For the last 3 years the second weekend of November serves as the beginning of the holiday season festivities for me. It is on this weekend that I attend a mixed media arts retreat in Omaha Nebraska, called Silver Bella. A wonderfully creative woman, Teresa McFayden hosts this amazing retreat. It is difficult to describe the feeling of being with 200 other women from all over the country that all are such creative souls. Over the course of the weekend I took 5 classes from some incredible instructors. These are a few pictures of the projects that I worked on. Some are finished, and some are a work in progress.
I created this snowman ornament in Jennifer Murphy's class. Jennifer's class was one of my favorites because I learned so many new techniques. She had the most comprehensive project instructions. With all of the steps involved in the making of this fabulous ornament, it would have been so easy for the participants to have become overwhelmed. But, because of Jennifer's meticulous instructions, and her incredible patience, I believe everyone left the class with a completed ornament. A couple of women put their own spin on this project and gave created adorable skirts for their snow person. I am going to have to try that next!
My next class was taught by Charlotte Lyons. We created stocking hats from recycled wool sweaters that we felted before we came to class. By no means is my hat perfect, but I have to say I was pretty pleased with my first attempt at such a project. I used an old cardigan for the main part of the hat. I thought the buttons that were already part of the cardigan gave me detail without extra work ... which is always a plus. I added a piece of a sweater scrap around the rim. If I make another hat, I want to find a better way of finishing off the top of the hat. Of course Charlotte's example that she showed in class was finished with much more polish than mine is here, but practice makes perfect ... right?! I was just so pleased that at this point in the weekend I was 2 for 2 with finishing my class projects. (Ok, I will admit, I did finish the hat in my room later that first night) I was determined that this year I was going to actually go home with some finished projects. In the last 2 years that I have been attending Silver Bella, I never finished one thing. And of course when I get home, I get busy with the holiday festivities, and then the projects forever get lost where all forgotten unfinished projects go ... to the basement!
Don't you just love all of those ribbons? Not to mention that fabulous vintage polka dot fabric ... yikes!! I am such a sucker for all things textile. Pam Garrison taught this really fun Advent Wreath class. This is one project that, as you can see that I did not complete yet. But, I have promised myself that I am going to ... no, really! The idea is that you are to add a holly leaf onto the wreath every new day in December. These leaves are the only ones that I have embellished so far. I only have 20 more to go. I may not finish all of the holly leaves until the end of December, but I will finish them. I know, maybe that will be the advent activity. I should embroider one each day and then pin it on. I think that just might work! Pam provided all of these wonderful ribbons for us, as well as fabric that we could choose from to wrap the wreath with. I used my own fabric, though, because I knew it would add just the whimsy I was looking for. Pam also provided the fun felt that was donated to her for the class by Heather Bailey. It was so much fun to see the different interpretations of this project by all of the fabulously creative ladies in the class.
I could hardly wait to take this class. Rebecca Sower taught this Hodge Podge Journal class. She creates the most amazing and inspiring journals herself. If you haven't before, please take a moment to visit her blog and experience her creativity. Rebecca provided all of the materials we needed for this project, but we were encouraged to bring along any bling or other embellishments of our own that we might want to add to the journals. Inside the journal is a mixture of watercolor paper, ledger paper, envelopes, a house shaped piece of chip board, as well as other odds and ends that are just waiting for thoughts and doodles to be added.
This project was such a fun way to end Silver Bella. I got to enjoy the class with several friends that I met last year, and was fortunate enough to get to spend time with them again this year. Needless to say, we had many laughs while making our bracelets! Kaari Meng of the famed French General taught this class. There is a French General store out in LA, that I would love to visit some day, but for now I just pour over their books. Before taking this class, I never would have thought that I would be able to create such a bracelet. My finished bracelet is a testament to what a patient teacher Kaari was. Not to mention, my very helpful friend Jen. I simply cannot wait to make some additional pieces with the charms and kits that I purchased while taking Kaari's class. Does it get any better I ask you ... making jewelry and shopping, all in one convenient location.
These 3 ladies, Jen, Cammy, and Kelli were a hoot! I had so much fun spending time with them throughout the weekend. It's too bad that we all don't live closer. We could be creating and talking together all of the time ... he, he, he. All 3 women are so inspiring with the creative talent they each possess. Jen and I live only a few hours apart, so we are already planning a get together. But sadly, Cammy and Kelli live many states away! I need to mention that you should absolutely go check out Kelli's new website, Posies on Parade. She creates the most wonderful dolls, posie pockets, and other fanciful items. Kelli provided some of her items to Teresa to give away as door prizes throughout the weekend. Each time some lucky woman won one of Kelli's creations, you could hear a squeek of delight as they opened their treasure.
There is so much more that I could share about this fantastic weekend. In fact, there are just not enough adjectives to use to aptly describe this experience! Needless to say, I came home very inspired to do some creating of my own in my much neglected studio. I have already finished some items that I am hoping to get onto etsy by the end of next week. I will keep you updated!
till next time,
melissa
Comments