Monday, November 30, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Kensington Fall Festival First Annual
4 days out from the Kensington Fall Festival. What a day!
It started early -- 7:30 Am -- closing Howard Ave - then vendor set up starting at 8:30.
It started early -- 7:30 Am -- closing Howard Ave - then vendor set up starting at 8:30.
Then it's a blur. Music, crowds (an estimated 5000 people)
Already excited for next year which will be bigger and better. Thanks to everyone who came!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Updated Fall Festival!
When was the last time you were in Kensington MD ... not whizzing past on Connecticut Ave, but, Old Town Kensington? On Sunday October 18, Old Kensington Row invites you to join us to share the charm and warmth of quaint streets and train whistles in Antique Row to celebrate Fall.
3 bands (maybe 5), handcrafted vendors, antiques & vintage, kids activities all day, food trucks!
Friday, September 25, 2015
...I knew when I first stepped into Kensington MD that it was THE PLACE for me and a little store one day. Years later I was at a craft show, set up next to someone ... we were talking about our plans for our businesses. We both wanted to open little shops -- when we spoke about where, we both said Kensington and the same moment.
That was years ago, and many things have led to this moment, but we just celebrated the 3 year anniversary of Gala
My little dream come true ♥
And there are days that I pinch myself.
So very excited about the Kensington Fall Festival!
I am excited to represent (with many others) the conversion of Kensington into more than an Antiques hub -- which it is and will remain -- but now, it can be known as a destination for handmade as well!
On Sunday October 18, 2015 -- join us in welcoming some of the great hand crafters in the region, along with wonderful live music, kids activities and antiques. Cannot wait!
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Progress
Life is amazing. I feel so lucky to have found my little spot in this world ... where I know I should be. I love making jewelry, and I love my little store, Gala ... sometimes I want to pinch myself.
Since my last post, a lot has happened. How could that be when you post once a year you ask? Forgot I had a blog, if I am honest ... Lol.
I just read my last post. At the time I wrote it I probably could have anticipated none of what I will write about today.
It's been a real time of transition for me. I found out in August 2013 why I've been limping for 5 years + ... To my own disbelief, I needed a total hip replacement. (WTF?? Right?? I'm only 50.)
...And, somehow, something that's been creeping up on me for some time ...I knew without a doubt, that after creating beaded jewelry happily and successfully for over 10 years, I was ready for more, and that I wanted to take my jewelry creations to another level.
Planning and mulling and fretting and worrying in my way -- knowing that the surgery was going to take it's toll, and time, and ... good god they're going to cut a piece out of me! Aaahhh!
And also, knowing that the ramp up to learning the new skills in the studio would be challenging -- I would need to start working with metals and metalsmithing, and imparting my own style onto my handcrafted jewelry would also take patience and diligence
Everything started to come together in the beginning of 2014. After watching hours and hours of tutorials -- making lists of what I needed -- I began ordering for my studio in January. A metalworking bench and flex shaft and saws -- torches and files and a kiln. It all fit into my studio nicely, and sat there looking very impressive! Then, with all my new equipment untouched, I took my annual pilgrimage to Tucson in February, (this time buying a few cabochons, wondering what the hell would do with them!). When I came home I went under the knife for a total anterior hip replacement, on Feb. 17.
Fast forward to today, July 6 2014, I am happy to report that I am back on the tennis court every week, playing better than I ever have! (Not saying much, unfortunately.)
In the studio, It's been a new beginning as I've healed. I started walking around my new equipment when I still had the walker! Sniffing it, touching stuff, lol. I really didn't know where to begin. Little by little I have started learning and making things. I have a pile of burned sterling silver in the tray! But ... I am learning! And I am so excited at the possibilities! The tools available these days are so liberating -- especially the Sterling Silver Clay. I still feel like I'm just dunking my toe in the water ... and I love the feeling ... like the possibilities are endless.
I hope that I don't forget I have a blog again, but no promises. At the very least, if history tells us anything, you can expect another update in about a year!
Since my last post, a lot has happened. How could that be when you post once a year you ask? Forgot I had a blog, if I am honest ... Lol.
I just read my last post. At the time I wrote it I probably could have anticipated none of what I will write about today.
It's been a real time of transition for me. I found out in August 2013 why I've been limping for 5 years + ... To my own disbelief, I needed a total hip replacement. (WTF?? Right?? I'm only 50.)
...And, somehow, something that's been creeping up on me for some time ...I knew without a doubt, that after creating beaded jewelry happily and successfully for over 10 years, I was ready for more, and that I wanted to take my jewelry creations to another level.
Planning and mulling and fretting and worrying in my way -- knowing that the surgery was going to take it's toll, and time, and ... good god they're going to cut a piece out of me! Aaahhh!
And also, knowing that the ramp up to learning the new skills in the studio would be challenging -- I would need to start working with metals and metalsmithing, and imparting my own style onto my handcrafted jewelry would also take patience and diligence
Everything started to come together in the beginning of 2014. After watching hours and hours of tutorials -- making lists of what I needed -- I began ordering for my studio in January. A metalworking bench and flex shaft and saws -- torches and files and a kiln. It all fit into my studio nicely, and sat there looking very impressive! Then, with all my new equipment untouched, I took my annual pilgrimage to Tucson in February, (this time buying a few cabochons, wondering what the hell would do with them!). When I came home I went under the knife for a total anterior hip replacement, on Feb. 17.
Fast forward to today, July 6 2014, I am happy to report that I am back on the tennis court every week, playing better than I ever have! (Not saying much, unfortunately.)
In the studio, It's been a new beginning as I've healed. I started walking around my new equipment when I still had the walker! Sniffing it, touching stuff, lol. I really didn't know where to begin. Little by little I have started learning and making things. I have a pile of burned sterling silver in the tray! But ... I am learning! And I am so excited at the possibilities! The tools available these days are so liberating -- especially the Sterling Silver Clay. I still feel like I'm just dunking my toe in the water ... and I love the feeling ... like the possibilities are endless.
I hope that I don't forget I have a blog again, but no promises. At the very least, if history tells us anything, you can expect another update in about a year!
posted on Instagram - I'm Linda Blackbourn -- follow me! ♥
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