Art & Soul & Friends & Fun
Goodness, I didn't mean to be away from here for an entire week! It's been a week of playing catch-up from being gone last weekend at the Art & Soul Retreat. It's amazing how only 2 days away can set me back a whole week.
The retreat was awesome and Lisa and I got in some much needed time for ourselves. Time to chat and create and relax and have fun. We decided we need to do this more often and have already started thinking about another art retreat. We took Sally Jean's class, "The Girl's Got Gothic", and here we are proudly modeling the necklaces we made. Try to ignore the bags under our eyes.....we had been in class for over 8 hours by this point and were just so darn happy to have finished the project! After this, we headed to dinner and then wound up in the lounge where we met up with Dede, had some vino and relaxed!
It was fun to piece together random elements that I love into one necklace. I've been making new jewelry from old jewelry for years, but this was different. Adding the photo charms made it very personal and meaningful.
I used pictures of Mario and Sam and a picture of George and I on our wedding day.
This rose cabochon necklace has been in my stash for a while, and I was happy to give it a home here. Pink and green, my old faithfuls. No matter what color trends come and go, those 2 colors remain my favorites.
Some bits of jewelry, worn out pearls, a Lucite button and some old lace were put to good use.
The main Gothic-shaped piece is a collage I made using my Little Andrea picture, some wallpaper scraps and a snippet of old ledger I found that says "Mrs. S". It's hard to see, but there is a tiny flocked flower under the glass too.
Then, I used a scrap of an old cloth measuring tape and some more bits of old jewelry.
And a little velvet strawberry to finish it off.
What a fun class this was! Sally is just delightful and seems to radiate positive energy and creativity. And, man, can she solder like no one I have ever seen. She makes it all look so effortless. It got me in the mood to solder again.....you know, in my spare time.
A fun time was had by all, and I can't wait to do it again!
Happy Weekend everyone!
YOUR NECKLACE IS BEAUTIFUL. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A GOOD TIME. THANKS FOR SHARING.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
Posted by: sonia audelo | May 09, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I adore your necklace Andrea, everything about it not only is special and meaningful but it is all sooooooooooooooo beautiful too! That strawberry hanging from the bottom is the cutest little detail!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | May 09, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I LOVE your necklace! I want to make one! You really did a beautiful job! Enjoy! Julie
Posted by: julie | May 09, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Absolutely Adorable!! I love those Sally Jean classes. The inspiration is amazing.
P.S. My girls loved it too!! as they were peeking over my shoulder as I was aaaahing.
xoxo
Lonnie
Posted by: lonniejenck | May 09, 2008 at 10:26 PM
So beautiful!! Laurie
Posted by: Charmingdesigns | May 09, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Andrea your necklace is great! I love all the bits and pieces you added. So very sweet and special. Maybe I'll break out my stuff and finish my Little Pink House this weekend. It was good to meet you and Lisa, you are two nice girls to be around such late night drinkers such as our rowdy group.
Posted by: Dede Warren | May 09, 2008 at 10:59 PM
I've always wanted to learn to solder! This is so amazing!
Posted by: robin~thrifty miss priss | May 09, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Your necklace is just beautiful! What a treasure!! I love the strawberry on the end! Perfect,
smiles,
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | May 09, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Beautiful necklace Andrea! So unique...You look like you really enjoyed your time away.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | May 10, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Andrea sounds like a fun time was had.
Love the necklace
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | May 10, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Hi Andrea!! How fun!! I would LOVE to take a Sally Jean class! I ADORE your necklace you created!! It's just so fun and personal and sweet!!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | May 10, 2008 at 02:23 AM
Happy Mother's Day Andrea
Posted by: Joyce | May 10, 2008 at 04:15 AM
Oooooh.... your necklace is gorgeous!!! Looks like you had a fabulous time!
Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day with your sweet little ones!
Hugs,
Heather
Posted by: Heather - Speckled Egg | May 10, 2008 at 07:29 AM
hi Andrea, it was so nice to meet you in Sally Jean's class. i'm still working on my necklace, so be proud that you two got yours finished! anyway, thanks again for the darling little box of goodies. i wish i hadn't run out of my goodies by that point, so i would have had something to give in return! hope to see those darling strawberries on your site someday (the one on your necklace!)
kecia
Posted by: kecia | May 10, 2008 at 08:56 AM
What a gorgeous creation! So glad you had some time for you! Happy Mother's Day! Ann
Posted by: ann~vintage whisper | May 10, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Hey cute girl!!
your necklace turned out fantastic!! a true treasure.
the pic of you and sally jean is adorable!!
what a fun retreat!!
i hear ya on playing catch up.
Have a great mothers day.
oxoxo,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | May 10, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Andrea, the necklace you made is so beautiful! i love the pictures of all of you, and that little Andrea picture is of course so darling. The jewels you used are beautiful and OF COURSE there had to be a VELVET STRAWBERRY! I love it. I'm so glad you had so much fun and got some girlfriend time. I bet you're glad to be back to your babies, though. It's nice to have a break and some balance sometimes.
Posted by: Holly Abston | May 10, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Love your sweet little necklace.
Posted by: Sarah Keith | May 10, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I love how your necklace radiates YOU! Very well done... So glad you took everything!!!
Posted by: Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage | May 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hi again Andrea...
Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day. I have something for you. Please visit my blog.
Hugs,Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | May 10, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Oh, how beautiful your necklace is! And such sentimental value. Enjoy your Mother's Day, Andrea!
Posted by: Leah C | May 10, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Your necklace is gorgeous. Wow, and 8 hour class? Where is Hampton, VA? I'd love to tag along next time, I'm feelin' the need to get my craft on.
Take care.
Roxie
Posted by: Roxie | May 10, 2008 at 07:32 PM
How Beautiful..... Sally Jean is the Queen at what she creates, You did her Proud~
What great treasures to have & all made with your hands.
Wonderful Art!
cheryl
Posted by: cheryl | May 10, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Wow! That necklace is insanely awesome! The velvet strawberry is the perfect touch. What a treasure!!
Hugs and Blessings,
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | May 10, 2008 at 08:02 PM
what a FUN weekend! love the necklace you made, it's gorgeous =) happy mother's day! debbie
Posted by: debbie | May 10, 2008 at 10:46 PM