Monday

Maura Muir is an amazing polymer clay artist, right here in Rochester! I found her through the Studio 34 website. I've been to a bead show there - the artists are amazing. If I didn't have my hands full at the moment, I'd be very tempted to take some classes there.

I know I'm really losing my mind because I can't remember if I posted this thought before or if I just thought it. When I was driving down University Avenue to get to the Clothesline art show a few weeks ago, I passed Craft Company No. 6 on the left, Studio 34 on the right, lots of outdoor artwork and sculptures. It's the artsy side of Rochester. Then I saw a sign on a building, "Lofts for Lease", and thought if I was 20 and single, I'd really consider renting a loft down there. Wouldn't that be cool? Kind of surprised me, since I'm such a country, wide open spaces kind of gal. I belive there's an upcoming tour of city lofts - if it's not over - Gretchen, want to go?

People at work ask me, from time to time, if I have any cards with me that they can buy. I've had a ridiculously pathetic stash kept at work. Until now. I finally made good on my intention to keep a decent selection at work - I set this up on a shelf behind my desk today. That box holds about 25 cards, no two alike, packaged in a cello sleeve, priced to include sales tax. Most people at work know I make cards and I told my two best customers about this new set up and they'll spread the word. I'm sensitive about being too self-promoting when I'm being paid to work for someone else!

I think I've posted a picture of this before, back when our office was painted months ago. This is the bank of filing cabinets near my desk. Steve sent me that plant for some occasion a few years ago. Mom, that's the fountain you gave me that you weren't using anymore. That's the Gerbera Daisy print I bought from posters.com and framed. There's a dish of Hershey's kisses there too, barely visible. It's only a little tempting. I mean they aren't dark chocolate and Hershey's is not my favorite chocolate. Thank goodness.

I have several orders to fill for boxes of assorted cards, which I've decided to sell in sets of 8 for $21.00. (Not on the website yet, just thought this up tonight.) For that price per card, the cards will be on the simple side, nothing overly labor intensive. This is my prototype for this style that I made tonight - my first attempt at a double layer of thread on a Spirella shape. At first I used varigated thread on both layers but it was darn near impossible to keep track of where the thread goes next. So I made this one with a blue bottom layer and varigated thread on the top layer. It was easier to do but still not something you can whip up while watching TV, for instance! But they are very fun to make, so I'll be making lots more.