Here we are for the 2nd Annual Challenge of Travel. This challenge is all about the “Staycation” . In reality, the “staycation” concept actually motivated us to take a real vacation this summer in order to escape the never ending heat at home. Haven’t been able to take a real vacation in like 10 years. We ended up hitting the road in the camper and relaxing on the beach with family in the Pacific Northwest.

Here I am enjoying nature’s sandbox.

The actual “staycation” would involve disguising myself as a “tourist” and heading to “The Strip”.

I live just on the outskirts of fabulous Las Vegas. Yup, Cha Ching!

But, that’s not the Las Vegas I know and love. I prefer the outdoors and the wonderful Spring Mountain Range. Fortunately, I can see the mountains from my yard and live about 5 miles from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Furthermore, my yard of sorts is a little known tourist destination “Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery”.

So my inspiration for this challenge and many of my creations…literally right outside my door.

I love the colors of the desert, the turquoise blue skies, the rusty and brown colors of the earth and mountains.

The green shades of the native desert plants. I chose a piece of turquoise for the focal on one necklace.

The other necklace incorporates a piece of cholla wood skeleton with a crystal point.