Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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!


5 comments:

  1. Laura, These photos are super cool! It looks like a lot of fun was had by all and a lot of learning! Looking forward to meeting you in person in a couple of weeks!

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  2. I am so glad you had such a great time..you looked beautiful in the pix...loved the charm you made & the packaging..it is classy & lovely just like you !! I envy your talent & courage to drive to all these places to continue learning....you are so special...love you...

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  3. How cool! I hope you come again next year, because I'll finally be able to go!

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  4. Laura, thank you for all of the compliments...you sure made my day reading them here!!! :-) I know Jeanette and I had the best time too. And here I am thinking about how last week at this time we were hanging out in our hotel rooms talking about the Meet and Greet and looking forward to the first day of classes....
    I enjoyed seeing your pictures inside the classrooms. I love seeing some of the goings-on that I missed. I was fortunate though to take Deryn's Crowned Gems class on Sunday. I finished it up and hope to put a picture on my blog soon.
    You're going to have a great time I see, in Barbara's class in Annapolis! She is such a wonderful friend and another fantastic teacher I am proud to have taken a class with. We're getting spoiled with all of these great instructors lately! :-)
    Cindy

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  5. Hello sweet Laura, Your blog entries are awesome. The pic of you and hubby love it!! 30 years...sometimes seems like yesterday. So glad you made it to my blog. I am always late getting around...seems like so much to do and not ever enough time. I had such a great time meeting everyone at Art Bliss. I will be seeing you all again at Art & Soul in May. Love the pics here, the kiddos on the beach....adorable!! Take care, Dawn

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