Happy New Year and Newness All Around!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I'm super psyched about 2014, and here's why:

All about the pics!
I have been trying really hard to keep a catalogue of my work, and have finally gotten a rhythm going. I realized I had quite a library of pictures, so I decided to start a tumblr. It's still a work in progress, but I will be posting new work there at least once a week. Check it out: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/sunraycreations

Batik Batik Batik
I learned how to batik on a trip to Bali, and have been hooked since. It's not the most portable art form, though, so when I moved I had to give it up. Now that I'm all set up in my new place, batiking is back on the table. It's been so great to get my hands on fabric again, and there will be much more to come.

ocean rose

Taking this show on the road!

I recently left my artist community in the Marshall Islands to move to Mexico. The move has been great for me, but I've really missed the community work that I was doing with the local arts ngo, Jambo Arts (check there out here). Jambo is hosting its 8th biannual art exhibition in April, and I can think of nothing I would like more than to help/participate. So, I've got a gofundme campaign set up to help with the ticket, as it is pretty pricey to get out there. Please check it out, share, and donate if you can: http://www.gofundme.com/5ksjqw

All who wander

wandering feet (a collage of my many journeys)

Travelin'

For the past 2 months I have been traveling and picking up all sorts of good inspiration for the year of jewelry making that I have ahead of me. With nothing more than a white hand towel and a bag of seed bead tricks, I set up my work stations in Cali, Mexico, New York, and North Carolina. I had fun checking out the jewelry scene in all of these places. I was able to pick up some cool new gemstones in Cali, which I’m super psyched to work with. The most inspirational place, however, was Mexico. I was there for almost a month, and had the chance to travel around and check out the seed bead scene. From Quintana Roo to Chiapas, the inspiration was flowing. Here are just a few pics of those journeys and what is coming forth.

Enjoy!

Coming soon: Info on Monthly Auctions

Friday's Gem

Ahoi hoi out there in bead land. This Friday's gem is going to be pretty short. I have just completed a move half-way around the world, and can honestly say I'm beat. I've been living in a hotel out of suitcases for the past three days, and my stones are a bit scattered. I won't leave you hanging completely though. The stone for today is

Sodalite

Ok, why sodalite? Well, years ago when I first started working with gems, a friend told me that sodalite is a travel stone. Since that day, I've carried a piece with me at all times to ensure safe travels from point a to b. So, in honor of my recent trip, I invite you all to go out and pick up a piece of this beautiful blue stone. Maybe it will lead you to discover somewhere new.