nyc...

For this Memorial Day weekend, I met up with two friends in New York City.  We stayed at a hostel in Midtown Manhattan (The Sutton Residence, which I highly recommend if you are looking for a good place to stay on a small budget) and tried to explore as much as we could.  Among the highlights: mango creme brulee at the Corner Shop Cafe, Central Park, breakfasts in Bryant Park, pizza in Little Italy, MoMA, spontaneous interactions with New Yorkers and Hell's Kitchen Flea Market.  I made some good vintage finds at the flea market, some of which I plan to incorporate in some of my jewelry.  Here are some shots of the market and some of my purchases.

now open...

Something I've been looking forward to for the last couple of years is the opening of the Art Institute of Chicago's modern wing.  Finally the moment has arrived!  I got the chance to go check it out a week ago and took a few shots while I was there.  The building was designed by architect Renzo Piano, who created a structure that uses natural light to illuminate many of the galleries and public spaces.  The way in which this building breathes evokes a sense of calm while you soak up the artwork.  Beyond this, the openness of the space embraces the rest of the city as a natural extension of the museum.  To find out more about the collections, go here, or even better, go to the museum itself!

Nichols Bridgeway that extends from the museum to Millennium Park.

Bluhm Family Terrace has a cafe, sculpture, and provides a great view of the city.

bezel set...

After a couple of soldering meltdowns, I finally finished my first bezel set ring in metalsmithing class today.  tah-dah!  There are only two sessions left and it's hard to believe it's almost over.  Most likely, I will take another class this summer.  In the meantime, I've been posting other new creations to my shop.

special delivery...

Have you ever gotten something good in the mail that you weren't expecting?  Mail... as in those envelope things with postage on them and stuff inside that are delivered to your home.  My mailbox has primarily harbored bills, ads and the occasional birthday or Christmas card, but recently I found this in my mailbox.  A friend sent me a cd, for which she made this sweet pouch out of quilting fabric.  It definitely made my day...