Last month I attended my first gem show. Not only was I craving some warm air, I also needed inspiration and some instruction to embark on my earring and necklace line. With warm air and palm trees calling me, I descended upon the dessert town Tucson AZ. Inspiration abound, I shared 5 days with 10,000 other rock and gem enthusiasts and jewellery designers. I took courses on earring design, drilling large holes in pearls and beach glass and stamping and painting copper. I also snuck away for a mountain bike ride one evening; nothing like the cool evening dessert air to get the creative juices flowing. I came away with more ideas than I know what to do with and the excitement and knowledge to make it happen.