i'm .....

I've found that once I return from a trip, I need a little down time.

This trip proved no different,

after traveling through seven states and back, on our way 

to and from ArtBLISS.

The name is self explanatory. 

Jeanette Blix and Cindy Wimmer have created an art retreat to remember.

If you have the opportunity to attend in 2012, start thinking about it now.

You won't regret it.

The intimate setting makes for a wonderful retreat.  And, if there ever were the perfect hostess', these two ladies definitely fit the bill.

Here's what they had waiting for me at the front desk!

How sweet is that?

Lori, =), Cindy

I finally had the opportunity to meet Cindy Wimmer face to face, 

after talking to her online for over two years.

And, meet Lori Anderson, who is the master mind behind the Bead Soup Blog Party!

I also met this round's soup partner, Kerry Bogert, 

who taught a couple of classes herself.

Kerry, =), Deryn

I had an opportunity set up shop next to Deryn Mentock at the Friday night's Meet and Greet, before the first round of classes that started the next day.

And, what a whirlwind it was....as I taught two classes and was in the classroom from way before 8 am to way after 9 pm. 

A long day for a short girl from Texas!  LOL.

But, as I began this post....

I am now standing on the other side, and it feels good.

Last Saturday was the seventh time I've taught my 

Etched and Layered cuff class.  

Here were the first set of cuffs waiting to be dipped into the etching bath.

Just as it was for me the first time, my students were thrilled

when their cuffs came out of the bath looking beautifully etched!

Luckily I had some help from my dh, as always; and my friend,
Ronnie~who helped keep me on task.

 I believe you'll agree, the cuffs are gorgeous!

That evening I taught the tassel part of my Heart Strings,

and had another great group of ladies.

 Adrianne and Andi kept me in stitches, 

as they built their tiny books and added the strings to their tassels.

Here is Andi's finished piece.  Layer upon layer of recycled sari silk, vintage ribbon, chains of all kinds, pearls, vintage rhinestones, mother of pearl buttons,
brass bits and numerous baubles.
I just love it!

We laughed most about the text she cut out of my vintage book of Shakespeare, 

and placed on the front of her tiny etched book. 

The next day was my largest class of the three,

Believe Soldered Pendant ... where many super stars

showed up!

What an honor and a blast to have Jeanette, Cindy and Lori,
there to spend the whole day with me.
Thanks so much ladies....for humbling me to my knees.

 Where is Jeanette?  Oh, I know...running around trying to fill every one's "needs".

She must have had a "store" in her room!

I am amazed at how the ladies spent the morning making beautiful original art to tuck inside their pendants, charms and bubbles.

Then, that very afternoon,
pick up a soldering iron and take off like they had been soldering for years!
I was impressed.

Without further ado, here are some of their beautiful soldered charms....

 Aren't they gorgeous?

Thanks to all my students who made me feel like a million bucks.

Thanks to Jeanette and Cindy for allowing me to come to the East Coast and share my passion for sharing.

 And, thank you Allen for helping all along the way.

It made getting to the other side easier than you know.....xo