Fresh Veggies

This morning as I was out feeding my critters I peeked at the garden and found two zucchini ready for picking and a handful of cherry tomatoes.  I love veggies fresh from the garden.  And I'm thankful my husband takes such good care of the garden, I'm a terrible gardener if I was in charge everything would die from lack of water.

Going Riding!

It has been over a month since I have taken the horses out for a ride.  First I had the Relay to get through, then the Allison transmission on my truck decided that it needed some TLC.  Now all of that is behind us and it's time to hit the arena and trail.  YEEHAA!

Rosey the Riveter

or  should I say Nanci, Nicki and Kathie the Riveters!  These three kindred spirits joined me on Saturday to learn the ins and outs of riveting.  We conquered our fear of power tools and the temperamental jeweler's saw.  I can't wait to see their future riveting projects.

I will be teaching this class again at Bead Gallery in San Diego on Saturday July 31.

Anodized Aluminum for Coloring

Today I am teaching the riveted heart class at Garden of Beaden.  In addition to riveting I am teaching how to stamp/color on aluminum.  In preparing for the class this week I learned several things. 

First not all anodized aluminum is suitable for stamping/coloring.  Several years ago I bought a large supply of colored anodized aluminum sheet in awesome bright colors.  Who doesn't love the idea of adding colored metal to your jewelry?  But when I used it in my project the ink rubbed off.  What's up with that?

And second when in doubt go to the manufacturer.  East West Dye Company is the manufacturer of the anodized aluminum I bought and also manufactures a product call Ready For Color Anodized Aluminum.  Of course, I thought all anodized aluminum was created equal.  In my discussion with the manufacturer I learned that the anodizing process fills in the pore space of the aluminum which makes it corrosion resistant and this filling in of the pore space makes it so inks will not stick to the surface.  To allow the aluminum to accept stamping/color they etch the surface after it is anodized.  I also learned that East West Dye is temporarily (maybe up to 2 years) not manufacturing any anodized aluminum including the Ready for Color.  Oh no! Panic!  Then the helpful representative suggested that I could etch the anodized aluminum I have with vinegar.  Really?

I had to do a little experimenting to get it to work but it finally did.  The tricks are to soak the aluminum in undiluted 5% vinegar for at least one hour, throughly dry the aluminum, stamp it with StazOn permanent ink and finally heat set the ink with a hairdryer on the "High" setting or an embossing gun.

Father's Day 2010

For Father's Day I made my dad a tie chain.  It has a bracket that goes behind the tie and fits over a button, and the chain that goes around the tie.  I don't often make men's jewelry.  It is fun to do something different once and awhile.

The tie is from my wow-isn't-this-a-neat-silk-tie-maybe-i-can-do-something-with-it collection.

Happy Father's Day to all you dads.

2010 Relay is a memory...

This picture was taken Sunday morning and dedicated Relayers were still walking the track, taking a stand against cancer.  We raised almost $41,000 to help the American Cancer Society further its mission of "eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service".  We'll take a break over the summer and then start planning the 2011 Relay!  Cancer never sleeps so we mustn't either.

I'm in mourning...

my favorite Cole Haan sandles meet with an untimely demise...they were eaten by a predator.  Well they were eaten by one of my dogs...personally I'm blaming Tank because my much beloved Jasmine won't think of committing such an atrocity.  As you can see I'm a little over the top about shoes...seems to be a common affliction of females.  (You will sometimes notice this affliction among men when cowboy boots are involved.)

So my sandles are going to shoe heaven...the dump...today.  I hope they meet up with my Ariat mules that were also eaten by a predator.

Ready, Set, Relay

Upland residents, cancer survivors, health care givers, students, and business and community leaders will gather for the Eighth Annual Upland Relay For Life on June 12 at 9 a.m. at Magnolia Park at 15th Street and San Antonio Avenue, Upland. Relay For Life is the 24-hour signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. The funds raised are used to further American Cancer Society’s mission of “eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service”. In 2009 Upland RFL raised over $50,000 for ACS programs, this year the goal is $52,000. The theme for the Upland RFL is “A World with More Birthdays”.

The Upland RFL will begin on June 12 at 9 a.m. with a Celebration Ceremony and the cheering on of our cancer survivors during the Survivor’s Lap, the first lap of the Relay For Life. Throughout the day as survivors, caregivers and team members walk the track there will be music, dancing, team raffles and a birthday party. Then at 9 p.m. we will pause for our candlelight Luminaria ceremony, this is a time to remember those who have fought the cancer battle. Upland resident Frances Ladner will speak about her family’s many battles with cancer followed by the Luminaria lap. The Luminaria lap will be lead by bagpipers from the UHS Pipe Band. And at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning Relayers will recommit to fighting cancer everyday during the Fight Back Ceremony.

There is a $10 registration fee for this event which is open to the public.

Riveting Test Drive

Yesterday I spent the day with my friend Melissa at our favorite bead shop, Garden of Beaden, test driving my new riveting class.  Thanks Melissa for being my guinea pig...I learned lots that will make the class better...less frustration = more fun.  And thanks Irene for allowing us to work at your shop

First, stop being a cheap little Scottish girl...not being convinced that StazOnTM was the only ink to use on metal I had to try another (cheaper!) product...well it promptly rubbed off...I had an engineering professor who's mantra was "don't reinvent the wheel"...when am I going to heed those words.  I'm also a Missouri native...you know the "Show Me" state...skeptical coupled with cheap...not always a good combination.

Second, this is not a beginner's class...being comfortable with tools is essential.

Third, take your time with the fit and finish of the rivets.

I will be teaching the riveted heart at Garden of Beaden on Saturday June 26, 2010 11 a.m. to 4 p.m....it would be awesome to have you join me in the class.

New Etsy Store

 I have a new Etsy Store--Watergirl Studio, http://www.watergirlstudio.etsy.com/.  I was the lucky reciepient of the stock from a crafter that changed her focus--from beads and barretts to candles.  I am posting those supplies currently.  I am also cleaning out my studio and will be posting orphan beads and the like.  Many of the supplies would be great for school fundraisers or scout projects.