Erulisse Dances

So my DH and I went to the American Craft Council show in St Paul on Sunday. There we met Chickie and Chickie Mama and began wandering up and down the aisles. We spent almost four hours there, walking, looking and enjoying. Although I was looking for a new pair of earrings, I didn't end up with anything at all.

On the way out of the center, we crossed the street at the crosswalk heading back to the parking garage. That's where things went wrong. The curb was exceptionally high, my shoe caught the top and I went sprawling directly into the metal base of the stoplight with my head. Fortunately I bounce. My glasses saved my nose from being broken, and they even survived. I am a bit sore this morning, but OK. My DH was very shaken up by it, though.

And before I switch to pictures for everyone to see from some of the artists whose work I loved, I wanted to acknowledge an anniversary. In 2007, on this day, the Pentacle was officially added to the VA's list of approved emblems for memorials, markers and gravestones. It was about time! Now...on to pictures below the cut...
( wonderful pics below the cut )

 I was very proud of myself.  I knew I didn't have any money to spare, so I went to the ACC Show knowing I could not indulge.  Fortunately there wasn't a lot that I was heavily tempted with. 

( Pics and Art Below the Cut )

Seeka combines laser-cut stainless steel, resin epoxy and Swarovski crystals into small works of art.  They do jewelry and Judaica items, all very colorful and whimsical. 

Jon Michael Route uses different formulas of patination combined with shaping and texturing to create amazing wall pieces.  It is wonderul use of the properties of color and metal.  I'm in love. 

Peggy and Steve Kittleson make amazing kaleidoscopes - a love of mine for my entire life.  I could happily have spent hours and hours at their booth, looking at each kaleidoscope they offered and would have had to be physically pulled away.  As it was, my DH had to get me from there twice.  I have an amazing kaleidoscope that I purchased when my mother died, but these were also well worth looking at. 

Karen Hibbs make amazing stained glass works incorporating fossils and having a very primordial feel to them.  Both my DH and I fell in love with her work.  Too pricey for us right now, but one of the few art pieces we have agreed on in many years. 

Dan Neil Barnes specializes in art glass works for walls and decor.  The works range in size, but many are quite large and absolutely stunning when lit.  Wonderful work capturing light. 

And Dan Ray captures nature in metal.  He takes leaves and coats them in patinated metal to create wearable jewelry.  Unfortunately his web site didn't have the style that I really fell in love with - he had some Dawn Redwood from Muir Forest in California that was exceptional. 

And the weekend ended by spending several hours playing LOTRO with my friend Aearwen from California.  The three of us had a great time getting to know each other a bit more and killing wicked things in Middle Earth.  Sunday was wonderful...but now it's back to the grind :-)