Return to Rhinebeck - All the Sources for Supplies & Inspiration, Updated!

   The above photo is a collection of rogue cable needles that take just a bit of time to make and are perfect for giving to your knitting friends,
 As I head back to Rhinebeck to teach my metal work for fiber artists classes I thought I should update the info from this blog two years ago.
   Wire: Allcraft 800-645-7124   Allcraft
       I use their bronze wire which they call Nugold for it's warm look and cost effectiveness. When hammered it holds it shape. I also use copper, which is not as strong and nickel which is super strong but should never be worn directly against skin due to the high percent of possible allergic reactions. The most popular gauges are 14 gauge, 12 gauge and 10 gauge. They also carry tools and other jewelry supplies.  I have found them helpful for recommending products. I usually get my order quickly. Tell Tevan I said "hi".
   One Huge Jewelry Catalog: Rio Grande
     What can I say to prepare you for the jewelry catalog from heaven/hell. A great resource for beginners (though more than a bit overwhelming) as they show many items for comparison in any category and the pictures are great. I live in MA so shipping from the southwest can make an impact on my decision. They also have a packaging and display catalog along with more craft supplies. And they are the only source for the Propolish Pads, item # 337020. I have never seen anything that shines metal like the little white squares.
  Your Local Hardware Store. Really! You can get a great  and easy to keep up finish with #0000 steel wool.   I have found wire  and once a hammer to get me through when I was in a state of desperation.
Inspiration:
  Nothing beats the next two names for that: Alexander Calder and Mary Lee Hu. Just putting either of these names into Google or Pinterest will guarantee an internet rabbit hole worth the dive.  They are vastly different in their style so who knows who else might show up.
    Pinterest and Youtube Tutorials: 
 https://www.pinterest.com/jashley79/
 I offer this one to give you a taste of the potential.
Blog On!
Leslie

My 50th High School Reunion and Darlene Love in One Weekend!

  I predicted that this weekend would be the most surreal of my life. Usually I am able to express my feelings yet I am still processing what it felt like to see people from my childhood,  many with no  other point of reference but graduation day.  I am grateful to Nancy Newcomb Dail  for making the trip from Maine so we could go together. Picture a pack of students lined up at the starting line of  a race and when the gun goes off so do we. Fifty years later we are at the starting line again as the event was held on the campus of Thayer Academy. Notice I did not say the finish line.  Spiritually I not sure there is one. Both the campus and the faces looked familiar enough to trigger an avalanche of emotions and memories. By Saturday afternoon I am home feeling sorry/glad to have the event in the rear view mirror. It will be curious to see if the resolutions to stay in touch hold.
  Saturday morning I was invited to a Darlene Love concert by my friend Sue. My ETA to Cape Ann solidified,  I am off late afternoon  to Lynn Auditorium to see and hear an icon sing some of my favorite songs from that time. For a short time I was in a girls doo wop group. I know those songs. But there is Darlene Love on super high spiky heels and sleeveless tops looking and sounding great. Graciously she gave her backup singers time to shine on their own.
  Blog On!
Leslie