by Mitzi M. Howard | Feb 12, 2014 | What's on the work bench
Well, we are still here in Tucson for another day, so I thought I’d check in tonight. I checked out the “Best Bead Show” this year, & as expected, there was a plethora of seed beads of every shape, size, color & assortments, as well as hand...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Feb 8, 2014 | Shows, What's on the work bench
The drive from San Diego was pleasantly uneventful & the Tucson weather spectacular. Our first day of shopping at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA Gem Fair) was wonderfully productive– I have ready spent half of my budget. The general consensus...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Feb 1, 2014 | Shows
Well, better late than never. This week’s blog was delayed by work & the preparations that TEAM ROCKS is making for their annual pilgrimage to the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Shows. Every winter, from about the end of January to the 3rd week in...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Jan 23, 2014 | What's on the work bench
Well, maybe not mine so much, but some of my clasps. I am developing a line of very secure, easy to use, fold-over magnetic clasps that will be integral to the design of my new pieces. I thought it might be interesting to show how such a finding is created. First, I...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Jan 16, 2014 | What's on the work bench
Well, maybe not heaven exactly since this rock came from deep underground, but it ended up pretty nice. While my forays into various gem topics have been popular, folks have been asking about my current projects. Last year at Tucson, I found the gorgeous...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Jan 9, 2014 | Gemology
We all know how important light is to how we view the world. From bad fluorescent lighting your bathroom to the sublime sunlight of a Tuscan afternoon, our moods & perceptions are all based on the light around us. Without getting too involved with the physics, it...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Dec 24, 2013 | Uncategorized
Regardless of your religion (or lack of one!), we hope that you will enjoy this holiday season with friends & family. We wish you all the very best of health & happiness for 2014. This will the last post for 2013 as I will be sleeping all day Thursday after...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Dec 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
It seems that everywhere I look, people are wearing & talking about turquoise. When I used to think about turquoise, I remembered the inexpensive Native American silver creations that were hawked along old Route 66 in the 1960’s & 1970’s. Then...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Dec 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
All that glitters is gold–or is it? While most folks know that 18 kt is more valuable than gold plate, I thought I’d review the terms during this shopping season to help you get the best value for your money. Pure gold is element #79 of the periodic table...
by Mitzi M. Howard | Dec 2, 2013 | Uncategorized
I hope that everyone survived Black Friday, Cyber Monday & all the other euphemisms for shopping excess. To those, like myself, who traveled for the holiday, Welcome Home. Flying with 2 small dogs has its challenges. It does make me a tiny bit nostalgic for the...
