How can I decribe how wonderful it was to be in a place where like minds came together and creativity was flowing without end?  Over the weekend, Lynn Davis described similar feelings in her post on Art Bead Scene after attending ArtFest a few weeks ago.  There were so many artists in one place, whose books I’ve read or whose techniques I’ve heard about……. Walking down the hall, I peeked in to see Susan Lenart-Kazmer with her students gathered around for a demo, right in the middle of the hallway there was Michael deMeng showing some newly created “deMented toys”, and right outside the glass wall I could see Richard Salley demonstrating with a torch.  This was a dream day!  I was only able to attend one workshop, but one lady I met was attending SIX!

Considering this was my first retreat, I wasn’t familiar with all of the traditions….for example the awesome trading that goes on!!  People would walk right up to one another and ask, “Do you have a trade?”  And they’d swap charms.  Apparently you bring a bunch of charms made up in any media to swap…I was generously given a few as an indoctrination. 🙂  Collaborating, sharing, asking for and giving suggestions…it was wonderful to see that going on all around.  This is an annual even that people make a point to return to.  The ladies at my table were from NY, PA, and NC.

I really enjoyed my class with Linda and Opie O’Brien.  They were witty, knowledgeable, and down to earth.  Some of the techniques in my workshop:  working with sheet metal, creating natural patinas, creating a riveted bezel, a copper pipe bezel, soldering, drilling stones and working with concrete (yes, concrete!).  Here is my work in progress:

I have to admit I work quite slow.  I like to “stew” over an idea, play with different layouts and beads…I just can’t be rushed.  My partner Maureen, on the other hand, just had a creative streak and was able to complete this beautiful necklace.  She even wore it out the door!

Maureen's necklace (of Maureensmojo on Etsy)

Here are my pendants at the end of class.  As you can see they were not finished, but I got straight to work on them back at home.

Almost finished!

The pendant on this first necklace was patinated, then hammered, stamped, layered with sewing paper tissue, then sealed with gel medium.   The resin piece you see in the concrete bezel is by Jade Scott.   The lampwork dangle is by Kim Typanski.  I named this piece “Imaginary Friend”…loved that figure stamp I borrowed from Maureen.  I had totally forgotten what I had stamped on the back – see the name fit perfectly!

Imaginary Friend

back detail

My next necklace I titled simply, “Dream Catcher”.  Maybe you can see the resemblance too.  I traded some coiled copper links for that sweet piece of Murano glass chain with the birds along the side of the chain.  I tried something different here and used oxidized copper ball chain.  I wrapped the ends snug and created wrapped loops to secure the chain.  I made that disc you see in the blue concrete!  The other lampwork beads are by Moon Stumpp.

Dream Catcher

That’s about it for this show and tell.  As you can see, I’m excited about the whole experience and hope I can make this an annual retreat….although next year will be a challenge as they’ve moved it the weekend of my son’s birthday.  Wire Fest was this weekend as well and I can’t wait to hear about that event.  Nothing like learning new techniques to open a window of inspiration!