Countdown Begins - 12

Okay, this morning I realized something... it is just 12 days until The Corn Hill Arts Festival. For those of you who have been with me and my blog since the beginning, you'll know what I am talking about. For your blog newbies... check out some shows of the past... scroll way down to early July HERE and HERE. It is so fun looking back at those old shows (and the weeks leading up to them). Most of you know, I am a total spaz and I will be completely convinced that I 1)don't have enough stuff, 2)none of the stuff is good enough, 3)that no one is going to buy anything, and 4)that I don't have enough stuff.

It would seem having work to show is my biggest concern. It always is. I feel like I need to have new, fresh designs for every show. I hate going to shows year after year and seeing the same booths with the same stuff. Get new ideas people!! Or you'll lose my interest!! My art being good enough is just my personal insecurity, and I know everyone will tell me how much they love it... but I just need to get there mentally before I get over it. And as for #3 above, with more then 500,000 people in attendance... someone always buys something.

So here is what is going to happen over the next 12 days. Double torch sessions are starting. I get up early (like 6am)... torch for 2-3 hours... let the kiln ramp down... play with the kids and make jewelry with the previous day's beads in the afternoon... by 7pm the kiln is ready to be opened... get those beads out and torch for another 2-3 hours. Why not just torch for 5-6 hours straight? A) I have kids and they won't let me... B) it hurts my right shoulder blade really bad. Plus, I like the break in between to let ideas stir.

What does this mean for you all... you are going to see a lot of cool pics in the coming 12 days!! BUT, probably not a lot of chit chat. It is just me producing all this stuff. So me and my nose are staying stuck to that grindstone. I have the kiln warming right now (I know I am already running late). I am thinking some tone on tone turquoise with cobalt stripes on nuggets and a new square wire link design.

But before I head out to the torch... I want to give a big HEY to Francie, Suzanne, and Barb at JOOLZ! Friday was a fun evening. There was a steady stream of visitors and lots left with JOOLZ goodie bags. We will definitely be doing it again in the Fall.

And as for the smiling duo there... I would like to introduce you to Kelley, my BFF, lol. How third grade of me. Anyway, Kelley and I have been friends for 13 years. We were in each others' weddings, we had our babies just weeks apart, we were there when the other gave birth to our second kids... we are like peanut butter and jelly. Then the girl had to go and move 1200 miles away in Norfolk VA!! We talk every day on the phone, but there is nothing like getting to be in the same room. And after 2 years, we got to do that for a few hours on Saturday. Just sitting at the kitchen table for hours, sharing a bottle of wine, and talking face to face. Her visit was way too short!! I can't wait for her to come back. Love you, KEL! And my stars, do I need to tan.