East Bay Blast!

So, last Friday's party was pretty off the hook.  By 9:00 there was a line around the block of eager party goers from all walks of life.  I was stationed at my table for most of the night, but got to sneak away for a few minutes.  The museum was packed with people both inside and throughout its' many courtyards and patio spaces.  I managed to see Goaple's heart felt performance and tribute to her hometown, sample some cucumber-mint gelato, and browse the myriad of great designers.  My boyfriend scored a great hoodie from local fave Estillo Clothing Company. 

I installed new lights in my jewelry case which made it glow on this magical evening.  There was much love for my work from all different types of people.  Hearing positive feedback about my work from young & old, black, white, and brown, men and women truly makes me feel like i'm on the right track.

The best part about the party was the outpouring of love for Oakland.  People believe in their town no matter how many outsiders have deeply rooted, less than favorable views about the place they call home.  Witnessing the diversity of my City's population, all with the common goal of creating a better Oakland, fills my heart with pride like nothing else.

Fashion Awards Recap

Here are a few images from the San Francisco Fashion Awards that I attended last weekend.  Held at the famous Phoenix Hotel, a beacon for musicians and celebs visiting SF, the event was a fashion show/award ceremony/trunk show/rock concert extravaganza.  Even though most of the attention was focused on the runway, I still had several great sales!  

Open Studios-A Success!

I'm happy to report that open studios was a great success!  There was a steady stream of art lovers filling my studio on both weekends, and the icing on the cake, sales were fantastic!  The concept is truly genius - viewing a craftsperson at work on their terms, in their space - and then being able to make a purchase directly from the artist.  People were intrigued by my tools, equipment, and  of course the jewels!  I find that I am often underestimated at first, but being in my studio really allowed me to show off my skills and shine at what I do best.

The event was wonderful for the entire neighborhood, Jingletown that is.  People came from the far stretches of the Bay Area to check out the neighborhood with the cool name and highly concentrated arts community.  I'm thrilled to be part of putting Jingletown on the map. 

Letterpress Love

Recently, while spending a lazy afternoon strolling about Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood with a dear friend, I discovered the most beautiful letterpress card I had ever laid my eyes upon.  I bought it, of course, I had to.  The artist, Diva Pyari, creates stunningly simple stationary among other things under the name Linea Carta.  Using letterpress and silk-screening techniques, every piece is made by hand.  I am particularly drawn to her alphabet cards and have already begun my collection.