A sincere thanks to everyone who came to the First Friday art opening at the Artists' Nook in Fort Collins this past Friday! Just a quick reminder- if you didn't make it on Friday, my entire collection of 75+ charms will be at the Artists' Nook throughout the month of June.

If you've never been there, run- don't walk - to the Artists' Nook Art Boutique, where you'll find a variety of creations by Northern Colorado mixed media artists such as Bev Perina, Hollyn Stegall, Kat Midland-Peters, Kelley Jones, Laurie Zuckerman, Leslie Smith, Lynn Henry, Sandy Vanderpool, Tiffini Elektra X, Tana Mitchell, Tracey Kazimir-Cree, Venita Hawkins-Bird, Lisa Hoffman, Linda Folkerts, Maggie Kunze, Whitney Clifton, Tara Parr & Peggy Houchin.

iPods and Puppies

:denver skyline:


:view from our porch:

Within the past year, I've been walking and/or jogging on a regular basis. It's been such a nice addition to my routine! At first, it was strictly for the sake of our dog, since we live downtown in a one-bedroom apartment. After a while, I started realizing that getting fresh air and exercise was not only good for Koda, but it's beneficial to my well-being, too. I often come back from a walk with a clear head, and if I'm burned out or in a rut, I'll return feeling creatively inspired. I can leave in a bad mood and return with a fresh perspective on things. It's a good thing.

Having grown up in South Dakota, surrounded with the plains and the tallest skyscraper in the state measuring in at 11 stories high, I am fascinated with the fact that our apartment is in the midst of downtown Denver. There is lots of interesting eye-candy on our walks. We have a neat view of the 52-story Wells Fargo Center out our back window. I think part of the reason I dig our walks is that we're winding through that which makes up the lovely Denver skyline you see in the photo above. Even though we've been here over a year now, it's still surreal to me sometimes. I never imagined myself living somewhere like this, and sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie! I spotted a reality TV star the other day, and was so excited I had to call my boyfriend to tell him who I saw at Home Depot. I knew it was entirely silly that I called about this insignificant sighting, but I've always been a big pop-culture junkie and, frankly- we just don't have things like that happen in South Dakota.

:on a walk through downtown:


:dog's eye view of the apartment complex next door from our porch:

The awe-inspiring tall buildings and historic architecture around here certainly help give us interesting visuals while we're on our walks- however, there are two other things that have helped me maintain my motivation this past year. I highly recommend investing in one or both. Although the IPod doesn't show me much love when I get home from work every day, it does come with a handy user's guide.

Fort Collins friends!

Please join Moonwater Designs for an art opening at the Artists’ Nook in Fort Collins, Colorado this Friday, June 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Artists’ Nook is located at 402 N. College Avenue in Fort Collins, just about 4 blocks north of Mountain Avenue.

Can't make it on Friday? Moonwater Designs jewelry will be on display at The Artists’ Nook through June 30.

The weather this weekend has been amazing- warm and sunny. I have an art opening this upcoming Friday at the Artists' Nook in Fort Collins, so I've been doing lots of jewelry making this weekend- but have made it a point to get out there and enjoy the lovely days we've been having!

As you can see, my art desk includes jump rings. Lots of them. And permanent splashes of paint that- now that I think about it- I've never tried to wash off. The table I use is this dull GRAY of all colors, so I welcome the addition of color in the form of spilled paint.



Our dog Koda joined us on our adventures today. First, we walked into downtown Denver and went to an art fair. I love outdoor fairs and festivals, and am so glad that season is upon us! Denver's a great place to be if you enjoy attending or participating in outdoor fairs. Farmer's markets, outdoor antique flea markets, art fairs, and cultural celebrations abound.

The art fair was great. There were quite a few stained glass artists and lots of jewelry artists, both things I really enjoy. I fell in love with a necklace created by a male jewelry artist. Male jewelry artists are rare, and seeing one at an art fair is even more rare. He had unique designs, and I like to support local artists as much as my pocketbook will allow. Unfortunately, my pocketbook didn't allow me to bring home the 5-foot tall painting I loved. Someday.

After the art fair, we stopped and had tacos at a restaurant near our apartment. It has a dog-friendly patio, so Koda hung out and vacuumed up all the food that made its way to the cement floor. So polite.