Promised Pictures!!!

Many days ago....I promised pictures of our wonderful retreat...but, as usual time has gotten away from me. I'm not sure what I've been doing but it seems like things are swirling and swirling. Here are some of the retreat pictures..... Because I've been out of the blog posting ritual for a while....I'm having a really difficult time moving pictures around. I'm sure there's an easy way.....but after a good length of time....I GIVE UP!!!! So these pics may not be in order but at least you can see what happened over the magical weekend....I only wish that I had taken more pictures of all that went on....the food, the laughs, the joy, the love, the smiles. I also wish I had gotten pictures of Deborah's project. She is an amazing teacher....absolutely amazing. She actually taught 12 women how to basket weave. Working with Deborah and Tracy on this retreat was such a honor. They are two amazing women and their support has been unbelievable. I love them both deeply. We share a vision and we are all three holding hands as we reach for the stars.

All I can say, looking back at the weekend, is that it went beyond any of my dreams. Everyone was so dedicated to "creating" in the true sense of the word....not just art....but....compassion, friendship, support, heart. The Sparrow's Nest Studio was full of creative energy and true love.We asked everyone to bring a special token to add to our altar which we made as a group during the opening part of the retreat. The center candle was for Richard and his hats and picture are part of the altar. The candles were lit at the beginning of everyday and then blown out at the end. It truly was beautiful.
Our theme for the weekend was "nests".....and these are three samples of the projects that were going to be made. The left is a paper mache' type nest covered with "magic transformed grocery bags". The center is a felted nest that Tracy designed. And.....the right is a woven basket nest that Deborah miraculously taught us how to make.

On Sunday morning, before everyone arrived, I spent some time quiet in the studio just taking in the energy. It felt so awesome.....and I knew that Richard was very close and that he was very happy!!!!
On Friday night Tracy taught us how to felt wool fiber around a rock......sounds crazy but it works. Everyone had such a fabulous time....washing, smoothing, rubbing, massaging their fibered rock. The best part was that when they were felted each fibered rock was slit and pushed out....(we called it the birthing) and we were left with a beautiful wool nest!!!! Oh my gosh...magic was happening!!!We spent the Saturday morning transforming brown paper bags into beautiful painted treasures. Everyone was introduced to a variety of techniques and products that allowed beautiful and amazing end results. On Sunday....these papers were used to cover a paper mache'd nest and then fiber was added. These finished pieces were amazing.

Mali and Jazzy, The Studio Dogs, really enjoyed the weekend. They picked up on the energy and it just wore them out!!!

I wish I had gotten pictures of Deborah's basket weaving nest project. It was so fun. We all were totally in awe of the fact that we were actually weaving basket nests. Everyone was thrilled with their finished projects.

People at the retreat were asking for samples of the class projects that the studio was offering this Fall so we set up a display table with the various pieces on it. I must say....I'm really proud of the specific classes that we are doing in our opening quarter of The Sparrow's Nest Studio. The art on that table clearly demonstrated the depth of talent these two women that I am working with have. I trully believe there is something for everyone. True to Richard's dreams...creativity energy is going to flourish at the studio this Fall. Honey.....this is all being done with your spirit at the center. Thank you for being such an inspiration for us all.