Figuring out my direction...

... and insights gained from Silver Bella

I finally have all my take away items photographed and ready for show and tell.

Vintage Apron my inspiration of things to come!

Sit back and enjoy the show.

Parting Gifts Galore!

Lots of new materials to explore!

So generous!

Silver Bell held high expectations for me.

The message board spoke of unending fun and camaraderie.

So much so, that I let myself believe that when I arrived the hotel would

be teaming with women chatting, sharing glasses of wine and laughing

the night away.

Unfortunately, my entry on Wednesday night into Thursday morning did not meet

expectations.  The hotel was quiet and lifeless.  No parties happening, no women

hanging around chatting.  So...apprehension sets in.

Not knowing what to do next I decided to strike out on my own...
off I went to do some exploring.

Many of the shops in The Old Market section of Omaha
 were quiet, but as soon as I came upon

Second Chance Antiques

I knew there had to be some ladies in there searching out

more treasures to add to their collections.

The girls that were in the shop were all buzzing about what a collection of "stuff" they

had just stumbled upon. 
It would take days to go through the two floors of crammed packed junk.

So with some vintage papers in my grasp I headed out to

lunch at a local restaurant just across the street from the Hotel.

Again, I was amazed as to how quiet it was both at the restaurant and back at the hotel.

A nap was in order.

When it came time to get our welcome packets that afternoon

I soon found all the women ... anxiously opening packets and checking schedules.

Following pics of Holiday Fabric Fatbook Swap...

The welcome dinner was very intimidating because the majority of
women either knew one another or came together.

  I thankfully found another newbie while

getting a glass of wine.
She seemed to understand the anxiousness

we both felt.

At the table, conversations came easily among the women that sat with us.
This world of the unknown seemed to be coming a little more into focus.

After the dinner it was time to gather up our swaps.

I entered three of them as a way to introduce myself to others.

I thank all of the hostesses for their kindness and extra efforts in putting these

swaps together.

Again, too overwhelmed by the chaos and unknow...I retreated to my room for

a good nights sleep.  Tomorrow was a new day and I had a few new faces to look for.

Looking through my swaps before I went to sleep gave me the courage I needed.
The talent of these women is incomparable and I knew this
was what I really came to experience.

Each of us had our own style but we were so impressed with the uniqueness each represented.
There is a commonality to us all and we appreciate each and everyone's individuality.

It is as if your eyes had been opened to a different way of thinking.

Charlotte Lyons Mobile...as with most projects they are unfinished

The classes I attended were something that I really enjoyed.

Pam Garrison...Holiday Countdown Wreath

Denise Sharp ... Paper Bird.  Challenging yet inspiring!

If you haven't seen her work...please check it out.

Jennifer Murphy Snowman Ornament Clip

He just makes me smile!

Meeting others as we placed ourselves around the table

 I was able to put some faces with the names that I had seen on the message board.

This did help ease some of the remaining anxieties and feeling of not belonging.

Friday evening was the Vendor Fair.
Well, if I can only tell you in words how overwhelming it was...it might take pages.
The creativity in presentation and product was something to behold and learn from.

 

 

 

 

 

This in fact was a learning trip. 

 

I wanted to how people do what they do,

 

where do they get their inspirations,

 

how do they continually impress me?

 

My big sister Sheila spent sometime walking with me through the fair

after she snatched up her treasures.

 

 

It does seem that we all have someone who inspires us to continue

to create.  For Sheila it was...

Rebecca Sower

 

 

I have to admit...I do love her sense of style, so much so I bought this journal.

 

 

After, this I headed out with a bunch of gals for some dinner...we had so much fun that we agreed we had to do it again the next evening.  So...what does that tell you...the ice has melted.

 

I finally felt a sense of strength and belonging.  I understood what was happening...others, who were nervous just like myself, stepped out of their comfort zones to meet new people and one of those

people happened to be me.

 

 

The instructors who opened up to share their "trade" secrets, the artists among us who

dove right in to tackle the same artistic adventure, the women who just

smiled and made you feel welcome...that is what it was all about.

 

Women...coming together, taking chances and putting themselves out there...together becoming stronger and more self confident.

 

My expectations may have been set too high or maybe it was my nerves getting the best of me.

My level of comfort was never really relaxed enough.

 

Crowds do tend to send me packing...but I have to say...I am proud of myself

for sticking it out and meeting the artists that do inspire me.

 

 

Thank you to Debbie Dusenberry of Curious Sofa...

your kind words and smile made my day.

You are just amazing.

My trips to Kansas City will continue and I look forward to meeting you again.

 

 

 

Thank you ...Charlotte Lyons

I so enjoyed the chats and inspiration...two classes with you gave me my dose

of creativity I sought.   Your stories made me smile.

 

 

Megan Hunt ...aka...Princess Lasertron

As always your infectious style and personality make me smile.

Good luck to you as I know you will be and are a great success.

 

Another swap..recipe book :)

There are so many others that I really enjoyed but just too many to list. 

 

 Thank you to those of you that extended a smile or a kind word...they meant so much to me as I waded through a sea of women.

 

 

"Will I go back?"

That seems to be the question of the week.

 

I don't think so.

I am a small group kind of gal...I don't thrive if I am overwhelmed and anxious.

I  found that when I create it tends to be solitary.

Not that I don't want to share what I am doing...I just tend to get deeper into my projects.

 

I did find out that my art work is "evolutionary"...it takes me time.

I have to walk away from something let it sink in and then readdress it later.

 

The wings in development state...symbolic isn't it?

 

I thank The Accountant for making this journey possible.

It was important to do ... because as they say... nothing ventured nothing gained.

 

I did gain new friendships and a new insight into the world of creative women.

We do need to connect with one another and we each have our own different ways

of doing that.

 

I thank all of you who read this, for your creative and emotional support.

Life is an Evolution

and I really believe each and everyone that I come in contact with

plays an important part in its direction.