Tucson Gem Show
In February I traveled to the Tucson Gem Show. It was my sixth year going and it continues to get better each time. I always leave feeling excited, inspired and centered. If the new year is the time when we look back on the highs and lows of the year in the rear view, the gem show marks for me the point where I get laser-focused on my goals for the year ahead. Z and I always make a little getaway of it too, piling the dogs in the car and heading south on a road trip. Looking out the window at the beautiful red hills and big sky always sets the tone for the trip, and ultimately for the show itself: connecting with nature, coming back to my roots and intention in starting this business, and bringing the beauty around me in to the work I am creating for my clients.
We experienced unseasonably cool weather this year. Mornings were crisp, yielding to bright sun that at least provided a little bit of warmth on my skin (much needed after a super snowy winter so far in Colorado). Chilly evenings replaced the setting sun but that made for cozy time at the outdoor fire pits at our place in Starr Pass. We tried this place for the first time and were not disappointed. We usually seek out more off-the-beaten-path places, and certainly smaller ones, but despite its size (650 rooms!) we often felt like we were at a boutique hotel because of the amazing service, privacy, and gorgeous grounds. One day we hit the dirt for an ATV tour with a friend of ours, something I have always wanted to do. We ate rich meals, drank wine, and caught up, away from the hub-bub of home and work.
Then it was time to kiss Z goodbye (he drives home once I start the show) and get down to work. I got to see all my favorite vendors, meet some great new ones, and most importantly, source the finest new stones, chain work, and other elements that I am chomping at the bit to get in to the studio and create with.
Happy (belated) New Year to you and thanks for being here. Now that we’ve got this new website up and running for our handmade jewelry, I plan to check in on the blog more regularly, share parts of my creative process with you, and ask for your feedback! You can always comment below or email me at clp@clpjewelry.com.
xo clp
some images via JW Marriott, JOGS Intl
