Fabulous Fall Road Trip Part 1 -Bella Crafts Connections

Flying into Minnesota - looks a little different than Texas

I had the privilege of joining an incredible group of teachers and enthusiastic students/participants at the Bella Crafts Connections Art Event in the Mall of America (Bloomington, Minnesota).  Thank you to Ann, Lisa and Theresa for their hard work, dedication and vision for this wonderful weekend.  Here are a few pictures of this great time that was filled with art, friendships- old and new, laughter and great memories. Watch for details for next year's event and make plans to join us!!!

Leaving DFW - My husband and youngest daughter came with me!!

Caribou Coffee - LOVE!!!

You are REALLY GOOD!!!

Went to the Sea Life Aquarium (In the MALL!!)

Dory!!!

Yes, that's a tunnel- the sharks swam right over us!!

Beginning to set up for the Bella Market

New Friend, LeAnn with her beautiful wrapped bracelet!

Love the Messy tables!

Working together to create paper bead dangles 

A little blurry - but oh such fun!! Such sweet ladies!!

Creating is such fun!!

My share pile for creating collage tags 

Beth  sewing paper with my tiny Janome sewing machine...

We were able to spend some time with my nephew and my niece (his wife) while in Minnesota!!!

So part two begins today...My youngest and I head to the Hill Country of Texas for 5 days of treasure hunting in Round Top and surrounding little towns.  Stay tuned for all of our finds and inspirations that I hope will be added to our art studio for Saturdays in the Studio, Tag Art Tuesday and give all of us a little joy in the journey.... Until next time, 

Blessings, 

Chantal 

Upcoming Workshops

October 13 - Tag Art Tuesday- Fall inspirations

November 7th - Saturday in the Studio - Decoupage with vintage papers and a patina finish

December 8th - Tag Art Tuesday 

Stay tuned for some upcoming special events....

Minnesota Here We Come...Bella Crafts Connections

We are off to the Mall of America for the Bella Crafts Connections Art Event!!  It will be an incredible weekend with Art Workshops from an amazing cast of teachers, a market that will be unique to the artists/teachers and vendors....and we are coming early to shop a little (or a lot), go the Sea Life Aquarium (which I believe is underneath the mall- Who knew??) and then shop a little (or a lot) more.  When we are not shopping- I will be teaching 3 workshops on Friday and participating in the Bella Market throughout the weekend.  I am beyond excited to meet wonderful kindred spirits who love to learn, create and share their talents.

Oh and if for some reason, I miss my plane on Sunday night, it's probably because I was shopping a little (or a lot) more....Until next time,  I'm headed to the Mall.


Finding Joy in the Journey!

Minnesota here we come...getting ready for Bella Crafts Connections

In just 2 weeks,  We (3 out of 5) will leave for a wonderful art-filled weekend where I will be teaching 3 workshops for the Bella Crafts Connections Art Event.  It is to be held at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  So in addition to all the art goodness, this will be a shopping heaven!! We have always wanted to go there!! So are you surprised that my youngest daughter (9th grade) is coming to be my assistant? ---- and then on Saturday, she and her daddy (yes, Scott is coming as it is our 29th wedding anniversary on the 27th) will have their 2nd annual IPD (International Presleigh Day)- It is where she and her daddy shop till she drops, have a special lunch and create memories of just the 2 of them!!!

Back to the Art Event, this will be an incredible weekend with such amazing teachers and workshops.  I am busy putting together kits for the workshops and creating jewelry pieces for the vendor market as well as wonderful unique art supplies such as ICE RESIN® paper, genuine hen feathers and more. I love putting together kits for each of my students but at the same time, I am always wondering if they'll like what I have put in so I always bring more choices.

In fact, some could say that I always offer choices.  Once when our son, who is now 25 years old, was around 2 1/2, we were visiting my grandmother.  She was putting out lunch-- ham sandwiches, chips, etc.  And I turned to Morgan and asked him "Mustard or Mayonnaise? Peaches or Apples?"  Then I asked "Which kind of chips would you like?" and he responded to all of the choices but then I asked him "Do you want Coke, Sprite or Juice?"  And his reply was "Momma, there are too many choices, you choose!!" Yes, in life there can be too many choices....Choosing between good and evil - Easy!  Choosing between better and best - a little less easy.  Choosing between good and good- HARD!! It's like asking would you like a chocolate chip cookie or a brownie? And I would like to answer yes!!

For me, arts and crafts are the chocolate chip cookies and brownies of life.  It's too hard to pick one, so I try and love all!! So when I head to our UPS store, I won't be surprised by the number of boxes to be mailed to Minnesota or that my suitcases  may have less clothes and more shall we say - choices!!  If you can join this event, there is still time and yes, there are still so many choices (of workshops)!!!

Here's a few pictures of the preparations underway.  Until next time, finding joy in the journey and in the wonderful choices we have in daily living---

Savannah playing with fire - oh I mean creating head pins...

LOVE making my own head pins!!

Kits for my Creating Backgrounds workshop 

A treasure find that I 'll have at the market 

More treasures....

Hope to see U there!!!

For  more information on the event, click here.