Practice Makes Perfect?

I've always enjoyed Austin Kleon's blog and books.  This is a good read with a very simple but powerful message...do your craft...everyday. I remember a lecture I went to with a watercolor artist. Something he said stuck with me....not that I have been able to live up to this....but he told us that you have to practice every day. He paints everyday.  Not many people are born like Mozart who was playing in public at the age of 6. Most of us have to slog through our days...but I guess that's the point.  Practice, practice, practice.

Okay campers rise and shine and don’t forget your booties

Bead and Button

I finally had a chance to go through my photos and stash from Bead and Button.  How can it seem so long ago?  I have been working my butt off in my day job...which has turned into a day and night job.  

But this weekend I took a break.  We went to the Summer Solstice at the Cleveland Museum of Art last night...always a good time.  Ran into a number of people from work. 

And today I decided to go through my B&B stash and photos. B&B is always a whirlwind.  Between teaching classes and spending time with friends.  It goes so fast. 

The first stop is always the Calderone Club for great pasta and fried eggplant...which is heaven!!

Karen, Paul, and Cris...smilling because they've had eggplant!!

Then on to the business of teaching.  We taught a metal clay class and a couple of twisted bracelets classes, and a fabrication class. 

Metal clay samples from class

Students hard at work

Twisted wire

Bracelets made with the twisted wire

Everyone gathering for show and tell

Show and tell.  These ladies made a lot!!

Another mandatory dinner is Mader's.  Great German food.  And a picture in the massive chair they have. 

YiYi and Cris

Then on to the business of shopping.  Funny...I am drawn to the same things every year. I guess that's not a bad thing. 

Gaspeite

Coral

Lots of etched agate

Love this print block

Lapis.  These chucks are gorgeous

Wood beads inlaid with silver.  They make great accent beads.

A table full of trade beads.  My version of heaven!!

Serious discussion about beads?

Whitehearts

Shell...called hippos teeth because of the shape.

Bronze accent beads

Carved Lapis

Dinosaur bone...yes...dinosaur bone.  Aren't these great?!!

Gary Wilson stones!!

Arthuro and YiYi with Billy Gardell from Mike and Molly. We always seem to see someone famous when we are in Milwaukee.

Goodbye Milwaukee...see you next year!!