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 :)

new jewels in studio this week

a peek in the studio at some new jewels coming to the shop site this weekend..

one of a kind - made in size 7.0 (fits more like a 7.5)

when a collection begins to appear.

brought pieces of the desert with me to colorado. #inspiredalways

DIY SPIRIT STICK JEWEL DISPLAY

you can also hang all spirit sticks in natural state.

On the VLOG | 7 things

two | a good morning - greek plain yogurt, grainless granola (from trader joes), chia seeds, black berries, and café bustelo.

three | wip

four | 2am sandwiches

five | breakfast for dinner

six | at home yoga - down dog iphone app

seven | my desert pup

7 things

I'm setting another intention this year and that is to blog more. I used to love blogging before I started jewel making, just as I did cooking. I really want to start getting back in to these things I enjoy more this year especially being new to a city and having the time and space to share the experience here with you. To start I'm going to bring back my weekly 7 simple things post. When I began my blog (..in 2007. wow. time .is. scary) I started a tradition of capturing 7 little moments in my week that make me happy here.

As I'm new to Denver and really haven't seen much here yet because its been so cold and snowy, I will say when I do leave my house it's always a good time. This little city seems to have many hidden gems to explore. Although I do wonder why the universe moved me here in the winter.. I remember now why I hate winters. But when the sun does come out it's actually beautiful weather. Looking forward to sharing more weekly posts with you and hoping the sun stays out a little longer on these days from here on out.  Here's my top 7 things from life so far in Denver. The first two are from the same place because I loved this museum so much. Put it on your list if you're visiting Denver.

Crystal Caves transported from Mexico - Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Couldn't get enough of this place. - Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Happy hours with city views - Avanti

Taking a desert pup into 6 degree winter. Not a fan of winters or his winter wardrobe. - Denver, CO

Finding GF bakeries in walking distance - Beet box

Living in Five Points - the Denver Central Market

All the roads.. 2016

A post that has been in drafting for quite some time. These are a just a few of the most beautiful roads I took to and from Colorado six times in the last two months of 2016. For those who know me well, and have followed the journey know that 2016 left me feeling very lost. It was my 5th year living in Las Vegas. When i first moved there, I thought i'd only be there for a year.. Vegas grew on me quickly and I ended up loving the city for a lot longer than I had planned. My lease had been month to month for last year at my house, and i knew i wanted to get out. I knew if i didn't sell everything I wouldn't ever leave. The problem was I didn't know where to go. I just knew Vegas wasn't for me. I didn't feel like the city was home.  I get this question constantly now, as I did when i first moved to Vegas. Why Colorado, you hate the cold?! That is very true.. but I think I needed this drastic change. I felt like I wasn't growing where I was - in business and personal aspects in my life. I couldn't be more excited for this transition and all its changes for 2017! Looking forward to sharing more of this journey with you.

Last pop-up shops LAS VEGAS

My last month in Vegas was one wild pop-up shop ride. I hadn't done as many pop-up shops all year, that I did in the month of November. From West Elm pop-up shops on east side to west side of town, another holiday celebration at Retail Therapy, and art festival in town square plaza. Much thanks to Emma, from Desert Daisy Jewelry for coordinating most of these. Couldn't do it without you girl! It was a wonderful way to end my last weeks in Vegas. Oh yes, in the next post I'll explain all about our big move! :) Here's a lil recap from some of last months pop-ups.

West Elm Henderson

Surprise visit by my mom

Art Fest Town Square Plaza

West Elm Summerlin