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Monday, June 04, 2012

fall is just around the corner at The Prairie

"Hope Flies"
a new cuff series, I call "On a Wing".
It will make its debut at
this fall.
Along with
A class full of technique...torch fire enameling, 
metal work, drilling into delicate mother of pearl,
and more.
And,
 "Queen Bee"
Registration is now open here, so don't hesitate,
word is beginning to travel ~ FAST!

 

Monday, May 21, 2012

take me back to The Prairie

The Prairie was a dream come true...for both Barb and I.
And, Deryn.
Deryn and I actually ended up staying next door in a B&B called Meyerland Farm
which turned out to be quite the experience.
The farmhouse we stayed in was the original family farm house that Pat and her husband Felix Meyer, stayed in while the house they are now living in was built.
The very first afternoon we had an opportunity to sit in these rockers and sip a glass of wine, while the cool breeze poured softly across the long front porch.  All I could smell was the mounds of star jasmine that grew in a flower bed next to the house.
 Even the little screened in porch would have been a great option any of the days we were there.  But, we had teaching to do, so that never happened.
Each morning we arose, walked across the yard to the "big house" and enjoyed the most scrumptious breakfast spread you could imagine.
I can't believe I don't have a picture of any of them....just too excited I guess.
Then we would hop in my Expedition, and drive less than a quarter of a mile, actually just down the road to the next gap, to begin our day at The Prairie.
Look at this beautiful classroom at the Ranger Lounge.  
Barb and Erin had decorated it beautifully.  The students were amazed when they arrived and found their names on some special "Prairie Flowers", along with personalized name tags & gifts to boot. 
Day One began and ended without a hitch, and for that we were most grateful.
And, in the process, some beautiful pieces were being designed in both our classes.
 This was Kelli's Crystal Confetti in progress, 
which she finished once she got home.
 Marcy had her's on the next day!  It was gorgeous!
Several of the ladies, 
once they attached their focal just couldn't add another thing to it... 
they were just that stunning!
I couldn't agree more.  
Sometimes more is too much.
Here's Lee with hers on before she left that afternoon.
And, this was Rita's in progress sometimes during the day!
All so different, and all so beautiful.
I was proud of each and every one of them.
Here was Deryn's classroom, held on the opposite side of the Ranger Lounge,
on the first day.
It became mine on the second and third,
as I taught a new two-day class I call
Impressions.
The first day was filled with metal prep work.
 First inside.
Then outside on the back porch of the Lounge.
Erin became a pro with the Dremel.
Once these steps were finished, it was on to etching.
Here are some of the finished pieces made on the first day, 
after they enjoyed "playing" with Gilders Paste.
That evening after class, Barb had made reservations for us at 
Royer's Cafe, in Round Top.
The food was delicious, but the company was out of this world.
We laughed so much, and had such a great time....I have to tell ya,
I would do this all again in a heartbeat.
Day Two of Impressions
held more time outside, but this time laying down solder.
 What a great day with some great ladies.
It  ended with some beautiful pieces.
I am so proud of you ALL!
Below are LeeAnn's.

These are Agnes'.
And, then this is Erin's cuff...
Gosh, it all went by so fast.
And before I knew it, it was time to go...
But, not before I rode the scooter!
 Okay, I do some crazy things when I am WAY tired!
This was one of them.
Thank God, I didn't fall down and break my neck....
I was driving Deryn and I home!
So, if you are wondering if this is going to happen again.
Well yes, as plans are now in the works for two retreats in the Fall.
In September Barb will be having a mixed media art event, 
and then in October Deryn and I will once again be teaching jewelry classes...
all new ones!
Watch for more details here and at Vivi Magoo.
You won't want to miss any of them.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

artBLISS 2012

Today ArtBLISS 2012 registration opens!
And, yes, I will once again be traveling up East to be a part of it, 
along with some other fantastic instructors:
I will be teaching one of my new classes
on Saturday, September 22, 2012.
A brand spankin' new cuff class!
Then, I have once again been asked to teach
on Sunday, September 23, 2012.
This time we will be adding a tiny etched book and soldered bottle
to our soldered necklace.
So much FUN.
AND,
I want to share a giveaway happening on one of the artBLISS hostess' blog,
Cindy Wimmer
that begins today with the registration kick-off.
The giveaway will be open for a week
and there will not be just 1, but 4 winners.  
Two will be selected from comments on Cindy's blog, and two will be chosen from those that register for a workshop within the first week (through May 2nd).  
Each of the 4 winners will  receive a tote bag filled with lots of goodies seen below.
I do hope I get to see you while I'm in Sterling, Virginia 
later this year.
It just might be my last trip up East...
for some time....=)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

my class raffle prizes and the end of the hop...






 
~ Heart Strings Raffle Prize  ~
A luscious mound of recycled sari silk, a gorgeous vintage rhinestone button & faceted glass heart, vintage chandelier crystals, baroque pearls, 
and my favorite design staple, 
oxidized crystal rondells.
Heart Strings will be offered in 
June 6th-July 17th

~ Etched & Layered Cuffs Raffle Prize ~
One flat brass cuff, a favorite Brass Bouquet component, several screws & nuts we will be using in class, 
and a super gorgeous vintage rhinestone brooch to add to your cuff!
Etched & Layered Cuffs will be offered in 
July 15th-August 25th
~~~
Don't forget that sign up for
is just around the corner
on
May 3rd!
On that day you'll have access to all of the classes offered in both sessions,
as well as the Supply KITS and Supply LISTS for our classes.
(Many of the kits are WSL...while supplies last).
So, if you've been anxiously awaiting, 
the time is drawing very near!
~~~~
AND, without further adieu,
the end of the hop is finally here!







Final Destination Blog Visit!


Our last and final blog destination belongs to and this is the final location where you'll find the last TWO words left in our secret word collection.


Pick up the last two words here.
Bring ALL your secret words here.

All Entries will Close May 5
Winners will be Announced May 7 at : ArtfulGathering.com


Winners will be drawn at random through random.org. One winner will be chosen to win the $200 e-card gift certificate to Jerry's Artarama, and two winners will be chosen at random to win a $25 e-gift card to Jerry's Artarama.
Please leave all the necessary contact info with your secret words in the moderated comment section of Artful Gathering's Hop Page.

Thank you so much for hopping with us and we look forward to seeing you at Artful Gathering 2012. Special thanks to Jerry's Artarama, Artful Gathering's prize sponsor of the blog hop event.
Good Luck, and thank you for playing!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

more prairie goodness and artful gathering news

:Josie:
This cuff softly whispers of of the many techniques we will be exploring in 
my premier two day class at The Prairie,
called
Etching base metals, laying down of solder with our torches, 
stamping, adding texture,
various cold-join techniques,
and exploring some exciting new patina options. 
 Is is just a bit over a week away before we begin this new journey!

AND....we are so close to the end of the hop!  
AND...early registration begins for  
on
May 3rd,
where I will be teaching two great online classes!

So, without further adieu...

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!



Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!
Blog Hop your way for chance to win!


From June to August 2012, ArtfulGathering.com will be presenting TWO exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists who are known nationally and internationally. We are all very excited to share out knowledge, skill, and creativity with you, and we hope that you will join us for this AMAZING annual online event.


Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!
Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.
You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!Two Runner Up winners will also be chosen at random for a chance to win a $25.00 e-gift card from Jerry's.
Each week I will announce the next featured blog for you to visit, and there you will find a new secret word or words that you will need to collect along your way from blog to blog. Once you have collected all the words from each blog you visit, they will work out to say a very artsy phrase. Here are the rules:
  1. For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
  2. Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerry's.
Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!
Please HOP over and visit the Amazing
Cristina Zinnia Galliher



(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, April 09, 2012

sisters and the blog hop

I am constantly on the hunt for vintage cabinet cards of sisters, 
such as this one.
Probably because I remember all the pics we took as children,
my two sisters and I,
and the memories I attach to each....
Carrie, =) and Debbie

*****
Next on the hop is beautiful
Monica Zuniga.


 Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!



 
Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,

Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!



 From June to August 2012, ArtfulGathering.com will be presenting TWO exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists who are known nationally and internationally. We are all very excited to share out knowledge, skill, and creativity with you, and we hope that you will join us for this AMAZING annual online event.


Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!


Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.


You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!Two Runner Up winners will also be chosen at random for a chance to win a $25.00 e-gift card from Jerrys.

Each week I will announce the next featured blog for you to visit, and there you will find a new secret word or words that you will need to collect along your way from blog to blog. Once you have collected all the words from each blog you visit, they will work out to say a very artsy phrase. Here are the rules:

  1. For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
  2. Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerry's.

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing

Monica Zuniga
 
http://monicazuniga.blogspot.com
Pick Up the Next Secret Word)



Thursday, April 05, 2012

Art Retreat at The Prairie

This is the dining room located in The Ranger Lounge
(above picture courtesy Rachel Ashwell)
at 
Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie B&B.
We will be having breakfast here each morning 
before we begin our classes 
each day.
Today it is EXACTLY three weeks, before we begin an incredible journey together,
and I can hardly believe it.
The very first of many
Barb has put together a groovy little get-together 
for Wednesday,
April 25th from 7-8,
where we will be having a little desert & drinks.
We will be able to mingle and meet each other,
as well as visit with the instructors 
before the next FULL day of classes.
AND,
you'll also be able to tour 
The Prairie.
It is truly an amazing venue, 
one you will not want to leave once you arrive.
Just this past Monday, Barb & I got together to discuss last minute details, 
and I don't know about Barb, but I got all fluttery inside 
thinking about how close it was to the day we begin classes.
 Barb is a one of a kind lady, and I feel so blessed to be a part of her team.
Sometimes I just want to pinch myself.
And, I promise you my friends,
you will not be disappointed....
with the classes,
with the instructors,
with the venue,
AND 
most of all...with Barb Solem.
Here's a fun little tour of The Prairie, but this is just a peak.
There really is so much more.
Enjoy!