Thursday, February 24, 2011

Creative Getaways

Reading Patty's post from the other day reminded me that I have a trip coming up at the end of March.  Now, I know that most people don't necessarily think of Chicago as a getaway winter destination - it's probably just as cold there as it is up here in upstate New York right now - but this year, I've decided to treat myself and take a four-day workshop with world-famous bead artist NanC Meinhardt.  

Bird With Antlers Artstick by Nanc Meinhardt


A few times each year, Nanc teaches a wonderful workshop called, "Art Sticks.  I'm Not an Artist.  I Can't Draw.  I Can Only Make Stick Figures."  It's a workshop that's not so much about making a specific project as it is about exploring your own creative process, looking at different ways of creative problem solving, and  learning to trust your own creative instincts.

Of course, one of the things that I'm hoping to take away from this workshop is a new way of looking at incorporating handmade items into my beadwork.  I see so many beautiful handmade items - not just jewelry items, but tiles, small pieces of wood work and polished stones - that I would love to use in my beadwork, but I'm just not sure how.  

It's never easy for me to be away from my little boy and my husband for very long, either - we're a very close-knit family - but I'm very excited that I get to spend so much time in the company of other talented beaders.  Many of us have never met before, but we've all been talking and getting to know each other through Facebook and Etsy.  There's such a wonderful creative energy that comes from spending time with other like-minded artists!


So, it might not be a beach in Hawaii, or a warm Caribbean cruise, but just the same, I'm looking forward to escaping some of the harsh mountain winter weather we've been having this year and spending some quality beading time with my friends.

5 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

First, let me tell you that you are correct: it will be cold in March! And they don't call it the "Windy City" for nothing! But there is never a wrong time of year to go to Chicago. I wish that I could get there more often. I am going DC in 16 days to attend the ArtBliss workshop with Stephanie Lee. I hear it is mostly full! I am so dang excited to learn new things, but most to meet new people. I really wish that I could go on the Bead Cruise at the end of March... maybe next year!
Enjoy your class! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Carol Dean Sharpe said...

It will be full-on Spring here in southern New Mexico by the time I get on the plane to join you, but I wouldn't miss this workshop and the chance to spend time with some fantastic women for anything! :D

Artisan Beads Plus said...

That sounds like so much fun. I think that when you put any group together who share an interest, a bond can be created quickly! I'll be excited to hear about what you take away from it......

VanBeads said...

Ooo, yes, the Bead Cruise! I really want to go on one of those one day. I've never been on a cruise, and this one actually departs from Galveston, Texas where my father lives, so I could include a visit to my family while I'm there. Maybe next year!

Patty said...

I have fond memories of visiting Chicago when I was growing up in the Midwest, and even when it's cold there it's a very exciting place to be. But add BEADS to the mix, well, you're going to have the time of your life! Have a fabulous trip, Jen!

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