Route 66 thru Upland, CA.

As some of you may know, I moved last year (2008) from Anaheim, Ca. to a quaint little town called Upland, CA. Well, being in south county most of the time, I didn't make it out to the Inland Empire much, so didn't think much went on here, until almost, exactly, one year later. The first time was about three months ago when I got to meet a mentor of mine by the name of "Cesar Millan" the famous Dog Whisper, on the National Geographic Channel, here in Upland, at the Pet Expo.  Huge surprise.

I started thinking, maybe this town has a bit of history or something that made it somewhat historical.
So,  I looked it up and found that George and W.B. Chaffey were brothers with a purpose. The year was 1882 and they arrived in California from Canada seeking a new place for a colony. The wide stretch of green against the foothills was lush and fertile and they knew they had found what they were looking for.  Knowing that one of the streets I drive on, every day, established in 1882, and carried pioneers, settlers, and rustlers in covered wagons, makes me stop and take a closer look at where I live. 
Likewise, this mountain behind my house, it's called Mt. Baldy, it's top drawer in the ski season.
Surprise appreciation, came knocking on my door through the "Belle Armoire Jewelry" art magazine. This quarterly publication post articles in beadwork, mixed-media, claywork, and wirework.   In the Autumn 2009 publication story "Fragments" by Melanie L. Doerman;  awareness of new mixed-media approaches, design aspect, as well as products, beads, fabric, and other various materials.

Continuing to read, then smack-dab in the middle of the 2nd paragraph listed "The Garden of Beaden", in Upland, California. I was in shock. I had to read it two more times to make sure it was really in Upland, CA. The very same Upland, CA that I was living in.   The next day I visited "The Garden of Beaden", got to meet Irene Sanchez, the talented owner of this wonderful bead shop of eleven years and shared my story with her. We chatted for quite a while, she shared lots of facts, and techniques' with me. She mentioned how surprised she was, when the article was published, the customer who has been coming to her shop for years was the featured artist in the magazine. New customers like me have been keeping  "The Garden of Beaden" front doors revolving more then usual lately. Irene likes to share her techniques, and encourages everyone to try new things, when every you get the chance. 
I signed up for the soldering pendent class. What I knew about soldering, you got to use a torch, that's awesome. Guaranteed fun with metals and a flame, couldn't go wrong here. 

Our class was small and intimate with very talented ladies all empowering each other with there own pendent technique. Our instructor "Dana Hudson Primavera" inspired us to go beyond what we originally had in mind to create.  The pendent consisted of picking a image, using nickel/copper sheet, resin, torch, and metal stamps. Finishing up the pendent project was pouring "resin" over the image to make it appear shiny, and magnified, then it needs to sit for a couple of days to dry.  We get to pick up are pendents, on Monday. 

I'm happy to say, this little town of Upland, California is growing on me,  I look forward to more opportunities, Upland has to teach me.


Much Love ~
Andrea 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

~ Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)