This year’s February (versus August) Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia was full of crazy travel stories and talk about the weather.  The artists near my booth at the show were from places such as Dallas, Portland, Baltimore and Santa Fe.  Other artists came from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii.

The market wrapped up this past Monday and after several days of hard work I splurged on some jewelry for myself!  Take a look at what I’m coveting now:

Caviar Ring by Stubborn Jewelry

Stubborn is by Melissa Stiles, a former architect who currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, two daughters and her admittedly scary looking dog!

I particularly liked this ring as it’s something that I would never make myself, it looks great on and adds a great pop of color to whatever I’m wearing.

I was weak and got two pieces from Cynthia Jones Jewelry.  Cynthia lives in Santa Fe and creates lovely metal pieces in sterling silver, gold fill and copper.  I love the brushed oxidized sterling silver pieces in her collection as well as these powder-coated copper rings (had to get one for myself!).

Take a look at the brushed, oxidized sterling silver “feather” earrings (love!)

Lots of new sweet and shimmery pieces to see — take a look here.

Check out the Aiko Designs interview by One Fine Day, an event and wedding planning company that I met at the San Francisco Wedding Fair a few weeks ago!

You can now find Aiko Designs online at The Marin Store.  The Marin Store is a natural extension of Marin Magazine and provides curated products created by local artists, designers and producers of items such as cheese, chocolate, fashion, jewelry and body products.

Aiko Designs will be participating in the San Francisco Wedding Fair at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco on Sunday, January 10th from 11am-4pm.

During the event, brides will enjoy hors d’oeuvres created by world class chefs, California’s premeire champagnes served in chilled flutes, luscious cakes and desserts prepared by master pastry chefs and over 75 exhibits showcasing the elite of Bay Area wedding professionals.

There will be live music with fashions showcased throughout the event that include bridal gowns, mother of the bride gowns and bridesmaid’s gowns. The event features florists, photographers, videographers, stationers, jewelers, calligraphers, wedding planners, gown designers, bakers, caterers, favor designers, musicians and more.

Tickets are $22 with advanced registration (buy online by Jan 5 and save!) OR $25 at the door.  For more information and to register online, go to the website: http://www.sfweddingfair.com/

Please join us at our holiday trunk show and enjoy a fun-filled evening with Nest members in the Bay Area. In addition to  10% of this evening’s proceeds going to Nest, you will have the amazing opportunity to connect with Nest artists around the world by writing them a letter and sharing your thoughts with them. San Francisco Nest board members will be present at and look forward to meeting you!

Date: Friday – December 18^th, 2009

Learn more about Nest and how to get involved: Nest

Read about local SF Gallery (Local Patron) designers and products that will be at the trunk show: http://www.sfgallery143.com

Sunday, Dec. 13 12-7pm

Haute Holidays is a multi-faceted shopping and sensory holiday experience, and will include over 60 local vendors, a runway & performance, specialty vending areas (such as kids and eco areas), food, adult beverages, live DJs, an art gallery and live art creation, interactive holiday activities, gift bags, and more!

FEATURING:

• Artists & Designers that produce in the Bay Area

• Local artist gallery

• Fashion performance with Christmas Sweater Reconstruction Show & auction

• Eco gift bags to the first 100 shoppers

• Kid vending & activity area with DJ Ding Dong

• A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Sunset Youth Services & Creativity Explored

$5 Entrance Fee • All Ages Welcome

At the Prestigious Bently Reserve

301 Battery Street, in the heart of downtown San Francisco

Please join us for an evening of art and open studios with over 60 artists. Finds gifts for friends, family (and yourself!) of art and jewelry from local Bay Area artists, designers and makers.

We will have plenty of holiday cheer on hand.

Friday, Dec. 11th 7:00-11:00pm

Wine & refreshments provided. Free admission.

Hope to see you there!

Come early to Feria Urbana tomorrow – The first 250 people get a Yelp shopping tote to carry all your purchases home.

Jon’s Street Eats will be setting up shop out front for delicious dinner ’street style.’ Jon will be making some good food.. fish & chips, chili, grilled cheese and more – yum! Get your grub then bring it inside and grab a drink at The New Parish bar.

Shop locally for amazing items – jewelry, artwork, home accessories, fashion accessories, baby items and more. Groove to the beats of local DJs, eat great local food, drink and dance.. what could be better!?

Come support your local art community, bring some friends and have some fun!

FREE ADMISSION

Thursday December 3rd, 6 P.M – 10 P.M.

The New Parish – 579 18th @ San Pablo
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 444-7474 directions

More press in Hong Kong before the big HKJMA show next week — Aiko Designs was featured along side other international designers participating in the show in the popular magazine Bejeweled.