Art Retreat at The PrairieArt Retreat by the BeachArt Retreat in the Desert

Thursday, December 13, 2012


(Tell them you are registering as a student of Art Retreat by the Beach)
Raj Champaneri
Reservations Manager


Follow Vivi Magoo Presents for up-to-date information! 
And, while you’re there, check out our other pages, 
to learn more about our variety of art retreat opportunities! 

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Monday, November 5, 2012


http://www.art-is-you.com/mysitecaddy/site3/artis...hurricanesandyreliefprogram.htm

Please help us in our efforts to provide relief to the thousands of unfortunate Americans affected by last week's storm. Visit the website and make your donation today -

Wednesday, October 31, 2012



Art Retreat at The Prairie
Fall 2012

       
my fabulous team!
L to R
Lisa Monroe, Erin Solem Leon (Vivi's mom!), Deryn Mentock, Diane Cook, me, and Marie Gray (the Prairie Innkeeper)
Erin, Diane and me
anticipating classes on Friday!
The dust has settled on The Prairie – Students and instructors have returned home after a fantastic weekend. Art Retreat at The Prairie – Fall 2012 was a huge success, judging from the happy faces and sad good-byes on Sunday. Thirty-five creative women came together, most not knowing anyone else at the retreat, but all ready to forge new friendships as they learned tips and techniques for creating the most beautiful jewelry and mixed-media art projects taught by the most talented of designer/instructors.
Stephanie's
Bodacious Butterfly Beauties!
Ladies came laden with all
of their supplies to create
beautiful jewelry!
Connie and me
she has the BEST Tennessee accent!
Cute as a button too!
We gathered together to create and learn, eat and drink, talk and listen. You could hear the conversations amidst the banging and hammering. “Where are you from?” I’ve come all the way from California to take Diane’s classes.” “This is my first class ever, and I’m a little afraid!” “Girl, your bangles are the best! You are the eyelet queen!”
students hard at work
and having fun!
Big Danny and Little Me!
We were wined and dined by local caterers, restaurateurs, and, of course, our special and favorite Prairie icon – Big Danny! I kid-you-not – that man can do it all! He will don a frilly Rachel Ashwell apron in the morning and fix the best country breakfast you’ll ever eat, raise a barn in the afternoon, and host a fried chicken dinner in the evening – all the while keeping a big welcoming and sincere smile on his handsome face! We all need a Danny in our lives!

Diane, Deryn, Lisa and Stephanie were the bestest instructors! They pushed and pulled every student to reach their highest and best. They pulled out all the stops and gave the ladies all of their undivided attention. The result was perfection – perfect new skills, perfect projects and perfectly satisfied and content students.
Diane (right)
with friend and student Sylvia
Deryn (right)
with friend and student, Ronnie

Instructor/Artist
Stephanie Rubiano's beauties
Ronnie, Maria and Gayle
all winners of the giveaways
on Saturday night!
The weather cooperated with us, too. Although hot and steamy a day before the retreat, Friday dawned cloudy and cool with a wind that kept the heat away and fall in the air. Each day was better than the previous – Sunday was absolutely delightful! No one complained about the heat – everyone was thankful for the presence of fall in all her glory.
 
Our favorite crooner,
Frankie, delighted us all
with her joviality!

Art Retreat at The Prairie – Fall 2012 is a delightfully sweet memory in our minds now. We look forward to the spring, when we can reunite and share our lives again with each other. Plan to join us at Art Retreat at The Prairie – Spring 2013. You’ll love the students. You’ll love the instructors. You’ll love the projects. You’ll love The Prairie. You’ll love the time you took to connect with these special ladies in this special spot.

 Join us at all of our retreats next year!

Vivi Magoo!!!



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Follow Vivi Magoo Presents for up-to-date information! 
And, while you’re there, check out our other pages, 
to learn more about our variety of art retreat opportunities! 

***********

*If you are viewing this website on a mobile device, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and switch to “View Web Version.”


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Name tags ~ FINISHED!!!




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Follow Vivi Magoo Presents for up-to-date information! 
And, while you’re there, check out our other pages, 
to learn more about our variety of art retreat opportunities! 

***********

*If you are viewing this website on a mobile device, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and switch to “View Web Version.”

Monday, October 15, 2012




Schedule of Events

Daily Class Schedule

Morning Session
9:30 am until 12:30 pm

Lunch Break *
12:30 until 1:30 pm
Have you signed up for the catered lunches?
You can pick them up in the Ranger Lounge at 12:30 pm each day.

Afternoon Session
1:30 pm until 4:30 pm

Happy Hour
5:00 until 6:00 pm
Relax at the end of the day and enjoy a glass of wine and some yummy snacks!
Compliments of Vivi Magoo!

Dinner *
6:00 pm

Friday
Deliciousness and fun for all!

Saturday
Chef Danny’s Southern-Style Dinner
 At The Prairie

Sunday
Traditional Texas BBQ Dinner, by The Back Porch
At The Prairie


* Would you still like to sign up for meals? *
Email me in the next day-or-two, and I’ll send you an invoice through PayPal.
If you are only interested in only some lunches and/or dinners, I’ll be happy to customize the meal plan to fit your needs.

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Follow Vivi Magoo Presents for up-to-date information! 
And, while you’re there, check out our other pages, 
to learn more about our variety of art retreat opportunities! 

***********

*If you are viewing this website on a mobile device, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and switch to “View Web Version.”

Thursday, October 11, 2012


for those of you attending....


Fall 2012

You are Invited!

Meet and Greet


Thursday
October 25th
6 until 8 pm
Ranger Lounge

Come join Erin and me for a piece of Royer’s pie
…and a glass of wine or lemonade!

Meet other students!
Greet your fabulous instructors!

A fun way to begin making new friends!


for more information, call me at 602.509.6030 or

See you soon!
Barb


Follow Vivi Magoo Presents for up-to-date information! 
And, while you’re there, check out our other pages, 
to learn more about our variety of art retreat opportunities! 

Sunday, September 16, 2012



Art Retreat in the Desert is being held here




You can reserve your room for the retreat here



You can read about the Tucson Bead and Gem Shows here


This is where we are going to spend our day on Thursday!







Follow Vivi Magoo Presents for up-to-date information! 
And, while you’re there, check out our other pages, 
to learn more about our variety of art retreat opportunities! 

Friday, August 24, 2012


As usual ~ as has often happened in the course of my life ~ I have back-doored my way into learning a truth about myself and ~ as has often happened in the course of my life ~ I am forever grateful for the lesson learned and changed by the experience.

I kind of stumbled onto LoriAnderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party by chance. I found her blog one day while surfing around on the Internet and began reading through the stories of her previous bead soup blog parties. I loved looking at all of the beads and findings that were passed back and forth between the participants, and I was impressed with the creations made by each of the recipients. I never gave any thought to joining in the party; I was sure I couldn’t possibly live up to everyone’s experience and creativity, and I didn’t want to disappoint either Lori or my potential bead soup partner.
Here's what I received in the mail! Beautiful surprises inside!
This time was different, though. I kept hearing a little voice telling me to jump in, overcome my insecurities and challenge myself. That little voice was telling me that I had taken plenty of classes, had learned at the feet of many master jewelry designers/instructors, made enough mistakes along the way to be somewhat proficient in my skills, and had created quite a few an over-abundance of pieces along the way. What was I waiting for? My inferiority complex kept getting in the way and I would always run away from the possibility of putting myself out there with a potential for harsh criticism. What if I created a piece of jewelry, tried to sell it, and no one wanted to buy it…because it was ugly or poorly designed or some other (fill-in-the-blank) reason? This time, being different, I had a good talking-to with myself and decided to jump in and give it a try. What did I have to lose? Really, it was an anonymous undertaking; not many would even know I had participated. If it didn’t go well, I wouldn’t tell anyone about it. But, maybe, just maybe, it would go well, and I would find success and renewed self-confidence in my skills and creativity.
Here are the ingredients Lori sent me for my bead soup 

When the time came, I signed up, was given a partner (thanks Lori Bergmann for being the best bead soup partner EVER!) Aren’t these the most delicious-looking  ingredients you’ve ever seen?!? How could I have lucked out with such a fabulous bead soup partner?!? Lori is a lampwork bead artist and designer. Beginning as a scrap-booker, Lori has expanded her talents and techniques to include a wide variety of artistic mediums, most recently falling in love with making her own handmade glass beads and metal clay charms. You can read her blog <here> and buy her beautiful creations <here>. 

Lori made my creative juices flow and my heart soar. I didn’t know at first what I was going to create with all her lovelies, but I knew it was going to be beautiful! With one little Tiffany blue box in my mail that fateful day, I knew I had found what I was looking for ~ pride in my creativeness ~ a gift even better than the fabulous bead soup that she had sent. Thanks, Lori; you rock! 

Here's what I created with Lori's lovely blue and white beads ~
beach-inspired charm bracelet 

A beautiful charm bracelet full of dangly gorgeousness that reminds me of the beach! I am the event planner for ViviMagoo Presents and host art and jewelry retreats around the country. I had just come back from Art Retreat by the Beach in Coronado, California and was thrilled to be able to create a piece of jewelry art that was a testament to the fun and success I had with that retreat! I added a few spices of my own to Lori’s bead soup ingredients.  I used her blue lampwork focal and silver toggle clasp along with the rest of her blue beauties. I love the way it turned out, don’t you?









Miriam Haskell-inspired necklace  
The necklace pays homage to my favorite jewelry designer, Miriam Haskell. Lots of glitz and glamour. The focal is Lori’s stunning piece-de-resistance. I’ve added oxidized metallic beads, rhinestone rondelles, amber Czech glass beads, and a closure from my stash. I wire-wrapped my little heart out ~ and dangled lots of sparkly delight from the focal piece.

I’m pleased with how my bead soup turned out. Master chef Lori Anderson gave me the opportunity for personal growth, and Master chef Lori Bergmann helped me find my self-confidence. I will always thank both Lori’s for providing the avenue for my growth.

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY 2012
Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things 
Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming
Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones
Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'
Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage
Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads
Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog
Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash
Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution
Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents
Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory
Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen
Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation,  Art Food Lodging

Hannah Annear, Squintessential
Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs

Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show

Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities

Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN

Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi

Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry

Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog
Sally Anderson, Wild Sally Road
Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo

Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila

Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design

Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

View Bead Soup Blog Party 2012: