The last few weeks have been rather hectic as we’ve entered the ‘heavy’ portion of the craft season. With destinations in Boston, DC, Baltimore, LA and San Francisco, just to name a few, we’re hitting the road (and we’re hitting it hard my friend). Anywho, a couple of weeks ago we participated in Indie Art By The Sea at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. What can we say about that experience? Well, only good things. The weather was fantastic, the scenery superb and the people in attendance were nothing short of terrific. We leave you with some pictures from the day including a jolly old castle!

Hey guys and gals…sorry for the delay in posts, but we’ve been up to our armpits in weekly shows and such. To add to the mix, we were lucky enough to sneak into the ever brilliant Renegade Brooklyn and are currently meandering in that direction now. This show was basically the kick-off to acquiring some phenomenal crafter friends (all of whom we still canoodle with today), so Brooklyn is quite near and dear to our lil hearts =). Anywho, as their banner ad points out, the show will feature over 300 artists from around the globe and will take place in McCarren Park (Brooklyn) from 11am - 7pm tomorrow and Sunday ; be there or be a jerk and don’t come at all (even if you do come we’ll prob. throw a variety of soft fruits and veggies at you though). Also, keep your darn fingers crossed for delicious weather and perhaps an occasional windstorm full of $20 bills and dollar coins. Seacrest Out.

Finally, the lovely time of year has reached where all the DIY-ers can run around like giddy school children (clothing optional) without getting those ‘what-the-heck-am-I-watching’ expressions from onlookers; that’s right folks, it’s stinkin’ craft season and we’re starting off strong with the oh-so-wonderful Renegade crew in a pristine new Austin location! Now before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important to point out that first time locations aren’t always the biggest of draws, BUT if the other Renegade shows scattered among a number of delicious states are any indication, this should be another home-run for the exceptional talent attending. Sooo, if you’re going to be around the Palmer Event Center this weekend (5/15-5/16), or even if you’re not, I would highly advise taking a gander at what will be nothing short of sensational offerings in a plethora of categories.

Additionally, and not to be overshadowed, the SOWA Open Market will also be kicking off their 7th season this weekend in the always-trendy Boston, MA. While one part of Fuzzy Ink will be dancing around the Renegade booths in muggy Austin, another will be galavanting the northeastern streets in nothing but a Red Sox cap (that may be a lie). Although we don’t expect everyone to make both shows this weekend (slackers =) you should really do yourself a favor and skip on down to one if the timing / vicinity fits (as both shows are FREE of charge). We hope to see a ton of your smiling faces!!!…and I suppose frowners are welcome too, but don’t make it a habit!

The glorious Archibald (Archie) was birthed by the artist-extraordinaire Diane Koss who may or may not be helping us with a little side project (wink wink). Excitement?!?!

A view from the top right before I made my descent; I did the trail that goes right to the tip of the cliff (upper middle of the picture).

Some of the stair-like terrain scattered among the hike; not surprising my shoes and socks became similar in color.

Part of the Indian Garden camping site roughly 4.5 miles into the canyon; a great place to take a breather and replenish the h2o.

Right before I reached the apex of the site and chewed on a few sticks of jerky, mmm.

Next time I’ll def. pack my camping stuff and mosey on down to the Colorado River; not shown, I spotted 4 rafting groups taking on a few of the rapids.

Taking a quick breather to absorb the view and some calories before sprinting back up to the southern rim (yum yum).

The lengthy wooden bridge dropping you off into Red Rock State Park.

Some delectable rock formations off in the distance; I would have loved to have made my way over and up them!

A nice view from the top of one of a few summits; two things to consider though: I would advise against white shoes and I would consider hiking in something other than running shoes.

A quick shot of me somewhat smiley right before a neck-tied bear decided to snag my bag lunch =(

A view from the tippy top of everything; I actually had to do a bit of free climbing to get to this point, but it was def. worth it with the panoramic view. Overall, the place was an absolute gem and I really only saw a handful of people during my many hours there.

This majestic beast was giving me the bedroom eyes the minute I came into sight.

These little guys were absolutely hilarious, tackling and fighting each other during the entirety of our stop; additionally, they both looked to have wee white mustaches (future Fuzzy Ink models perhaps?!)

Yeah yeah, who hasn’t seen a billion flamingos; well, my camera certainly doesn’t do it justice, but the whole flock had this wonderfully vivid orange-pink color (plus they have chicken legs like myself so back off =)

Supposedly, the tortoises were all over 100 years old which helped to explain the adult diapers and nonstop war stories; I jest, but there is something really powerful about that prehistoric look they pull off oh so well.

For me, the anteaters stole the show; this particular one was strutting around the entire time and made me wonder when exactly they became so crazy cool?! I would have uploaded my video, but the loading time was giving me convulsions; maybe I’ll try again soon.

A glance at the New Mexico scenery through my bug-covered windshield; my experience was somewhat soured though, as I was caught in a speed-trap with out-of-state plates.

Having reached Scottsdale, I celebrated my bday in style with a delicious artery-clogging ice cream cake; how am I possibly this close to thirty already?!

With a million golf courses around the area, we tried our luck at one of the cheaper ones; here’s a look at my playing partner and one of the two demon drivers =)

When checking out new places, it’s always interesting to see the common animal-life roaming around; these somewhat domesticated suckers are literally everywhere bouncing around for a grassy snack.

I stayed with my friend Nate and his cohorts at his lovely abode just outside the city.

Here’s a good look at my work station / sleeping quarters; yes, that is a huge box of legos. Jealous?!

One of the many interesting stores in the SoCo district; why didn’t I think about a jackrabbit-riding cowboy?!

Another fancy building-topper in SoCo; I hope that dress comes in an 8 =)

We took a lengthy stroll down a section of the Colorado river; it was an excellent adventure and really the first time in months I’ve enjoyed a good paddle (although technically I wasn’t paddling during the picture-taking

We’ll be back in Austin for the Renegade Craft Fair (May 15th and 16th) with the Palmer Event Center claiming hosting duties. It looked to be a rather posh joint and the demographic is right up our alley!!!

A better look at the event center where there should be throngs of people to fend off come mid-may =)

A lovely look at the Capitol building; true story, I was attacked by a huge yellow pollen cloud while minding my p’s and q’s.

This little guy just couldn’t get enough of my lens; we shared some iced coffee after the shoot.