Tucson - Day 3

  Yesterday I started the day by driving up into the mountains of Tucson. It was a pretty short drive out of town but a pretty amazing view of the mountains and the city. Every year I come to Tucson I wish I could do more outdoor activities but there just isn't time. I hope that Matt will come with me one year and we can go outdoors and play. My short little drive sufficed for this trip. After that I stopped by the Ajo Cafe, a local diner that I discovered a couple of years ago. I stopped in the day before for a soda and got talked into a wonderful piece of Chocolate Pie. The owner insisted that I come back for breakfast or lunch and it just happened to work out yesterday. She even greeted me by name when I walked in! I love seeking out small local joints with loads of flavor and local color!

  After I properely fueled up for a day of shopping I joined all the other crazies at the Holidome. This is a crazy show, and people think you are crazy if you go on the first day. I really only go to visit two vendors... one that I won't tell you the name of because it is my little secret and the other is Nina Designs, who I love very much!

I got some aaaammmmaaaaazing stones - calcite cobalto and silica were my huge splurge then I also purchased a handful of other stones, some new to Bella Vita and some oldies.

Calcite Cobalto and Silica

  I was also very excited to visit the Nina Designs booth this year. I have been dying to hand pick from their new bronze charms, which are of impeccable quality and design and so affordable!

New Charms

 I wrapped up the Holidome pretty quickly, dropped by the Gem Mall for some last minute items then headed back to To Bead True Blue for my 6:00 class. It was a long day and I think I am pretty worn out over all. I've been waking up at 5:00 all on my own which kind of stinks. None of the shows open until 10:00 so I have a lot of time on my hands early in the morning. 

  Today, Karyn (the lady I am staying with) is going to take me to her friends studio. should be exciting! Then I'll head over to The Whole Bead Show, The Gem Mall, possibly GJX and To Bead True Blue. I have to wrap it all up today. Check my lists, check my purchases and make sure I don't need to buy anything else. I am almost to the end of my budget which makes me sad but happy at the same time. I want to get home and make make make!

Class projects... adding color to metals!