I couldn't really get into spinning because, well, I wasn't doing it right. But thanks to Megan LaCore (also from the Bay Area) and her tremendously helpful instructional videos. I can now spin correctly! You can find all of Megan's awesome youtube tutorials on The Art of Megan channel. She also has an etsy shop and her own website.
This was my first spinning attempt after I watched her tutorials. I was really pleased with the way it came out. I used some hand painted wool I received in a swap. Then I ended up giving it away in swap!
I'm working on another skein of artyarn at the moment. So far, I've spun and set the yarn, and begun plying it. It's currently on a spindle with all the added beads. It's fun to watch artyarn transform into a skein of surprises, but it's tedious and time consuming. Some of the materials I've used so far are; arcrylic, sequins, crystal, glass, and plastic flowers.