Gem Grade Morenci Turquoise Pendants

Here are two beautiful Gem Grade Morenci Turquoise Pendants Mark was commissioned to make by his Brother. Designs and stones cut by his Brother - finishing and setting by Mark. :)

Gem Grade Morenci Turquoise - 11.6o cts, 14.6 gms 20k gold and .60 cts VS Diamonds

Gem Grade Morenci Turquoise - 6.65 cts, 9.7 gms 20k gold and 1.05 cts VS Diamonds

Thanks for taking a look!

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2010

This Saturday I went to my first Balloon Fiesta. It was amazing! It's one of those things like the Grand Canyon or the Great Wall of China - pictures just don't do it justice. You have to be there for the whole experience! There were at least 100,000 spectators filling a grassy field amongst the balloons during Mass Ascension. This is the start of the day where 500 balloons launch in waves.

Crowd favorites - Joey, Lilly and now baby bee. The field went wild as they launched!

I liked when the balloons were tethered filling with air and you could walk around them as much as seeing them in the sky. There was a constant roar of propane tanks.

Some of the crowd. For two hours we were all little awestruck kids.

We really could get close to the balloons! I met visitors from MA, TX, IL, Japan, Germany - you name it. Some of them come every year just for the fiesta! It is the most photographed event in the world. I know I'll be attending every year now. So special....

New Life in Rio Rancho, NM

It is hard to believe that 4 weeks ago we were filling up a 26' moving truck and on our way to New Mexico!! We loved the home we built in Alpine AZ. It IS one of the prettiest places in AZ. After four years we felt isolated - at least 28 miles from the nearest town, 75 from the biggest town and 250 miles from Phoenix, Tucson or Albuquerque! There was no income opportunity apart from our Website and shows that we would travel great distances to. We knew we needed a change and other than moving back to Scottsdale the other nearest jewelry manufacturing hub was Albuquerque - so that's where we decided to move.

We're not attending shows for a bit while we research indoor venues in New Mexico, Colorado for next year. We will still be attending shows twice a year in Flagstaff, AZ - one of our favorite show locations. Instead Mark is already picking up trade work for the jewelry industry here (stone-setting, manufacturing, repairs), we're going to work hard to improve our website, create new jewelry lines and one of a kind pieces. We are so inspired by New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment that it won't be a problem. :)

Apart from the work opportunities we are appreciating all the conveniences of civilization again. Rio Rancho is a quiet, low crime area. Everything is 5 min from home. The weather is beautiful as well as the sites. We have amazing views of the Sandia Mountains. Every Sunday I go to the Corrales Farmers Market. This picture above is from one of my trips. It has become a Sunday morning tradition to get out and support local growers and bakers. Love it!

Every year we can enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival http://www.balloonfiesta.com/ and any given weekend morning they fly over our neighborhood. Sometimes so close you can see the passengers in the basket.

Not only can we rave about the weather, our new home and studio, conveniences and neighborhood but there is also a dog park across the street for Sam! Incredible views of the mountains and a place to take twice daily walks.

Mark and Sam in the Park. So much to explore in this new state and city!

One of the many pretty sunsets at our new home.

Now that the traveling and moving are done there will be more posts showing our new designs, interesting things we learn about New Mexico and the beautiful natural surroundings.

It's nice to feel truly at home somewhere.

Jewelers For Children - 2010 Facets of Hope Fundraiser

We were featured for our fundraising efforts at Jewelers For Children's Annual Facets of Hope Fundraiser. We are honored to be a part of JFC and hope that in the near future we can make an even greater difference with our contributions. Feels Great!

Please click on image below to read story.

For more information on this charity we work with please see their website - http://www.jewelersforchildren.org/

Flagstaff Art in The Park July 2010

We always luck out and have the BEST neighbors at our shows! No exception this past weekend. If you're ever in Flagstaff please check out the Art in the Park shows - always July 4th and Labor Day weekends.

Brian & Pauline Vaughn were right next to our tent. They make beautiful, functional and creative fused glass pieces. They are based in Tucson, AZ. You can check out their gorgeous glassware at Tortolita Creations http://www.tortolitacreations.com/

Adam & Becky Frus were right across from us at the show. Adam creates organic, sculptural and functional glass pieces. He also brings his background in Geology to his unique creations. Based in Mesa, AZ you can check out his amazing work at Frus Glass http://www.frusglass.com/Index.html

The other great neighbor we had was Marv Poulson. He is a photographer AND a sculpture from Utah. You can check out his extraordinary photography and kinetic sculpture at Imagedancer http://www.imagedancer.com/

I never tire of the new friends we make and the inspiration from being around their creations!

June 29th - July 4th On Our New Adventure

After leaving Alpine we stayed with our Friends Kristen, Bert, Ethan and Hudson for a few days before heading up to Flagstaff for our Show. Thank you so much guys! We had a great time getting to know the boys better, eating so well and hanging out with you two!

Sam, our "Buddha Dog" LOVES being at our Craft Shows. Every day he met hundreds of dogs. Every night he was so pooped out after socializing . On the last day he had it and didn't want anymore social time.

Some of the MANY dogs Sam met. Dad corgi and his two 15 week old babies. He's so good with puppies. Grandpa Sam.

The little Corgi babies - Brother & Sister.


One of our neighbors at Motel 6 in Flagstaff. Very funny - and he was a real character too! From the deep South. We always like to be at the Art in The Park Show in Flagstaff. We meet so many friendly eclectic people and enjoy the city's vibe!

June 21st to 28th On Our New Adventure

It was sad to leave our home in Alpine, AZ but we're both excited about the future, new adventures and city living again! We were blessed with beautiful weather those last days. We got to stay at our friends Hotel for a few days to fully enjoy the outdoors and other friends came up to visit.

We had some rain storms brew over our last few days in Alpine. Nice cool weather!

Sam Mid Bark - you are NOT leaving without me!

A herd of Elk our last day - in the meadow behind our house. What a nice goodbye.

Storminess at Luna Lake. I will miss those summer Monsoon Storms.

Kevin, Gia and Mark. What a delicious feast of fresh caught trout and roasted veggies! It was so nice to spend time with them and do some rockhounding over our last days.

Miss Gia hamming it up on our hike behind Luna lake.

This rainbow was MUCH prettier in Person over the Sportsmans' Lodge in Alpine.

Beautiful clouds over Nutrioso as we headed down the hill. Crazy mountain weather on the drive down to Phoenix. Drove through rain, dust and hail at all the different elevations - starting at 8050' to 1500'.

Just outside of Globe, AZ - we though IT was hot - ha ha - Phoenix is a LOT hotter!