Gilded Day The First

Where oh where to begin. I just attended Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray's Gilded Nest event in Dallas. Quite simply, it was the best art workshop I have attended. There were quality projects in a one-of-a-kind setting and we guests were just spoiled rotten. I have learned from Jodie to take this sort of thing in installments...

So my girl Jemellia and I head to Big D on Thursday and checked in to our event accommodations the Hotel Palomar.

The hotel is located near the SMU campus.

We really enjoyed out hotel and could not understand why we packed 11 pounds of jewelry to debut over the weekend but not one bathing suit.

We had dinner with the Gilded ladies that night. Then bedtime for a fitful night's rest anticipating the trip to the Canton flea market the next day.

Our luxury bus took us to shop in the heat of Texas. In preparation we were given several sweet treats to eat and drink as well as these keepsakes.

A sweet little bag with an embroidered button (by Jemellia) with supplies for a day at the market, a little Gilded Life pocket perfect for a phone, camera or bathing suit had we thought... We all wore that flower. Such a treat, so well done. Also, that bus ride was only 45 minutes, so it was a non-stop frenzy of gift reception. The market bag swap recipients unveiled their items and I am so glad I did not do that swap. This is a group of artists with deep passion, generosity and talent. Who needs that kind of pressure, right?

For example Debe Leone busted this out for Kim Caldwell...

Off to Canton to shop. Gypsy Pearl offered us a lovely lunch. Really, very special.

Not only did they feed and water us, we each received this necklace. There were 30 of us. Very generous, a theme for the whole event.

I bought these old things.

This pile.

And these....which make me feel close to Rebecca Sower.

And this 'cause I need to mix things up...

The next day involves the Church and Colleen Moody giving us the bird.