It’s an exciting spring, although delayed here in the foothills west of Calgary. Our mid April seems to be confused with January or February. The skiing has been fantastic, but it’s difficult to get the “spring” vibe in the midst of a winter wonderland.
I do have some great shows up and coming this season and I’m looking forward to blue skis, fresh spring breezes and colourful flowers while attending them.
Calyx Art Show – Sunday April 22nd from 10:00am-4:00pm
Crescent Heights Community Centre 1101-2 St NW, Calgary
Free admission, free parking, free draw
I can never rave enough about this event. It is set up like a gallery setting, filled with original artworks, with a sprinkling of electric vibes in the air. The artists are all present and available to describe their art process and art mediums. This show is not only handmade unique art, it sets a high standard for art in the community and has a client following that is exceptional. This is the 35th annual Calyx Art Show. There are different artists present on both Saturday & Sunday, making these 2 completely different art shows. I will be attending on the Sunday.
Rings, rings, rings. I will be bringing an assortment of my sterling silver rings along with new spring designed necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Some of the colour schemes in creation right now for the Calyx show are shown below.
The metallics never get old for me and I’m loving the black, silver, pewter, and creams together.
Some fresh spring green and turquoise colours with a punch of “orange is the new black”, but of course, grounded with a little creamy white and natural jaspers.
Some Earthy, yet fresh and bright tones – mottled greens, a punch of berry, shimmering moonstone, warm amber and smoky quartz.
Combining colours, shapes and textures of natural stones are one of my favourite things to do while creating. If only the hands could work as fast as the creative mind 😉
Bubbles & Bling Workshop – Sunday May 6, 10:00am-12:00pm
1 Many Horses Drive, Redwood Meadows
$65/person
Karla, from Ruby Red Vino and myself, Nicole from Stone Willow, join forces to create a fun and educational workshop filled with laughter.
Karla, a sommelier by trade, hand selects & curates selections of seasonal wines for her monthly collections which can also include delivery. In addition, she provides wine education, sipping and swirling classes which educate about the origin, the make up, the quality, how to taste, how to smell & how to drink wines. The best part, she comes with a whole bag of humor as well.
The morning starts with a glass of Karla’s choice of reception wine. Quality cheeses to compliment the sipping, seasonal fruits, artisan breads, crackers and some rich chocolates are spread on a table to nibble throughout the session. Karla educates us on an array of wine related information. Part way through the sipping and comparing qualities and regions of wines, we break for some creativity.
The design of the month is presented and demonstrated….but first a fun game to see whose nose is best. Fragrances of flowers, woods, spices are testing us. The winner gets to choose their components first. Each individual can custom design a jewellery piece to their style, taste and size. It’s never a project that is too difficult – could you imagine trying to complete a hard task after sampling and sipping 3-4 different wines? But not to worry, I’m there to assist with the project and ensure that you leave with something you would be proud to wear or gift to someone special.
Ok, back to the wines. More sipping, nibbling, learning and of course chatting.
For May, the wine theme is bubbles. Karla has chosen a great selection of high quality bubbly wines & champagnes to tempt our palate. This black and bling leather bracelet with crystal and embellishment options will be our jewellery project. Your creativity will allow you to customize leather colour, components & sizing.
To reserve your spot, email nicole@stonewillow.ca
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- Black and Bling Crystal & Leather
Meet the women behind the scenes: Karla & Nicole
Little Modern Market – Saturday June 2, 9:30am-3:30pm – Spring Edition
Rally Pointe, 11511-35 St SE, Calgary
$5 entry, free parking
I’m very thrilled to be going to my first Little Modern Market as a vendor. Picture a market filled with locally hip and trendy handmade items. Putting your money into something that brings joy to your face and knowing that you are supporting the “little man” business. The market is beautifully curated to show case new fresh and modern designers and makers. When I picture the little modern market in my head, I see trendy young moms, guys with beards, and eclectic mix of people and their strollers, and couples holding hands while sipping kombucha. Lol, it’s not all like that, but you will get this feel for the most part.
Special for the Little Modern Market, I’ve been designing something unique with mixed metals and of course, a modern flare. Not yet listed in my online shop.
I will also have my more natural youthful yogi style gem options. Many rings & silver smithed items as well. And certainly my natural gemstones wrapped into pretty little packages of joy to wear around your neck and wrist.
Some of the simple stone beads I’ll be bringing:
Millarville Farmers Markets – Saturdays June 16 – Oct 6, 9:00am-2:00pm
$3/car
Although the markets run every Saturday from June 16 – Oct 6, I attend approximately 6/year. I will be there on the following dates:
June 16, July 14, July 28, August 4, September 1, September 15
DIRECTIONS FROM CALGARY
- Head west on AB-22X W toward Bragg Creek, Turner Valley: 23.0 km
- Turn left at Cowboy Trail/AB-22 S (signs for Turner Valley/Black Diamond/Millarville): 13.0 km
- Turn left at AB-549 E: 1.6 km
- Take the 1st right onto Range Road 30 (192nd Street): 600 m
- Take the 1st right: 450 m
Millarville Markets are fresh, especially in the morning during spring and fall. By fresh, I mean fresh produce, fresh product, but also fresh cool air for those early morning hours. But not to worry, if you like the heat instead, just wait until the afternoon and it could be hot. You’ll love to catch your breath in the shade of the vendors tents as you stroll through the market in your shorts, sun hat and your market basket. There are several activities for kids besides picking out their favourite fruits & veggies directly from the farmers.
Some weekends include special events such as rodeos and horse racing. Be sure to check out the calendar to ensure allotted time for parking etc.
Once warmer weather hits the mountains here, I will be sourcing out some more reclaimed granite to make my charcuterie boards. Cool the granite in your fridge overnight to keep food cool and presentable on your counter for hostess occasions. My granite slabs are broken in organic shapes to give the appearance of a rough finish, although stone ground by hand along the edges to a smooth finish. Rubber footings are super glued underneath to prevent slippage and scratching. The surface is sprayed with food safe granite sealer ready for use. It comes with a fancy cheese knife and a pretty burlap lace ribbon. Perfect for a hostess gift or to serve your favourite family members a selection of meats, cheeses and/or desserts.
As always, I have a large selection of leather bracelets, gemstone, crystal jewellery and rings on hand for many styles and sizes. The tables are never big enough, so please feel free to ask what I have behind the counter too.
Please enjoy the days and weeks up until I may see you next.
Take time to breathe and enjoy what life may bring you. I, myself, am trying to live more to this tune 🙂 In my mind, time alone is under-rated 😉
Nicole