Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to sip sangria, nibble on pan de muertos and Anne's fresh chile lime fruit and help us celebrate our first anniversary. We really appreciated the help of our fabulous volunteers Karen Rood, Yoko Rover, and Jean Franceschiello. We especially enjoyed the company of dear friends & students Guadelupe & Ray and Marie & Pat, both of whom stayed and visited, which was a real joy. The free 8pm raffle was quite a hit with Anne (student) winning Jeff Fulkerson's rhodocrosite cabochon, an adorable dad & daughter duo winning (with absolute delight) Julie's Monroe's enamel calavera pendant, Marie (of Marie & Pat!) winning Anne's calavera brooch and our own Carol Miles winning the grand prize of a free one month Gold membership to the lab ($150 value!). It's hard to believe that we opened our doors a whole year ago. In that time we've cultivated a family of 120 active students and 5 instructors - all of whom bring their own wonderful ideas, questions and expertise to every class. Over the past 10 months we've hosted 25 classes, 3 visiting artist workshops and logged dozens of open lab hours. Our mailing list has steadily grown to over 600 contacts and we have tons of interesting photos, videos and tips & tricks to post our Instagram and Facebook feeds. There's so much going on it's hard to find the time to parse through it all! But we're working on a fun slideshow so stay tuned. View photos and videos.

Hear ye, hear ye minstrels, maidens and mercenaries, conserve your gold coin for our Merry Maker's Market. On December 6th you'll find our village stalls both inside and out festooned with bright holly, sparkling lights, fragrant pine boughs, piping hot cider, and a full complement of cheery makers proffering their sparkling silver, gold, brass and bejeweled wares. Take in the festively crisp night air (perhaps, I mean it is San Diego) of Liberty Station's outdoor European-style Christmas market where we'll have a stall or step lightly to the second floor of Barracks 15 to revel in medieval holiday charm as you browse our two small shops. Find the perfect holiday gift for that special baker, butcher or cobbler in your life or pick out a one-of-a-kind treasure for yourself. First Friday is Liberty Station's monthly open studio event so in addition to visiting us you can explore the Liberty Public Market, visit nearby shops and studios and catch live entertainment - all with easy parking. Bring a friend or make one here, either way it will be an evening of magical wintry delights - we hope you'll join us!  Get details and directions.

Roughly 40 brave souls accepted the challenge to open EVERY drawer of the Toolbox of Terror at our October First Friday open studio. Not everyone who tried waw able to finish, but those who showed fortitude were richly rewarded. As each victim, er I mean guest, entered they were greeted by Ame or impromptu volunteer Jean and asked if they were ready to ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE. If they answered yes we led them over to the TOOLBOX OF TERROR and wished them good luck. We then retired across the room to listen to their screams (and a good amount of laughter at our cheesy display). Successful adventurers were rewarded with the choice of asking our extremely vintage Magic 8 Ball a question or consulting our Crystal Ball. Every visitor left with a goody from our treat basket - either candy or stickers. Continue on for photos and ... if you're brave enough ... view the TOOLBOX OF TERROR ITSELF!

We've pried open the crypt and invited a host of horrors out to play for First Friday on October 4th! Stop by between 5-9 pm for all sorts of spooky delights including a reanimated BOGO special. Don't miss the famous interactive Toolbox of Terror ... Bwah Ha Ha! First Friday (formerly known as Friday Night Liberty) is Liberty Station's monthly open studio event so in addition to visiting us you can explore the Liberty Public Market, visit nearby shops and studios and catch live entertainment - all with easy parking. Whether you bring a friend or make one here, it's one of San Diego's premiere, free, family-friendly arts events. Get details and directions.