echo artworks

The 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

12 days of Christmas...I was wracking my brain trying to think of great product to put on the blog for each day, or a quick and easy recipe that would please family and friends, but I was hitting a brick wall. Product pictures were fine, but we have all been so bombarded with the "its the holidays, buy more stuff" propaganda that I really didn't fell like adding to our collective consumer overload. Recipes would have been great, except I don't cook, so I know very few quick and easy recipes and have tested even fewer. What to do, what to do...?

Got it! How about ideas for ways to give back this year! So here we go...the 12 days of Christmas guide to giving back.

Day 12
I have been extremely lucky to have great family & friends to share life's adventures, but my best buddy and constant companion is my dog, Pixie. She is with me always (as was here predecessor, Kona) and is a fixture here at the shop. Pixie is a Kitsap Humane Society rescue. She and her sister were found running around Poulsbo. Both were in bad shape when they were found, but Pixie was on her way out. She was 12 pounds (and the size she is now), couldn't walk from dehydration and malnutrition, and was likely to have kidney, liver and other organ issues if she did make it. Well, we all know the story has a happy ending, but it was a real rocky start for my little fur child. That is why our charity of choice here is the Kitsap Humane Society. We are collecting again this year and would love any donations, monetary or otherwise, that will help Pixie's friends and those pets not fortunate enough to have a warm fire and holiday tree to sleep by. Here is a list of items on the Humane Society wish list. Thank you.

Merry Holidays!

2011-11-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holiday Season!

We have been busy getting the trees trimmed and the egg nogged and the shop prettied up for the winter. We have also been busy getting our 8th Anniversary plans in order. Yup, 8 years of beads and fun down here on Callow, and we owe it all to you!

As a THANK YOU for all you have done for us over the last 8 years, we are having some specials & a big party on Saturday, November 28th. The 28th also happens to be Small Business Saturday and the actual 8th Anniversary Day for us-so we have ALOT to celebrate!

But on to the good stuff...from now until the end of the year, we are having $2. specials throughout the shop. Come by soon for the best selection of glass, stone and pearl strands for $2. We also have $2. finished jewelry specials-great to stuff those stockings!

Then, the big kahuna, Saturday, November 28th. Come in all day, buy one of our recycled cotton print shopping totes for $3. and fill it up with anything in the shop...anything you can fit in the bag is 20% off. Yup, 20% off the entire shop! WOW! Lampwork beads, tools, books, seed beads, gemstones, pearls, vintage metal, glass, cystal-EVERYTHING 20% off!

We'll aslo have tool demos and make and takes throughout the day so you can complete your holiday gifts and get inspired for the year to come.

Thank you again for our 8 wonderful years as your local bead shop & gallery. We appreciate everything you have done for us and hope we can fill your bead needs for another 8years or more!

New Artfire shop

2011-06-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hey there all you cyber folks!

We know you cannot always make a trip to Washington just to get all the vintage goodies you've seen us bring to shows around the country. We feel your pain and we want to help. So we have started to add as much of our vintage goodies to our Artfire site as possible.

We'll be adding stuff as fast as I can take pictures and type and will have some kits from the workshops we teach at bead shows around the country available later this month. In the meantime, if there is something you have purchased at a show and you need more, but do not see it on the Artfire site, shoot us an email at shop@echoartworks.com or give us a call, and we'll do our best to get fun, vintage finds out to you. remember to check our website for our upcoming shows-maybe we are coming to a bead show near you?!?!

Summer is here!

2011-06-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of summer. A new beginning. Today is also the longest day of the year. All that sunlight. All those hours to enjoy all that Mother Nature has worked so hard to preserve through the winter and bring to a flourish. Go out...take it all in! Remember that there must be winter in order for summer to follow. Play in the flowers and sunshine. And remember...summer is only here for a short time and we all need to sunshine to thrive.

June Workshops

2011-05-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

New Workshops updated to the online calendar!

New to Beading? Try one of our fun, introductory workshops.

   Bead Stringing Basics June 1st, 6 to 8 PM
    Beginning Wire June 8th, 6 to 8 PM

Want to learn a new technique?
    Metal Clay Pendants June 25th, 10 AM to 1 PM
    Ribbon Flowers June 15th, 6 to 8 PM
    Color on Metal July 6th, 6 to 8 PM

Many other new workshops have been added...check it out at www.echoartworks.com

Art Studio Clearance Sale

2011-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

As this photo shows...we have alot of stock and we're about to get more! So we're having a art studio clearance...come by on Friday and Saturday for $2. specials, half off pearl and stone strands, workshop samples and more. Come early for the best selection!

see you there!

Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday deals!

2010-11-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year...the time to gather with family and friends and wake up before dawn so you can wait in line in the freezing cold for Black Friday deals. Only they never have enough of what you want, and some jerk tried to cut line and spilled his coffee all down your leg and by the time you make it to the counter to get the fantastic thing that caused all this madness, the unfriendly, untrained clerk tells you that the 2 the store had are gone and they won't be getting more anytime soon so you are just out of luck.

Sound familiar?

Ok, we love getting deals as much as the next guy, but who needs the hassle of 4am doorbusters and flying elbows?!? So, we are doing Black Friday differently...we will be having some pretty amazing deals, don't get me wrong, but we have many, many items on special and I will be amazed if we even come close to running out!

Here's the deal - on Black Friday (otherwise known as the day after Thanksgiving) and on Small Business Saturday (the day after Black Friday), we will be having a $2. sale. We have pearl, stone and vintage glass strands, stringing wire, tools, accessories, finished jewelry, magazines and a whole bunch of other stuff-JUST $2. each!!!! I know, pretty darn spectacular, huh?

Just buy 10 (or more) of any of the special items and they are just $2. each. I'm guessing its time to stock up...

We'll also have hot cider and cocoa and lots of other store specials-so after you're done wresting some grannie for the last insert must have item here, come by for some real specials that don't run out before you even get in the door! Just our way of saying "thanks". For all you cyber shoppers, we'll also have $2. specials on our artfire site.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

where has the time gone?

2010-11-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

It is the middle of November...the middle of November- as in a month and change until the new year-how is that possible? Did I sleep through the summer? Pretty sure I didn't pull a Snow White enchanted sleep kind of thing, but I swear I was just getting back from Tucson like a month ago-not 8 months ago!!!

Ok, enough about how time flies-around here, November means anniversary, and we are celebrating our (drum roll please) 7th Anniversary! Yup, 7 years of bringing some creativity Bremertons' way. And we've decided to celebrate all month (and probably into December as well, because its our shop and we can do what we want!). So to start off the festivities and as a thank you to our loyal, fantastic, creative customers, we are having an in the bag sale. *

What is an in the bag sale, you ask? Well, we have these beautiful, recycled cotton block print tote bags-see the picture? And if you buy a reusable bag, you get 25% off anything you can fit inside-books, magazines, tools, vintage glass, cards, gifts, pearls, stones, earrings...you get the idea. The sale is happening next week, November 16th thru the 20th...hurry in to get the best selection and the best bags!

We'll be having a different special each week to celebrate our anniversary and as a way to say thank you to all our lovely customers. If you want more deals, sign up for our newsletter and twitter feeds for more information about what is happening in the shop.

*This special sale is only happening next week, November 16th thru the 20th. You must buy an echo artworks reusable tote to participate. All items in the shop are available for the special sale except net and consignment items. In the bag special cannot be combined with other offers or discounts or for workshop tuition or gift certificates.

Told you I was lampworking today

2010-11-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are some of the new goodies I've been creating at the torch lately. You can tell winter is coming on because all I want to do is add color, to anything, as often as possible. Lampwork is a great way to do just that-and add some heat to your very cold studio!

I am gearing up for an enameling run as well (any excuse to play with fire!). I'm trying out some new filigree pieces with enamel...will share pics as soon as I see how they survived the tumble and clean.

Check out our website and facebook page for more info on workshops this winter and join our mailing list and twitter feeds for specials, coupons and deals at the shop & online.

Lucky 7!

2010-11-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is our lucky 7th-7th anniversary that is! We've been around, providing beads and instruction, for SEVEN YEARS! I act like I'm eight years old, so being around for seven years seems impossible. But here we are... First, a HUGE thank you to our loyal and fantastic customers! We wouldn't been here without you, and I cannot thank you all enough for sticking with us through recessions and pewter charm shortages and flooded workshops as well as celebrating crystal deals, Tucson Treasures and UFOs! We are so lucky to be here, sharing our bead love with such amazing, talented and giving individuals-again, thank you! We'll be celebrating throughout the holiday season, check our website and blog as well as our facebook and twitter feeds for information on our in the bag sale, $2. strand specials and treasure hunt coming up in the next few weeks. 7 years, how the time flies!

new chain just in!

2010-11-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Just got a huge order of chains in the shop-some old favorites like the leaf chain (now in all finishes) and some new, large link chains for extenders and linking projects.

We'll have them all on the website soon, but for now, here's a little teaser!

Sorry for the hiatus

2010-11-04T14:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have been a bad, bad girl...I have abandoned this blog for far too long!

I promise to be better-weekly updates of what is new in store, coupons and special offers and more, just give me a chance...I may even get around to a background!?!

Please bear with me, more interesting things to come!

Mixed Media Play Day

2010-05-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

We are busily getting ready for the Mixed Media Market Show and Play Day. Above are some samples of what we will work on in the morning..resin papers and bezels.

Spots are still available, if you are interested in joining us or have any questions, please contact Beth at echo artworks-360.405.4341 or email-beth@echoartworks.com

See you soon!

mixed media play day

2010-05-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

I know you are all waiting for our next Mixed Media Market, and we have a treat for you!

At the next market, May 22nd, we've decided to try something a little different and have an Art Play Day in addition to the market full of wonderful mixed media art and embellishments.

We are going to have a full day workshop with 3 different classes-resin papers in the morning, a bird house keepsake after lunch and an altered journal in the afternoon. Lunches will be available from Ambrosia Catering and we will have lots of other goodies and swag for our workshop participants. If you are interested, please contact us here at the shop-360.405.4341 or shop@echoartworks.com

More pictures of project samples to follow and check out the Market blog at www.mixedmediamarket.blogspot.com

Artfest goodies

2010-05-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I am quite behind on getting pictures of my Artfest creations out here in the wide world, but I wanted to get a bit more of the journal finished so I could show off...

This is a metal journal made with resin pages and rivet embellishments. The workshop I took was Textured Text Jewelry with Susan Lenart Kazmer. Nest year, I am signing up for the 3-day shebang...there was much more fun to be had!!!

Another chance for fame

2010-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here's another heads up for folks looking to get their work into national magazines... The Crafts Report is looking for pictures and insights from artists. Metal Clay (due 5/15) and Mixed Media (due 6/15) will be published in the fall & winter. Go to their website for more information. INSIGHT allows artists to share their business insights with fellow craftspeople in the same genre. To submit your own tips and photograph, e-mail a high-quality image (high-resolution digital is best) of your work, along with your business insights and tips for fellow craftspeople (100-word maximum). Please include your name and city of residence. Entries must include all of this information to be considered. E-mail to editor@craftsreport.com Get creative!!!

Time to show your stuff

2010-04-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we get a heads up of what the bead magazines are looking for to include in upcoming issues. Here is a recent one from Bead Trends Magazine. And look ahead for their wish list for November...VINTAGE!

Bead Trends is currently looking for designs with the following themes for our October 2010 issue: Handmade Beads - Whether polymer clay, PMC, or lampwork, artists make the most beautiful designs with handmade beads.If you would like to submit your work to this publication, please e-mail a photograph, the name or title of your piece, and contact information to: beadsubmit@beadtrendsmag.com.If submitting multiple pieces, please send a separate e-mail and photograph for each design. Deadline for the October 2010 issue is 11:59 p.m. MDT, April 30th, 2010. All ideas should be your original work and not previously published. Visit their submission page for complete details.

Artfest 2010

2010-03-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ever feel tapped out? I do...after the craziness of Tucson, taxes, inventory, taxes and the spring cleaning frenzy, I just cannot get my creative juices flowing again. The solution? Take some workshops at Artfest!

Though I have never had a chance to participate in the three day creativity conference, I was able to get a day off (ok, so I bribed one of our employees to please cover for me) and will be headed up to Port Townsend for a day of fun, friends and frolic of the right brain kind. Unfortunately, that means that I will have to push UFO Night to another time since I won't make it back in time to host.

So please accept my apologies for the last minute change of plans, but I promise to make it up to all of you will lots of fresh new ideas for workshops and spring projects!

Special One Day Sale

2010-02-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

We never do this because I think one day sales are just t big tease, making hoopla for no reason, but I found some great stuff in Tucson and we decided we'd add our hat into the ring and we're having our first ever one day sale on March 4th, 2010.

And to add to our cleverness, our hook for this sale in 3 for $10. That means you get three strands (we're not telling you of what, that's the surprise) for $ 10 dollars. Yup, 3 for $10. on 3/4/10 (I know, I am just a marketing wizard).

So join us Thursday, and share in the surprise and get your share of the goodies!

beads, beads, beads...and other good stuff!

2010-02-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

Wow...and wow again! Tucson was wonderful, exhausting, and beautiful, productive and challenging and pretty much every other adjective I can think of! I am back, and wow, did I get some good things if I do say so myself! We have tons (literally) of new stones, pearls and glass as well as vintage lucite, sterling chain, charms, fibers, displays and so much more...I'm nothing if not a good shopper.

So to celebrate all the good things, we're having our first ever one day sale...3-4-10. On March 4th, come join us for some special buys, 3 strands for $10. Yup, that's 3 for $10 on 3/4/10...clever, I know!

Thanks again for your patience in my absence, and for treating the gang here with kindness...they hate it when I leave them alone, especially when I make them work on inventory when I'm gone, but I have made it up the them...I think I've been forgiven.

See you next Thursday!

California, here we come...

2010-01-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

We are actually here in California, resting after threading through storms at the Siskiyou Summit. We actually drove over the summit (elevation 4,314 feet) at 1 am, and I must say, I am beat! The RV is great, but we are towing a car and about a thousand pounds of beads and metal, so the drive up was slow (and the ride down like a roller coaster you're not sure will ever stop!). Ron has been letting me drive quite a bit (while he naps...not the best co-pilot), but I told him he has to come up with a name for the RV if he wants me to really bond with it. If you have any suggestions...let me know!

More on the Tucson adventure tomorrow...

on the road again...

2010-01-28T12:10:00.001-08:00

In less than an hour, we will begin our annual migration to the land of dry heat, rattlesnakes and most importantly, BEADS!!!!!

Yup, the camper is loaded, the sunscreen is on standby and we are outta here! We will be selling and shopping our hearts out and will be back with lots of new goodies on Feb. 16th. Until then, our shop hours will be a bit funky---we'll be closed tomorrow, Jan 29th but open Saturday. Next week we will be open Thursday, Friday & Saturday only from 11am-5pm and the same the week after. Normal shop hours will resume Feb 16th.

Thank you all for your support, you will be rewarded. Keep checking the website and this here blog for information on our 1 day sale 3/4/10!

just a reminder...

2010-01-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder...we have only received 3 of the new Washington State Reseller's Certificates from customers. If you have a business and are anticipating buying merchandise for resale tax exempt, you must bring in a copy of your reseller's certificate. A resale certificate is no longer valid for tax exempt or wholesale purchases in Washington. For more information, check out the Washington State Department of Revenue website here.

And a Happy New Year it is!

2010-01-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

A new decade...pretty amazing. I am always moved by the turning of a new year and this one seems particularly significant. We are happily & busily finishing our tasks from the old year and paving the way for a bright and happy new year. As a way to say "thank you" for you loyalty and patronage, we are having some pretty darn big specials here at the shop. Everything in the shop is 10% off and the discounts just get better from there! Come by to check out the heaping table of 50% off stones & pearls. Check out the deep discounts on select books and magazines and don't miss the $1. bins throughout the shop. Thank you for 6 amazing years! Beth

Silver Falling

2009-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season for silver & gold and I have some good news to report...both metals seem to be falling (their market prices anyway). Both precious metals (in fact all precious metals) have been climbing to near all time highs of late and it is a bit or a relief that they are starting a downward spiral. We have been holding off on some of our big metal purchases because metals were just too darn expensive, but now we will start getting a few orders in and keep our fingers crossed that the prices will keep dropping. Still at $17.25, silver is still a far cry from the $10.10 it was a year ago. If you have any silver or gold requests, please let us know and we will get your items in asap while the prices are falling. If you are looking to make a large silver or gold purchase, contact Beth and she can get you quotes on large amounts. Here's to glittery, silver & gold holidays again!

funniest thing you'll see today!!!

2009-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY&feature=player_embedded A friend just sent me this link and I'm still crying, I was laughing so hard! I just love the muppets (they got me into college, but more on that at another time!)!!!!!

Black Friday to do

2009-11-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

Just checked out Lyneen's blog, and Rubber Soul in Poulsbo is having a some really good black friday specials...just go to I am Dreaming of Castles and print the announcement and if you are one of the first thru the door, there will be a goody bag waiting for you! They are also having some store specials on rubber stamps and I'm sure there are lots of goodies that you cannot be without this holiday season! Happy shopping!* Happy Thanksgiving!!! * *(trying to decide which is in the lead right now)

Changes coming for the new year

2009-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

All right...it is a bit early to be thinking about the new year, but some changes have been made to the Washington State retail rules and we wanted to give everyone a heads up (and some time to do something about it).

Washington State has decided that any person or business that wishes to purchase goods for resale must have a resellers certificate. This is in addition to a UBI # that is also required of businesses doing business in Washington. Seem like a bit of overkill (or maybe just bureaucratic red tape)? They have their reasons, but for now here is the link to their information page. The form to apply for a reseller's certificate is here. There is no cost for a resellers permit.

Since we are a retail shop that also sells wholesale to designers and stores, we are required to have a valid resellers certificate and not just a UBI # for any person or business that wants to buy goods for resale (either as components or as part of a finished piece).

Therefore, as of Jan 1, 2010-any business that wishes to buy items tax exempt for resale (either as is or incorporated into other sellable goods) must bring in a copy of their resellers certificate. UBI #s will not be valid after the first of the year.*

*We apologize for the extra hoop, but we promise to have the best beads & supplies in town at the best prices, so that should help a little.

The Lucite is here...

2009-11-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Its the beginning of our 6th Anniversary week, and we couldn't be more excited...not only are we still around (many small, specialty shops have not made it through as I'm sure you are well aware), but we are thriving!

To help celebrate our 6th Anniversary, we are having a vintage Lucite Trunk Show from November 19th through the 22nd. We just got the box this morning and I've had to stop both Leslie and myself from grabbing up a bunch of goodies...we want you to have first pick!

We'll have the show through the weekend, so come in and see the bold, beautiful colors for yourself!

Thanks again for 6 great years...remember to pick up your Treasure Hunt card when you come in for even more anniversary fun!

New Kits ready to go

2009-11-13T14:58:00.001-08:00

These new rivet kits debuted at the Mixed Media Market, so now they are ready to share with the world!

Each kit contains a pre-punched brass back, a vintage brass flower, a vintage copper coated steel flower and 2 vintage Swarovski crystal set surrounds with a loose crystal to set in the center. You can choose from a pendant bail, pin back or adjustable ring setting. A flared tube rivet (so you can set the crystal) and instructions for basic tube rivets are also included. These kits are $10.

We have lots of variations that can be used with the basic kit...all sorts of samples are here at the shop and I'll be posting more over the next couple of weeks.

Lucky Day

2009-11-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday the 13th!!!

Now for most this is touted as an unlucky day, but for me it has been a very lucky one... At the end of October, the West Sound Quilters had their "Quilts from the Cabin" Show. They had some amazing pieces, including a group project crazy quilt that was to be raffled. Like most people, I always buy raffle tickets without any real hope of winning the item...the money supports a good cause, and like any "gambling", just the thought that you might win is a high. Well, I'm flying pretty high, because I won the marvelous quilt pictured above!!! I don't know how many tickets they sold, but I hope it was in the thousands because this quilt is beautiful!!! Many of the squares are hand embroidered, some with appliques, many handmade...I'm really quite speechless. Every time I look at this amazing quilt I see something new. The quilt will live here at the shop for a while, just so I can share it with all of you. Eventually, it will head to my living room where I happen to have a large bare wall that is in desperate need of ornamentation. A huge "THANK YOU" to all the West Sound Quilters' and the many folks who went in for the raffle...you can visit the quilt anytime you like, just don't get any ideas...it stays with me!

its beginning to look alot like xmas

2009-11-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

ok, I am not one of those people who like to rush in the holiday season...I like distinct holidays, not this bleeding Halloween into Thanksgiving into Hanukkah into Christmas nonsense. Each holiday has significance, each is unique and each should be its own celebration.

That being said, I own a retail shop...this means that I am already thinking about xmas in June. If I haven't finished my holiday ordering by the end of summer, I am out of luck-no Swarovski snowmen and tree kits, no snowflake pendants or forms, no ornaments to deck the tree-nada. Now this may sound like a trivial thing, but with the economy being what it is, and the retail trend of a third of a business' sales happening in the 4th quarter, having a well stocked and holiday tricked out establishment is kinda crucial.

So, we have tried to make a compromise. You will not see any xmas type decorations until after Halloween (they went up very early in some shops this year). We will put out holiday kits and supplies as they come in, typically the beginning of October. If you are working on your holiday gifts early, let us know...we have all our holiday beading supplies and kits stashed away, but will certainly help your find the supplies you need pre holiday.

So there you have it, distinct holidays with a little bit of overlap for those that are working under the same early deadlines that we face. This has all been a very long winded way of saying...the crystal kits are in and have a safe and sane holiday season!

A BIG THANK YOU!!!

2009-11-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who braved the buckets of rain and visited us at the Mixed Media Market!!!

We had a great time, and learned alot for our next show in March. Everyone has been great about letting us know what they thought of the show and weather not withstanding(since I can't control it anyway), I think the next show will be bigger & better with more vendors, demos and maybe a little less food (we brought enought to feed a few armies!).

Thanks again for everyone's support and encouragement! If you want to know what we're up to, check out our blog at: www.mixedmediamarket.blogspot.com.

A Special Halloween UFO Night

2009-10-29T14:52:00.001-07:00

Its that special time of year for laughter and fear when all the ghosts & goblins come out to play by night & by day,

so dress your head, your hands and your feet and head to the shop for a special treat,

we'll have good food and good cheer and we'll try to keep it light on the fear!

My bad poetry aside, come join us for a special Halloween UFO Night. We'll be making pumpkin earrings, spider pendants and probably a really big mess! Join the fun & frolic---starting at 5pm! Special treats to anyone wearing a costume!

2009-10-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

We will have abbreviated shop hours from October 6th thru October 13th...Oct. 6, 7, & 8, we will be open from 11am-4pm. We will be closed Friday, October 9th and Tuesday, October 13th. We will be open regular hours, 10am-5pm on Saturday, October 10th. Thank you for your patience...if you have any questions, call Beth at 360.471.8063 and please be nice to Leslie and my mom while I'm gone!

Back to School Savings Spree!

2009-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

Fall is fast approaching and the kiddies are headed back to school (some of us old folks are headed back to school, too!). Here at echo artworks, we love to learn so we have decided to entice all you life long learners to join us.

Here's the deal-sign up for two or more workshops and get the great swag bag pictured above FREE!

or if you really love to learn and have like minded friends-both you and a friend can sign up for three or more workshops and get 50% off your tuition fee and the FREE goody bags.

This offer is good for workshop registrations until Sept 30th, workshops can be scheduled thru December 31st. Workshops are on a first registered, first serve basis. Workshop fees are non refundable, so check your calendars and give us a call-360.405.4341 or email workshops@echoartworks.com

New stuff just arrived!

2009-08-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

We just opened the boxes of lots of "new" vintage lucite, brass stampings and findings!

We're stranding fast & furious and have all the stock out for your beading enjoyment. I'll post some more samples as we finish them (I made a new lucite necklace last night...now I want matching earrings!)

Happy Tuesday!

while I've been away...

2009-08-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, that title sounds like the beginnings of a bad country song, but I have been away...at least from blogging.

I do have reasons, although, I realize there really is no excuse for not posting in such a long time, but I promise to make it up to all of you.

First, here is a picture of one of the things I have been working on during my "absence":

These are new samples for the color on metal workshop to be held this fall...I have lots more samples to share, and I promise to get caught up soon ( I don't really need sleep). We'll also have a new workshop series on making a business with your arts & crafts. Topics for the first few are, making money with your craft, picture taking tips for crafters, and retail & wholesale marketing strategies. Check out the website and this here blog for more info in the next few weeks.

UFOs spotted!

2009-06-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yup, lots of UFOs have been spotted and they will be here tonight! Join us from 4ish until whenever we call it a day for our Un-Finished Object Night at echo artworks! We'll supply the food, tables, chairs, tools and design assistance all you need to bring are those pesky projects that just aren't getting done. Come early (we ran out of chairs last time!) and settle in for a night of fun and more important, finished projects!!! Beth will also show and tell the new Copper Metal Clay and preview some new workshops for summer and fall. See you tonight!

Feeling Competitive?

2009-06-24T15:31:00.001-07:00

I just received the call for entries for the next Saul Bell Design Awards. The contest is put on by Rio Grande and always has some fantastic designs to aspire to…the best part? The competition winner receives a $10,000 gift certificate to Rio Grande!!!!! Think of all the tools, or silver, or GOLD! It is really hard to wrap my brain around winning a prize like this.

The categories are:

Gold/platinum

Beads

Metal clay

Hollowware

Enamel

Silver/argentium silver

There are also awards for first and second in each category. We have applications here at the shop or you can get more info at www.saulbellaward.com.

Good Luck!

School's Out for summer...

2009-06-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

School is coming to a close for many children & adults alike. Graduations are plentiful and many of us are wondering if it is too late for summer plans...I think not!

We have just updated our workshop schedule online and are looking for a few good men (& women) to teach workshops. Do you have a skill or talent that is unrealized? Have something to share, but nowhere to teach? Come teach here!!!!

Your workshop does not need to be bead related (although we'd love that too). Anything that you think others might be interested in learning about is fair game. Digital photography-absolutely (I still don't know how to use my camera to its full potential). Encaustic painting-yes, please! Polymer clay, fabric & fiber, writing, drawing, silk painting, knitting-the sky is the limit! We will have workshop proposals here at the shop outlining what tools & supplies are needed, space considerations, class size and payment info. Talk to Beth anytime with questions about your proposal.

We'll also be rolling out some new drop in workshops for summer on the business of design, pricing your work and beyond basic jewelry design. Look for the first meeting of a new metal clay chapter too.

Thanks for all creativity you share with us and let us share with you!

saying goodbye to a friend...

2009-06-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

We had to say goodbye to Nikki, my parents 14 year old husky, today.

Nikki was a rescue. She had some interesting eating habits, and was a bit stand off-ish with other dogs, but she was a love and truly the most elegant, gorgeous dog I have ever seen. I will admit, I am partial to husky type dogs (both of my fur children have been huskies related). I always profess that I will never get another animal any time this happens. My resolution usually lasts until the next hard luck case reaches my ears (I learned this from my mother), but I don't know how I forget the pain of losing a friend.

Our thoughts are with Penny & Ron and the rest of their fur children who will feel the loss as well.

She will be missed.

Happy Birthday Chris!!!!

2009-06-05T10:53:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Stinky!!!

New copper metal clay

2009-05-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

Finally!!! I have been waiting for this for almost a year. What have I been waiting for? The new copper metal clay!!!

New COPPR CLAY has just been released and our first order is on the way. We expect the new clay next week, but I have some firing information and workbooks already if you want to get a jump start.

We'll be testing the new clay as soon as it arrives. Hopefully it will work as well as the bronze clay in our rigorous tests, and will perform better in hollow forms. Firing needs to be done in a kiln with charcoal just like the bronze clay, but does not require the persnickety ramping up and holding times like the bronze.

Our first workshop with the new clay will be on June 27th.

Sidenote: Is anyone out there interested in starting a metal clay guild here in Kitsap? I have all the info from the PMC Guild about starting a chapter, but one member is just a little sad. Let me know!

lazy days

2009-05-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here. Lazy days, cool nights and lots of iced tea.

Well, I have been lazy long enough! I am woerfully behind in making samples and the book...I think I've only written about 2 pages and taken 3 pictures so far...can we say procrastination?!?

So here it is, the clean, clear workspace. The only problem is that I work very poorly in a vacuum. I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Come, work at the table with me...bring friends! I'll bring the iced tea.

UFO NIGHT May 29th

2009-05-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Just a quick reminder that our next UFO (un-finished object) Night is coming up on May 29th. Bring all your works in progress and we'll design, create, laugh and eat the night away. Beth will also demo a new workshop for June...Color on Metal!

Join us the last Friday of every month for our bead night out and remember, our work space is open anytime for you to stop by. We'll help you work through those design challenges and tools are available for use in store.

As always, Pixie is waiting for you!

Customer Appreciation

2009-05-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick save the date...join us June 11th, 12th & 13th for our 5th annual Customer Appreciation Weekend. You are the reason we have been here for over 5 years and it is time to celebrate! We'll have food, daily & hourly specials, swag, free demos & lots more all weekend long. Watch the website and blog for special announcements, coupons & swag as well as our Treasure Hunt Challenge. Details coming soon! Thanks again for 5 fantastic years of creativity!

my favorite new project

2009-05-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

CABBAGE ROSE with VINTAGE STAMENS This Saturday we had a ribbon flower workshop with Cathy Mitchell & Jo Whalen from Mud Bay. We had a great time, and I made this fabulous flower that I wore to the Bremerton Symphony that night. As usual, I forgot to take pictures of all of us at work, but I have some more pictures of what we all assembled that I will post throughout the week.

Don't forget our next UFO Night coming up on May 29th. We'll have food and fun...all you need to bring is your un-finished objects. See you then!

2009-04-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

I went rock hunting this weekend. I actually took 2 days off (well, almost 2 days, I did come back to the shop on Monday am to sort a few things out), and went out to Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula to stroll the fantastic beaches and enjoy the weather and scenery before the Hood Canal Bridge closes for a month and change. As you can imagine, the weather was perfect, sunny & warm, clear & most importantly, rain free (I actually got a sunburn and everything!). I enjoyed every minute of it and cannot wait until the bridge construction is done so I can run away again. Now this trip did include a bit of "work"...since I was hunting for rocks I use on my found object jewelry technically, I was working the entire time, but I really don't see things that way. I have always been a water person, I love to be in, on or around any type of water. The critters that live in, above and around the water are fascinating; water and water related things have dominated my personal & professional life in one way or another my entire existence (yes, I really wanted to have a Mr. Limpet experience!). So, to make sure we all have some water and nature and critters in our lives for the foreseeable future, please think about your impact on this planet we call home...and think about some changes that will make it a better place for future generations. we have been doing just that, and have made some changes to our policies here at echo artworks that will help us do our part to keep things green & leafy. First-we have changed precious metal vendors. Our new vendor sells only reclaimed and recycled metal, nothing that has been mined or harvested. that means no arsenic, or cyanide being leached into groundwater, and less metal in junk yards and scrap piles. Second-we will be changing how beads and loose findings are sorted for purchase. we will be switching from plastic (albeit recycled) bags to glassine envelopes. glassine has a much lower plastic content, and are biodegradable. Third-we will be asking you to do your part. we have ordered some block print totes (made from recycled off cuts and recycled ink), every time you reuse your bags, we will give you a 5 cent refund and also donate 5 cents to the Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy or other non profit organization that protects and educates (suggestions welcome) on a revolving basis. These changes will be progreesing over the next few months. We appreciate your assistance, suggestions and patience. For more ways to make a impact visit http://www.treehugger.com/. Happy Earth Day everyone! PS- as part of my beach combing, I always pick up trash...this weekend, I filled 2 bags. if you want to help, I'll be heading to Hansville tomorrow morning and I love company!

Spring has sprung!

2009-04-07T16:27:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest. Today we are celebrating the third day in a row of sun & temperatures in the 60's. I have gardened as much as possible in these three days, and I have enjoyed every minute. However, as I write this post, the clouds are starting to close overhead and if the weather folks are right, it will be back to clouds & rain (maybe even snow?!?!) for the rest of the week. So I am going to be proactive and make flowers this Sunday if Mother Nature has decided to be disagreeable. I'll be in the studio for a metalsmithing workshop from 10 am to 5 pm if anyone cares to join. Yes, I know it is Easter Sunday, but trust me when I tell you I pray a lot at the torch.

Happy Easter everyone!

What I’ve been doing these past two weeks

2009-04-02T14:46:00.001-07:00

I have been a bit busy these last two weeks, but I finally managed to get the new workshops updated on our website. I've added a few new links and pages and I'll be working on getting the calendar updated today & tomorrow. In the mean time, I thought I'd show you a set of bangle bracelets I finished in a metal fusing workshop last week. The bangle is brass with fused fine (pure) silver and copper hearts dangling around your wrist. I was inspired by a Himalayan legend that says that all Himalayan women wear a slender brass bracelet at all times to keep their soul inside their bodies. And, yes, I wear 2 brass bracelets and they never come off! (thought I could use the extra so my soul doesn't get any bright ideas about moonlighting somewhere without me)

UFO night

2009-03-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

Join us the last Friday of every month for Un-Finished Object (UFO) night! We'll provide some food and design help, just bring your projects and fun. We'll bead & bitch the night away!!! Festivities begin at 5pm, bring a friend!

Fun Friday

2009-03-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

I had a great post started for Friday, but unfortunately, powers beyond my control were plotting against me. This photo was taken shortly after we lost power on Friday afternoon. Apparently a trunk took out a pole behind our shop & was hanging (literally by threads) waiting for the utilities to right it. We got our power back in time for our Artist Trading Card swap, but my blog post was lost to the ether (time I got that battery backup for the computers huh). I'll have ATC swap pictures & more later this week, and will make up for neglected posts this week and next.

Have a great day all...stay powerful!

Caring for pearls

2009-03-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pearls are beautiful, no doubt about that, but they are also a bit of an abnormality in the gemstone world. Made from layers of calcium secreted by bivalve mollusks, pearls are hard enough to be beads but all those layers that give pearls their beauty also give them fragility.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors & shapes depending on the type of critter that makes them, the nutrients in the water and the growing time. Typically, pearls secrete approximately 1mm of nacre every year. That can decline with pollution, lack of nutrients or food, and water temperature. Most pearls on the market today are cultured, meaning that the pearls are grown in aquaculture “farms” where these factors can be more closely regulated. South Sea pearls or “wild” pearls are all natural, they are found by pearl divers (remember reading that in high school?) and are therefore more expensive and often larger since they are not harvested at set intervals like cultured pearls.

When designing with pearls, their fragile nature needs to be taken into account. Be careful about what type of beads are strung next to pearls…metal with sharp edges or faceted crystal can scratch the fragile nacre on pearls. Pearls have been traditionally strung on silk; the silk knots between each pearl cushion the beads so that they do not rub up against each other. The silk is fantastic for pearls, but does create some storage and wear issues. Strung pearls should be stored lying flat, not hung; just that little bit of gravity pulling on the knots can cause the silk to stretch. Pearls on silk are also more susceptible to dirt & stains. Pearls are really not great fashionware for gardening. The silk can get dirty quickly, and there is not cleaning method...once the silk is discolored it's time to restring. Even with careful treatment, pearls on silk typically need to be restrung every 5-10 years.

Look for lots of new pearls in the shop as well as tips on designing and knotting silk. Next week...the legend of birthstones.

I still love you...

2009-03-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss...it's not that I don't love blogging and have enough stories/pictures/opinions to share, it's just that time seems to always get away from me. I hate to put blogging on the official "to do" list because that takes the fun out of it, but it seems that unless I have a reminder, I will procrastinate the day away without getting to many things (both listed & unlisted). So, in order to try & rectify the situation, I am making a pledge- I will blog at least 2 times a week (with pictures) so help me....I will try to post at least once on what is happening at the shop-new in store, color or fashion trends, upcoming workshops etc.- and once about what I have been working on-new experiments and work, workshops & samples. Please feel free to email or comment suggestions for what you would like to see on this here blog...I am interested in getting some how-tos posted or even having some guest bloggers. Thanks for your patience, and I promise there is more to come! Beth

The feminine side

2008-07-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

I was exhibiting at the Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival in Port Gamble last year. I love this show and have been involved since I moved to Washington (it was the first show I did, even before I opened the gallery).

I had many pieces, but as usual, the drilled beach glass and stones got the most attention.

I explained to folks how I drilled the glass and stones and I even have the drill corers I use for sale at the show. Nothing unusual about that, someone always asks about the bits I use, so I found from experience it is better to be prepared. Here's the unusual part...at least 10 people were astonished that I would spill my "secrets" of how I make my pieces. They were even more shocked that I would sell the hard found tools of my trade (trust me, I tried every masonry, jewelry and lapidary bit out there until I found these corers). One woman nearly fell over when I gave her my business card with my email and cell phone number and told her to call if she ran into any problems drilling her pieces.

Now, I admit, this is not the first time this has happened. I do many shows and have sold many bits over the years, and I do the same thing every time...I tell people exactly how I drill the pieces, what my set up is, my tools, how fast to run the drill-I even printed up instructions to had out. Then I hand them a card with my contact information so that they can call if they get stuck.

Apparently, people find this highly unusual. I can see their point...

In business we are taught to be competitive, we need to beat our competition. In the current marketplace the business owner or CEO's goal is to sell better, faster, cheaper, & more than the other guy and hopefully, drive him out of the marketplace. It's dog eat dog, and when one dog tries to undercut the other, the attacked fights back with a better deal or a special coupon or anything to get the customer to buy from them and not the other guy. Adversarial? Absobloodylutely! How can any business expect to create loyalty when they are constantly attacking? Or cutting prices to beat the other store? Or thinking up new and more underhanded ways to bring customers to their store and prevent them from shopping at another? Not to be too sexist, but this is a very male way of doing business.

And I really don't mean to be sexist. This competitive model has worked for many years, and competition can be good. Competition drives us to excel in various ways; it makes us reach and strive in ways that can be unusual for us which can lead to new ways of thinking. However, this reaching & striving can turn dirty and fast. When "winning" is the only goal, the fight turns and things can get nasty. So what is the other option? If winning isn't the goal, then what is?

Well, I think the other goal is winning through cooperation. What if everyone wins? No losers, just everyone reaching and learning and helping each other along instead of leapfrogging off another. This is the more feminine model. Women are taught to stand together; to share burdens, group tasks and share responsibility for projects. Ever tried to cook a holiday dinner for 12? Very difficult unless, you dole out tasks to others; and disastrous if you try to make it the best holiday dinner ever...way better than Grandma's, all alone. Grandma never worked alone, why do you think you can best her working solo? And what would that kind of victory mean? Would it engender you to the family? Your victory would be nothing, just "your victory". In any other context, it is still a solo victory, you besting others and nothing else.

So...I view my success as an artist differently. I learned my craft from other folks who were willing to share their successes and failures and trials with others because they thought what they did was worth passing on. Keeping their "secrets" would not make their work any more precious because no one would know the kind of effort & skill involved in their process. For anyone to really appreciate artwork, a little about the technique used to create the piece has to shine through. So I thank all those who came before me, those who tried & failed and learned and passed on what they knew so that we could appreciate what came before us, enjoy the process of "making a living" and swell with pride as they share what they have learned with others. After all, how "accomplished" would I be if no one thought they could learn anything from me.

Passing of a Legend

2008-06-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Most people will think that title refers to Tim Russert, and while I am saddened by the loss of a fairly levelheaded political moderator (there seem to be so few) I am actually more deeply saddened by the loss of Russert's opposite, George Carlin. I grew up spouting Carlinese at my catechism teachers (and getting in wicked trouble for it) and pushing the boundaries of the "7 words" as well as adding to the list whenever possible. Carlin was able to make the mundane magical and had an insight into the political, social & religious woes that he spun into fabulous tales that made us laugh til we cried and then cry again when we explored his deeper meanings. Following is a letter written by Carlin shortly after his wife's death- "A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." George Carlin He will truly be missed for his humor & wisdom and his ability to treat both with equal absurdity.

What's New?!

2008-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

New is a relative term for these beads, most of which are over 300 years old. These are African Trade Beads. Most were made in Venice & Czechoslovakia and traded around the world for goods and services beginning around the 16th century. Often these beads are called "slave" beads because they were often traded for slaves in the Western countries of Africa. However, beads were used as currency to buy furs, gold and supplies in the Americas and Europe as well. Occasionally trade beads can be found outside Africa, but most of the beads now on the market are coming back across the Atlantic from Africa where they were passed down as dowries and adorned brides as a sign of wealth.

We have just received an amazing selection of trade beads from our friend Musa. Stop in soon for the best selection.

The Return of Victory Gardens

2008-06-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

my niece and nephew picking wild strawberries at my brother's "farm" in Maine

Do you remember the early 80's? I do...vividly. Not everything, mind, I just remember the tension meter in our house rising every day at dinner time. No, my Mom was a great cook, my Dad was not a chauvinistic ogre about who eats first; it was the nightly news. Now, to give you some back story-when I was growing up, our family ate dinner together. No excuses, together, no TV, milk to drink, no homework at the table, no hats, napkins in lap, no food fights (well, not often) and the family had dinner together and talked. There may have been a board game or a hand of cards afterwards as well. Cliche, but there it is. But somewhere in the late seventies/early eighties, things changed. I was young, around ten when I started to notice my parents hushed voices and general uneasiness. And suddenly, it was no longer the 8th deadly sin to watch TV during dinner. But it was the nightly news, ONLY the news (my brother tried to trick my parents one night by saying the news wasn't on, but the Monkey's were, so maybe we could watch that instead-so young and foolish). Now I didn't know what a Cold War was (maybe a really organized snowball fight? we did live in Maine after all). Star Wars was a movie that I couldn't watch without hiding and sneaking a quick glimpse through the buttonhole of my Levi's jean jacket. But my parents were scared. I realize this now, back then I thought they just figured we were old enough and the talking about our day over dinner wasn't that exciting for them. But, no...they were really scared. It didn't help that my uncle kept showing up (no literally showing up, he hitchhiked around a lot) and bashing Reagan, spreading solidarity and going on about some guy named Nixon. I remember Samantha Smith, I remember Oliver North and the Iran-Contra scandal. And I know what my parents we feeling because I think a lot of us are there now. It's the feeling that the world is going to hell in a hand basket and we cannot think of how to get off the ride. But it is more than that...the world may be spiralling out of control, and we may think we know what got us to this point. But the real fly in the ointment is that is everyone just took a quick breather and stopped, I mean really just stopped to look at where we are and how we got there, we could take the small steps necessary to make it better. Real people, not politicians, not policy makers or lobbyists or rich folks or celebrities or any of that "I'm powerful, so I'm obviously an expert" nonsense. So, to get to the theme of today's post and the small step I have been thinking about as I take my quick, reality breathers is, a victory garden. High gas prices are driving food prices higher, and that creates shortages and farmers' realize they can get more money selling their soy & corn to make biodiesel and not food and it just keeps spiralling, so my little piece of sanity is to start a victory garden. Will this stop world hunger, no. Will it magically make gas prices plummet, no. Will it ease the burden on one person and allow that person to spread their message of sanity & breathing & "hey the exit for this hand basket ride is over here", absolutely!

The seeds are sown, the potential is there, under the surface, we just need to keep breathing and believe.

Green Gardens on my mind

2008-05-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

Inspiration. We all need it, and sometimes we cannot find it. But when we do find it, inspiration can lead to marvelous things.

Lately, I have been working on my garden. Yes, I own a business. Yes, I should be focused on business things, bit I have been leaving early (er) and coming in late (again, er) to play in the garden. Now before you get any grand ideas (see photo of Lingering Garden), I have a garden the size of a postage stamp ( one of those big, oversize ones) and more of a chartreuse thumb. However, after doing some work on the outside of my house last year, I found I had a horseshoe shaped patio and the perfect beginnings of a small L-shaped garden.

So this year has been spent building walls (luckily, I had a lot of practice at my brother's house when his sewer pipe collapsed last year and we had to tear down & then rebuild his front yard and garden), ammending soil and adding plants. Those are the real, live, green things with pretty flowers & heady smells. I promise pictures will follow, but for now my inspiration has lead me to planning a Plant Swap & Sale here at the shop.

Join us Saturday, June 28th from 10am-6pm for fun, flowers & food. We'll have lots of starts, veggies, and other blooming goodies to trade & sell. Have seeds, bring 'em. We'll meet in the back garden and have a planting party! If you have any questions, just contact the shop, 360.405.4341.

Wednesday Hump Day

2008-05-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Yup, another Wednesday. A local radio station back in Maine (where I grew up) always called it Hump Day, and I always thought they were being a bit naughty until someone filled me in about it being the middle of the week hump that we needed to get over to start the slide toward the weekend. Huh, guess you can tell where my mind was (actually it was my brother who gave the erroneous info). But it is indeed another hump day and I am finding this particular Wednesday to be quite an uphill slog. You see, I've been working on our website. Yes, fun & games for some, but a bit like a trip to the dentist for me. I just haven't mastered this whole html thing. Here's the problem...when I was in high school computers were just beginning to be used by average folks (and actually, it wasn't average folks because even the little computer we got from TIME cost a bundle and all it did was run baseball). We didn't have computer classes per se, we had glorified typing. Yes, we "wrote programs" but they consisted of pick a number between 1 and 10. RUN. Exciting, I know. Mostly what we did was turn up the sound on our monitors and annoy the teacher with the metallic hum (sorta like teasing the substitute, but I was in high school after all). When I got to college computers were starting to be standard, but again all you got was word processing and Tetris. But I do remember the "internet". Now in those days the internet was a dark screen with writing on, BUT, writing from someone on Spain! My friend Ruey & I would stay up late and practice our Spanish with guys from Spain or Guatemala. The internet was cool, but no interactive websites with real time video feeds and dancing babies. So, I missed the learning curve. By the time I was a year out of school, the internet had exploded and I knew nothing about how it worked, or how to use it, or how the relate at all. Sure I could make a mean spreadsheet and graph (remember cricket?!) but I was lost with all this html language. I took spanish in college to be worldly and able to relate to the growing global-ness of the planet, no one said I needed to learn hypertext markup language. So that's my dilemma. Soon I will have the new site up complete with online e-commerce and all that jazz, but I need a few more days of hair pulling and cussing...I'll keep you posted.

Artwalk this Friday!

2008-04-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Things are happening too quickly for me, and I don't think I can blame it on jet lag anymore (it's been three weeks since we got back from China, and I think this excuse is wearing a bit thin).

Just to be obnoxious, here is another photo of China to delight!

This is a view across the street from the Olympic Stadium in Beijing, also known as the Bird's Nest. This whole complex is called the Minority Village and has representative structures from the 40 plus minorities that make up China's population. We were not able to explore the Olympic area (it is still very much under construction) but we did drive by the Bird's Nest and Ice Cube. The whole city of Beijing ( and indeed the whole country) is really excited about the upcoming games, there are countdown clocks in the major parks & squares and statues of Olympic events on the street medians. The only "bad press" we saw while we were in Beijing were protests in Tianamen Square the day the torch was lit in Athens. We stayed far away (we were traveling by invitation of the Chinese government, and it would be bad form to get arrested during our sponsored visit). I am very excited for the Olympics this year (honestly, I am every year) just because I will be able to relate to the area so much. We'll see how it all plays out.

The real reason for this post is to let everyone know I will be at the Downtown Branch of the Bremerton Library for this Friday's Artwalk. We'll be demo-ing basic metalsmithing techniques and showcasing some new "retro" jewelry & accessories (Beth has been busy in the studio!).

Join us Friday between 4 and 8pm. For more information, just contact me, or follow the library link.http://www.krl.org/index.php/KRL-Branches/Downtown-Bremerton.html

Thanks, see you Friday!

back from China & still jetlagged (or maybe just really behind)

2008-04-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back from China and I won't lie, it was wonderful!!!

This shot is from Tiger Hill and the famous leaning pagoda. Though I've never been to the leaning tower of Piza, I think this would probably give Piza a run for its money. The gardens surrounding the tower are beautiful.

Spring was definitely the time to go to China, everything was blooming and fresh, and remarkably, my allergies were not too bad. I was amazed at how clean everything was (I had heard horror stories) and how well used the public gardens and temples and "touristy sites" were frequented by the chinese folks. Open spaces were full of people practicing Tai-Chi or dancing, and others were gathered in groups playing cards or mah jong, or just enjoying the day by singing, reading or playing with the kids.

I really enjoyed the trip, and Pixie has finally forgiven me for leaving her (again) and not letting her stay in doggie jail in Purdy this time (they were full). More pics of China and the goodies we brought home soon!

Welcome to the (new) echo artworks blog

2007-09-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hello again, or maybe for the first time?! If you are confused, so am I so we'll just go with it until things seem to sort themselves out. This is the new (and probably, hopefully, to be) improved blog for echo artworks bead shop & gallery located in Bremerton, Washington. We have just started this blog here after a move from blogging on our website, www.echoartworks.com and hope this will be easier for folks to find, comment on & generally have fun than having the blog elsewhere. I plan to post a couple of times a week (ahh, the best laid plans...) with posts on bead news, tips & techniques and bead & jewelry business related stuff for your pleasure, education &/or procrastination. Also, I will get pictures loading as soon as I can as I know everyone is still waiting for Pixie's official coming out! Thanks for tolerating our move and if this is your first time with us, WELCOME! More to come!