Oh the delightful smell of it all! Learn more about artisan Gutxo Scarpa, the creative mind behind Sandfire Candle Co. this month.
]]>Delicious scents and childhood memories collide, great ideas and new adventures converging, so many inspirational combinations are used in Sandfire Candles.
Oh the delightful smell of it all! Learn more about artisan Gutxo Scarpa, the creative mind behind Sandfire Candle Co. this month.
As a candle maker, I think the most exciting thing is when people smell the candles and it creates a series of emotions, feelings or memories of some place or people. The power to transport someone through the senses is a special reward for my work.
An organized and clean place is the basis for creating a quality product that is safe and reliable for our customers. Our candles create emotions, so you can fall in love through the senses.
Order, organization and cleanliness are fundamental in our creative process.
Too many... I think that as a small business we face challenges every day. From trying to improve our product by being at the forefront with the best trends and quality, to competing with large companies, we have to learn to reinvent ourselves day by day, also following the taste of consumers.
However, without a doubt, the greatest competition is with ourselves, which makes us better daily and helps overcome challenges.
Being able to see our candles in stores or in the homes of our clients. I think that when you enjoy the creating process and see the final result in some window display, it is an important part of the recognition of the work and passion that we put into what we do.
I see positive changes thanks to the opening of other small businesses like Made Art Boutique, that care about helping and promoting the consumption of local products; this is essential to create a solid community.
Yeah! We are creating a new spring collection with aromas based on the flora and fauna of the desert. We are very happy for the new challenges of this 2024!
Thanks for the space and the opportunity to share our small business with your clients. Each of our products is handmade, with natural ingredients inspired by Arizona, made with love.
Just in time for Arizona's birthday, we celebrate all things local by catching up with Jen about her latest creations.
]]>Phoenix artist Jen Urso creates intricate, well researched depictions of everything from favorite cactus patches, best solo running routes to the perfect neighborhood place to get a caffeine fix.
Just in time for Arizona's birthday, we celebrate all things local by catching up with Jen about her latest creations.
It’s probably the beginning where I’m gathering copious amounts of information and maybe researching historic information—understanding the layers of time that brought us here. That and also the point when I realize something is finished, or as finished as I’m going to let it be.
Almost all of my work involves a ton of research and writing. For both my Cactus Map and the US Endangered and Native Plants Map I was using multiple sources of information online, in books, in person and then gathering it all in a spreadsheet. But before I get to that stage, a new design just starts with a question in my mind or a wondering if something exists already in the world because I want to know that information. Like, I want to know what the most endangered plant is in Arizona and then what is it for California? Pennsylvania? What about the whole country? How would that information look all together? Wouldn’t it be amazing to illustrate every plant on a map so people could familiarize themselves with the interesting plant world around them? Because I want to see a map that shows me something other than highways and what the most “major” cities are.
It can depend on which stage of the process I’m in. When I start a new project, I usually end up cleaning my entire workspace so my brain can be fresh and undistracted. When I’m in the midst of a project, the chaos just starts piling up but I know where everything is. I just accept the mess.
Having the confidence to believe that what I’m doing is something unique and worthy of attention. I spent a large part of my life putting myself down, and probably still do in a sense. But, I’m finally figuring out (at almost age 50!) that I see and do things in my own way that others seem to appreciate. I’ve always felt compelled to do the artwork I do but I’ve not always felt that anyone else is interested in seeing it.
My son, Ilia, who has an endless supply of ideas, stories, images and worlds that he can describe in great detail. As difficult as parenting can be, he is silly and wonderful beyond words. Outside of that, it would be gardening or even just seeing how plants grow—seeing their intelligence and selectiveness. I like to witness their resilience and adaptation.
I don’t know about artist owned small businesses, but for artists in general I’d like to see more awareness and appreciation of how much time, money and effort goes into creating work. We should acknowledge by now that art is a vital aspect of our lives and in order for it to be created, artists need to be compensated like anyone else for their time and work. Every artist I know, including myself, is continually working double-duty to make a financial living and continue to progress in their artwork. I have seen some changes with this in Phoenix and Arizona but there needs to be more for talented artists to not pack up and move to another city.
For the past year, I’ve been working on getting funding for a new project titled “Leaving Land to Itself” which is a slow-moving, living art laboratory and landscape experiment. This is a long-term project that will start with acquiring a piece of undeveloped land on a long-term lease to conduct plant and microbial life observations and seasonal maps. I’ll encourage existing plant life to thrive by removing detrimental and invasive plant species, allowing plants to mulch, channeling rainwater and removing non-biodegradable waste. While this project will generate drawings, maps and other work, I see this as a long-term performance of my body engaging thoughtfully with the landscape with unknown results. I’ve already begun with a piece titled “Unplanted Land” by taking soil samples from different parcels of land in Phoenix to see what will grow from them. This new piece will be on display for Modified’s 25th Anniversary exhibition, opening on February 16, 2024.
Each bespoke book features special details, telling a different story. She is a wonderful example of persistence and patience in both her life and work, and these journals are a great way to start off a new year right!
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We met with one of our newest additions to the MADE artist family for our January newsletter, Julie Elefante. Creating under the name Rock, Scissors, Paper Press Julie's meticulously crafted handmade books are a joy to behold.
I needed a creative outlet to help process all the complex emotions I’d built up during the last handful of years—a lot of loss and change to grieve. I used to write a lot, but when I tried this time, my brain was working too hard to make sense of things that had happened in the past, and I wanted a more meditative activity that let me stay grounded in the present. I found bookbinding ASMR videos and then tutorials on YouTube and decided to give it a try using materials I already had on hand—countless partially used pads of drawing paper, the chipboard backs off calendars and notepads—and a $14 bookbinding kit I found online. The process of crafting books, combining the creativity of design and construction with the mundanity of folding and cutting paper, was the exact catharsis I needed.
Choosing the materials. It’s almost the equivalent of “new relationship energy,” getting to know, enjoy, and appreciate the material and understanding the mutual support and potential we can bring out of each other!
It often comes through in material choice. Bookbinding has traditional materials—papers and book cloth—but I like exploring and pushing past the boundaries with my own handmade paper or paper products rescued from the recycling pile. I’ve made block prints and applied them to discarded hanging file folders and turned them into notebooks. I’ll use nonstandard fabrics like upholstery remnants or the small bits of leather remnants for cover material or as binding tapes that help stabilize the spine. It’s also fun taking traditional binding methods and adding my own spin to them so the binding acts and looks how I want, diverging from the original traditional method.
The whole experience of bookbinding brings me joy! The materials, of course; the processes I can sink into that become meditative—folding and stitching signatures; and pulling the finished product out of my makeshift book press, which for me is a pair of old cutting boards, so it’s a double-decker press, with a hand weight on top. I also love the endless learning I've been able to do. I've learned so much from local studios like paper jam + print and Hazel & Violet who make it a priority to share their extensive knowledge, space, and equipment with the community, and I'm grateful to have spaces like these because it supports and advances what I want and am able to do!
Time and energy are my biggest challenges lately. Like a lot of artists and makers, I do this on top of a full-time job, and mine is mentally taxing and driven by deadlines. I also prioritize spending time every day with my partner. It’s almost lucky I’ve always had insomnia, so I can take the time formerly spent staring into the darkness waiting for sleep and use it for bookbinding! Haha! I also have Hemoglobin H disease, which is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells die off really fast, leading to anemia, so I’m in a constant state of fatigue. That’s alongside diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, bradycardia, and long QT syndrome that affect my pain and energy levels and how well I feel. But overall, I’m grateful that although my body is tired and unwell, it still comes through for me and allows me to function daily, even if it isn’t optimally.
Peace and humanity. There’s enough for everyone to have what they need and want—space, food, healthcare, shelter, education, equality and equity, just space and time to be seen and heard—but in so many ways, people have to fight for even these most basic needs.
Her prints featuring a variety of different animals; they are humorous, salty and generally adorable, sure to brighten any pet lover's home!
]]>Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
My sister is a zookeeper at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (yeah, she is the coolest), and I have a holiday visit planned. Spending time by the ocean, and at the aquarium, always gives me new ideas for animals to feature in my pieces!
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
Interview by Judith Dauncey, November 2023
]]>This month meet Alesia Allen, the artist behind the ever popular ceramics from Gilded Sun Studio. Her ring dishes and trays fly off the shelf this time of year!
We took a moment to catch up with this wonderful artist and find out more about the work she creates.
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We took a moment to catch up with this wonderful artist and find out more about the work she creates.
I did actually go to art school, but not for ceramics. My degree is actually in fashion design! Back in 2012, I ended up going to an open house at a pottery studio in my hometown in Massachusetts and ended up talking a lot with one of the studio owners. I found out she was offering classes, so I signed up for an intro to handbuilding class and fell in love with ceramics. After taking a few more classes, I just kept going. It wasn't long into the first class before I realized that this was going to be my life, like I had finally found my calling. I'll admit I was a little lost in life at the point I started taking those classes and I really don't know where I'd be today if I hadn't randomly decided to check out that open house. Life is funny that way.
I try to make pieces with a sense of fun, whimsy and sometimes humor. Also I find with ceramics, there can be a meditative quality to working with clay, when I get into a groove of making... sometimes I'm making dozens of the same thing in a day, and I really find comfort in getting into that groove.
I have always been a person who likes bright colors, bold patterns, whimsy and cute things; that is definitely reflected in my work.
Puppies! Haha... seriously, though...I have a deep love of animals and my rescue dog Finley brings joy and laughs into my life every day. I find watching cute/funny animal videos on Instagram to be a great stress reliever!
In all honesty, on a daily basis, trying to function efficiently with ADHD is incredibly challenging. I'm definitely more forgiving of myself when I am not as productive as I want to be than I was before getting diagnosed. Like a lot of women, I didn't receive a diagnosis until I was in my 30's. When I was growing up in the 80's and 90's ADHD was primarily considered to be rambunctious little boys who couldn't stay in their seats and often interrupted class. In contrast, I was the little girl sitting in the back of my classroom staring out the window, "daydreaming" and doodling in my notebook, struggling to pay attention. I still struggle with my symptoms on a regular basis and I'm still navigating how to best function, but at least now I have a much better understanding of ADHD and how it affects me. I have been able to employ a few strategies to help and online support groups have been invaluable!
Right now, this is the busiest time of the year for me! October, November and December are crazy busy trying to produce enough inventory for my local art and craft shows, stocking some local Phoenix shops and trying to get stuff into my Etsy shop!
For more people to act with kindness towards others. To have more empathy for others, to realize that we're all more alike than we are different. To realize everyone else has struggles and to be patient.
Her minimalist, sophisticated designs are a great wardrobe staple and the brass designs will work for any budget.
]]>Welcome Fall, we embrace thee! Ready to venture out again, and gear up for holiday events? This month's Artist Spotlight has you covered. Meet jeweler Erin Graves, creator of SparkleFarm Jewelry.
Her minimalist, sophisticated designs are a great wardrobe staple and the brass designs will work for any budget.
From a young age, I enjoyed making things with my hands. Luckily, I was encouraged by my parents to be creative… not just with artistic things, but with life in general. When I was 8 years old, my friend’s mom brought us to a bead store and I was so inspired by all of the colors, shapes, and materials. I could imagine the jewelry coming together before even getting my hands on the beads. I fell in love with creating little dangly earrings, and my mom still wears some of those early creations - over 3 decades later!
I decided to go to college for art, and graduated in 2003. For the next 8 years I had a random assortment of jobs ranging from stationery designer, to nanny, to event planner. I think I just needed to bounce around a little bit, and evolve, before taking the leap to do my own thing. In 2011, I opened an Etsy shop, and officially started SPARKLEFARM.
This month's Artist Spotlight focuses on Would Could, the delightfully detailed designs from artist Cergio Brown. His playful laser cut creations are another unique addition to our list of local artists we feature.
Would Could began when I was in school for engineering. As a student, I had access to a variety of machines and tools, including a laser cutter. After learning how to use the laser cutter and what it was capable of, I couldn’t wait to tell my wife about it…and it wasn’t long until she had a laser-cutter honey-do list for me to complete, starting with a map of the world to hang above our couch. Many, many hours later, we had a three panel laser engraved map centering our living room. This experience opened the creative flood gates, so to speak, and I began making customized products for family and friends. In this early stage, my products were almost exclusively made from wood - photos engraved on cherry, keychains cut from walnut, and jewelry made from purple heart. Thus our name, Would Could, was born as a play on words.
Ultimately my favorite part of what I do is the process. I love seeing an idea that I’ve generated become a physical reality - from something in my head to something I can hold in my hand. Each step of the work brings you that much closer to the final goal.
Every step in the process taps into a different aspect of my creativity.
My wife would tell you that I am an ‘idea’ person. I love to think up products, business concepts, solutions to problems, you name it.
When I was younger, I loved to draw. I loved the idea of becoming an artist, but didn’t know any artists and didn’t think it was a viable career option. Now the design aspect of product creation really brings me back to that creative joy from when I was a kid.
The laser processing brings out the engineer in me. Determining the best material for a project, or what settings the laser needs to be in to produce the best cut or etch without burning or over-processing, watching a successful run - I love the science behind it.
I’m really excited to open up our webstore and am hoping that it gets up and running before the end of this year (it’s been a long process!). I’m also excited for some new designs and products that we are testing. I’m working on a few fine art pieces that I really enjoy. Additionally, I’m looking forward to building more partnerships with community businesses and organizations. For example, I’m hoping to work with more schools and nonprofits this upcoming year.
So much. I’ll sum it up by saying: More Love, Less Hate. More support and generosity, less restriction. More coming together, less divisiveness.
Happy accidents, like working on a piece and being concerned that it won’t work and then something changes and you land where you need to be. Similarly, struggling with a piece and you feel like you need to walk away from it, then coming back to it and it has grown on you. Learning always brings me joy and of course my wife Anne.
I hope to have more opportunities to create work now that I am retired. You can find more information about my work and my wife Anne Rassmussen’s on our website
While bartending, my guests would ask me how to make cocktails at home and how to make the simple syrups needed. Most times, once I described how I made the mixers my guests would just say, "that sounds like too much work, I'll just come see you." So I figured I could make the mixers and share some recipes and help some people feel more empowered to be home mixologists. My wife and I started Iconic in 2016 and began by selling mixers at The Phoenix Flea and Uptown Farmers Market.
Interacting with customers. I love talking about what they are passionate about drinking and mixing and connecting on how to achieve what they're looking for, be it alcoholic or not.
For me, I like being creative with the design of the flavor profile and the cocktail creation process. From the build to naming and connecting it all to tell a little story.
Working with my team. We are a very small business but we have extremely dedicated, talented, and genuine people. It's the best part of every day for me.
Name it, lol. I didn't graduate college, have no formal training, and learned everything by asking questions and making mistakes. We also have had a bit of an uphill climb with the education process of our product. Everyone knows what to do with bloody mary mix, not everyone knows what to do with something called Grapefruit Fleur de Sel. But that part has been fun. You won't last long as an entrepreneur if you don't enjoy overcoming challenges.
Yes. I can't talk about it more than that. Stay tuned!
That's a big question. I think I'd say I wish we would all be present. Many times we are mentally trapped in the past or pining for the future. The only thing we have is the moment we exist in right this second. If as a planet we lived for the moments we have and did what we could with them the future would take care of itself, and the past wouldn't matter.
There's so much I'd like to share but most of all I'd like to extend gratitude to Phoenix for being such a supportive local community and for the thousands of people who support our business so we can do what we love. Cheers!
With summer approaching, I’m so excited to explore more jewelry and basketry methods and ideas by using more foliage and natural dyes from our environment.
Making something from nothing is awesome. I wish more people would take the time to explore art and creativity in their own environment. Art brings people together no matter their differences.
One of our newest artists to join the MADE family is Melissa Balkon who is at the helm of Phoenix Supply Co. Her bright, inventive designs have been a welcome addition, and we can hardly keep her glitter earrings in stock. This month's spotlight is a chance to learn more about her creations.
I love Arizona and I love the desert, and creating my artwork and designing my products really allows me to express that love and connect with other people who love these things as much as I do!
Spring in the desert brings me SO much joy. I photograph what are often the exact same cacti every year because every year they feel new and fascinating to me! I just love how the desert can look nearly dead for most of the year, but then burst forth with such beauty every Spring. There’s a really beautiful metaphor for the ebbs and flows of life in that picture.
This probably sounds cliche, but Covid was definitely a challenge. I had literally placed my largest orders I’d ever placed only days before everything shut down and all of the artisan markets in the valley were canceled.
While I felt really discouraged for several days, I eventually decided to really try leveraging Instagram stories as a way to connect in a face-to-face manner with my audience, and since then it has become one of the most important and delightful parts of my business!
I am excited to start working on our next collection! I collect a TON of inspiration during the Spring, then hunker down in the early Summer to create a host of new artwork and other products—it is a really fun time!
Our next collection typically launches around September. You can stay up-to-date via Instagram @phoenixsupplyco for sneak peeks, previews, and the official launch announcement later this summer.
Not to get all heavy, but I wish for a cultural shift toward selflessness. Our world has become a harried place, and I think if we’re really honest with ourselves, we often act as if our needs or problems are more important than others.
I don’t say this to be judgemental, because I am at fault in this and need to work on improving at this as much as anyone else. However, I do think a lot of the problems in this world could be alleviated by a global shift toward loving others in the same way we love ourselves.
Wheel throwing — It is my happy place. It’s rhythmic, physical, and messy.
Creating a business for my art. I had to expand my skillset to include accounting, social media, sales, shipping and all the other miscellaneous parts of running a business.
At the beginning of my ceramic career I worked out of whatever space I had available. It’s amazing what you can create with just a storage closet and a front porch!
After many years of hard work in small spaces my partner and I bought a house and built out an attached studio, where finally I have a sizable space that is customized to my needs as a ceramic artist. Our new house is closer to the Tucson mountains, so often I peer out my window and see javelinas and bobcats trapping through the yard. The wildlife inspires my desert themed artwork — though I could do without the rattlesnakes in my kiln shed.
In this new space I continue to create wheel thrown pottery and mosaics. Recently, I have been working on larger scale donor murals. My most recent project is for the Reid Park Zoo. I love these larger projects because they stretch my skills as a ceramic artist, designer, and sculptor.
We here at Made couldn't be more thrilled for Colleen! Check out all the new goodies from Crooked Tree Ceramics. You help make the dreams of our artists come true!
Cindy Dach at Made circa 2005/2006
MADE first opened in 200 square feet in what was the historic living room of a house built in 1918. Eye Lounge was on the north side of the building and a photo collective was on the south side. When the photography collective decided to move, MADE expanded into that space. For years it was Eye Lounge and MADE with different arts studios and businesses using portions of the building.
In 2019, we started working with Greenwood Brewery and we all shapeshifted again. Our newest iteration is 500 square feet. We have a doorway into Eye Lounge and our courtyard is a beer garden.
The area has changed most dramatically in density. People live, work and play outside our front door, and we are walking distance to so many local and amazing shops. There is so much good food. Today there are fewer artists studios and a lot more murals and outdoor artists markets.
As we think about the future, we hope to continue to discover new makers to share with our community and we look forward to continue watching our current makers grow their process and business. Our hope for the future is more of the same and to continue to evolve.
Photo credit: Lauren Peachie
Recently we had the chance to visit with one of our recent additions to the store, artist Rachel Eskandari, the creative mind behind Pink Puddle Studios. Her vivid watercolors are sure to brighten up any space. You can also learn about joining one of her frequent workshops.
My style has been developing and changing since I first started painting in 2005. I really started focusing on my style in college.
I have always loved color, maximalism, abstraction mixed with reality. In my current pieces, they very much focus on botanicals with unconventional color schemes and the dreaming intention I want to communicate, working outside the boundaries of reality.
I love that my work is an extension of myself that represents different phases of my life and that others can relate to my work and grow with me on my artistic journey.
Photo credit: Lauren Peachie
Anything that I make, even the things that are never shown, are a vessel of my artistic expression.
Of course, I have pieces that mean more to me than others because of the story or the process that was behind the making of the piece. I would consider myself a looser painter and this style allows me to really create movement and blends within my pieces, which are a form of expression.
Besides creating art, I love working with ceramics. I think the ability to be physical with a medium is so important for me. It is one of the main reasons I decided to take up painting.
Fun note, I actually almost majored in photography but realized quickly it didn’t give me the same satisfaction that paint can and does as a medium. I always say if I didn’t major in painting I would have majored in ceramics.
Recently, I started a garden and to be able to watch something grow from a seed is so magical. Having foliage surrounding me is so calming and inspiring for my creativity.
The biggest challenge I have overcome is self- doubt. I would be lying if I said it doesn’t creep in occasionally but to be able to share your art with the world, you have to be able to be confident with what you create and realize you can’t please everyone and be okay with knowing that.
I make art to be genuine and not manufactured. What I mean by that is that it's important for me to believe in everything that I put out into the world.
Photo credit: Lauren Peachie
I have many watercolor workshops coming up! Also I plan on creating new pieces for the year so make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter to get all my latest updates! You can subscribe by going to my website.
Feb 12 : Galentine's Day workshop, get tickets on my website.
March 4th : Desert Blooms online workshop, get tickets on my website.
I want the world to embrace creativity, to be healthy and to be safe for every person.
Photo credit: Lauren Peachie
As long as I still find connection through art I will keep creating.
I am also very proud to say I became a published author in 2021 with my first watercolor book "Watercolor Botanical Garden: A Modern Approach to Painting Bold Flowers, Plants, and Cacti." You can find it on my website and on Amazon.
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Enthralled in artistic passion and a longing for a world swimming in colors, Rachel Eskandari displays a unique taste for her inspired whimsical works.
She paints botanical watercolor colorful paintings with unconventional color schemes and the dreaming intention she wants to communicate, working outside the boundaries of reality. An artist, born and raised in the beautiful desert that is Arizona, she is naturally inspired by her surroundings.
Rachel strives to empower people to be creative and appreciate creativity, work through fear, be brave, and embrace the creative journey. She does this through her in person and online workshops, teaching tools: kits, guides, instagram and youtube tutorials. She is a published author of "Watercolor Botanical Garden: A Modern Approach to Painting Bold Flowers, Plants, and Cacti."
Her watercolor prints have been a vibrant addition to the store!
David Aubrey lines vary from delicate, meticulously assembled jewelry of monochromatic hues to larger, more vibrant pieces. Some collections are themed, whether romantic, vintage, tribal, or art deco.
Each piece is painstakingly crafted with an array of raw materials, including plated and oxidized brass and white metal, semi-precious stones, vintage glass beads, Indian handmade glass beads, acrylic, and carved bone.
The marriage of the deco design and natural stone is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright motifs, and lends a classic sophistication to your wardrobe.
In 2014 designer Brita Lynn was chosen out of 4,000 plus entries as the winner for Starbucks "White Cup Contest." Her design was reproduced onto their reusable cups online and in every store in the US and Canada that summer. She never looked back and has been working nonstop since.
Her rainbow puzzle is perennially popular, and the playful, detailed sticker designs add a bright pop of color to our Wall O’ Stickers.
Husband and wife duo Tiera & Jorrien Peterson, focus on design with a sense of place. They specialize in a minimal approach to illustration and believe there is beauty in simplicity.
Jorrien's background in graphic design and Tiera's in business plus a combined desire to create was the perfect combination to start a business. Their desire is to inspire exploration and focus on great design inspired by the great outdoors.
Whether it is their enamel pins of the majestic saguaro, variety of mountain designs, or the great map of AZ stickers, their minimal designs are timeless.
Ryan and Lucy Berkley, a husband and wife art and business team behind Berkley Illustration. They love art, animals, vintage children's books, family adventures, traveling, and making vegan tacos.
Ryan is a self-taught illustrator best known for his detailed drawings of sophisticated animals in addition to his pop culture and comic-book influenced art. Lucy manages the business aspects of their operation as well as doing all photography and writing the stories that accompany the animal characters.
Their great collection of birthday cards are topped only by one of our most popular items, titled “Old Friends”.
Striving to create an eclectic mix of home goods, art and accessories that were unique and one of a kind while staying at home to be with her toddler, the artist and surface pattern designer branched out with her own brand. With her husband's help, they started Bridenbaker Designs from their home studio where they design, create and handcraft all the items they sell. They love being able to have their son help them bring home goods into the world for others to enjoy. It truly is a family business.
Their beautiful, all natural cotton rope baskets come in a variety of sizes to suit all areas of need in your home.
Mango and Bean Design Co. was founded in August 2020, during the artist's transition into military retirement after serving in the United States Army as a logistics officer. Myra’s love of art began in childhood, and she continued to pursue a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, and jewelry making. Her degree in Business Management from the University of Arkansas has helped her to successfully launch her business, and now enjoys her time as a full time entrepreneur and artist. Myra and her husband Jeremiah have been married for eleven years, and have two children - affectionately known as Mango (9) and Bean (7).
Her colorful and symbolic floral stickers are yet another great addition to the Wall O’ Stickers.
We were able to do full artist spotlights on some of our new artists. Check out their full interviews to learn more about Rae Wilson and Rachel Miller.
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I took a class at a local studio in Phoenix during the summer of 2021. I immediately fell in love with the art of pottery! After that, I started going to classes and open studios consistently.
My favorite part about making pottery is the balance between creativity and focus. Any art needs a great deal of both. My day to day job is very meticulous and calculated. Pottery allows me to escape mentally and hone in on my creative side.
I express my creativity through organic shapes and natural colors. I love the outdoors and nature, this theme comes very natural to me. Right now, I mainly focus on making planters and vases.
Trying new things at the wheel or during glazing. It's always a joy trying something I have never done before and seeing how it turns out. Pottery is all about experimenting! I try to not take myself too seriously during this process.
The biggest challenge I've had to overcome (and am still working on it ) is accepting impermanence. I used to get attached to each piece before it was finished. There's always a chance a piece won't survive the kiln or turn out the way you expected. Having little to no expectations has helped me be more free during my creative process.
I hope to launch a website soon. Stay tuned!
This is a hard question because there are many things I'd wish for. In general though, I wish for more peace and less suffering. Over the past couple years there has been so much pain, conflict, and disagreement around the whole world.
Along the same page, I wish more light was shed on positive things going on around the world. One of my favorite pages that does this is “The Happy Broadcast”.
Even when everything appears so negative, I know small acts of love and kindness help spread positive energy.
I'd like to thank anyone who has purchased one of my pieces. I truly appreciate all of the love and support.
I owe so much to my sweet parents, who supported and encouraged every single creative and artistic endeavor from the moment I could hold a pencil. I didn’t have art in school until I was older, so I am very thankful I had giant cookie tins full of crayons, paint and every single gel pen color you could ask for.
I was raised on a plant nursery our family owned and operated in rural New Mexico. As a child, my entire world was outside. Using my imagination, my little sister and I playing in the plants gave me so many abundant opportunities to be creative. In high school, I had an incredible art teacher who believed in me and saw my potential. He introduced me to a whole new realm where living an art-filled life could actually be possible. Inspired by him, I enrolled in University of Arizona’s Art School and studied Studio Art and Art Education. I later became an art teacher and taught for about 7 years until leaving in 2019 to focus on my art full time.
In art school, after a terrible relationship and an even worse break up, I was searching for a way to reconnect with myself and reclaim my body. Throwing myself in my art practice was the best medicine. I took Intaglio printmaking and discovered I could say so much with delicate line-work than I ever could before. I became obsessed with letting my hands flow freely with the pen. I started drawing these figures connected to the landscape, creating a new world that I found ultimate peace in.
Now, over a decade later, the world I was creating for myself resonates with people all over the globe.
I love that I get to create so many different products! It’s quite a variety from fine art prints, to stickers, postcards, apparel and special collaborations like ceramics and candles. I also have the incredible opportunity to design custom tattoos inspired by my artwork-that might be one of my favorite aspects of my work.
A lot of my clients come to me to reconnect with their higher self, to reclaim their body or honor a loved one- really deep and special ideas. Getting to connect with those who resonate so much with my work that they want to have it on their body forever-that’s just the cherry on top!!
Depending on what the project is, I try to find a connection- when I can personally relate to a piece or aspects of a piece, the best work pours out of me. I also try to let the piece speak to me as I go. I don’t plan too much and try to be free with my imagery. Each drawing goes through so many different phases and in a sense, lives a few different lives. I try not to have too many expectations or know exactly what I want the final design to look like.
When I draw, I use a variety of pens and ink. With drawing, I am much more detailed and can be a bit obsessive with my line-work.
If I’m painting, I use watercolor paints and am much freer-letting the colors do most of the work.
I love working with both mediums, drawing and painting, because it feels like both parts of me; detailed and analytical but also free, bright and colorful.
More empathy, more patience, more crayons.
In my teenage years, my dad gave me some jewelry pliers and I started playing around, creating jewelry.
It became a fun thing to do, a hobby, then slowly grew into selling the pieces. Eventually I dove in and was making items for several years before taking some metalsmithing courses to learn more about the craft. Now it's been almost 2 decades of creating wearable art.
I love selling jewelry and seeing customers light up when they touch a piece, admire it and/or purchase it. Some items are just meant for their new owners! It's wonderful to be able to make the perfect accessory to compliment someone.
I love to add stamping, colors, or curate the scene in photography - Accessorizing in general has always been fun for me, so I express creativity in styling and making jewelry for now and as keepsakes.
I am happy to be alive, and live in the beautiful Southwest. I love my kids and family. I work on jewelry from my home studio and being a handmade small business is such a joyful privilege, so that I can stay home, but also contribute to my family.
As a mom, it is difficult to juggle creating, parenting and general housework. So it's an ongoing challenge to divide time. I feel like I overcome it all weekly, as I press on through the years running my business. I take comfort knowing that the business grows at its own pace.
I'm looking forward to Fall and Spring shows, being able to connect in person with customers at pop ups, after "hibernating," in the summer heat.
I do have a special collection I'm planning with butterfly wings that I do want to take my time on, but it is getting closer to starting/launching.
I feel like I have many things I once wished for - my greatest wish would be good health for my family and for peace in our world - as cheesy as it sounds. Peace is important for people's hearts.
I'm grateful to be an artist at Made Art Boutique. For the last 6+ years, it has been a great opportunity to sell in the downtown area and be a part of the Phoenix artist community.
With a unique take on eco-friendly artwork, Orlando’s reclaimed creations will add charm and local flair to any space. Here he is in his own words.
I’ve always liked making art. In high school I learned how to airbrush and my first job ever was at Christown Mall (now Spectrum Mall) in Phoenix inside a T-Shirt shop creating custom designs on t-shirts for customers.
I’ve kept a side hustle doing graphic design work here and there, mostly simple logos and some print designs for friends.
I grew up a fan of the New Yankee Woodshop show on PBS and took carpentry classes in high school. It wasn't until a few years ago I bought a used table saw and some power tools on OfferUp and made the first bottle opener out of pallet wood and a cut up license plate. Friends saw it on my feed and started requesting it, soon I added more license plate pieces and my skill set slowly grew.
I did a few art craft fairs and eventually made it to Roosevelt Row First Fridays, from there I was able to land some shelf space at MADE, where so many cool makers get to display and sell their work.
License plates are so unique, as far as a medium. The US fortunately has 50 states to choose from and over time the designs evolve and add on to that the variety of vanity plates such as sports teams, military, special interest and I basically end up with a never ending variety of material.
I primarily love the fact that the materials I use would have ended in the landfill if it wasn't for me finding them in a yard sale, swap meet or recycling yard.
Surprisingly I’ve found a community of license plate artists from all around the world and we enjoy showcasing our creations and even swapping plates.
I make several pieces in bulk such as license plate trays, key chains, stars and bottle openers which end up on the shelves at MADE.
I really enjoy making some of the bigger pieces that are usually larger one-offs. I’ve had several commissions that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed making. Each larger piece really allows me to experiment with the license plate material, the cuts, the angles, the colors etc.
I’ve taken on some larger wood projects as my confidence has grown, and I really like taking a pile of reclaimed wood and turning it into a bench, a desk or a chicken coop!
The piece that has brought me the most joy so far in my artist/maker career was when Thunderbird School of Global Management, where I attended for my graduate studies, asked me to make a 5 foot tall Thunderbird using their international license plate collection inside the Pub at their new headquarters in downtown Phoenix.
It’s on display with a plaque that recognizes me as an artist and an alumnus of the school. I felt a great sense of pride and recognition when I first saw it on display.
That said, every time I reveal a custom piece to a customer, it gives me a bit of anxiety but mostly joy after I see their reaction. When someone sees a unique piece that's made just for them for the first time, their reaction is priceless.
I keep a full time job, I’ve chosen to do art as my outlet from my day job and so far it’s a treat each time I get to spend 1 or 4 hours working on some Carver Mountain craft.
At times, keeping up with the demand has been a bit stressful but I remind myself to slow down and make sure I don’t take on more than I can handle so I don’t lose interest in the work.
I wish I could do art all the time but I know myself and if that was the case I would probably get bored and want to find another outlet so I don't want to ruin it.
For now, I continue to learn new tools and techniques so I can challenge how my work turns out. I love learning and seeing a different outcome even if it is a repeat piece, the license plate variety helps each piece end up looking just a bit different each time.
I’m hoping to build a dedicated enclosed work space at home where I can organize my materials, tools and workbench so I can more easily walk over and pump out a handful of small pieces or set out a couple of larger pieces in progress.
Eventually I’d like to explore a shelf in Flagstaff or Tucson since they each have amazing maker communities of their own. For now, I’m perfectly happy with the appreciation that my friends, family and Phoenix community has shown me and @CarverMountainShop.
In my opinion, purpose keeps the world alive, engaged, and flourishing. Everyone should strive to find their purpose. As adults we should all share our gifts, mentor youth that are still exploring their interests and passions and continue to be lifelong learners. We never know what will bring us joy unless we keep our curiosity alive and that’s what has brought me to where I am today. If my pieces inspire someone to do their own version of upcycled/recycled art I see that as a win-win. Putting even a small dent on the path towards saving our planet through art is part of my mission in life and I plan to keep doing the work as long as I am physically and mentally able to.
Thank you MADE for providing a platform for makers like myself. Arizonans and visitors to our great state will take something home from your store that they can be sure was made by hand and with joy.
My name is Audrey De La Cruz, and I am the artist and illustrator behind Annotated Audrey Art. I work with my partner, Larry, to create products using my colorful art, such as stickers, art prints, notecards, and more.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2016. In my first year living in Tucson, I fell in love with the lush desert landscapes, animals, and unique plant life. My new surroundings inspired me to create a plethora of art, and eventually, I turned my practice of making art into a business.
I like to make art that creates joy and brings happiness to the people who encounter it. I’m always happy to hear that someone enjoys my work or that it has impacted their life in some way.
The reason I create is to express myself. I create as often as I can and I experiment with as many different mediums as I can.
I also love trying new art supplies and taking inspiration from the materials I use to create my art. Even if the subject remains the same, I always try to express myself through the process itself.
Creating is the thing that brings me the most joy in life, which is why I’m so happy to be able to create for a living. I love to get creative whether it's drawing a new illustration, playing with new art supplies, creating a fun video for social media, or even exploring new ideas through writing.
One of my favorite things to do is creative journaling because it combines so many of the things I love to do.
I really love journaling and stationery. I’m currently working on ways to expand our business to incorporate more stationery-related products.
Sunshine! Spending time with friends & family. Painting, sketching, and designing products. Making murals! Biking, swimming in lakes. Trying new sports. Giant salads! Trying new recipes, baking, the farmers market. Shopping at local boutiques. Experimenting with photography & videography. Cats & dogs. Browsing a vintage shop. Joy can be found everywhere!
Essentially everything I've done as an Artist from the creative work to the business has been a new experience for me, as I'm self-taught in both areas. But once I've done something for the first time it's no longer new, which gives me confidence to move forward and continue pursuing anything I haven't tried before.
Summer gives me time to plan out my upcoming collections through the remainder of the year! Soon I'll be hosting my Summer Studio Sale online, followed by a release of new greeting cards, a special collection of pieces in vintage frames, and a mini Scottsdale collection celebrating my hometown!
Once we're closer to the holidays I'll release my annual wall calendar (this will be my 6th year creating a calendar!) and my hand painted ceramic ornaments too. I'll have many of these pieces available at Junk in the Trunk at Westworld of Scottsdale September 16th-18th, which will be my first event to kick off the fall season.
I hope that my art is uplifting & brings viewers joy. This was one of the early goals of my desert paintings. Once my eyes were opened to the beauty of the desert, I enjoyed sharing that perspective with natives & visitors alike so they could appreciate it as well.
This month, meet local ceramicist extraordinaire Ted Ciccone. He returned to his first love of ceramics 5 years ago and his creations run from playful, (have you seen the jelly bean on feet bud vase?!) to highly detailed, exacting pieces.
Here he is in his own words:
Brainstorming and envisioning the next piece and the moment when you first see the work come out of the kiln. You can plan and plan, but in ceramics there are no guarantees. Sometimes you get a result you did not expect and sometimes that exceeds your vision!
Less criticism, chaos and disease, More caring, peace and health!
This month, meet local Renaissance Man Michael Clark from Unicity Woodworking. Take a deep dive into the creative joy he brings to the beautiful craft of woodworking. With each unique piece, he creates art that is usable every day.
]]>Take a deep dive into the creative joy he brings to the beautiful craft of woodworking. With each unique piece, he creates art that is usable every day.
Here's our full interview with Michael in his own words:
I play the guitar and write a bit. The music and words are very fulfilling, but I wanted to explore different ways to create pieces that were tangible....something more dimensional that could be experienced using the senses of touch and sight.
In short, my favorite part is the specific process I'm working on at that moment in time on a given project. Once a design is finalized, there are several steps involved in turning a raw piece of wood into something others find useful or creative enough to display in their home.
The making can be very time consuming and I can absolutely lose myself in the process. While sometimes quite challenging, each process is a small step towards the final creation.
Outside of creating, my joy comes from always trying to remain grateful. With so many negative things occurring on a global level it can, at times, be easy to lose sight of all that I've been blessed with.
I'm grateful for my wonderful wife, children, and friends. I am blessed with good health and the motivation to continue finding ways to transform trees into art and useful items for the home.
Two things come to mind immediately. I find certain technologies very challenging; I would rather be in my shop creating than at the computer adjusting my website, but I know it must be done.
Also, I'm certain I've held myself back somewhat by comparing other artist's work to mine. It used to be very easy to think my work didn't compare. While there's still progress to be made, I have come a long way.
We needn't look too deeply to see that the world is struggling. While it sounds cliche, I simply wish for peace for everyone, everywhere. There is a line from an old Don Henley song that says "To want what I have and to take what I'm given with grace". How much better off we would be if everyone abided by those words.
While charcuterie and cutting boards are in demand right now, I've collaborated with clients on projects such as tables, adirondack chairs, night stands, bookshelves, and guitar stands. I welcome the opportunity to discuss with anyone who may be interested in stock or custom pieces.
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I found two large canvases near a dumpster, and after a very inspiring trip to a plant conservatory I knew that I could preserve those canvases and paint plants as a symbol of rebirth/newness, and connect the dots of old becoming new with the placement of circles in my work.
My favorite part of the work that I make is the process. I commit to using each layer of paint on the canvas, so when those layers shine through in a new section it brings me a lot of pride to know that every thing on the canvas has purpose.
I wish for the world authenticity. I think that at the core of humans is a desire to be honest with ourselves and other people. When we are honest about our own feelings we're able to be honest about other people's feelings and I think it makes us more empathetic and better because of it.
Here’s our full interview with Jen in her own words:
I wish for more empathy and compassion. Whether it be for one’s self, one’s neighbor, one’s community or even for the animals we share our planet with, I wish for more of a collective effort to spread kindness and compassion.
We all could use a bit more of it in our daily lives. Kindness and understanding go a long way, and can literally make our world a bit more comfortable if we all just showed more of it to one another.
I’m an open book and love to help educate others on the benefits of CBD. Even if you chose not to utilize my products, I feel education is key and love to help others expand their knowledge and options for relief.
If anyone has any questions about how CBD can help you, please reach out to me at jen@secretsquirrelcbd.com or give me a follow on Instagram.
Sometimes the art calls you. Rose learned her craft from her mom and grandfather after taking a brave leap of faith to transform her life. She’s been honing her craft and expanding her business ever since moving back to Arizona.
Here’s our full interview with Rose in her own words:
I am a third-generation ceramicist. I never in my life thought that I would become a potter because honestly growing up I hated it.
I didn't want anything to do with it but after completely moving away from my family and coming here (Arizona) I worked a cubical medical billing job and I felt like it was the biggest drain and waste of life so after a complete mental breakdown and calling my mom in Montana - I left. I took my daughter who was 6 at that time and we moved back to Montana and lived with my mom for an entire year - Making no money and just trying to learn as much as I possibly could for an entire year.
This was the hardest choice I have ever made because I also had to leave my significant other in Arizona because at the time he was going to ASU. So I split up our family for a year to do something that I had no idea if it would work or not.
With all that being said, I spent my year in Montana learning as much as I could from my mom and grandfather and took my new knowledge and brought it back home with me. I created my own studio here and since then have built my business from the ground up!
I love throwing pots! Sitting at a pottery wheel and creating a piece of art from a piece of clay is a magical process.
I love texture. So adding fun little creative textured designs in my work or adding something as simple as a thumb rest on a mug can really be a game changer.
I love adding little things to my pots to make them feel better in your hand or just spark a little extra feeling of happiness when you grab your pot out of the cabinet.
Bringing a piece of work from beginning to end. I get so excited when I finally have a finished piece - opening up a kiln really is like Christmas morning and seeing all your new presents come to life.
Glazing - I create all my own colors. So everything that you see in my work is completely (start to finish) made by me. Making your own colors is a very challenging process and I have had a lot of challenges in the process of getting the colors that I have today.
Also learning how to start a business has been a very challenging process. I'm in year three now and it is going great but starting up and than having Covid hit just as I was getting the ball rolling was a huge game changer. We are learning to roll with the punches and just keep moving forward.
I am in the process of partnering up with my mom and opening up a studio here in Arizona so we can teach pottery classes! We're so excited to be able to open up our store front.
We are rebranding and it will be called The Potters' Peak LLC. We will be selling Cartel Coffee and have an entire coffee area to relax and chill while also running a full studio where we can teach classes in the back!
Oh, this is such a loaded question because honestly there is so much to wish for, but in reality I just wish for everyone to be happy.
One of my favorite quotes from the Book The 4 hour work week by Tim Ferris: “To enjoy life, you don’t need fancy nonsense, but you do need to control your time and realize that most things just aren’t as serious as you make them out to be.”
Melissa started her art journey looking for a new career path. She quickly came to realize that creative pursuits were calling to her. Now, her art flows out organically.
Here’s our full interview with Melissa in her own words:
I was in publishing for several years and was very unhappy. I started taking extension classes at UCLA to try to find a different career path. Initially I wanted to be a color consultant, helping companies decide which colors to use for their logos and products. But I started painting and drawing in my classes and it felt amazing to tap into that part of my brain again. I realized that I had to do something creative.
I really enjoy painting the tiny details. I like that they aren't seen right away and once you look closer you can discover them.
Well, my style has changed quite a lot over the years. I used to sketch everything out beforehand and lay out the color palette using Pantone swatches. But now my style is more loose. I just let the organic shapes of the base painting tell me where to go.
Obviously, painting and creating. I also love learning new art techniques. But my son also brings me great joy. He is so different from me and I marvel at how confident he is. It's a beautiful thing to see.
Social media is very difficult for me. But unfortunately, with a small business, it's a necessity. I post as much as I can but resent having to do it. All I want to do is paint! Lol!
I certainly hope we have this pandemic under control soon.
Alex Ozers of From the Reliquary loves to push the boundaries of jewelry design and aesthetic. The holidays are a perfect opportunity to experiment with new ideas and bold pieces.
Here’s our full interview with Alex in his own words:
Well, I went to school for painting, but I very quickly discovered that it’s easier to sell a necklace than a painting, if you can believe it. The rent had to be paid, so I’ve been doing this since.
Beating the hell out of metal and setting it on fire is a pretty sweet gig.
I try to think about the classic aesthetic qualities of jewelry and just mess around with that. Complicate the expected, see how far I can push a design.
Reveling in contempt.
Probably too few, but enough to roll my eyes when a new one shows up and just keep on truckin’.
Higher taxes on income that isn’t directly earned through labor.
Alondria Jeffrey of Magnolia & Clover ( formerly, A Simple Bead) creates stunning beaded jewelry pieces. What started with an accidental Alaskan discovery has now blossomed into gorgeous creations and a fulfilling business. It is immensely satisfying to be able to share something beautiful from what was previously nothing.
I've always loved all things crafty. I found beading by accident when I stumbled upon a bead shop in Anchorage, Alaska.
While looking around I purchased my first bead loom and that's all she wrote. I have been obsessed ever since. I started with bracelets but fell in love with making earrings.
Overall, I just love being able to create something beautiful from almost nothing. I love that I get to share that with others. I get to take something that I love to do to make other people feel bold, confident and beautiful.
Colors, colors, and colors. Creating color palettes is actually one of my favorite parts of the process. You can even tell the mood I'm in when I design something based on the color selections.
The little things. Going to the playground with my kids, succeeding in a new technique of beading, and rewatching my favorite anime for the millionth time.
My own self doubt and lack of confidence in my abilities. It's something that takes a lot of conscious effort on my part but it is something that I have made vast improvements on in the last six months.
Nothing too crazy. This is my first real holiday season with my business and I'm looking forward to being busy hopefully.
I have two new collections that I'm releasing next year that I have worked hard on and I'm really excited to show the world those things. Both took a lot of practice to perfect and I'm thrilled with the results.
Wow, that's an amazing question. I guess it would be a little too naive to hope for world peace. I suppose I would hope for a less judgmental and more empathetic world.
I believe that if people withheld rash judgment and held genuine compassion and understanding of one another the world could be a more beautiful place.
I'm just a mom trying to achieve my dreams. It all started with a tube of beads and a dream of being home with my kids to be able to watch them grow and be there for them.
Mary Burrows of MB Arts makes inspiring magnets, shirts and wall hangings! What started as a re-creation of a precious ceramic handprint has become a successful family business. The joy she feels making is apparent with each and every piece.
Here’s our full interview with Mary in her own words:
Our son didn’t talk until almost age 4. Also, my doctor recommended I try hypnobirthing for our daughter’s birth. These two experiences with my children eventually took me on a path to art and living a life that involved getting to know my inner and outer worlds in a much deeper way. Prior to giving birth to my son, I spent around 15 years in the corporate world and never really created anything other than spreadsheets. also, I really didn’t experience any art in school or create art in my own time.
Things quickly changed after reading a mothering magazine article about Waldorf education. I was happily surprised to discover that we had a Waldorf preschool in Reno, NV. I enrolled our son without knowing that I was about to do a 180 with my life.
Soon after that I accidentally knocked his ceramic hand print off of our fireplace mantel. I decided to recreate it and the next thing I knew my mother-in-law was giving her used kiln to me. A friend then suggested I start selling the small pieces I was making with stamped words. After having a ceramic hand/foot prints business and teaching art classes to children for 5 years, I decided to eventually get serious with offering my ceramic goods on etsy in 2010. I then added wholesale customers slowly each year and my business grew with my children.
A day doesn’t go by now that I don’t feel grateful for what I get to do each day. I wake up excited to start creating.
Finding words that open my heart and then seeing how much it moves and encourages others as well. Also, creating patterns is something I really enjoy.
Through the words I choose to include in our line and the patterns I create. Also, the simplicity of it all.
Being alive. The sunshine. Music. My loved ones, including my fur babies. Being of service to others. Connecting with others. Being in nature, especially the ocean. I know it sounds cheesy, but simply being grateful each day.
Eventually turning what I love to do into our full-time livelihood with my husband, Cory, joining the making in 2012 was definitely a process with lots of trial and error.
Cory and I bring different strengths to what we do. It was challenging at first having to give up some of the making. Eventually, I gave up almost all of the making with the ceramics since my breathing got really bad and I didn’t want to take any chances in case it was due to the clay dust. I now screen print all of our textiles in addition to designing our ceramics and textile lines, boxing up orders and working with all of our wholesale and retail customers.
I have to say Cory is quite a craftsman and pro problem solver and was able to really help grow our business with goods that are consistent as you can get for being handmade. Also, we moved our ceramic’s studio 4 times in a span of 4 years while we were homeschooling our children. It was quite an adventure!
We are working towards moving to the Oregon coast with a larger studio!
Inner peace, freedom, connection and eating less animals and more plants.
During our traveling adventure, we lived in the Phoenix area for 3 years and got to meet so many awesome people.
We still have family in the area. We are grateful for getting to experience the incredibly beautiful desert landscape and sunsets.