2018 Texas Bead Retreat
Another year is in the books! Once again, I had an amazing time. Normally I take a million classes while I'm there and come home with a ton of UFOs, but this year I decided to focus a bit more and try and knock out some of my already existing UFOs. As usual, I took three projects with me, but managed to add four more. BUT, I finished two! YAY me! That may be a record.
Here's what I did this year. First up is the Il Braccialetto della Marchesa bracelet designed by Helena Tang-Lim of Manek-Manek Beads. I've made this one before and gifted to my mom. She was wearing it this past holiday season and I decided I needed one too. Isn't it awesome? I've done a few of Helena's patterns (and own several more) and her designs are simply stunning.
Next up is the Le soleil beadwoven bracelet designed by Edwige Denyszyn. This was part of a class I took with her Friday evening. I always loving trying out stuff that Edwige dreams up. She has a unique approach and eye, so working through her designs is always fun. And, I usually learn something new from her. Plus, she's just a blast to hang out with.
I decided to try something new this year - PMC (Precious Metal Clay). I've always wanted to give it a try but the amount of equipment and supplies you need is a bit much if you aren't sure you are committed. This class, taught by Barbara Bessire of Almost Matching Designs, gave us an opportunity to do all the fun stuff while she did the heavy lifting. Under her guidance, we made our pieces in class, then she took them home to fire and tumble overnight. The next morning we were all like little kids opening up our packages to see how our stuff turned out. She also brought a ton of her own designs with her for inspiration, which was great. I really liked her style. Her stuff is more organic and it made the whole thing very approachable. I made a cross, a pendant, and five tiny little stars. I'm already working out what I want to do with them.
If you think this looked like fun - it was. And, if you are a beader looking for a fun, affordable, and relaxing retreat, check out TexasBeadRetreat.com. We meet every year in January in Temple, Texas. And, if you happen to be in the Dallas area, you can always com hang out with me the first Saturday of the moth with DBS - Dallas Bead Society. You can check out their website at DallasBeadSociety.org. Both groups are also on Facebook, so you can check out what everyone has made.
Today my plan is to rest, rest, and rest some more.
Happy Beading!
Care'
