Gilded Day The Last

And now, my final installment regarding the trip to the Gilded Nest Art Event at the home of Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray. I have to say all that fabulousness and reporting all that fabulousness can be exhausting. Also, I realize what a good problem that is. Somebody had to eat all those cupcakes...

Sunday was brunch followed by Shea and her technique of wire wrapping. We began with a little treat from Jo of Where Women Create who sent each of us a little some-something.

We had a practice bracelet which I was happy with and frankly could have stopped there.

Of course the grand finale was this charm bracelet. Mine of course says 'nest' because that is where all paths begin and end for me. One of the most important things in my life, the nest...

During a drawing for many pearl-clutching delights, I was the lucky draw to receive this print from Jenny and Aaron of Everyday is a Holiday. What a thrill because, you dear reader, need to realize my deep and abiding love of cake and icing. Cupcakes actually represent the best life has to offer in confection. Thanks so much to Shea and Jenny for it!

Also my bird Jemellia showered me with what can only be known as an embarrassment of riches and roughly a yard of embroidery.

Thank you Jemellia. So much.

And thank you to Shea and Debbie for a thrilling, indulgent ride of luxury, laughter and love.

Gilded Day The Second

Jemellia and I attended The Gilded Nest event. First day was the bus trip to Canton for the monster flea.

Then we arrive at the church for our class with Colleen Moody of prim doll fame.

The table was set for 30.

Thur. Dee.

They take that whole 'bigger'n Dallas' thing seriously..

They spoiled us rotten. Our families are forever angry with Shea and Debbie...

We each had a Gilded Life bag of really good stuff. I have peaked at it all, but true to form, I have not opened everything yet. I will use it as a lovely distraction on a bad day. Which I will and won't look forward to...

The place setting from Colleen...

Then Colleen gave us the bird.

Paint.

Then the costuming. And a gilded crown.

Oh shit. That is not my crown.

That belongs to Charlotte.

Whom I love. Well, until I met her doll.

My bird scrubs her bird's floors.

And is thrilled for the work.

Fortunately...we were fed gloriously all day then had an intimate vendor night.

Colleen's dolls.

Colleen is a doll.

Shea and Debbie's table.

And throne...

Such a good day.

Really, Charlotte?

The next day, Shea wrapped us in wire and made us eat cupcakes.

Gilded Day The Church

The Gilded Nest event recently attended by Jemellia and me started with a bus ride over to the city of Canton for hotter n' hell shopping. The next two days of the workshop were held at The Church of Shea Fragoso where she lives with her family and mother Debbie Murray. In the heart of Dallas, this church had been abandoned for many years before the daunting task of restoring it to its former beauty as well as the conversion into a single family home.

Debbie Murray restored the leaded glass windows, Shea's father built the cabinets, Shea decorated and Robert brought home the dough to get this deal done.

They are very generous to open the doors and entertain.

The room most likely to induce spontaneous urine flow is the studio.

So, take a look and I will be quiet.

 

Jewels...

Drools...

Take that in and I will tell you more soon...

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.