holidaze and retrograde

This year was interesting that mercury went retrograde right as holiday season began. I don't know about you but I definitely felt it all. We finally made it through! Sending love and light to your family and friends on this Christmas day. Here's a glimpse at some bts of the workbench this holiday season and video created by @insipidphotos and I. Wishing you all a merry christmas and happy new year! 

hand crochet blanket | from start to finish

When I was a little girl my grandma used to crochet blankets, hats, scarfs, even sweaters for my dolls for me. I used to admire her so much when she would knit. She tried teaching me a few times, I remember enjoying it very much but I was so young I don't even remember what I ever did with those crochet sticks. I recently came across a crochet crafting class in Denver but due to my schedule I was unable to attend. I was so grateful Anne, the teacher of the class reached out to me inviting me to her home for a couple hours this past Sunday to learn the basics of crochet (hand crochet that is). I didn't even use any tools except my hands to make this blanket. She got me started on it and I picked up the craft pretty quickly. I came home and was so excited to work on it the last couple nights. I think the hardest part was keeping the wool from tangling. I am so happy with how it came out! It's 100% peruvian wool. Super soft and cozy! Roman loves it too, I can't keep him off it. Here's a lil photo diary of the making of my first crochet blanket. 

Also, if you're interested check out Anne's website for beginner crochet and knitting patterns and kits. 

Happy six anniversary NIKDREAMER!

SIX YEARS! - 11/11/11 i opened my first shop on etsy! I will never forget the date.. b/c eleven eleven has always been an angelic number in my life. We've come a long way since making #armcandy! Have a few exciting works to share with you all in upcoming weeks.. for now here's a few photos of my little studio space in Colorado built with just enough room to share my bench with friends to come aside and get to work:)

I want to thank you every single one of you for continuing to follow the journey. I am grateful for these past six years being able to keep create and spread my love for these gems and jewels with you. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for your love and support over the years. Can't believe how fast it goes... Thank you, THANK YOU!

P.S. Use coupon code: ELEVENELEVEN in shop today and tomorrow for 20% OFF all gems and jewels.

Roads less traveled shoot

To all those times we didn't know what road to take. I will never forget the first time reading The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost. A poem I have lived by.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

To all those deserted dirt roads that lead you to the most beautiful places. This was one of those moments. Had a blast shooting for fun and exploring with these two in the old gold mines and abandon homes in the mountains of Idaho, CO. So grateful to have crossed paths with these two since moving here.  This was actually my first time shooting in Denver. I forgot how much I love these kinds of collabs. Hope to have more days like this before the snow arrives. Here's a few outtakes from our shoot last Sunday. Check out the photos here!

Denver Gem Show

WHY the universe really brought me to Denver. GEM HEAVEN! JK.. but really thou this show is AMAZZING. It's said to be the second largest gem show in the states, Tucson obviously the largest. In my opinion I enjoyed this one much better than Tucson Gem Show.  Tucson gets so overwhelming for me to shop. This was a lot easier for me to make my rounds. The show goes on for one week in different venues in Denver, but I mostly spent time in the coliseum show. I think my favorite piece was the amethyst table, which some day i will own! Looking forward to sharing more of my gem findings and new jewels with you in upcoming weeks.

photo and video by: @insipidphotos

Lost-wax casting

Last month I took my first casting class at the Denver school of Metal Arts. I've been introduced to casting a few times from mentors in Las Vegas, but have always been interested in mastering this process on my own. This class was quite intensive with a week of 8-hour workshop days. I never realized how long and intense the process is from carving the wax, to mold making, to shooting waxes, and then casting. I've always had my molds made for me in the past, but in this class we learned how to make our own molds and cast in a couple different methods. I am so excited to continue this new jewelry making process this summer. Stay tuned for new wax carved jewels on the way!

Moab, Utah

My parents called me about a month ago to let me know they were driving thru Moab for some RV travels. I had been with them to Moab once before two summers ago, and have always wanted to go back. The drive from Denver is only 5 hours, so of course I said yes! Moab, you are still as beautiful as I remembered, and the Portal RV resort in Moab is still my favorite RV resort I've ever camped in. I just uploaded a couple vlogs from my adventure and below is a little photo diary I took with the canon.

Things I didn't get to do that I wanted to do was hike to the delicate arch again because that was my favorite from last trip but the weather was super windy/rained most afternoons. Also I wanted to rent a bike to do a little mountain biking, but that also got cancelled after I felt carsick from the four wheeling adventures. I did make it to the landscape arch this time which I recommend if you're visiting! It was a quick and easy hike that felt like I was really walking through the land before time. Oh, and this time we got to see some dinosaur tracks! See vlog /vlogs for more. Moab Rock Shop :)