Hot Air Balloons, Art in the Park, Fun with Friends and a New Gallery

I went to Steamboat Springs over the weekend. I drove a back way through the mountains stopping at rock shops and anywhere else that looked interesting. I drove through Canon City, Fairplay, Alma (highest incorporated city at 10,578 feet), Breckenridge, and Kremling, to Steamboat Springs. I arrived at my friends John & Mindy’s house, which is amazing and beautiful. I had not seen them for over 10 years, we picked up where our friendship left off. It was especially nice getting to know their daughter, Megan who was sweet, respectful and fun. We had lots of fun dinners, games of air-hockey, movies, etc.

Saturday and Sunday mornings started with a great cup of coffee while enjoying the view of backlit hot air balloons rising over the bright green meadows filled with wild flowers. I also enjoyed my drive winding along the graceful and flowing Yampa River to Lincoln Park as foxes crossed my path and deer and elk lined the edges of the road. I got a great space in Lincoln Park for my booth at Art in the Park.

The first night we went to a photography exhibit of another friend, Lynne Garell. She does beautiful macro photos of flowers. My first Art in the Park show was a great success… Mindy sent an email to all of her female friends. Another friend Tammy brought a bunch of her girlfriends by who all bought rings. Tammy, Mindy and friends of friends relieved my for much needed potty breaks. I made lots of new customers who will hopefully add to their collections in coming years.

Finally, I wanted to get a gallery placement in Steamboat, so I walked the town first to see where my jewelry would fit best. I also asked my friend Mindy for her suggestions. I chose a large and beautiful gallery called, Steamboat Art Company, on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat Springs. When I approached them they said they were interested in seeing my jewelry. They liked it and the best part is they purchased a large selection of my jewelry outright instead of doing consignment. This is wonderful for me. My only problem is I might run out of silver bracelets this year as they are flying off the shelves. I guess I will have to go back to Bali sooner than later!
More on Steamboat Art Company:
[url]http://web.mac.com/shellybirch/Stone_Jewelry_by_Shelly_Birch_10/Blog/Entries/2010/7/12_New_Gallery_Placement_in_Steamboat_Springs.html[/url]

The drive home was just as enjoyable as the drive out. I took my time and stopped to enjoy some amazing wildflowers along the road in between Steamboat and Kremling. Next year I will go on a hike in Kremling to see if I can find some good fossils for my jewelry on fossil ridge.