Closed the Computer

Well, I finally closed my laptop and took the dogs and I for a walk.  It was another beautiful day here in Mammoth Lakes, CA. I just kept checking one more thing and before I knew it, it was noon!  I had changed out of my pj's and cleaned up a bit however.  My grand kids are here with us but right now they are in love with our  neighbors who have two boys, 8 and 4.  I think they like their parents too!  They built a Tepee today. So no wonder they didn't want to go on a walk with me and the dogs! 

Nefret and the Tepee

We did go to Panum Crater yesterday. This area has lots of craters to explore. We were on the hunt for more obsidian.  We found huge rocks of it.  Unfortunately, there was a sign that said no collecting. I didn't actually see it so when the girls showed me what they collected I didn't know they were breaking a rule.  But the rocks are happy now in our obsidian garden at the cabin. 

Mono Lake from Panum Crater.

Grandma and Nefret

Cool Juniper on a large obsidian rock.

Nefret and Juni (Nefret has on a jean vest we got for $4 at the local thrift store)

Piece of Obsidian

Tomorrow we drive back to San Diego.  I have more beads to make for the bead bazaar coming up Aug. 4th and 5th.  For more info on the bead bazaar click here. 

I made some fun earrings and a couple of necklaces this week. I will post some photos later this week. I am excited to show them to you so I hope you can make it to the San Diego Bead Society Annual Bead Bazaar.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for stopping!  Jan

Summer News

Well, it has happened again. I had intentions of updating my website once a week and before I know it, a month has gone by! Summer is a busy time for me as we spend a lot of time at our cabin in the Eastern Sierras.  In between I am working at Studio 9 at Spanish Village, making beads and jewelry and taking classes.  This may be a long post so I hope you won't be too bored. You can just scroll through to see the photos! LOL! Here goes.....

My Granddaughter, Juniper, had her "promotion to 6th grade". Interesting how schools now have all sorts of awards and make big productions going from elementary to middle school.  But isn't Juni cute?  It looks like she is crossing her eyes!!! LOL! I will have to ask her about that.

I have been having a wonderful time going on hikes this year. Since I had my hip replaced in January I can now walk, climb, and do more walking. It is fabulous! One of the  lakes in Mammoth, Horseshoe Lake, is like a dog beach. My dogs, Aggie and Lilly, and I try to go there often so they can run and I can get some exercise too. Here are some photos of the lake and us walking around it. The lake is down this year due to below normal snow fall.

This was my first time in Mammoth Lakes, CA for the 4th of July. We sat on the edge of the street and watched the parade.  Lots of horses which are my favorites.  Afterwards, there was a concert in the park and an art festival.  The weather was wonderful, in the 70's, my favorite temp. 

I mentioned in an earlier post that I would be taking a class with Diana Frey, a mixed media artist. This class was my introduction into this type of jewelry and I have fallen in love! The class was held at her studio in San Luis Obispo.  SLO for short. I fell in love with SLO. Very laid back and just beautiful. The downtown has all sorts of restaurants, bars and cool stores. I could have spent three days just exploring the downtown.  Here are some photos of the class, her studio and the class projects.  

BRIAR ROSE

From left to right: Jan Petek, Diana Salvucci-Smith, Julie Strohlman, Charlene Gray

From left to right: Jody Cottrell, Vickie Orlando, Sandy Navarro, Cecelia Alvarado, Terry San Filippo, Brigitte Willse

I am in the center back. Diana Frey is in the middle in the back top a long necklace.

Class sample - Bird in Hand

No I haven't finished mine yet! 

As you can see from the projects, we used vintage jewelry pieces along with some doll parts and a soldering iron. All new to me! 

Here is photo from the class I took with Diane Cook in Coronado, CA.  The workshop was put on by Vivi Magoo with Barb Solem.  Check them out! Barb does wonderful workshops! I actually finished the projects in class but don't have any photos of them, sigh...... I tried to take photos with my phone today but they are just not good enough. ( My photo area is piled with enamels right now!) If you go to Diane's website you will see the two projects, "Heart Strings" and "Window to my Heart" along with projects she will be teaching in new workshops. Diane also does mixed media art and I just love it!   Totally different from the jewelry I usually make. I have been looking for awhile for alternatives to sterling silver as the price of sterling has gone so high. I don't want to raise my prices but I also don't want to risk quality. The mixed media art may give me what I am looking for.  I am hoping to hone my skills and include my beads in some pieces. As I get more into it you will be hearing and seeing more! 

In the meantime, I am still working on glass beads, sterling silver jewelry AND torch fired enamel beads.  I am in also love with making the torch fired beads and using them to make fun and whimsical pieces with my glass beads. You may have seen some of the earrings at the last Art Glass Guild Patio Show or on my Etsy site.  Here are a couple of photos. 

In two weeks is the San Diego Bead Society's Annual Bead Bazaar. Aug. 4th & 5th.

San Diego Bead Society Bead Bazaar

Saturday and Sunday Aug. 4th & 5th, 2012

10am to 6mp Saturday

10am to 5pm Sunday

Scottish Rite Center

Mission Valley, San Diego, CA

 Here is a sample of what I will have at the bazaar this year. I am excited to show you all the torch fired enamel beads and how they can be used. Stop by, it is always fun to catch up! 

If you have any questions on anything you see here, just let me know.  Thanks for stopping by!

Jan