Artbliss

Well, I'm back from Artbliss in DC and I was greeted by these beautiful welcome home flowers! They look like Fall in a vase!

It sure didn't feel like Fall yet, this was the reading on my car as I was travelling in traffic on I-495 on my way to the retreat friday.

I can't say enough good things about this retreat.  Cindy and Jeanette really created a wonderful atmosphere for everyone.  The venue was intimate and conducive to friendship and learning. We felt at times like we were the only ones at the hotel! There were giveaways, great food, a meet and greet with shopping and trunk shows held in peoples' hotel rooms where we were treated to beautiful creations along with snacks and wine. It would be an understatement to say a good time was had by all!  The leaf trade was fun and some even attached their charms to bracelets and necklaces on site.

So much time and attention on both the charms and the packaging, they are so lovely!

I thought I was taking a lot of pictures but came home to find that I took a lot in class and none outside of class, so i missed pix of good friends, boohoo.

Saturday's class was Hard Candy with Melissa Manley, one of the nicest teachers I have ever had, very knowledgable and laid back. I recommend her classes to anyone if you have the opportunity.

Here is Dawn and Christine at the torches firing their enameled pieces.

I made one completed bead and 2 pair of earring components during class and I'm hooked! Torch firing was so much fun, instant gratification and the possibilities are endless!

Saturday evening I had a class with Deryn Mentock wire wrapping and using resin to create earrings.  Deryn's display at the meet and greet was like looking in a huge vintage jewelry box FULL of treasures, which made it so hard to choose but my friends and I all left with some wonderful pieces of hers! So glad that she came out to the east coast to teach us, hope to see her back again!

On Sunday I had another class with Melissa, this time creating a locket using the rolling mill and hydraulic press ( insert Tim the tool man Taylors' growl here)

I'm afraid these new toys will have to be on this years' Christmas list!

This is where the magic happens,  that is my dear friend Bette on the left,  Ann Schermo at the press and Melissa seated at the bench.

Bette and I were table mates and shopping partners in crime for all 3 classes and i'm afraid her Christmas list looks a lot like mine!

To all those who were unable to attend this year, I would definitely try to make it to next year's event! I'm looking forward to it already!