Florida Jewelry Artist Retreat Group Winter Gathering 2015

Retreat - the gathering of talented women in a comfortable setting facilitating extreme creativity.......

We just completed our annual 2015 Florida Jewelry Artists Retreat Group in Live Oak, FL. this past weekend and even with those bittersweet moments ( the thrill of seeing old friends and comrades and then knowing it was only for a short while ) - we had a wonderful gathering of some very talented women.  Genny Smith, our fearless leader and dearest of friends had quite a few days planned with new projects and even Jamie Poorman Dulaski taught a Super Duo class she had learned as she had just come in from the Texas Bead Society gathering.  We did Chainmaille - Beadweaving - Beaded Crochet ( except for myself ) , and just lovely ( fun ) classes and wonderful food.  Big Hugs Suzie for the best breakfast each morning.   The Dowling Park Christian Village is a wonderful setting for a special gathering of friends.

Left to Right:
Sharon Beecher- Dee - Jamie Poorman Dulaski - Beebe Goddard - myself - Suzie Hawthorne Griffis - Sue Harney - Maria Hormaza and Genny Smith

Beaded Crochet by Maria Hormaza - Genny Smiths first piece. 

This is the three row Super Duo rope ( made into a bracelet ) that Jamie taught - the pattern developed by Nina Owens and taught at the 2015 Bead Retreat.  The Five Strand Rope is below.

5-Strand Version of the Super Duo Rope.

 ** The thrill of still being in Jammies-

 

This little jewel was in the Give Away Box and Genny added our SuperDuo Earrings as a heart charm. 

 

And everyone knows that I've been waiting to do the " Tree of Life " with Genny Smith and this was my time..... I was able to complete two of them with thoughts rolling around for several others.

 

Both of mine are on the bottom row:  1st Left with Goldstone and 3rd with Turquoise Chips and

Swarovski Crystals. 

 

I still have photographs to load for the Sunflower Earrings - another SuperDuo pattern taught by Genny Smith and of course modified by MOI!  And I learned a new chaining technique on the sly - called Viper Basket.  Just happened to have the right rings.  I load these photographs this weekend along with the completion of the 18" Double Vision Chainmaille necklace and matching bracelet.  I did spend a hour or so showing the BE technique of Beading on a 8mm upholstery cording and we will delve more into that technique during our next retreat this Summer. ( Again, in Live Oak ). 

The Polls are being set up to see what is the best week for another Wednesday through Monday retreat at Dowling Park.

Our lovely Anne Hess has had her knee surgery and is in Physical Therapy......she just posted a wonderful photograph of the Therapy Dog paying a visit during therapy.  Is this not just the greatest photograph.  " They are both smiling ".

Pine Ridge Treasure - our newest Blog Hop " called " Summer Waters " kit just came in and the reveal and hop will be in June.  ( Phew!  After the Battle ).  I am still awaiting the Blog Badge from Lisa Lodge and I'll add it as available.   

What a nice little enticement.  I see stringing and wrapping in my future.

I'll definitely catch up more this weekend as our Blog Hop Partners are to be revealed for the Bead Peeps Blog Hop and of course additional photographs.