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

Sunday, July 15, 2012

I just got back from Tucson (Thanks, Casey and Sara for letting me stay with you!) and have all of the details worked out for Art Retreat in the Desert - 2013!  Click here to see what’s in store for Art Retreat in the Desert!


I returned home to Phoenix to a package from my FABULOUS Bead Soup Blog Party partner, Lori Bergmann!  She’s a fabulous lamp work bead artist and jewelry designer ~ go visit her <here>. I was so lucky to get paired up with her at Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party


Hmmm....What’s inside the box??? Well, when I opened it, I was amazed jumping up and down with delight and glee! She sent me some of her own creations ~ beautiful focals, glass accent beads, silver-on-ceramic disks, beautiful peacock freshwater pearls, two Tibetan silver nestie beads, and a gorgeous silver toggle closure.  See what I mean ~ isn’t it over-the-top-wonderful??? And, take a look at her business card ~ isn’t she the cutest little thing you ever saw?!?


My mind is reeling with all of the possibilities for what to make with all of this lusciousness! I’ll have to think about 
it for a day or so and get back to you!!!


Much Love,
Barb





Thursday, July 12, 2012

Finalizing details for Art Retreat
In the Desert for February 2013! I'll open registration as
soon as the ink is dry on the contracts! I have such a fun-filled package planned for my students! I can't wait to see everyone's faces when they see what's in store for them ;o}



Tuesday, July 10, 2012


I’ve been thinking that I should introduce you to the fabulous artist/instructors who will be teaching at 
Stephanie Rubiano - Mixed Media Artist
one of Stephanie’s classes
I know you’ve heard of each of them ~ have probably taken classes from some or all of them too! I know you know how wonderful they are! I’m just into bragging about them and how creative and wonderful they are! Stephanie, Annie and Lisa are not only talented artists and gifted instructors, they are some of the nicest and sweetest ladies you’ll ever meet! But of course, what else can I say? They are all Texas ladies! Enough said! 
one of Annie’s classes
Annie Lockhart - Mixed-Media/Assemblage Artist
Hop on over to the September Prairie page ~ read about them, link on the class details page to read more about the projects they will be teaching at The Prairie, and sign up to take a class or two from them! You’ll be glad you did, honestly! 
Lisa Monroe - PMC Jewelry Artist
one of Lisa’s PMC classes
Such a treat to be in a cozy, warm and inspirational venue like The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell for a few glorious days! And then to be pampered with delicious food, delightful Prairie staff, friendly students just waiting to become your new friend and unbelievable project taught by these renowned artists! 
It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

I’ve been watching and reading Lori Anderson’s blog, Bead Soup Blog Party for a while and decided to jump into the next swap when it occurred. It intrigued me a bit ~ you give and get beads and closures and focals and make necklaces, bracelets and jewelry out of what you receive. You are randomly paired with another jewelry designer, and you never know what will arrive in your mailbox until you see it. What a challenge, to say the least! What if I don’t like the selection that is sent me? What if the colors aren’t ones that I would normally choose for my own creations? What if I develop a mental block when I see the soup sent to me and cannot conjure up enough inspiration and creativity to make anything out of it?!?

Well, the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party has arrived, and I’ve been paired with a darling and talented jewelry artist named Lori Bergmann who lives in Washington state with her daughters, husband and dogs! Lori is a talented lamp work bead artist who makes her own focals and charms she’s just so darned creative and good at what she does! Here are just a few of her beautiful lamp work beads! Aren’t they the best?!?

I’ve sent her my bead soup, and she is sending mine to me this week! I can’t wait to see what she sends! I’ll post photos as soon as I receive it!

Love, Barb