What new experiences teach you...

Well, I am back from my brief stint in Africa--what a wonderful experience!!  I got to meet some awesome people, see terrific things and overall have an excellent time!!  I saw a lot of handmade art, including some from a women's cooperative (handmade cloth, embrodiery, jewlery) and was really excited to see people use what was around them (like using seeds for the counting game, cocoa beads in necklaces, local grasses in weavings)--don't forget to think about this when you are trying to rack your brain for what you can branch out as your next art form--there is plenty of unusual unique product around you (esp if you live in such a rich enviroment as we do!!)  Remember, others who don't live where you do may find that local plant (that you find common-place and boring) amazing and collector worthy...enjoy the awe inspiring pics included below!!  amy