What It Takes to Set Up a Show

     I'm happy to say that Patricia is getting back into swing of things. I will confess that after seeing her hand 2 weeks ago, I was worried that she wouldn't be up to the WSU Spring Arts & Crafts Fair and I even had my doubts about the Art Under the Elms later in April.
     There are so many little details that go into preparing for a craft show. She has been working all winter on wonderful new pieces and has quite a lot of inventory but jewelry is just a part of putting together a booth at a show. All the jewelry needs to be priced, inventoried and carefully packed. Then there are displays that have to be arranged, spiffed up and loaded into show trunks. An artist's booth at a show must be a self contained store. The vendor must bring everything she needs to conduct business- pens, calculators, bags, mirrors, glass cleaner, etc. I'm always amazed at how many trunks have to be toted to set up a show.       -Laurel Balyeat

Spring Almost Sprung...

Just when you thought it wouldn't happen! Vibrant crocuses scattered like tiny jewels, creamy snow drops, and fat, swelling buds from which golden daffodils will soon emerge. Renewal...something those of us in the pacific northwest cherish.


This is my first blog since my return from the hospital due to a 'love bite' from my favorite cat, NineTwo. My right hand is an essential part of making jewelry, of course, and at present, it's pretty stiff. But, three weeks of occupational therapy should make it good as new!


April is a busy month for me, two big shows! Mom's Weekend, at
Washington State University, on the 8th and 9th (Go Cougs!).
Later in the month, Art Under The Elms, a three day event in Lewiston, Idaho on the 22, 23, and 24th. Phew, I really need to get busy! Please stop by and introduce yourself.

On the Mend

Patricia is recovering remarkably. She is able to begin using her hand again. It has been a long slow recovery for a sharp quick bite. I visited her last week and was relieved to see that she was much improved. I was also thrilled to see that she has all sorts of wonderful new inventory. Once things settle down, we will load some new work on the web site. Meanwhile, I can stop worrying about plenty of jewels for the upcoming WSU Arts & Crafts Show.

The Culprit

   Patricia is out of the hospital after a 5 day stint there for a nasty infection from a bite from her favorite feline, NineTwo. It has been suggested that she change his name from 9-2 to 911. The result of this little bite means that Patricia is out of her studio for a couple of weeks.

Aloha Spa Tahoe

Thanks to Patricia, I spent a good part of the day at the Aloha Spa at Lake Tahoe last Saturday. Let me just say that if you are anywhere near Incline Village, you should consider a visit. Gwendalyn, Jennifer and Carolyn were so attentive and accomplished. I had a tropical fruit & grape seed scrub that I'm sure took years off my age and a seaweed wrap that gave my collagen a rousing pep talk. I wrapped it up with a hot stone massage and a facial. When I was finished, I glowed like a girl getting ready for her prom. I practically drifted down to the water's edge where I had that beautiful beach and icy water all to myself.


During this blissful time, Patricia was playing with her cat and suffered a nasty cat bite. She is currently in the hospital enjoying a steady dose of antibiotics. My takeaway here... Do not mess around with cat bites! Let your doctor know right away and get started on those antibiotics as soon as you can.

Considering Spring...

It rained so hard yesterday that it melted most of our snow. I looked out my window this morning and saw our old friend/nemesis, the great blue heron perched above Redfish Pond, staring intently. Ready for his breakfast of sushi, no doubt. The sun is out....life is good. One of our male peacocks has begun to court the peahens already. Here is a photo of him. 

I'm ready to go into my studio and do, what?
I'll sit, look out my window, and wait for inspiration....I hope.

Earring Order....

This is a small photo of the earrings I've just created for a special order. Maureen wanted hearts, peridot and small pearls in a drop earring. This is the result that I've created. I'm happy with the new, fresh look. Thanks, Maureen!

Watch snow fall, think spring....

It's march 10th, and it's snowing! I love living in a place where there are four distinct seasons, but winter is holding tight here. There are glimmers of hope, I did see buds swelling on my red twig dogwood bushes, and several buttercups peeking out of the snow, brave souls! So, I've put together a sweet pair of glass blossom earrings. There are 8 layers to these blossoms, swarovski crystals, glass beads, brass findings, and a brass ring. Here's a small photo of these beauties. Tell me what you think!

Working Away in my Studio

It’s wonderful to have an excuse to spend a little extra time in my studio. I have to get together enough work for the WSU Mom’s Arts & Crafts Weekend next month.

Sweet Spring Event...

Good morning, the snow is still on the ground, but the sun is out and it's a warm 42 degrees. Yesterday was the Sweet On Spring show in Scotty & Suzanne's conservatory. Lemon yellow forsythia, cheery primroses, budding pussy willows, and sweet scented, blooming jasmine lit up that delightful space. So many members of the Palouse community came for the show and to visit. I love these annual events that contribute to the fabric of community and this is one of the best. Many thanks for a wonderful event!

But It's Not Spring Yet...

I have been trying to get this website up and running before Patricia’s spring season begins. Who knew spring came so early on the Palouse! Looking at her Blue Mango Jewels calendar, I see that she has a number of shows scheduled over the next 8 weeks. The season kicks off tomorrow with Sweet on Spring. Oh how I wish I could be there for that. It’s an intimate show in an idyllic setting.


Four weeks later Blue Mango Jewels will have a booth up at the WSU Mom’s Spring Arts & Crafts Fair. This is a big show held in the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum on the Washington State University campus. Both of these shows will be indoors.


Mid April, Patricia will take her act on the road, heading down to Art Under the Elms in Lewiston, Idaho for a three day show. This is a lovely place for a show with lots of good music and ambiance. Although the weather can still be unpredictable in April, it should be nice. I say this thinking of the Moscow Renaissance Fair the last weekend in April. Last year there was snow, rain, mud and more rain during the show. The amazing thing to me is that this did not keep the locals from coming out. Still, I’m going to cross my fingers for better weather this year.

New Goodies...

I've been out of town for several days. I had some time to spare and managed to forage for bead stores in the Spokane area. Bingo! I found two great shops with wonderful selections of glorious beads. Mostly semi-precious stones, labradorite, red serpentine, blue apatite, carved horn, imperial jasper, some killer ceramic beads, amethyst, turquoise, a sterling raven for which I'll create a necklace. The list goes on...

I'm in a show this saturday, Sweet On Spring, where I'll debut some of my new work. The venue for this show is a wonderful sunny conservatory. After that, I'll be free to get back into my studio and play with these gorgeous beads. The snow here in the Palouse is about 12 inches deep, so I can indulge myself indoors. I've just been accepted into a three day show, Art Under The Elms, in Lewiston, Idaho. Wonderful show, I'm excited...stay tuned.