New ring in the works

Metal + Ceramic

Loving these ceramic ring holders by Bailey Doesn't Bark.

Those Who Make

I discovered this amazing blog the other day called, Those Who Make. The blog is made up of videos and interviews highlighting people around the world who simply make. It's a true celebration of craft in all forms and getting back to the roots of good ol' fashion, quality, handmade goods.

If you're in the Chicago area, this one particular video was especially interesting. It talks to Rob of Butcher & Larder, one of Chicago's first all whole animal butcher shop.

New things in the works

I've been busy behind the scenes and finally got a few of my waxes I've been working on cast into metal. What will they be?! Earrings? Rings? Beads?? Who knows! The possibilities are endless...well the designs in the first photo are for earring studs. The last two I anticipated to work as beads but I'm not entirely sure how that will play out...stay tuned!

I'm not a huge sweet tooth, but these lollipops are...out of this world! (sorry, had to do it)

They're made in Clarendon Hills, IL by Vintage Confections. So close to home! They even make these 'phases of the moon' lollipops. How could I not like that?!

Originally discovered via Swiss Miss

Post Seattle

Hello folks. I've made it safely back from my mini trip to Seattle...just in time for the Chicago snow storm...welcome home! I must say, trading snow for rain was well worth it even for only 4 days. And even luckier for me, it barely rained while I was there!

Seattle felt like a mini version of Chicago's downtown intersection of State and Monroe mixed in with gentle hills and an industrial waterfront. Very cool. The surrounding neighborhood, Capitol Hill, was equally as cool and relatable to Wicker Park pre-gentrification but less sketchy.

All in all, Seattle is a very accessible city with very friendly people living in it. There's a good balance between commercial and local businesses, a plethora of local restaurants, not to mention Pike Place market (Oh My Food Galore), and Starbucks is definitely NOT the only coffee shop there. I think I passed at least 8 different local coffee roaster/shops all within a 5 mile radius. Yay, Seattle! You earn a spot on my list of cities I could one day live in.

Oh, and of course, how could I forget! The whole reason I went to Seattle was to support Mr.T at the Emerald City Comicon. Here he is killin' it. He had a very successful show, and I'm so proud of him!