Intentional Stones

Strands and strands

I have to reassure you.  If there's nothing posted here, it's due to the fact that I'm very very very very busy. 

Project Runway is on the TV on thursdays and it's vitalizing to see the design in process.

One last Sunday show is coming up at the Waterfront.  Look for us from 11-3 in the Pump House! I'll be there for their holiday market in late November, but I'm skipping the Biketoberfest on the first.  Maybe I'll stop in with my bike!  What a concept!

But, most of all, I'm getting ready for holiday shows.  I have many great pieces that I've started but need those last finishing touches or a necklace to hang from.  I have planned improvements to my displays to complete.  Photographs to get into the portfolio.  My tent needs repair or replacement.  (One gust of wind from Irene took it out [the storm never touched Pittsburgh, except that pesky wind]) And I need weights to keep that from happening again. 

Bedford's Fall Foliage Festival will be here in no time!  October 8th is coming up very very fast.  This one's a big time show and everything must be hand made!!! 

Then there's the listings.  I uploaded some photos to facebook, but they're not written up or listed yet!!!

School is in full swing around here.  Which is the primary reason for being too busy to blog.  It's like I have two full time jobs.  And while it's filling a lot of my time, I feel like my life is finally back where I want it to be.  We're having the most rich time working together and learning together.  And we completely back in control of our lives. 

Today in the studio I have strands of tiny stone beads getting ready to support beautiful stone pendants.  Woven chain with me all day long.  I'm finishing commissions and making a few larger gemstone rings.  OK, I'm overwhelmed by my aspirations.  

Still.  You get the idea. 

Coming This Weekend: Pittsburgh Heritage

We'll be at our first event this year!  Sponsored by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, The Spring Heritage Market at the Pump House , is this weekend, Saturday April 23rd from 10 am to 3 pm.  The Pump House is located in the Waterfront Mall area in Homestead.

"Free and open to the public, the event will include authentic, ethnic heritage art, suchas Bulgarian-Macedonian pottery, Moroccan purses, Native American beadwork and Irish collectibles. Crafts representing the Pittsburgh region’s more recent green heritage include pop industrial art, handcrafted jewelry and baubles made from recycled materials, among others.

The event will also include a taste exploration of our region’s diverse culture with foods representing Cuba, Bulgaria-Macedonia, England and Hungary, among others. Sample soups, teas and chocolate and purchase other foods, such as homemade cookies and breads from The Rise Above Bakery and Cafe or Easter treats from Dorothy’s Candies."

Both Mina and I will be there to represent Intentional Stones.  We'd love to see you as you run your Saturday errands and show your families the beautiful transformation of the Pittsburgh river front into space to enjoy.

Thank you!

-Simbelmynë

Refreshing Monday

School's back in and my days seem so much more organized. I'm getting much more done, so here's today's rambling list.

I've joined a gym, and today was my first time going.  I even found workout buddies!  I don't plan to restrict my visits to times when people can come with me, but it's really nice knowing they're there and available.

I'm taking the time to carefully set up the Intentional Stones booth display.  Both for the purposes of formally photographing it for show applications and practicing to optimize my setup time.

Setting up at home gives me a chance to rethink the look of the booth.  I think some sewing is going to happen in the near future, to tighten up the corners of the tablecloths and smooth the edges of the buntings.  Also, pendants and charms are very difficult to display!  I've got these little cards that stand off the table (empty cards visible above), and I may set some larger wraps on jewelry trays full of pebbles.  Frequently people hang them from frames or on paper cards- which puts the smaller items in a more visible place.

Weight is a huge issue in this shop.  The mirrors, which add so much depth and light to the experience of the stand, are really heavy.  They're difficult to store and if I put them all in one box, I cannot lift it!  I cannot imagine what people do with the larger glass/plexiglass jewelry display cases when they're on the road.  I almost feel like I'd have to buy a truck or van just to transport my booth.

Maybe finished photographs will have to wait a couple more days.

On top of all that, community college classes have started for the fall and the drawing and jewelry classes I'm taking include *gasp* homework.  Reading, drawing, even bench work. Goodie! (That was not sarcastic.  Homework at my bench is really exciting.)

And I'm getting my sleep schedule on track finally.  I don't want school to be suffering just because I fail to get to bed.

House?  What house?

-Simbelmynë

 

 

 

 

Thank you, West Virginia!

The Cheat Festival 

It's the first weekend of May every year and it's the perfect combination of enjoyment of the area through the Cheat River Race and kayaking all weekend long, a music stage with live bands all afternoon long, and the Art Market.  The festival raises money for the Friends of the Cheat, who work tirelessly to repair damage to the valley due to runoff from abandoned mines.

I took a pretty big step, submitting our work to the jury from the Preston County Arts Council.  I thought this would be a nice opportunity, and if we didn't make it in, my family could still enjoy the festival.  There would still be fun.  But Intentional Stones got in!    We were already very thankful.

With the help of my family setting up, the sales stall was beyond my expectations!  Everything came together beautifully.  My spot in the market could not have been better.  People could see me as they came in and I could see the stage for all the bands.  Especially important because there were people visiting me all day and evening. 

Meanwhile, the family had a great time enjoying wild, wet, adventurous fun.  Appreciating wildlife, climbing, playing down by the river, hiking, dancing and enjoying the beautiful day.   

Over the long day, they came back to bring me food from the great vendors and let me take breaks.  So, even though I missed Mina, who can't really pick up and travel for a random weekend, I had my team!

There were many talented artists- at the art market and playing on the stage.  My neighbors Cool Runnings- quilting and tie dye, and Smell like a Monkey?- sweet, whimsical soaps, among many others.  And the event organizers.  Everybody was very helpful and even loaned us power cords when ours wasn't long enough.  More experienced vendors definitely helped us stay prepared for the weather. 

With the crowds from all the different bands, I was busy at the art market all night. 

Nytesong and her awesome husband suggested taking part in the art market. They've run the downriver race for years. Our coming benefited both families, they were able to stay for the festival and the kids all had much more to do.

I have to say it was the best advice I've gotten all year. 

They get a huge thank you as well.  They've supported me a lot through the last few years.  Michelle's easy to make jewelry for, and her appreciation has been a big boost for me as an artist.  Rick's a small business owner and he's helped with getting us set up.  Our kids are dear friends, so they keep each other entertained, even when I have a million computer-related things to do. 

They're only two of the great friends I have who've been so supportive.  I love you all.

This festival was the most successful sales event we've attended, something we needed very much in the quest to be an art business.  We made good connections, I got a lot of wonderful and helpful feedback about our jewelry.    I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity.  Thank you, West Virginia!

If you have a favorite festival or art event that you'd like us to try, please, mention it!

-Simbelmynë