Yoga Journal Conference

Welcomed by an amazing rainbow...we arrived in Estes Park early this morning.  I have to say it's been an amazing trip so far...& when I say amazing I'm referring to a first class upgrade on our direct flight from green bay to denver, a free checked bag, and meeting many wonderful people.

I am just thrilled to be here.  The facility is beautiful and each view is more breathtaking than the one before.  Travel went wonderful thanks to the new display items my dad helped me with (the entire display fit into one suitcase).

Here's a little look at our booth.  We have great natural light & and amazing mountain view :-)  The new displays are so much fun....especially paired with a the Peruvian alter cloth.  Peru has been a wonderful theme this weekend....and I'll add more about that later...but the little tease is stones & amazing woven belts & bags.

Easy Travel Display

In a few short weeks I'm traveling to Estes Park, CO for the Yoga Journal Conference.  I'm thrilled to be sharing Journey Jewels at the this event...to spend a little time in the mountains...and of course do yoga with some amazing yogis.  However, traveling (with jewelry) to this event has brought about some interesting challenges...it's a little further from home & that means flying...and luggage limitations (and some restrictions on what I bring with me for a display).  So I've been dreaming about creative displays and finally had an opportunity to create them with my dad.

My dad can work wonders with a piece of wood...my home is filled with beautiful pieces of furniture demonstrating his talent...and my little displays are far from reflecting these wonders.  Oh...& I forgot to say he likes to keep boards & scrap wood for "just in case" times like this.  Our day began with a trip to the wood loft in search of just the right pieces.  

I think these will work perfect...recycled wood from his old workshop

Cleaning up the rough edges...with all the right tools

Dad looking cute in his headphones

My brother Ted grilling corn for lunch

Dad suggested putting a design on the top...the Journey Jewels logo is what we decided on 

I love the way this necklace stand turned out....poplar wood for the base, a willow branch with cup hooks across the top...and even the Journey Jewels logo is painted on top. 

This earring display also has poplar wood for the base, a placemat with paperclips to hold earring cards...and again the Journey Jewels logo on top. 

My Intern Rocks...

...Not only is she good with a Power Drill, but she's an organizational genius!  The inventory has been growing...changing...and my cozy studio has begun to feel a bit cluttered and disorganized. 
Unfortunately I didn't take any before pictures...but here are some "in process" pics. 

It's looking great...& I'll keep you posted as it all comes together....ahh....an organized creative space...so exciting!  Thank you Lisa!

Mala Creations

The Yoga, Mantra, & Mala class was absolutely wonderful!   Here are some pictures from our creative and inspiring morning.

Selecting the perfect 108 stones...

lots of stringing

Modeling the finished Mala's!

love, love, loving the huayruro

Huayruros are so much fun!  Not only is huayruro a fun word to say...play with me...y-roo-roo...doesn't that make you giggle?....But they are fun to wear!  Here are a couple pieces I've been playing with.  They will be available online next week....one already is :-)

This one is already available online...check it out!

Each of these pieces will be a part of the Peruvian Inspired line of jewelry.  The seeds and stones used to create these beautiful pieces were purchased on my journey to the Sacred Valley of Peru in June.

The huayruro is one of my favorites!  I absolutely love its vibrant color and the way the seeds polish the more they are worn.  

The Huayruro is a seed used by Native Americans throughout the Amazon basin.  These playful red seeds are considered very sacred and believed to promote health and bring good luck.  The solid red seeds are considered feminine, and the red and black seeds are considered masculine. 

Peru...and in particular the high lands of the sacred valley is one of my absolute favorite places.  Each time I visit, I find myself in a deeper place of oneness with all of creation.  It opens my heart and reminds me how to love fully, wholly and expansively.  With every visit I find myself moved by the simple means in which the people live their lives.  I am moved by the deep connection they have with Mother Earth, Father Sky, the mountains, the rivers, the corn fields, potato fields, and with each other.  

During one of my travels to Peru I spent some time in a community by the name of Maras.  10% of the sales from each piece of Peruvian Inspired jewelry will be donated to an organization in Maras called the Andean Research Institute (ARI).

Yoga, Mantra, & Malas!

I just finished creating my first prayer mala!   I've been playing with many new ways of creating...and many new techniques...and I have to say I'm thrilled with how it turned out!  I love natural stones, so that is of course what I used.  This mala is a combination of yellow turquoise, smoky quartz, and carnelian.  

If you're interested in creating your own, I will be facilitating a workshop with MaryKay Marquart at Everybody's Yoga in Green Bay...Yoga, Mantra & Malas...next Wednesday, July 28th.  For more info visit www.ebygb.com 

Mother Earth...My Teacher, My Friend

So I´ve been in Peru for a week now and with all that has been experienced...I feel as though I´ve been here so much longer.  Each day is met with an opportunity to open my heart deeper, to create a new relationship with Pachamama, with the mountains, and with all of creation.  I wish I could put this experience into words, but the words are just not there....and what I feel must be left with experience.

In one of Alberto´s talks, he discussed the the known, the unknown, and the unknowable...and it is the unknowable that can be accessed only through experience.  Here in this deeply sacred and connected land, I find the unknowable present in so many ways.  I find my heart expanding in directions and ways I never expected.

Moray, the neusta, the belly of the Mother is an amazing site.  Not only is it visually appealing, but it is a place that so deeply connects me to the rhythms and heartbeat of Mother Earth.  

As I develop a new relationship with the earth, with the mountains and all of creation I am meeting and connecting with so many amazing people...each beautiful mirrors for the perfection of Mother Earth.  It seems that every day presents an opportunity for me to experience life more intimately...it is my desire to recognize that opportunity every day...and to live each moment in the deepest munay!