SimplyStrands

Some Jewelry

2010-02-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well, nice to see see you all again out there in blog land. I have taken a little hiatus, but I am back and will be blogging much more regularly again. Some exciting news - McMartin Realty is going to be hosting the Park Your Art event again for tor another year. This is a great event event which features local artists and crafters - in a prime location for the Second Saturday art walk. The event will run every Second Saturday from March through October...its going o be a great year!

May Market is Coming!!!

2009-04-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

Second Saturday!

2009-04-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yes it true...it coming!!! (Lets hope its dry!!!)

Come on out to McMartin Realty's Park Your Art...the Hottest Lot in Town!

Saturday, April 11 from 6pm- 10pm on K street at 21st...be there or be square!

Spring Ball!!!

2009-03-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Come and join me this Saturday for the Horse Cow Spring Ball!!!

Horse Cow Spring Ball and Fundraiser
Open Studios Silent Auction, Food, Art, Performance Art, Dance, Music, Video,.A Fundraising event.
Glass Blowing Demonstrations –Come learn to make a glass paper weight
Music By –Art Lessing and the Flower VatoEscapementBongo DaveTribe of LeviNine EvenProject HideoutTroy BMOM
Performance Art by -Obsidian ButterflyHorse Cow Task Force

Parking is limited - Parking will be at a remote parking lot and a shuttle will bring you to the event and back to your car again.
756 Ikea Ct
West Sacramento, CA 95605

When
April 4th, 2009 12:15 PM through April 5th, 2009 12:15 AM

Location
111 North Harbor Blvd.West Sacramento, CA 95691United StatesMap this Location

Contact:

Phone: 9163174340

Email: info@horsecow.com

Event Donation
$ 10.00

McMartin's Park Your Art is Coming!

2009-03-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Its Back!!!

As part of Second Saturday McMartin Realty is going to be hosting Park Your Art in their parking lot on the corner of 21st and K. We will be out there from 5-10 pm. You should come check out some of Sacramento's finest handmade arts and crafts!!!

Indie Time!

2009-02-27T07:04:00.001-08:00

Come out to Indie Sacramento next weekend! It is going to be an awesome day with some wonderful crafters!

2009-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

Come on out to The Bead Fetish on L Street between 17th and 18th for some awesome classes.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make beautiful jewlery? Well now it your chance! From super beginner classes to super advanced we have something for everyone!

February 25th from 6-8:30 pm we are doing Wonderfully Wired
February 26th from 6-8:30 pm we are doing Basic Stringing

Check out the website for full descriptions and pictures!

February Fun!

2009-01-25T11:12:00.001-08:00

February is shaping up to be a pretty great month on the Sacramento Art and Craft scene!

Start things out on first Saturday (yes you did read right!) with Indie Sacramento! Where you will be able to see Rain of Rain's Embellishments=)

For Second Saturday you should head over to the Sacramento Art Complex where my friend Susan of Secret Little Relics will be the featured artist!

Fun times for February!

Where the Fun Is!

2009-01-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

So...I have had a wonderful early evening! Not only is Simply Strands expanding its empire, but I was able to get some awesome vintage beads as well!

French Cuff Consignment located in beautiful midtown Sacramento is a wonderful store full of great treasures and unique finds. (and they now have Simply Strands vintage caged marble necklaces!)

So go check them out in person and on the web. They have an extensive web-site and links to

their items on E-bay. You can even book a trip to go to France with the co-owner of the store! C'est magnifique!

They are located at:

2419 J Street

Sacramento, California

95816

You can also visit them on the web at http://www.frenchcuffbtq.com/!

This is a picture of one of the marble necklaces that is at French Cuff Consignments!!!

Capitol DAWG!

2009-01-19T17:42:00.000-08:00

Where should one go for the best dog in town? Captiol Dawg!

A hot dog should not just be a summertime thing, or a ball park thing, or a bbq thing...it should be a 24/7/365 thing!

Thankfully downtown Sacramento has the place to provide just that! They are located at :
226 20th St

Sacramento, CA 95811

They have so many different dogs! My favorite is a vegan dog with ketchup, both kinds of relish, and a slice of swiss cheese to bring it all together...if vegan is not your thang than don't worry because they have a good old meat dog too.

The best time to go is...well..anytime! But Tuesday's between 5:30 and 8:00 pm they have a hot dog happy hour! $2.00 for a regular dog, a beer, or ice cream...all three for $6.00...WOW!

Sunday 11:00 am 5:30 pm

Monday 11:00 am 8:30 pm

Tuesday 11:00 am 8:30 pm

Wednesday 11:00 am 8:30 pm

Thursday 11:00 am 8:30 pm

Friday 11:00 am 8:30 pm

Saturday 11:00 am 8:30 pm

(Photo at top taken from www.capitoldawg.com)

Great Classes and New Pretties!

2009-01-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Bead Fetish in midtown Sacramento has been offering some awesome classes this winter! Check out their class schedule and try to find some time to bend some wire, string some beads, or weave like crazy!!!

The picture you see below is a new bracelet that I made on Monday night...I am very proud of it!

2008-12-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well we are speeding toward 2009 and a whole new slew of awesome craft shows! First and foremost there will be a great show to start off the new year!

Indie Sacramento is going to be January 3rd from 12-4 pm at 1616 I Street!!! I will be there with a myriad of other local artisans.

After that...who knows! The world is our oyster and a great show is the pearl! Also check out Sara Jane and Co. for the best Second Saturday fun time...yes there is a Second Saturday in January=) Be there or be square!

2008-12-21T19:20:00.001-08:00

Just hoping on to wish all the craft- fabulous ladies and gentlemen out there a warm and Merry Christmas from Simply Strands!
As soon as Christmas is over come and join Me at Indie Sacramento in the heart of Midtown.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
12-4pm
1616 I Street, Midtown Sacramento

2008-12-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of one of the necklaces in my new line. It is a caged vintage marble! I have necklaces in all colors and earrings!

Wonderful Saturday!

Rain of Rain's Embellishments, Angel of Angels Accents, and Sophia of Simply Strands spent a wonderful Saturday at Craftacular with the Petaluma Craft Mafia. They has such an impressive space and so many talented vendors. If you didn't get a chance to check it out then look at their blog for come great interviews with some of the participants!

Photos will be coming!

Repost from Sacramento Craft Mafia Website

2008-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day with Sara Jane and Co. and Indie Sacramento!

Sara Jane and Co. is an awesome boutique in mid-town Sacramento on 21st between I and J. If you have never had a chance to visit please check it out! They have awesome clothing, paints, accessories, and art. They are also the show place for some of the wares of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. They carry Simply Strands jewelry and Ignition jewelry and hair accessories. It is a cool store and they support local artists...could it get any better?

So anyway, back to yesterday!

Myself, and Shonda of Ignition were lucky enough to get help Sara Jane at her table at Indie Sacramento. This is the Second annual incarnation of Sacramento's largest craft and trunk fair. It was a wonderful collection of about 40 independent vendors selling their handmade goods. If you want to see who was there check out the vendor list on their website! It was truly impressive.

The next Indie Sacramento show is going to be on January 3rd at a location TBA somewhere on the midtown grid. It is going to be a great place to reward yourself for getting through the holiday season!

2008-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Black Friday ,Friday November 28th Is Going To Get The SaraJane Treatment!!!

Hey all!If you are not one for the day after Thanksgiving shopping craziness, I think we may have an event to change your mind!The Sacramento Craft Mafia is pleased to announce we are joining Sara Jane of Sara Jane & Co. for another fun filled event!Black Friday, or Friday, November 28th is going to get the SARAJANE&CO.treatment!Imagine NOT fighting over scarves and bags at the MAUL (mall!)!Imagine NOT taking a shuttle to do your shopping!Imagine choosing thoughtful, eco friendly, artistic and handmade wonders with out paying for shipping-and all in ONE spot!Featuring The Sacrameno Craft Mafia, Athmatix & Super Hot Deals From SaraJane!
Need MORE coaxing?How about fab swag for you shopping die hards who will join us at 6am!?More, you say? How about a hot, fresh cup of coffee FOR FREE???!Come on, now! Its gonna be great! Get a jump on your holiday shopping the MAFIA way!

Reposted from http://www.sarajaneandco.com/blogblog.html

Beadds and Wire!!!

2008-11-24T06:57:00.001-08:00

THE BEAD FETISH!!!
The first week in December is going to be quite a busy one for Sophia of Simply Strands. She will be teaching 3 back to back classes at The Bead Fetish.
December 2nd from 6-9 will be Pendant Pizzazz. Students will learn to wrap pendants in wire...this is a great class even for beginners.
December 3rd from 6-9 will be Curly Coils. Students will get an introduction to making beads from wire and will probably even leave with their very own curly coiled bracelet!
December 4th from 6-9 pm will be Woven Waltz. This class integrated some chain mailing techniques into a gorgeous bracelet!
Check out The Bead Fetishes website for more detailed descriptions and pictures of each class! Hope to see you there! (Pictures are not from a Bead Fetish class...but they are meant to give an approximate idea and get you excited!)

Where does the time go?

2008-11-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I really feel like I blink and weeks have gone by. I could have sworn I just posted, but no, I didn't! Forgive me for being gone so darn long!

There are a lot of exciting things coming up for the Sacramento Craft Mafia ladies!

November 18th - Sophia of Simply Strands (Me!!!) will be teaching Beginning Wire Wrap at The Bead Fetish

November 28- The Ladies of the Mafia will be co-hosting a Black Friday event with Sara Jane and Co. starting at 6 am!!! Come on out for some great deals and some beautiful handmade LOCAL Christmas presents!

November 29th- Rain of Rain's Embellishments will be showing at Handborn in Modesto.

December 13th- All the ladies of the Craft Mafia will be up in Petaluma with the Petaluma Craft Mafia's Craftacular Holiday show.

VOTE!

2008-11-04T14:40:00.001-08:00

Thats All=)

2008-10-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Come check out an awesome Saturday afternoon in Midtown! My jewelry will be there along with my awesome friends Shonda and Rain !!! So come on out and say hi!!!

Picture Time!

2008-10-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

More Pictures from China!

New Site!!!

2008-10-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

Check it out! New Sacramento Craft Mafia website!!! Its very beautiful and I hope you all enjoy it!

Fun Pictures...thats all!!!

2008-10-21T07:23:00.001-07:00

These pictures are from my trip to China this year. Enjoy!

Craftoberfest Wrap Up

2008-10-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

So anyone who has their finger on the pulse of awesome craft events was out at Craftoberfest last weekend!

I was a great day! Susan from Little Secret Relics was out. She was selling beautiful handmade jewelry!!! I love the work that woman does=)

Rain from Rain's Embellishments was selling her jewelry and roaming with her camera! She took the picture of yours truly at the beginning of the post.

Long story short...it rocked and I look forward to the next event that I get to hang with my favorite ladies!

So Dark

2008-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Pretty home town picture for you all!

This is a hard time of year because it is dark and cold all the time!!! Why does it have to dark so much? I miss the summer light (not the heat!). I like waking up at 5:30 in the morning and having it be light already...not this dark until 7 am business=( But...I will take it because it means that the earth is still turning and progressing through time...I just look forward to the sun rising (whenever it chooses to come up!)

Awesome Second Saturday!

2008-10-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much everyone who came out to Craftoberfest and to Park Your Art!!! What a wonderful Second Saturday!!!

So where can you see Simply Strands next?

You can come out to the Bead Fetish and take a class from me!!!

My upcoming classes are:
October 16th - Dazzling Chain Gang 6-9 pm

November 18th - Beginning Wire Wrap 6-8:30 pm

December 2nd - Pendant Pizzazz 6-9 pm

December 3rd - Curly Coils 6-9 pm

December 4th - Woven Waltz 6-9 pm

December 9th - Capture Elegance 6-9 pm

December 16th - Simply Spiral 6-9 pm

December 18th - Wire Coiled Bezel 6-9 pm

January 9th - Dazzling Chaing Gang 6-9 pm

January 15th - Beginning Wire Wrap 6-8:30 pm

January 20th - Curly Coils 6-9 pm

January 27th - Blooming Bangle 6-9 pm

If you would like to sign up for a class please call or come into The Bead Fetish on L Street Between 17th and 18th.

(If you don't see a time that works, but you really want to take a class remember you can ALWAYS schedule a private lesson!!!)

Now this is Just Crazy

2008-09-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am still trying to figure out where the summer went! Anyway...check out the Sacramento Craft Mafia Blog for some awesome information about Craftoberfest and some cool links to some awesome tutorials!!!

Is everyone getting excited for Craftoberfest? I know I am=) This is going to be one blowout show...be there or be square. October's Second Saturday from 10am-4pm in the Sacramento News and Review Parking Lot on J and 20th!!!

Whoa Again

2008-09-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Time is racing! I have been working like mad and playing every moment in between!

I got a new hairstyle...still can't get my camera and computer to play nice. I stopped by Rite-Aid and tried to burn a CD of my pictures...but it didn't come out right either. New picture of my hair COMING SOON!!!

Whoa!!!

2008-08-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Slow down...you ever get the feeling that you blink and an entire week goes by? Well...that's how I am feeling now...no complaints though...working hard and playing hard.

Check out the Sacramento Craft Mafia blog for a great mini-guide to local bead stores...cool stuff and authored by me!

Anyway...must make more man jewelry!

Busy, but Wonderful Weekend!

2008-08-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pendants that I have made...now property of my Friend Jenn.

Birthdays, housewarming, bead craziness, and restocking fever...that basically sums up my weekend.

Just ordered new postcards for September's Second Saturday. This time I teamed up with Susan's Little Secret Relics as we will both be at McMartin's Park Your Art. Second Saturday will be on September 13 and it is going to be awesome!!!

I am fast coming up on an important anniversary...ONE YEAR with the Sacramento Craft Mafia. What a year it has been! Yet, I am so glad that this group of lovely ladies has entered my life. The friendship and mutual obsession with all things glitter, glue and beads has been a really good influence on my crafting and arting. So...Thank you Craft Mafia...I look forward to another great year and hopefully more to come after that!

Just One of Those Days...

2008-08-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Terra Cotta Warriors in X'ian
The meeting of the ancient and modern in Shanghai

Thursday...a day like any other day...except you were there.

It is interesting how the world feels so big, but at the same time so small. It is kinda weird to recognize far off places. Travel is one of those things...where ever you go- there you are. You can be in the most beautiful, exotic, or seemingly interesting place in the world. Yet...if you aren't there with the people you love it can still feel mundane and empty.

Long story short...I am happy to be in Sacramento, I am happy with my job and I am am happy to be surrounded with the people I am surrounded by. So even though its no where exotic, it is the place I want to be.

That being said...I hope you like my pictures of some of those aforementioned "Far off places."

The Great Wall of China near Beijing...in the snow

The Farmers Market

2008-08-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful heirloom tomatoes from Soil Born Farms...yum!

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning. Breakfast and then some vegetable shopping. My favorite farmers market is the on held every Sunday under the 50 freeway at W and 8th. The market is certified California grown...so not only do you get the highest quality, but you are also supporting local agriculture.

I hope you like my Farmer's Market Pictures!!!

Some little guys from Kelly's Crayfish

Second Saturday!!!

2008-08-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

You know where to be...be there or be square!!! 21st and K in the McMartin Realty Parking Lot!!!

This interesting and atheistically pleasing picture was taken on the Big Island of Hawaii. This is an arc of AA lava...which is the chunky lava...it moves like a rock wall from deep within the earth. This is not the fast flowing or smooth ropey lava. This is some sharp (don't walk on it barefoot) rock!

I remember one time when I was 19 me and a friend were trying to find a secret snorkeling spot that was on the other side of a vast field of the AA (cooled of course!). We were able to follow the trail out to the spot without a problem...but on the way back we lost the trail. We that it would be no problem to get back to the car...I mean...it looked flat. Well, after two hours of stumbling around in the sharp and poky AA Lava field we finally emerged, a little bloody and thirsty, on the road about 1/2 mile down from the car. Long story short...don't go wandering in AA Lava fields!!!

I am SO IN!!!

2008-08-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Who's excited about Second Saturday?!?! ME and I hope the rest of you. Come and join me as well as 5 other members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia at McMartin Realty's Park Your Art show. We will be on the corner of 21st and K between 6 pm and 10 pm.

So to round out your evening here is a beautiful picture taken along the I-5 Freeway somewhere between Lathrop and Santa Nella. This picture was taken by my talented father, Michael Albov. It looks the wide open sky's of middle America...and right here in our own back yard!

Park Your Art!!!

2008-08-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Your going to be there right? If you weren't planning on it...you should!!! This Second Saturday Park Your Art is going to be the hottest lot in town...come out on Saturday, August 9th from 6-10 pm. We will be on the corner of 21st and K Street and it will be hopping!!! There will be several members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia there as well as many other talented crafters and artists.

This is a picture of my table from March's Park Your Art!!! This month it will be even bigger and better so "be there or be no where!!!"

Saturday/Workday/Napday

2008-08-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Man I have managed to make this day many different things!!! From working to napping...it is a good life!

Picture for you! This is the very elaborate and kinda creepy sushi display from one of our friends weddings. It was very good sushi, but it makes me feel weird to look dinner (or its cousin) in the eye. =)

Friday!!!

2008-08-01T01:42:00.001-07:00

Really early on Friday morning...the world is asleep and I am awake...bathed in the cool light from the computer monitor...I should know better by now...NO GOING TO SLEEP AT 8 PM!!! While it feels good at the moment I usually cannot sleep through the night after such an early bedtime!!! Therefore...you now get my middle of the night musings.

So here is our fun and wacky picture for the day. This was a super useful sign...especially if you were trying to get someplace far flung...ya know cuz I drive from Sydney to Rome all the time!

Wednesday Morning!!!

2008-07-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Early...Early...Early...the sky is gray and the sun slowly but surely break through...the world awakes and I am not far behind. Monster cup of Irish breakfast tea and some peanut butter toast...what more could one want? Work even seems appealing today=)

I leave you all with a compelling picture for the day! I know it only looks like some locks attached to a handrail...but there is more to this picture. This was taken on the Great Wall of China outside of Beijing. The locks were put there by couples that got married on the wall. After the ceremony they attach a lock to this part of the handrail and then they throw the key off the wall. They vow to never get divorced unless they can find the key and unlock the lock...pretty cool...eh?

Check Out the SugarCubeSociety!!!

2008-07-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

One of my fellow Mafiosa's...the wonderful Miss Melody has started a wonderful Etsy shop...The SugarCubeSociety!!! All the beautiful merchandise in this shop had been donated by talented artists from California to the farthest streches of our shores. But that's not the best part...all the proceeds from the sales are donated (after Etsy Fee's) to JDRF(Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Click the link to find out more about this wonderful organization.

So make sure that if you are looking for some unique and beautiful items (jewelry, hats and much more) go to the SugarCubeSociety. Not only are you buying handmade...you are also donating to a great charity! The pictures you see are examples of the merchandise you can buy on the SugarCubeSociety's Etsy Page!

It Looks Kinda Like the Fountain!

2008-07-23T22:00:00.001-07:00

It does...thats cool=)

Wednesday...Flowering Vegetables and All

2008-07-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Is it a flowering vegetable or a flower that we eat? I don't know...but it makes me smile really big!

What am I talking about? The mysterious and succulent, thistle that populates not only the Mediterranean but also our own Central coast...THE ARTICHOKE!!!

Yes...our lovely friend the 'choke (as those of us who know them well say)...I was lucky enough to be graced with a single flowering artichoke.

This wonder of nature made its way into my life at the Visual Impact Design on L Street in downtown Sacramento. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting this inspiring shop...then you are totally missing out. I have seen flower arrangements in my life...but this was truly flower art! I highly suggest paying them a visit if you have any need for flowers for any occasion!

Because my camera and my computer have gone from fighting to not speaking...I leave you with a representation of my flowering 'choke.

SAC CRAFT MAFIA!!!

2008-07-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Why am I SHOUTING? 'Cuz I am excited that I am a part of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. All of you out in crafting land "Hold on to your butts" (come on...what movie is that from? Who's with me?...free pair of earring for anyone who gets it right and comes to claim the prize at the McMartin Realty August Second Saturday Event!)

The Sac Craft Mafia is having a little makeover (just like me! Thank you Shonda and damn you camera!) We are going to be rolling out a new logo soon and a new website! In the meantime please tide yourself over with the awesome Sac Craft Mafia Blog!!!

While your at it...if your in town this weekend please check out Midnight Mass where several of my favorite Mafiosa's will be selling their wares. Stacey, Shonda and Rain will there...say hi for me!!! I wish you ladies the best of luck!

Random Australian Fountain for you Viewing Enjoyment!!!

Make Over Central...Batman Style

2008-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well the title says it all...a makeover and a bat date. That was my weekend. A picture says a thousand words right? Well for now you will have to settle for the words. Shonda of Iginition happens to be a fabulous hair stylist. I would love to show you a picture of the magic she worked on my head!!! BUT...my camera and my computer are in a fight...so the pictures remain loyal to the camera=( I promise pictures will come soon though...because now my head is too wonderful not to share with the world!!!

P.S.- New Batman movie...cool!

Wednesday...

2008-07-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are...another Wednesday night! The middle of the week...crazy! Just wanted to leave you with some photo's from a Sacramento "photo safari"...Have you ever been a photo safari? Most people think that such things are only for Africa or other vacations...but it is really fun to spend an hour or two walking the streets of your hometown and looking for photo's. Seeing your town from ground level gives one a new perspective and hopefully inspires the senses leading to a deeper understanding or appreciation of the everyday surroundings. Enjoy!

Second Saturday Rocks (as always!)

2008-07-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

If you weren't roaming the street of midtown's grid last night...then...well...you plain and simply missed it!!! July's Second Saturday was one of the biggest yet! An interesting and ebullient crowd filled the streets and most of them found their way to the McMartin Realty parking lot for Park Your Art.

This wonderful and well attended event featured several artist's, crafters, and jewelry designers. Out in force were some of the lovely ladies from The Sacramento Craft Mafia, me (of course...or I wouldn't be blogging it!), Rain of Rain's Embellishments, Erika Ashley of Charming Co., and joining us as a browser and fantastic supporter was Stacey of Bouton Blue. Park Your Art was also host to Jason Branz's photography. Who is not only a very talented nature photographer, but also is my former next door neighbor.

The beautiful pictures of the Simply Strands table were taken by Amy of Peptogirl Industries, crafter and photographer extraordinaire!

P.S. Check out The Bead Fetish's Second Saturday Sale...last day!!! (till next month!)

Sunday Update!!!

2008-07-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hey there wide world of Internet blog readers!!!

What a wonderful week it was!!! Happy Belated 4th of July=)

The beautiful Pizza Pie you see at the top of this post was made by my own sweet pizza chef, Jason. This is a mixed berry desert pizza and it is a wonderful treat for a hot summer night!

Here is the recipe...I recommend more sugar on the pizza and the berries and more berries than you think are sane!!!

Mixed Berry Dessert Pizza
Ingredients:
Pizza dough, as instructed4 teaspoons plus 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar¼ cup crème fraíche ¼ cup mascarpone cheese3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream4 ounces fresh strawberries, quartered2 ounces fresh blueberries2 ounces fresh boysenberries1 ounce piece of white chocolate
Method:
Prepare pizza dough as instructed, about ten inches in diameter. Lightly pierce the pizza dough with a fork. Sprinkle with four teaspoons of the sugar. Slide onto a hot pizza stone and bake at 500˚ for five minutes or until the sugar has begun to melt. Carefully remove the pizza and add the berries in an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional eight minutes or until the dough is cooked and the berries just begin to release their juices. While the pizza finishes combine the remaining two tablespoons of sugar, crème fraíche, mascarpone cheese and the heavy cream and whisk until combined. Carefully remove the pizza and let rest for about four minutes. Cover with the mascarpone mixture and garnish with shaved white chocolate. Slice and enjoy.

If you want to learn to make pizza like this check out Jason's next class!!!

Saturday, July 26th

Pizza Hors' Dourves5:00–7:00 p.m. $25, Hands-On class. Wine will be served. Must be 21 to attend.

With Jason Jonas, Whole Foods MarketPizza - Few types of food are as versatile and surprisingly simple to make. From thin to thick to deep-dish, it runs the gamut. This class will briefly explore the history, styles and adaptations, and go into the tools and ingredients necessary to make amazingly delicious pizza hors'dourves (little snack foods served before or outside of the main dishes of a meal). Participants will roll out and create their own pizza from a variety of toppings.

Take Me Out to The...Bead Fetish?

2008-06-29T19:47:00.001-07:00

Well the title pretty much sums up my weekend. Beads and Ball Games!!! Both very happy things=)

So there two exciting events coming up in the professional jewelry career of your truly.

1. Class at the Bead Fetish on Wednesday, July 2nd from 6-8:30 pm. This class will teach you the basics about working with wire. Craft wire, sterling, or gold filled (depending on your fancy)...this is a great jumping off point from basic stringing into the more complex world of jewelry design. The skills one will learn in this class can be carried forward into earring making and more whimsical wrapping. So please call the Bead Fetish today and reserve a spot!

2. Craft Alongs with the Sacramento Craft Mafia. The SCM is going to hosting one Craft Along a month on the Second Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Java Lounge on 16th and Broadway.

Each month a different member or affiliate of the SCM will be hosting a special topic to expand the craft knowledge of the greater Sacramento area. Please come out and join us for a little time to concentrate on craft away from the distraction of pets, kids, and television. (Instead you the welcome distractions of girl time and JAVA!!!)

This month's Craft Along will be hosted by ME (picture Tyra...if you get it this is funny!!!) on Tuesday, July 8th from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Java Lounge. We will be concentrating on wire working. I will be providing wire and some beads, but please bring your own tools if you want to get down on the wire. If wire is not your thing please don't hesitate to come out anyway. Bring WHATEVER craft floats your boat...just come out and hang with us=)

I leave you with a impressive photo of the depth of my Bead Fetish. This is my newly organized bead collection with Ned one of my teddy bears on top. Ned was handcrafted by Missy Balance owner of Mohair Circus...she is amazing!!!

My First Class

2008-06-27T06:48:00.001-07:00

Well...the time has come! I am going to be teaching a class at The Bead Fetish =) This Wednesday night I will be the teacher for Beginning Wire Wrapping...I am so honored that the lovely women of The Bead Fetish are trusting me to lead this wonderful class. I will take some pictures at class and post them...then you can all share in my joy=) Yay for The Bead Fetish!!!

The Hottest Lot in Town

2008-06-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

So...where is the hottest (coolest!) place to be on Second Saturday in Sacramento?

...A Bar?
...A Club?

NO!!!

The hottest spot in town is the McMartin Realty Parking Lot! If you haven't come out to this event for Second Saturday...the you haven't truly experienced Second Saturday.

There is an awesome mix of crafters and artists in a prime location on the midtown grid. You get a little bit of everything...especially a good dose of the ladies from the Sacramento Craft Mafia. We have had members out there every month practically this year!

More to come on this awesome event...pictures too!!! But now you know...be there or be nowhere!!!

Where did the Week Go?

2008-06-08T18:59:00.001-07:00

Has it really been a full week since my last post? I feel like it has been about two minutes. Lots of jewelry making took place...but gosh...a full week!

Anyway...not too much to say right this moment...just wanted to make a post so you all know that I am still alive. I will leave you with some pictures!

Sunday, Funday!

2008-06-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a Sunday? Especially the most beautiful Sunday to hit the greater Sacramento area in quite a while!

I woke up early and got to spend four beautiful hours watching Sex and the City and making all kinds of crazy jewelry.

I made a bracelet today that was black cloisonne beads with little flowers on them. I swear that I have visited the factory they were made in when I went to China. This is a picture of the glazes that they used to fill in the enamel part of the piece. They made beads and vases and ornaments and pretty much every other item that could be cloisonned was!

This was one of the men that worked in the oven section. Could you imagine 8 hours a day of standing in an oven and pulling vases in and out of the heat...and I get tired and hot doing office work!!! Makes me very thankful for my job and the lifestyle I have.

This is what the showroom looked like at this weird and wonderful factory/friendship store/restaurant...they really combine things (kinda like Disneyland!)

A detail of one of the beautiful vases. There were hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and they were all different...it was magical!!!

More to come on the other exciting places and jewelry related sites that I went to visit in China.

Sacramento Craft Mafia...aka...The Coolest Ladies I Know

2008-05-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

What is the Sacramento Craft Mafia (SCM)...it is a collective of some of the most talented and creative ladies I have ever had the pleasure of associating with. There are 23 of us and we DIY everything from matchbox altars to jewelry to fabulous fiber.

To honor my peeps at the SCM I am going to feature the creations of these lovely ladies on my blog. I am going to try to do one a week, but I am new at this so I make no solid promises on timing. This will be a great way to expose you (my loyal reader...I mean readers!) to the immense talent which is contained in the SCM. So to start please check out the website which has links to every one's individual web sites, Etsy stores, and blogs. http://www.sacramentocraftmafia.com/

In the meantime please check out my Etsy store to see my 7 new listings!!! http://www.simplystrands.etsy.com/

Right now I am concentrating on putting a lot of bracelets on my site because that it what I have been into lately. I also will be getting earring up there pretty soon...I just have to find an inventive way to photograph them=)

2008-05-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

I hereby want to declare that after much soul searching I am on board with the blog thing. New stuff can be scary but I am committed and I want to be open minded to the advice on techniques that are offered to me (like the blog)!

P.S. I still think shows and local outreach are important and those efforts should be respected...but I am ready to move outside my comfort zone and plunge into the unknown I guess I need to just get over it and push forward into the brave new frontier of craft because I would like to achieve a certain level of success that is probably not as easily achievable if I continue to linger in the old fashion methods of communication.

Therefore...here we are...I think I have just officially blogged...I

feel like a big girl now!

So the picture you see is one from the last photo session with Michael Albov a fabulous photographer who hails from the Monterey Peninsula. Here is the link to his Flickr site. http://flickr.com/photos/mikegoat/sets Please check out his amazing and unique photography. I am very lucky to have this talented photographer help me to capture my jewelry on film. He brings a life to objects that defies reason.