By George!

Day one of the Tucson Gem Show is a success!  Lots of great new goodies.  New sterling chains, carved shell flowers, great new gemstones including agate slices and rough cut grey diamonds!  Can’t wait to get to designing.  Here is a picture of my stash from day 1.  I’ll be back for lots more tomorrow!

I figured today is the perfect day to test out my new Wordpress Blackberry Application! My 3 year old has a fever and we are all stuck at home. Since I am a 1 woman sweat shop, nothing gets done when the kids are in high need mode. I guess that means I’ll be up working late once they get to bed! I have a whole new line of bridesmaid rings that will be launching soon, if I can get the time to photograph them. Hoping to get it done soon so that everything is finished before my BRIDES magazine feature comes out! Stay tuned!

Do you live in the Phoenix area or know someone who does?  Cactus Flower Florist has paired my jewelry with a couple of flower arrangements for Valentine’s day! Yay! Send a unique gift while supporting our local economy!  I love the presentation.  Notice my signature brown box and pink ribbon right in the arrangements!

I’ve been so busy lately with reorganizing and my home studio and making it more efficient (pictures of the new space to follow!).  But in the process of doing so, I was reminded how important proper storage of your silver is.  I found jewelry and beads from 10 years ago that was stored in plastic bags and it was in perfect condition.  Then, other pieces from less than 6 months ago that were not stored in bags, were tarnished so heavily that they are now unusable.

So please!  Store your jewelry in plastic baggies! All of my jewelry is shipped in a plastic bag (and gift wrapped and presented nicely of course) but please keep the plastic bag for when you are not wearing your jewelry!  Jewelry trees and dishes are pretty, but not good for long term storage of your pieces.  So don’t forget that plastic is best!  Designate a section of a drawer in your dresser to your plastic bags of jewelry.  You will be so happy when your jewelry lasts a lot longer and needs much less cleaning!