spring is coming!
January flew by because I was looking forward to my trip to Tucson for the Gem and Mineral show. February did not go by so fast. Like so many others, I am soooo ready to be done being cold, to feel the warm sunshine, to work in the yard, and for my show season to begin!
Obligatory photo in front of a saguaro cactus in Tucson!
First, let me tell you about my trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Actually, it’s shows. There are around 40 individual shows in Tucson during the first two weeks of February (some start earlier), some in huge tents, some in hotel rooms, selling rocks, fossils, jewelry making supplies and finished jewelry. This was the first time I have been to the show as an official jeweler. I used to live in Tucson and have been to one of two shows looking for beads, a piece of jewelry (I couldn’t make my own then), or volunteering as a graduate student.
Beautiful turquoise I picked up at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
Turquoise and newly found azurite and malachite mix (bottom)!
Boulder opals from Austrailia - one of my favorites.
My goal this year was to purchase one of a kind hand-picked stones to create jewelry with, and I found them! I was very overwhelmed by the amount of beads, gems and stones I saw, but I am glad I did my homework before and knew what shows I wanted to visit and what stones I wanted. I searched through trays of stones, examining them to see which ones speaks to me, which ones are destined to become a piece of Likos Metal and Stone Jewelry - but I really don’t mind the time;).
An illuminated table made from banded onyx. Someday this will go in my kitchen.
This is a cut and polished slice of a meteorite with olivine crystals in it. So cool!
In addition to searching for the perfect stones for my jewelry, another favorite part of the Tucson Gem Show was seeing unique specimens such as giant petrified wood, giant gem crystals and meteorites with gems in them! The natural world never ceases to amaze me! I also got to visit with old friends (one I haven’t seen in over 20 years!) and eat the best burrito ever! The only thing I didn’t get to do that was on my list was to take a hike in the desert….I guess I’ll have to go back.
A new piece with Indonesia opalized wood with copper waiting to be displayed at my first show in April
Another new piece. This one is fossilized mammoth tooth with turquoise.
On another note, my first show of the season is in one month! I’ve been working hard to create new designs and build inventory. I usually do not do shows in the winter as I like the time to build inventory and create without the pressure of a deadline. It also gives me time for both me and my house to recover and (maybe) get some things on the to-do list done. But I do miss the anticipation and excitement that come with show season. Now it is March and I have to get it into gear! I need to keep on making jewelry, but also make sure my tent is clean, displays are freshened, and boxes and bags are stocked up. I am still waiting to hear from several shows about whether I am accepted or not, but listed below are the ones I will be at as of now. You can always go to my website on the events page to see an updated list with details. I hope to see you at a show!
Art in the Loop, Memphis TN, April 3-5, 2020
Art in the Square, Southlake TX, April 24-26, 2020
Artfest on Walnut, Springfield MO, May 2-3, 2020
Omaha Summer Arts Fair, Omaha NE, June 5-6, 2020
Lakeshore Arts Festival, Muskegon, MI, July 3-5, 2020
More to come! I will update my Events page as I hear back from more festivals.
I miss these sunsets. Catalina Mountains, Tucson.