emiko-o reware

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!

12 hours, 2 flights and 36 sleepless hours later, I arrived at the Philadelphia airport, glad to have touched ground, free from screaming infants. And what to greet me but a Jewelry exhibition! Imagine that, in the little Continental wing of the airport. Awesome. Great display, innovative work, and here are some shots I share with you (please excuse the slight blow out on some of the images).

Painted maple and 24 gold plated brass necklaces by Bruce Metcalf

Silver plated bronze and brass sculptures, “Disposable Takeout Series” by Susan Myers

3-D print and resin, gypsum “PUSHERE” by Stanely Lechtzin and Danielle Kerner

Bracelets in silver and silicone rubber by Vicki Sedman (a personal favorite of mine–must be the futuristic look, plus it’s pink).

Well, that was last night, and now, fully rested, I’m on to the Professional Development Seminar–just a little over and hour from now!