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.

KENSINGTON FALL FESTIVAL 11AM-4PM 

3 bands (maybe 5), handcrafted vendors, antiques & vintage, kids activities all day, food trucks!

...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!

My beautiful studio, Summer 2015

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!

posted on Instagram - I'm Linda Blackbourn -- follow me! ♥

I took my annual trip to the gem show in Tucson in February. I am becoming a regular.  I know my way around the venues that I frequent. People recognize me. I'm in on the gossip even. I know stuff! I remember when I first went it was so overwhelming. I never dreamed I would get to this point.

They are still not mining turquoise in China, which is changing the whole market. I am sticking to American turquoise. Lot's of turquoise from the Sleepig Beauty mine, but also Kingman, and even a few strands of very expensive Bisbee Turquoise, which is all mined out.

It is just so beautiful, and high quality. And now it's the same price ... so why not? Seriously. Why would you buy the Chinese stuff if it's the same price?

Just look at the blue!

Also feel like my style has evolved ... though I'd be curious if you feel the same. You can click on any of the photos to see the piece in my online shop ...

Seriously, when you wait MORE THAN A YEAR to make a blog post, a lot can happen. One thing I have realized ... I am not a blogger. But, I do like to keep people updated -- people who are not in my life on a daily basis, or are not local, or are interested in my comings and goings for one reason or another!

The big, humongous news is: I have opened a store!!

That's it in the background. Gala Artisan Jewelry and Gifts. In Kensington MD.

I opened Gala with a lovely partner -- Barbara Catrett -- and we have brought many wonderful artists into the fold.

(Gala stands for G.uild of A.rtists L.ocal to the A.rea) We opened in September 2012, and things have been going great.

You know I had been doing shows and fairs with my jewelry -- and having good success. And doing well with my Etsy shop. And going to the Martha Stewart show, and the Etsy events in NY, etc. But I really missed having a roof over my head, as in a store roof. And the great jewelry sales and the interaction that I had with people at ArtSpring. Don't get me wrong, leaving ArtSpring was the right thing for me, but it was like leaving an adult child that I could no longer help. Heartbreaking. And it was more than just the jewelry sales, (although that was tough to give up), I loved the whole idea of ArtSpring, and being an integral part of the handmade movement in my area. And I missed the camaraderie of artists, and the excitement of building something together to be proud of. 

In the back of my head I knew wanted to do another shop -- kind of take the best of what I had learned from ArtSpring and put it towards something that would really be mine -- not hopping around from vacancy to vacancy in downtown Silver Spring. And, I kept thinking of Kensington for some reason ... that it would be the perfect neighborhood to support a little handmade shop. Well -- fast forward to last summer when I stumbled upon this little, adorable storefront!

...seriously, it was irresistible!

Call me crazy or whatever, but I have had no regrets yet. Love my partner, and the artists we have on board. Everyone falls in love with it when they walk in. And, my jewelry is selling like hotcakes!