2011 Create with K8

Many of you know that I'm addicted to art retreats.  I love participating in art activities, exploring photography, and being surrounded by other creative souls.  But one thing I always find myself saying when I'm at these retreats is, "I wish the ladies back home were here"...or "so and so would love this"...or "why don't I do this more often?"

So in 2011 I decided to bring the art retreat to me!  One Sunday afternoon out of each month, "the girls" gathered at my house for a creative adventure.  People came when they could make it; it was a no pressure, no experience needed kind of thing.  We did everything from rock painting to xmas tree decorations...but the end result wasn't the important thing.  It was about creating, it was about community...and turning a dream of mine into reality!

In honour of each and every one that joined me along the way - and to all those that really wanted to come but just couldn't get the stars to aline - I put together this little video of the monthly projects.  I hope the rest of you will enjoy it as well!

And now, on to 2012 dreams.  What are you dreaming about?

The Lasting Effects of Artfest

So it's been 2 months since Artfest.  Why it's taken me so long to post about it is beyond me - regardless, I'm here now.  It's kind of interesting to reflect on it now though, as it shows what's really stuck with me about the experience.  

Let's start it off with my wine drinking buddy, Mindy Lacefield!  I had such a good time hanging out & laughing with Mindy - it really wouldn't have been the same without her.  And it was such an honour to help her as she debuted at the Artist's Marketplace.  This chick was on fire & practically sold out of everything!  And might I add that Teesha quickly swooped up 3 of her original paintings?  It was so cool watching Mindy shine and it was so much fun watching people swoon over her art!

If you haven't seen it before, you need to go check her out NOW!  

Me and Mindy Lacefield - photo by Mindy

I can't forget to show this piece that Mindy created for me as a thank you for helping her at her table.  It's complete with a camera & my favourite hat...she's so thoughtful!

 Workshops.  Yes, the workshops.  I tried to pick things that I didn't have a lot of experience with...tried to push myself out of my comfort zone.  And I did!  My jewellery making class with Nina Bagley was a tad frustrating because I realized I brought the wrong kind of silver wire, but the encaustic and plaster class with Patricia Seggebruch was so much fun!  She's so inspiring and a great teacher - I will definitely be buying some wax soon.  And then the Wood Totems class with Karen Michel was awesome too!  I actually had a finished piece from the class...which doesn't happen with me often as I like to take my time!    

yummy wax!

Wood Totem example done by Karen Michel

I had a blast hanging out with these ladies below!  They are so creative, hilarious and overall awesome!  My only regret is that I didn't take a class from Sunny.  But I bought a hat from her so I don't feel so bad. She's so talented - go check out her stuff! 

Sunny Carvahlo, Cheryl McCloud, Kathie Vezanni

I only met Michelle briefly - over late night doodling & wine.  I wish I would have taken one of her classes - maybe next time!  But you know when you meet someone & you just know they're kick ass?  She's so creative and inspiring.  And that hat?  Love.  A little secret about me...I LOVE funky hats.  So of course I had to love Michelle. 

Michelle Allen and me - photo by Mindy Lacefield 

Ok, and this is not a very good picture...but notice that bookmark below?  It says Dream.  It's the cutest thing and was generously given to me by Regina as a trade - even though I didn't give her anything in return.  Side note: If you go to Artfest don't forget to bring trades!  I didn't get a chance to chat with her much at Artfest, but since I've been home I've been obsessed with her posts on Creative Kismet.  Let me tell you, there is nothing that this girl can't do!  She dabbles in everything and is bravely going after her dreams.  Another little secret about me...I LOVE watching people follow their dreams.    

Ok!  I better stop there!  You're probably tired of reading by now...  :)

On Community

Before I get too far along here, I feel the need to give a big shout out to my Scarf Sisters.  Well, I guess it’s only the 4^th post so far...so I’m not that far in.  But I likely wouldn’t have started this blog had I not met this community of amazing women.

I could tell you lots about communities.  I studied them in university.  I work with them in my day job.  There are communities of interest and communities of place – in fact, according to Wikipedia there are 45 different types of communities! (ok, enough random factoids)

But I’ve never really stopped to think about how I fit into these communities.  I’m very grateful to have supportive friends - simply amazing girlfriends - and family around me, and I’ve always been keen to travel & meet new people.  So, I’ve never really questioned that I wasn’t part of a community.  But I guess what I didn’t realize was how much I longed for a certain community - the creative community - until it hit me smack in the face in the fall of 2009!

I’ve always had creative longings...which, long story short, led me to serendipitously land myself at Liz Lamoreux’s Unearth - A Be Present Retreat, where I was opened up to a whole new world of creative dreamers and doers!

It’s such a good feeling to be surrounded by like-minded people.  To go on photo walks and not feel like you’re holding others up because you need to photograph Every. Single. Thing.   Not needing to explain that you are not narcissistic when you’re taking endless self-portraits.  And being able to share your love of buttons, funky fabric, scrapbook paper…and cute hats! 

We’re all on our unique paths, spread wide over Canada and the United States, but the strength of this community is demonstrated by the fact that a year later – this past November – we reunited.  Of course not everyone was able to make it, but those that couldn’t were definitely there in spirit! 

And so, by meeting these wonderful women I have introduced myself into another new community – of creative bloggers – and I can't wait to see what the future holds.  

Whatever your dream, whatever your passion, know that there is a whole community of like-minded people out there just waiting to be discovered.  What is your place in community? Do you long for a certain community?  Perhaps you’re already a part of it…  (daytime group shots taken by Patty Waite)