emiko-o reware

We’ve just spent a wonderful first day of SNAG FLux 2011 here in Seattle, enjoying a lovely sunny/rainy/sunny afternoon settling in and running into familiar faces (they are expecting 900 some in attendance!). And naturally spending time at Pike’s Place Marketplace–especially Three Girls Bakery, a MUST for the best breads, baked goods and sandwiches. Glorious! 

Then off to Facere at City Centre, just a few blocks away, conveniently, for their artist reception, some champagne and meet the super staff of one of the best jewelry art galleries around–I love those ladies!

me and Karen Lorene of Facere

The Pin Swap back at the hotel really was the kick off of the conference fervor as we all rushed around to exchange our pins with others, meet new people, have excuses to talk to others and just plain get excited (and briefly forget how exhausted we are from getting ready for this moment!).

Dawn Miller--made this corset and dress

gary grossman's pins

john jensen- humorous shirt and name tags

sweet pin swap!

Francesca Vitali and her pins

One of my favorite parts of SNAG conferences is the Pin Swap, a great ice breaker/social where hundreds of jewelers are unleashed to trade their pin creations and meet other artists. The trick being able to get there with your pins before all the good ones are gone, and not too early that you give them all away before the second wave of stragglers arrive. And of course, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up and find old friends–without fail, I always manage to bump into my Syracuse University undergrad prof, Barbara Walter (3rd from left, next to me), and SU alums Erin Williams and Susan Myers (1st & 2nd from left, see below). Erin was the Student Exhibition Coordinator, and Susan is on the Exhibitions Committee.

the ol' Syracuse metals gang

Amy Weiks and Brigitte Martin

Brigitte Martin (pictured, above right) of the ever-growing Crafthaus–if you haven’t joined, what are you waiting for–she’s the coolest!

Marla Johnson Norris and Mr. Norris

Congratulated Marla Johnson Norris and her husband, both of Aristotle Design, for such a mind-blowing fantastic web optimization presentation. Hire her–you can’t lose!

Here’s a sampling of the pins I got tonite (not my optimal bathroom-at-4pm shot, but good for now).

emiko's pins

SNAG 09 pins

Alrighty, then; it’s 2:43am, my usual bedtime. Better head up to the 28th floor to get some shut-eye. Tomorrow will be another crazy day!