Flower Farm Tour and Silversmith Class

Last Friday I was able to do the pick your own event at

I chose the early tour because I

like the light better and it's been triple digits in the evenings here.

The Queen Anne's Lace was in full bloom with bees

happily tucking themselves into the tiny flower clusters.

I picked several for my bouquet.

A white one I chose has the distinct red spot in the center

from the blood of Queen Anne when she pricked her finger

while tatting, as the legend goes.

Many more legends and fun folklore can be found

This is the first tansy bush I've seen and it was full

of these bright white unique round flowers.

The bees loved it.

And a quail family with about 7-8 adorable chicks

crossed the path where I was standing and

quickly ran into the bottom of the bush.

I was inspired to create a fall wedding congratulations card

with some of the flowers I painted.

For Reno Art Town in July I signed up for a metal clay workshop

I've never done anything like this before and had no idea

what to make but ended up with several charms

and a birth flower pendant. They were made with fine silver clay

and we fired them with a handheld torch.

I decided to oxidize the earrings and pendant

and leave the others untouched.

I think of it as my "Outlander style" jewelry.

Reno Public Market is a really fun place to visit.

I didn't know they'd refurbished the mall on the corner

of Virginia and Plumb to make it into this

modern stylish place with great coffee, music,

unique shops, and more.

Cathie Richardson Illustration