Last weekend I attended
ArtBliss for the first time. I remember reading about
Lori Anderson's experience there last year and thought it sounded like the perfect creative weekend that would inspire me. That and I only live six miles from the venue; how could I not go!
My artistic journey began with the
Meet & Greet/Author Signing Friday night. Not only did I get my books signed by the talented authors, but I got to mingle with a great group of women! It gave me a chance to meet some of the fabulous people that I interact with through blogs and Facebook. I also discovered that a few of these lovely ladies live close by. Creative play date anyone?
sold her kits and tutorials for her macrame bracelets and knotted earrings.
In between mingling, I couldn't resist the gorgeous bright colored lampwork
beads that
Kerry Bogert was selling. She too was signing copies of her new
Saturday evening, I stopped at the
Bead Destash organized by Lori Anderson. Lori contributes to the bead community in so many wonderful ways and this was just another one of her brilliant ideas! Thank you Lori!
Erin Seigel checking out some of the beads.
My bead destash loot!
If any of the artisans recognize their beads, please let me know as I like to credit artists in my design description.
The amazing Lori Anderson packing up the remaining beads.
I love her pink hair!
Saturday evening was my class
Heavy Metal Beads with
Stacie Florer. What an incredible class and instructor! Stacie helped me overcome my fear of micro torches. I purchased a soldering kit a year ago and haven't used it since, due to my fear of butane and the tiny flame! Well, that fear didn't last long as I was soldering two days later at home! Woot for me!
Stacie demonstrating a metal forming technique.
These are the beads that I made in class!
After Stacie's class, I headed to a trunk show held by
Jenny Davies-Reazor and Carol Dee Meyers.
I arrived with 15 minutes left and by that point few beads remained, little wine was left and much fun was had!
Jenny and her gorgeous ceramic beauties!
Girls just wanna have fun...and they do!
Some of Carol's stunning enamel beads in the foreground. I missed out on the
tornado beads that I love...maybe next time!
As it was getting late and I needed to get up in six hours for my Sunday morning class, I bid everyone farewell. At least for the time being!
Sunday morning, bright and early, was my all-day class
Color Your World with
Christine Damm. I have been wanting to work with polymer clay for the past two years. I have already bought everything I need, just needed that creative nudge to get the spark lit. That spark has turned into quite the flame, thanks to Christine's class!
Christine demonstrates how to paint polymer clay with heat set oil paints.
Look what I made...
My homework: finish coloring the pendants that I made. Not a bad assignment at all!
This class was so much fun, not just because Christine was an awesome instructor but I was surrounded by a great group of students who inspired and encouraged one another.
Carol Dee Meyers uses some antique buttons to create an impression in a mold she formed.
Cindy Wimmer, Kerry Bogert, Heather O'Brien and Carol Dee Meyers work on coloring their world!
Are we not the most awesome polymer clay class ever!
I learned some amazing artistic techniques, met some wonderful people and left with new friendships!
A fabulous weekend-can't wait for next year!
