Happy Cinco de Mayo

Today is Cinco de Mayo (Mexico Independence day) and Dave and I began to reminisce of the time we lived in Mexico.  We have so many fond memories of our years spent there and with so many wonderful friends we made that were like family.

I was going through our photos and found a few to share with you:

This is the "Rio Caliente" that we loved to go and spend the day to relax.  It was basically a river that flowed directly from some underground hot springs.  The water was extremely hot in some areas and very comfortably warm in other spots.  Our dogs, Chewy and Rufus, went everywhere with us and they especially loved the warm water.

We lived in the interior of Mexico but loved taking our vacations to the coast.  Here is a photo of Dave and I with a friend's pet iguana.

And here is a new family of clay gecko's that are not like the real thing of course but in a fun amethyst purple and lime green.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild

If you've visited our Art Fire Studio lately you will have noticed some changes.  They have upgraded the whole site with lots of added features and improvements.

I recently became a member of another guild since selling on Art Fire and that is the Artisan Jeweler Guild.  In order to join, one has to have an active Art Fire Studio with at least 40% of that containing artisan jewelry.  The guilds' definition of artisan jewelry is that it is made from mostly raw materials.  There are some very talented people in the group and it is nice to be able to share ideas and support each other in our craft.

Each month our guild has a challenge of some kind and for May the theme is Cinco de Mayo.  Here are some photos of the entries and you can go to the Artisan Jeweler blog and vote on your favorite piece.  The pole closes Sunday night.

Cyndie Smith Designs Fortuna Ring

Wickwire Jewelry Lemon Quartz and Multi gemstone Chandelier Earrings

2 Good Claymates Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Necklace