Spring Obsession Art Show Judges Merit Award Winners

Constance           
McLennan        
Statement                      


"For me, Painting must be more than the technical exercise of rendering what can be seen or photographed. Whereas a detailed rendering is finite and  limited in what it offers, a more impressionistic work embodies the spirit of the artist and reveals new aspects the longer one looks" 




"Echo of Eternity"  
oil  24x24  $1200

This painting may be seen along with Connie's other entries at Ironstone's Gallerias through May 6, 2012.









Beth           
Winfield
Statement  

       Beth has always viewed the outdoors as a picture waiting to be painted and yearned to express that fleeting moment which captures ones heart and takes the breath away.   Beth wants to be inspired and to inspire others, hopefully recreating the feeling from that past moment in time. She loves how the light reflects off of objects during different times of day, with varying weather and circumstances. Capturing that light and the movement she feels in landscapes is her passion.  Even when she sleeps,  she is often painting in her dreams.

"Donkey Ride at Dusk II"  
oil  16x12  $750

This painting may be seen along with Beth's other entries at Ironstone's Gallerias through May 6, 2012.













Jane           
Lucas
Statement  


Jane Lucas began her adult tango with creative expression as a water colorist and became a signature member of the California Watercolor Association (formerly known as the Eastbay Watercolor Society). Though the fluidity of a water cased medium and the surprises it affords remain very attractive to her, the rich color and immediacy of pastels currently claim the top spot in her studio.  In the future, however, she plans to combine the two and have fun experimenting with the results: pastels and watercolor will hopefully choreograph a surprising dance of their own.

"Carmel Mission Ranch"  
Pastel  20x13  $400

This painting may be seen along with Jane's other entries at Ironstone's Gallerias through May 6, 2012.

Reserve Chard Trim Time

 Today the Reserve Chardonnay vineyards are getting a trim. A bit behind this year to avoid fresh buds getting hit by the late frost (SNOW!) we had this past weekend.

Now they are all neat and tidy!

Concert Ticket Update!

To all our friends out there anxious to buy tickets for Ironstone's 2012 Concert Season, the actual schedule has not been finalized at this time.  Tentative date for release & general public ticket sales is scheduled for April 12, pending final approval of the actual schedule. Ironstone's ticketing service for the 2012 Season is www.etix.com.  You can check back with www.ironstonevineyards.com for the actual release of the finalized schedule and a direct link to Etix to purchase your tickets.

You may see other websites claiming to have tickets for sale...those sites are not authorized by Ironstone Vineyards to sell tickets to our 2012 Concert Season. Please be aware that should you choose to purchase from a site other than www.etix.com or www.ironstonevineyards.com, those tickets may or may not be honored at the gates. It is a chance you are taking by not purchasing from the authorized ticket agent.  Many of those tickets currently being offered are also over priced to the extreme. So buyer, beware!

We want all our Concert Friends to have a great season! So stay tuned to www.ironstonevineyards.com for the actual release date and ticket links.

New Wedding Site!

Check out our new Wedding site!  Great photos with informative site information. Sign up to receive a packet with complete wedding information as well..Ironstone Wedding site - click here!

Get Your Green!

It's Irish Days in Murphys! Come get your green at Ironstone! 
From Ireland to you, we have authentic Irish Shamrock lapel pins in case you have no green to wear, original Irish Whistles with finger charts and a few songs that are very easy to learn to add a little music to your jig, and most certainly, MURPHYS LAW postcards, should you ever forget where you are and why all this is happening! While supply lasts... 


And, in honor of our own "Garden Guy", a little Irish proverb about rainy days and gardeners.... Come see the Daffodil Show Saturday & Sunday as well as the Mother Lode Garden Club arrangement competition, both with free admittance...

Free Parking at Ironstone Saturday!

What's Happening In Murphys, CA Irish Day is Happening! March 17th from 10 am to 5 pm Free Admission - Rain or Shine

Murphys Irish Day, our annual celebration of all things Irish always attracts a large crowd of tourists and local residents, but it will be extra special this year because it falls on St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday March 17.  The celebration that pays tribute to the town’s Celtic heritage, always held on the third Saturday of March, rarely coincides with the date that honors the patron saint of Ireland but this is our year.   The day will begin with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church on the corner of Church and Algiers Streets.  Enjoy breakfast at the Church or slip into one of our local restaurants or just grab a quick treat at the Aria Bakery on Main Street.  Just make sure you get here early so you can grab a good parade watching spot.   Presented by the Murphys Business Association, the Main St. festivities will start at 10 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.  There is no admission charge and we plan to celebrate come rain, snow or even a little sunshine.   More than 100 vendors offering fine arts and crafts, home-baked delicacies, Irish Day t-shirts, souvenirs and many tasty things to eat and drink will line the street.     Among the items available for purchase will be handmade jewelry, wood and metal art objects, pottery, glasswork, sculpture, paintings, photographic prints, clothing, and antiques.   Local churches and community organizations will have baked goods, including Irish soda bread and several kinds of cookies, ready to purchase and take home.   There will be lots of food, including corned beef sandwiches, Greek gyros, pretzel dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, pizza, French fried artichokes, and hamburgers will be available when hunger sets in.  There will be items to satisfy the sweet tooth such as kettlecorn, funnel cakes, frozen cheesecake on a stick, and green cotton candy. Beverages on sale will include fresh lemonade, Irish coffee, and beer.  The Calaveras Winegrape Alliance will be selling a selection of fine local wines and the tasting rooms on Main Street will be pouring their finest.   Weather permitting, there will be pony rides and face painting to entertain the young folk.  In addition, all the shops on Main St. will be open to explore and appreciate. Live Entertainment Live entertainment with a decidedly Irish theme will be presented throughout the day on two stages and along Main Street.  Bagpipe music by the White Hackle Pipe & Drums and the Ripon Police & Fire Pipe Band will fill the air. The Tommyknocker Cloggers will set everyone’s feet a tapping and you'll even be able to see a Zumba demonstration.  Among the other performing groups will be Sequoia, Matt Cullen & Friends, the Mojo Bros, Grover Anderson and Jim Bailey’s ever popular band, Plan B.    See the full entertainment schedule here. Parade At 11 a.m., to the swirl of bagpipes, the Murphys Irish Day Parade will make its way down Main St. with St. Patrick’s himself as Grand Marshal.  Helping to create a Celtic atmosphere will be the White Hackle Pipe Band, and The Irish Cultural Society of Stanislaus County. Providing music will be the Calaveras Community Band and strolling trumpeter Dr. Jay Grimstead.     The Girl Scouts, in honor of the organization’s 100th birthday will lead the parade. Members of the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Murphys 4-H, Murphys Preschool, the Studio 4 Dance Studio, and the Michelson Extended Day program will represent other young people of the area. There will be equestrian units including the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse and the Peppermint Creek Carriage. Among the other animals taking part will be the canine members of the Sierra West Bernese Mountain Dog Club. Local organizations participating will include the Native Sons of the Golden West, with their giant California flag, and Soroptimist International of Calaveras County. Other entries will include Ironstone Vineyards, the Sheriff’s Department and the Murphys Fire District.  There will also be a leprechaun, or two, or three.   Announcers Dave Bowman and Jim Bailey will be stationed along the parade route to describe each entry as it passes.   Win a Trip to Ireland The luck of the Irish will take on special meaning for one happy couple when they are transported from a gold rush town with Irish heritage to the fabled land of shamrocks and leprechauns as grand prize winners of the Win a Trip to Ireland.   The prize includes round trip airfare to Dublin or Shannon, a rental car, hotel stay on arrival, and five nights in a variety of bed and breakfast locations sprinkled throughout the country.  As is usually the case, some restrictions apply.   Specially created local vacation prize packages will be awarded to three runners-up.   The first includes two nights lodging at Murphys Garden Cottages, breakfast at the Murphys Hotel, dinner at The Kitchen, wine and food pairing from Val Du Vino, golf for two at Sequoia Woods Country Club in Arnold, an outdoor activity provided by Sierra Nevada Adventure Company, and embroidered tote and tees from Bandera. Another package includes two nights in a vacation home from Murphys Vacation Rentals, lunch at Mineral, dinner at Grounds Restaurant, golf for two at Sequoia Woods Country Club, fifty percent off a Courtwood Wine Tour, a $100 gift certificate from Creative Cookware, and embroidered tote and tees from Bandera. The third prize package encompasses two nights lodging at Milfiore Historic Country Retreat, golf for two at Sequoia Woods Country Club, dinner at the Murphys Hotel, wine and food pairing from Frog’s Tooth Winery, lunch at Magnolia, massages and facials from Jillian’s Day Spa, and embroidered tote and tees from Bandera. Raffle tickets are five dollars each or five for $20.  They are available at several locations in Murphys including The Spice Tin, Yogurt Your Way, Tanner Vineyards, La Folia Winery, Marisolio Olive Oil, Jillian’s Day Spa, NEXT - Upscale Resale, Murphys Hotel, Sierra Nevada Adventure Company, and Tea An‘Tiques.  They also will be available only at the MBA booth in front of the Native Sons Hall on Irish Day.   The winning tickets will be drawn at 4:00 p.m. on the Native Daugters stage.  You need not be present to win.   Free Parking & Shuttle Service Free parking will be available at Ironstone Vineyards on Six Mile Road.   A free shuttle bus, provided by Ironstone and the Murphys Business Association, will run between Ironstone and the Arbors parking lot at Jones and Scott Streets.  Shuttles will leave approximately every 20 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.   Weather permitting, paid parking will be available close to the event off of Big Trees Rd. and Main St. and free parking will be available at the Black Bart Playhouse parking lot on Algiers St. around 12:30 p.m. after the parade has finished and cleared. Handicap Parking will be located in the Arbors parking lot at Jones and Scott Streets.   There will be no parking from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Main, Church, Algiers, Sheep Ranch, Scott, and Jones Sts. and Six Mile Road.  When traveling to the event motorists should use Highway 4, and not Murphys Grade Road.   Main Street will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the event.  Traffic will be detoured along Church St. and through the Bret Harte Center from the intersection of Main St. and Murphys Grade Rd. to Highway 4.

Other Happenings This Weekend

March 16, 2012 - Women in Music at Metate Hill Lounge - Diane Patterson, Chelsea Wilds, Somer Moon & Billie Shields.  Music starts at 8 pm.  $5 cover charge. Visit www.metatehilllounge.com for more information.   March 17, 2012 - Library Book Sale - The Murphys Volunteer Library will hold a “St. Patrick’s Day” book sale on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Murphys Volunteer Library in Murphys Park.  Ten ($10) bucks buys you a “bag o’ books” of your choice.  We have hardbacks, paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, westerns, science fiction, children’s books, audio cassettes, and even videos.  On that Saturday, we will also give a free book to anyone bringing in Sierra Hill's grocery receipts.  We also appreciate cash donations.  Come early to get the great choices!!   March 17, 2012 - Live Music at Cactus Jack's - 8 Days Sober featuring Jeff Pease and Travis Whittington (daytime) - No cover charge. March 17, 2012 - Live Music at Cactus Jack's - Plan B featuring Jim Bailey, Keno Rojas and Vince Rojas (evening) - No cover charge.   March 17 & 18, 2012 - Mother Lode Daffodil Show at Ironstone Vineyards - Open 11 AM-5PM, Sunday, 10AM-3PM.  Free. Juried show competitions in daffodil horticulture, artistic designs, and photography.  Showroom presents hundreds of different daffodils in bright colors and intriguing forms.  Show entry open to all or simply come to admire the daffodils in the show and n the landscape  Call 925-625-5526 or email for more information robert_spotts@comcast.net   March 17, 2012 - Irish Day Concert and CD Release Party at the Black Bart Playhouse - Three bands including Descendents of the Prospectors, Dyemusica and TRPI with original music, beer wine and treats for sale from 7 pm to 11 pm.  $5 at the door.   March 17, 2012 - The Artwork of Alex Atman at Metate Hill - Meet the artist and learn how he does it-artwork on display during the Irish Day celebration - free admission.  Visit www.metatehilllounge.com for more information.   March 18, 2012 - Native Sons of the Golden West Pancake Breakfast - After the fun and excitement of Murphys Irish Day on Saturday relax on Sunday and enjoy the pancake breakfast prepared by the chefs of the Native Sons Of The Golden West. Bring your family and friends to this great breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. The cost is six dollars for adults and three dollars for kids ten and under and is served from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Native Sons Hall, 389 Main St. in historic downtown Murphys.

And the Winners Art!

Ironstone's Spring Obsession Professional Art Show Winners announced Saturday, March 3rd!

Theme Division Winner

Linda Knoll          “Red Tulip Forest”

1^st Place Open Division Winner

Lynn Slade           “All Aflutter”

2^nd Place Open Division Winner

Geneva Davis               “Last Light”

3^rd Place Open Division Winner

Patricia Gould             “Green River Sunset”

Judges Honorable Mentions

Beth Winfield      “Donkey Ride at Dusk”

Jane Lucas            “Carmel Mission Ranch”

Connie McLennan              “Echo of Eternity”

Family Merit Award

Carol Clark  “The Miners Garden of Daffodils & Tulips”

Patricia Rohovit         “On the Edge of Abstrativity”

Karen O’Neill              “Calla Garden at Dusk”

Marti Walker              “Survivor”

J. D. Anderson             “Castle”

Vaughn Pottery Demonstrations This weekend!

We are delighted to announce that Bill & June Vaughn of Vaughn Pottery will be joining us this Spring Obsession Event Weekend!  June will be demonstrating her pottery carving techniques while Bill will be available to answer questions about the design & production of their stunning line of pottery vases and jewelry.

Do stop by to meet and greet!

Saturday from 11:00 to 4:00 and Sunday from 11:00 to 3:00.

Spring Obsession ART EVENT this weekend!

This is our big Spring Obsession Art Weekend!  With over 150 paintings gracing the walls of Ironstone, you will certainly find a painting that will set your heart on fire, light up your day or simply bring a smile to your face.


Joining us this weekend are over 25 of the more than 75 accepted artists.  They will be setting up wonderful displays of their work as well as painting, drawing and creating just for you. All this is free and open to the public, so please come by between 10 - 4 on Saturday and 10 - 3 on Sunday to meet and greet these talented people. Watch them paint, learn or just enjoy the show.  Many will be out and about the gardens of Ironstone with easels set up and painting away. See if you can find them!  And we are certain they will be out there. According to the weather "people", this lovely rain will clear up on Friday and give us a stunning weekend here in the Sierras. 


Don't forget the flower barrel program begins this weekend as well!  Over 600 half barrels have been planted with daffodils, tulips, iris and more.  Watch them as they bloom and color our world beautiful.  Only at Ironstone!  Bring your cameras!

2012 Open Division entries available for viewing

Please follow this link to our Picassa Album of the 2012 Open Division Entries.
Titles and detail info is pending as well as a lovely slide show as soon as Picassa and Blogger decide to be friends again...

https://picasaweb.google.com/108272069615982870252/SpringObsession2012Open#

Spring Art Show 2012 Honorable Judges

Ironstone Vineyard’s 15^th Annual Spring Obsession

Art Show Open Division has the honor of being judged by:

Melissa Marshall

Executive Vice President, Academy of Art University, San Francisco

Melissa graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 1976. She worked for the Academy’s Illustration Department under the tutelage of Barbara Bradley, the director. When Barbara retired, Melissa eventually headed the department and held that post until 1997. It was at that time that she accepted an offer from Walt Disney Feature Animation in Burbank, CA to manage the staff and instructors who trained new animation hires in the proper drawing skills needed to help create the quality product for which Disney is well known. In 1999, she moved back to San Francisco and was invited by the Academy of Art University to become its Executive Vice President.   

 Charles Pyle

Director, School of Illustration,, Academy of Art University, San Francisco

 Craig Marshall

Drawing Instructor, Academy of Art University, San Francisco

After graduating from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 1976, Craig spent several years as a freelance commercial illustrator before becoming a staff illustrator for a small medical publishing company. In 1986 he was invited to teach head drawing and illustration courses at the Academy of Art University where he stayed for 11 years while continuing his freelance work. In 1997 he moved to Burbank, CA and taught drawing classes for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Associates in Art, and Woodbury University. He returned to San Francisco in 1999 and was asked to head the Foundations Department at the Academy of Art University for a semester. He now teaches Head Drawing full time for the Academy’s School of Illustration.

Golden Flow Shines at Ironstone

Golden Flow by Artist Dan Mather are hand blown glass loaded with 23 k gold leaf in a glycerin environment allowing the gold to float lazily around the globes. 

These have to be the most relaxing globes I have seen yet!

Available at Ironstone's Heritage Museum, these beauties are a perfect mommento of the gold country.

Prices range from $35.00 to $55.00.

Photographer & sculptor Mark Bergstrom has installed several of his outdoor water sculptures in the gardens at Ironstone Vineyards.
Rustic recycled materials seem to fit right into the landscape with old pumps and rusty tanks. You can just imagine the miners pumping water from one of these during the Gold Rush... the horses hitched to an old wagon getting a refreshing drink from one of the old metal tanks...  

"The great outdoors and our country's precious natural heritage have been a passion of mine since my early childhood. I have been fortunate to have travelled throughout the world but my roots are here in Tuolumne County, California where I grew up in rural east Sonora. My growing up years were spent cavorting in the outdoors... fishing in creeks, gigging frogs, swimming in farm ponds and hunting small game.

 My Father was a large animal veterinarian and I spent countless hours with my Dad on ranch calls and today I enjoy cowboying for local ranchers branding and driving cattle.  Attending rodeos is a big favorite for me as well as fly fishing, hunting, hiking and camping.

I returned to Sonora three years ago after a 39 year hiatus that took me to Davis, Los Angeles, Saudi Arabia, Cincinnati and San Francisco pursuing my professional career in management consulting and running a variety of large nonprofit organizations.



Building water fountains and photography have been a means of capturing my love of the great outdoors. Much of my inspiration for constructing fountains comes from my artistic bend and the incredable effects of soothing water sounds. I spend many days flyfishing our country's blue ribbon wild trout fisheries, ranging from tiny gurgling brooks to roaring, boulder-strewn rivers. Many of the fountain components come off local ranches in Tuolumne County."



All of Mark's fountains are available for sale here at Ironstone. Mark will assist you with loading and offer full instructions on each piece.  Mark also has a few of his award winning photos available in our tasting room. There is a photo below of the display.

Hope you have the time to stop by Ironstone to take a look at these fun water fountains. Perhaps you will see one that fits perfectly in a corner of your yard, close enough to the patio or a window to allow you that peacefull sound of water flowing.

New Book!

By author

Wayne Hunt

"Dedicated to the memory of California’s Pioneers who came to California in search of gold.  Whether or not they found gold, their desire and courage contributed significantly to California’s land development and to America’s development as a great nation.”

“Zack and his three donkey friends make a journey on a wagon through many historic towns located in California’s Gold Rush country. By touring these towns and their museum, they learn about how gold was discovered, how it was mined, and how people lived during that historic time.  Along their path of discovery, they leave behind friends & communities that in turn learn about the good in others.

This is a fictional book in that the characters and their story are fiction. However, the facts, dates and historical info about the Gold Rush towns are factual, as much as I, the author, am able to determine them.”    - Wayne Hunt

This is a great book for the whole family! We have had fun reading the adventures  of these crazy characters as well as thoroughly enjoyed the historic facts and observations of the author along the way.  Truly fun for the kids to read and adults to discover. Available in Ironstone’s Heritage Museum & Jewelry Shoppe for only $19.99.

Theme Division Entries

Take a look at the slide show to the right and see if you can guess which of these great pieces of art will be unveiled at the reception on March 3rd... Post a comment on your favorite painting to let the artist know you care! Have fun, then mark your calendar for March 3 & 4 for a chance to meet the artists and see the real paintings.  They are always so much better in person! Come see for yourself..

Theme Division entries for Ironstone's 15th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show have been selected and will be arriving this weekend. Although the exhibit doesn't open until March 3rd, the selection of the winner of the Theme Division has to happen quite early to ensure the winning poster makes its appearance at the Artist Reception/Food Wine Pairing event, Saturday afternoon, March 3rd.

Call to Artist Open Division Entries Due

This weekend is a big weekend for us here at Ironstone. All the accepted Theme Division paintings will be arriving, hand delivered by the artists themselves.

We are promised a clear crisp sunny day here in the foothills. No better time to deliver these outstanding paintings providing a wonderful weekend day trip or for some an even better weekend get away.  I have received notice from at least one artist that is planning on taking advantage of the weather to set up an easel for a day of relaxed plein air painting somewhere on Ironstone's beautiful grounds.

Make a visit yourself to possibly meet some of the artists in the Tasting Room or search out those that might be painting out and about.

OPEN Division entries are due Friday, Feb. 3rd.  That is just around the corner, so don't waist any more time! It is a wonderful opportunity to get your name & paintings out in front of the buying customers.  You may download the entry forms from the blog (see page above) or you may email
cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com for a copy to be emailed to you.

The Spring Obsession Event opens March 3rd & 4th. Mark you calendars! It is a fun weekend.

Peanut butter!

It is National Peanut Butter Day today!  Ironstone Deli featuring great peanut butter sandwiches today at a discount. Come in and celebrate an American tradition!

Theme Division Art is in!

While the Open Division Art entries are still coming in, all the Theme Division Art entries have arrived! Notifications go out this week, with the originals arriving later this month. Stay tuned for a slide presentation preview of the accepted pieces of art right here on this blog. We are very excited about the beautiful paintings submitted and hope you are as well. Once the images are up, take your time and enjoy, then take your guess as to which will become Ironstone Vineyard's 2012 Spring Obsession Poster! Spring Obsession Art show opens Saturday, March 3. Come see if your choice is the winner at the artists reception Saturday afternoon of that spectacular weekend.

Friday Deadline!

Theme Division Artists, 
Friday is the deadline for your entries! Get them in!

Happy New Year

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year!  With Murphys' beautiful "get out of the fog" weather, we have been blessed with guests from around the world. Even more amazing is the fact that all of the mountain passes are open!  Big Trees State Park is stunning in the sunshine with no snow on the ground and none in the forcast.  Bear Valley is beautiful too and only 45 minutes up the hill..


Yes, we do need the water, but get out there and enjoy what is, the rain is sure to come ... Get out of the fog and enjoy the sunshine! Come on up to Murphys! 

Deadline Theme Division January 6

Artists, just a reminder that there are only 2 weeks left to get your entries in for the Theme Division of The Spring Obsession Art Show 2012.  Open Division entries due February 3.... download entry forms from the pages above... or our website http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/

Christmas Trees, persimmons and fujis galore!

With days left before Christmas tis time to trim the tree.

Don't panic, Ironstone has fresh just off the ranch natural trees from Murphys.  From only $20 - $30, tis a great deal as well.  I love the natural look of my tree from Ironstone.  Cut right from Ironstone's ranch, these trees will stay fresh longer and provide a great country look to your Christmas decor.

carmel coat the apples

Fujis from Calaveras County apple farm, these yummy apples are sold here at Ironstone for only .75 cents a pound. Hard to find a better deal!  Coat those with carmel for all the family and friends...

 and bake those persimmon cookies!

Yes, fresh Persimmons!  These make the best Christmas cookies ... and only .50 cents a pound you can afford to stock up, bake up a storm and present the best Christmas presents around!  Ironstone has them both small and large.  All are here while supply lasts...

CALL To Artists reminder!

Just a reminder that the Theme Division entry forms for the 15th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show are due by Friday, January 6, 2012...


Open Division entry forms due Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.  Don't miss these deadlines. This is a great show to be part of.  

Mr. Boots Update

Thank you so much from all our wonderful "Winery Pet Fans"! Your caring inquiries into Boots, Mia, Duke & the nameless one's well being are always appreciated. You are the reason they love coming to work...  


Today's update is for those of you who have been asking about Mr. Boots.  Mr. Boots was retired from the winery last year due to one too many run-ins with neighboring feral cats. He was a perfect tour guide, lap warmer and all around great feline that deserved a comfortable retirement.  Mr. Boots spent many an hour stretched out on the red velvet cushions of the 1800's love seat here in the Heritage Museum accepting all caresses that came his way.  Here is a reminder of those past lazy days.... 

Mr. Boots has been retired to a private, full service facility here in Calaveras County where he spends his days in full comfort.  He has access to the wild outdoors, but elects to remain inside in the comforts afforded to the very special in our lives.


Mr. Boots spends most of his hours in the comfort of his own bed with only the finest feather down pillows, flannel bedding * full down comforter for those chilly winter evenings ....

Upon rising in the later hours of the morning, Mr. Boots keeps himself in fine shape with regular stretching exercises with his personal trainer...

We here at Ironstone send Mr. Boots our best, we miss him dearly but know he is happy in his new home.  We will most certainly share any updates on Mr. Boots should he find the time to send us additional photos and news.

Gold sale continues through December

 Now through January 31st. Ironstone's Heritage Museum Celebrates 15 years with fantastic savings on Gold, Gold in Quartz, Silver Quartz & Star of Alaska jewelry.

The Star of Alaska is becoming one of our current favorites. This deep blue cobaltite shimmers with reflections from the pyrite embedded in these specimens. Set in either 14k white gold or "Platinum Sterling", these pieces are at a more affordable price range than the higher priced Gold in Quartz and uniquely beautiful.   Stop by to have a look and judge for yourself... we think you'll agree.

Also new are several pieces of Gold in Quartz simply set for a more masculine look.  I like this one in particular. The gold veining is thick throughout the slab. It is simple yet quite a conversation piece. We have it on a simple black cord, but, it would look even more spectacular in a heavier gold chain.

There is currently a huge selection of natural nuggets, Gold in Quartz & Silver in Quartz jewelry here for the remainder of December. Come in soon to see the entire collection.

SOLD! And out the door

Just one of the Vaughn Pottery pieces sold. Ironstone Museum's collectors are keeping Bill & June Vaughn very busy these days. One of our guests visiting the Heritage Museum today has actually collected over 80 pieces of Vaughn Pottery!  As Bill says, they have been collecting for "----" years now.  I know I am getting a late start, but, love it!

15th Anniversary Sale starts this weekend!!!

Join us as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary this Saturday and Sunday, with a unique showing and SALE of OROCAL Gold in Quartz and Natural Nugget Jewelry

This weekend is your opportunity to meet Orocal designers. Bring those treasured nuggets you have found or have inheritage and let Orocal select the perfect setting for your heirlooms. Learn more about Gold, Gold in Quartz and Natural Nuggets. 

It's BACK! Limited supply, reserve yours NOW!

It's not $125.00! Its not $99.95! It's not $85.00.... The popular Marble Game board is only $65.00!
Limited number available. If you want one for Christmas, better call or come in now. These beauties go FAST!!! Located in Ironstone's Heritage Museum or call 209 728 1251 ext #47 to reserve yours before they all go!

Star of Alaska comes to Ironstone Saturday!

The Star of Alaska comes to Ironstone, Saturday, Dec. 3rd. 11 - 5 and Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 - 3. Stunning!!! check it out here...  http://youtu.be/hN-OT0cU_To

Call to artists! Deadline January, get your entries in!

The Deadlines for the 15th annual Spring Obsession Art Show competition are drawing near...  We already have over 40 paintings submitted for panel review.  This is the earliest we have ever received entries as the rush usually comes in mid December. We are looking forward to a spectacular show in 2012.  Be a part of all the fun, get your entries in.

Free Music @ Ironstone today till 4:00!

Getting set up for a great time at Ironstone! Come on out and hear the fun! Till 4:00 PM, Saturday only...

While you are here, stop in the Museum. We are celebrating Shop at Home Saturday with 20% off most of our jewelry lines.  If you miss us this Saturday, come celebrate our 15th Anniversary next weekend, Dec. 3 & 4 and meet the owner/designer of the stunning Gold in Quarts jewelry, OroCal. They will be showing off new designes and assisting you with design questions.

Fall Colors at Ironstone