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Thursday, April 09, 2009

i saw red

I loved the food in Santa Fe. And the peppers were the reason. We both laughed at what seemed to be included inside most of the menus:
Not responsible for peppers being too hot!
The peppers in New Mexico are legendary, and are not to be taken lightly. Where else but New Mexico can you find a Chile Pepper Institute?
There are lots of shops in and around the famous market square.
We purposely arrived a couple of days early to take in all the flavors of Santa Fe before Bead Fest began. One of the most beautiful points of interest was the Loretto Chapel. It was there we saw the miraculous staircase. Legend says it was constructed or inspired by St. Joseph the Carpenter, and was built sometime between 1877 and 1881. It took at least six months to build, and has two 360 degree turns with no visible means of support. Because of seating problems, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the beautiful circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers.
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Day One
Miracle Metal PMC:Beads
Susan is a great teacher, and we received a package full of supplies. She shared alot of great tips on working with PMC. I also took a class, Image Transfers and Color on Metal Clay with Sherri Haab, on Saturday. I didn't take any pictures in that class, but the beads I made in Susan's class, and the pendant from Sherri's class are below.The beads are hollow. I loved learning this technique. Susan has years of knowledge to share.
The pendant was fun to make, but my transfer technique has yet to be refined.
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Day Two
Rings Relics and Riveting

This is the second class I have taken from Susan (I took one in Hampton last year), and I must say she is the most giving and talented jewelry artist. There is no doubt as to why she has such a huge following, as her instructions are easy to understand, and her talents are endless. She takes time to help everyone individually, and shares her wealth of knowledge without hesitation. I actually finished these rings in class, but took home so much more than that.

Then, I had an evening class with Liz Jones. The class was Basic Fine Silver Fusing. I really like torch work, and want to do so much more with fine silver. Like Liz said, it is addicting. Her book, Silver Wire Fusing, is a great instruction book to get started.Oh my, Bead Fest Santa Fe was the best!

14 comments:

Kim said...

It sounds as though you had a wonderful time , the beads you made in Susan's class are terrific :)

Hope you have a wonderful Easter , take care

Louise said...

I love all your photos in this post, but the last one is SO New Mexico!

And you can have the peppers! After we moved here, I eat Mexican as soon as I cross the state line! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, though.

pam q said...

Wow! That staircase is awesome! I would love to see that in person!

Love the beads and pendant you made---especially the pendant!

And the chain..........so cool!

Can't wait to hear about the bead show!!!!!!

Cindy said...

Hi Diane
What a great post...almost like being there. I especially enjoyed the story of the Loretto Chapel. What an interesting legend. I'd love to visit there some day. OH how lucky for you to take those wonderful classes, with such amazing instructors! It looks like you came home with a wealth of new skills. Your rings and beads are beautiful.

Daryl said...

Oh I see a lot of wonderful new designs will be coming from this ... I am excited and looking forward to seeing what you make

Happy Easter!

My Art and My Soul said...

I attended the Santa Fe Beadfest also and took Tracy Stanley's Riveting class. Wasn't it just the greatest week ever - including the impromtu snow storm:>} Your work is lovely. Next year we will need to introduce ourselves to each other because I plan to be there again!! Thanks for a great blog - Sally

Deborah Truesdell said...

Diane,

I love the rings you made!! They are very interesting and have a more modern abstract feel than your usual work. (Not in a bad way, just different and I like it!) I know PMC classes are so fun and addicting and you will be sharing your future creations with us.

Have a good weekend!
Deborah

Riki Schumacher said...

Hi Diane, I couldn't agree with you more about Susan and her generosity in teaching. She is truly a gem, so glad you enjoyed her class. The projects you made are fabulous. Be sure to bring some stuff to show off when you come to LA. Look forward to seeing you soon. Love the photos of the southwest.

kansasrose said...

Oh Diane your gorgeous pictures and words brought back all my memories of NM and Santa Fe! :) I agree...there is something so beautiful about this place. Is it the purity of light and colors? Your posts are a feast for the eyes and soul. I especially remember the staircase. When I was there picture taking was not allowed since it was in a church. How cool that people can take pictures of that miracle. Your jewelry continues to dazzle...What a wonderful time in NM you and your hubby shared. Thanks dear friend for sharing so generously all your lovely photos and travels ect. with blogland too! ((Happy Easter!))

Love & God Bless, Jen

ps thanks for the sweet comment you left last week. MOST appreciated!

KayEllen said...

Looks like a wonderful trip :) and class...

Happy Easter!

Have a blessed weekend,

kayellen

Diana said...

Love your PMC pieces.....especially the pendant! Thank you for sharing your Santa Fe trip. I look forward to hearing more about it when we finally meet in L.A. this week. How exciting!!!!!!
Safe journey my friend

Diana

Dale said...

oh, to have been part of Susan's class! I am sure it was a fabulous time, with so many many things to learn. Wonderful stuff!

jEaN said...

Thank you for posting the pictures of the rings you made in Susan's class! I am taking that at Hampton in just a couple of weeks & can't wait!!! Wouldn't lace look great in them?
Jean
charmdimsur.etsy.com

Sandra L. said...

Oh my goodness! I remember the nuns in my grade school telling us about this staircase. I always thought it was some kind of urban myth. Wonderful that it actually exists!