Passed the Buck

Sometimes we have to head to the southern part of Lancaster county and actually purchase some wood, which we usually get from other woodworkers. Mai is having a good time picking out the Ebony and Black walnut with the best grain and color.

History of our studio

Crystal Park dedication

The Park was first dedicated to the public on July 4, 1957. The Land for this Park was donated to the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania by Mr. and Mrs Paul D. Eshelman [3] on January 2, 1956. Crystal Park was originally developed by the Department of Parks and Public Property of the City of Lancaster during the period from March to July 1957.[4].

As of July 4th, 2007 the Park turned 50 years old.

The Park stands on the ruins of a famous Brewery from the late 1800s. In a stretch of time from 1881 to 1886, Lancaster was known for the beer it turned out. A citizen of Lancaster known as Frank A. Rieker, became Lancaster's most successful brewer.[5] Where the Park stands today, once stood the F.A. Rieker Star Brewery, famous for making some of the first Pilsner Beers.

Tavern Trove quotes [6] the history of the area as; Frank A. Rieker, Star Brewery (602-606 West King) 1876-1907. Frank A. Rieker Estate (Star Brewery) 1907-1912. F. A. Rieker Brewing Co. 1912-1920. The Brewery had its operations shut down by National Prohibition in 1920-1933. At the time that the Brewery stood where the Park know exists, and turned out over 50,000 barrels of beer a year. They sold most to the local neighborhood, then called "Cabbage Hill". It was served as take out in "growlers" which was a small tin container, from tap to home.[7]

In front of the Park, F.A. Rieker built a Victorian successful bar, known as the F.A. Rieker Western Market Salon & Hotel. The interior was built with Italian Floor tiles and intricate pressed metal ceilings, expensive wood working and custom boilers. [8] The family gave control to the Brewery, in a shady deal to mobsters in the early prohibition years. They illegally ran hoses through the city sewers, to the taps to Lancaster's finest Saloon. [9]. Most of the massive, six floor buildings were demolished in 1941; so that the efforts to win World War II could be aided. Eventually the land would be passed on to the park and the Market Saloon & Hotel, would become the now Historic Blue Star Inn, which kept the insides intact.

The Park is a founded on much land where William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, actually set aside for the town of Lancaster, PA. This town (which mostly would have been the side of town the park is now on) held much role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is a matter of a mile from President James Buchanan's house. The area of his house is known as Wheatland [10] and many famous homes, mansions and history are home there. Lancaster City, PA is undergoing a Revitalization; and has plans to revamp this whole side of town.[11][12]

Special order ring

This ring is a small version of our whim bracelet. It is carved from Ebony and the metal is aluminum.

Oh so many new supplies!!! Some new crystals to go with the ebony pieces, I hope. Nothing too flashy or garish. Trying to keep it simple while adding some bling. Folks like the bling! Very exciting, making lots of one of a kind pieces for the Chicago SOFA show, crowd. The pieces might get picked for the show, with lots of good luck.

We are working on filling our Fall with shows

Fantastic! Mai's birthday today. She got a nailgun and said that is was her favorite present ever! She bought a white dodge pickup on Thursday so that was a big gift to herself. It is a 91 and a bit rough looking but rugged. She just ordered the ram hood ornament on eBay. It already made its madien voyage to the dump with a bed full of asphalt. Tires scraping the whole way.

American Craft Exposition Evanston,IL

On our way to Chicago




The American Pancake House, all the waitresses were Brazilian.










Mayra is picking out some good Skokie, hot dogs, gyros, ice cream and beer.










Our new variation on the Affinity earrings.

















Mayra in our booth at the American Craft Expo.

Lucy Harvey

Beautiful work: www.lucyharvey.co.uk

Beautiful out! Canvasing for Mayor Gray today

What works for Mio Studio

We were featured in a pa blog!!!! http://www.handmadeinpa.net/2009/09/what-works-for-mio-studio/ It sounds like we know what we are doing, but really do we?

Order for Chicago

Finishing the last piece of jewelry, Ebony earrings, for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15061962

Susquehanna Style Article

Mio Studio is on page 35 of the new issue of Susquehanna Style!!! Keely wrote a great article about us and thanks Donovan for the photos.
http://www.susquehannastyle.com/home/