Handmade U Frosh

 

It happens almost everytime. I think I am done blogging, then I get inspired
and can't wait to share. I am feel very much like creating after my weekend
at Rachel McGough's Handmade U event in Omaha.

Shelley Overholt of Tuttle, Oklahoma and I flew to Omaha. Really enjoyed that Shelley.
Of course everyone does.
Handmade U features two full day classes, a format I had not experienced
and really enjoyed.
Dawn Sokol led a Tape Bound Journal class.

We made a journal with tape and paint and general frolic.

She then provided exercises in doodling with TIME TO DOODLE. How about that??

Camille McClelland (right) led a two project leather tooling class.

She is the leather whisperer...

 I made the cuff below which bears my word for the year....

 

and the flower cluster which will become a pendant.
Look. Table space...

and snacks...

I just want to play all day. I am full of ideas and am worthless at other parts of my life now. More worthless than usual is accurate to say...

 

I am thinking to resurrect my idea of having classes at my husband's salvage shop
Oklahoma Barn Market.
Shelley has been asking about a doll class for a few years.
I am thinking about it...

 

Much fun at Handmade U. Thank you Rachel.
Here is Michelle and Mollie.

I got to sit next to Alisa Noble and just wear her smooth out. Double double...

However I did have to deal with this shit... 

Other than people's talent to deal with, I enjoyed it and cannot wait to play!

(and I do not throw exclamation points around)

Spellbound: French General

It had been a year and a half since I attended an art retreat. The last one was shortly after mother died and I amazed myself with the good time I had. Of course it was about the people, the place, the projects and activities. And food...
It was Art of Spring at the Church in Dallas hosted by Debbie and Shea of The Gilded Life.

I had decided to choose one event per year because you can't go to everything but I always want to. I kinda didn't want to do another Gilded retreat simply to change it up. But I chose their event again because it is a sure thing, it will be good, it will be worth the money and it will be low stress because they think of everything. So I chose Spellbound...

The night before Spellbound, held in Pasadena, California, was a Soiree at French General hosted by Kaari Meng. I have a love affair with Kaari, well, it's just me involved but I think she'll come around.

I always go to Kaari's classes for the following reasons:

1.   French General products and quality are second to none.

2.   She is friendly, funny, engaging and a calm teacher.

3.   Nothing is required. all the tools and components are there.

4.   You will walk away with a completed project that is usable and high quality.

5.   Also I love Kaari.

It was a delight to be in her Riverside, California brick and mortar store...

I couldn't even look at the Wall of Beads in Jars for about an hour and a half.

 

Make and takes.

What I bought.

The class I took with Kaari at the Spellbound event itself, her Bijou bracelet. 

Over 70 beads and charms.

See what I mean?

 

Sweet postcard make and take of French General for Jolee's Boutique.

Dee-lish my sweet sweet Kaari...

I alway act like such a goofball around her...and also everybody.