Sponge Bob as Dracula

For weeks I traveled by a little shop on N. Stone and kept noticing paper maché sculptures drying outside. Recently I ventured into the shop called the Party Factory to discover a fun new world: The world of Piñata creation.

Paper Mache Sculptures Drying Outside The Party Factory

Sculptures Drying Inside Party Factory

This family operated store specializes in making over 250 different Piñatas in about every shape imaginable. The family business is third generation Piñata craftsmen. They are originally from Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico and their family has been master Piñata craftsman for over 75 years. A fourth generation is learning the trade today from the father.

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“THE INSTANT I STARTED WOODTURNING, I KNEW I’D MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE,” LYNNE YAMAGUCHI SAYS. “It was the absolute most true decision I could have made.”

 That was seven years ago. Yamaguchi was stuck in a high pressure, deadline driven job that she felt was draining her life away. When she asked herself what would make her happy, the answer came instantly: woodturning.

Maple burl hollow vessel by Lynne Yamaguchi

Woodturning? She’d never done it, didn’t know how. No tools, no shop, no training.

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Tucson’s historic Valley of the Moon is continuing its 36^th annual Halloween show at the famous fantasyland this month. It started on October 14 and will continue up until October 30.  The reviews from visitors I talked with have been impressive. This year’s performance is titled Magic Carpet Chaos at the Haunted Ruins

The EVIL ONE! Photo by (halfpricecarboncredits.com)

The Evil One has returned and his minions are trying to hijack the new Magic Carpet Land from the Genie. Will the Wizard and the Genie have enough power to stop him?  Return to the land of fairies and gnomes and embark on a mystical adventure armed with nothing more than your Magic Stone to help protect you and the Valley of the Moon from the forces of evil. The play is spooky but not frightening to younger children. (more…)