behind a food truck he scared up one small scorpion, I was trying to find a tool to scoop him up to move him when Gary stepped forward and stomped on the little bugger. I guess they are not a bug worth saving. One thing I do know, small is not better, they have more venom then the larger variety.