Retreat Happenings ...

I don't even know where to begin.

There are so many things happening right now.

So let us get started.

 

First up - and the deadline is rapidly approaching.
Remember this post?
YOU could win a free weekend just by
submitting a 12x12 layout.
June 1 is the deadline so hurry, hurry, hurry!

Next up is Greater American Scrapbook Convention.
Look for Whitworth Ranch Retreat
on Thursday, June 18 through Saturday, June 20.
Bring this 20% off coupon to book a retreat.
Stacy is offering you a discount on your first retreat.



20% Off If you book a full retreat during GASC 2015. Offer expires on Saturday June 20, 2015. Deposit of $250 is due at time of booking.  Thank you!  Whitworth Ranch Retreat *full booking is 8-18 guests*  Can only be used on remaining 2015 dates

Stacy has started THREE new retreat blogs.

Be sure to check them out:

The first one will give you a peek into some of the memories out at the ranch.

http://ranchmemories.blogspot.com/

 

Everybody loves Stacy's cooking!

She has been diligently working on her first retreat cookbook.

You will get to see some of her favorite recipies

as well as a glimpse into some of the food served at art events.

http://myretreatkitchen.blogspot.com/

 

And speaking of art events,

I highly recommend this blog.

http://ourartevents.blogspot.com/

 

Whitworth Ranch Retreat offers workshops, classes and special art events.

If you are interested in learning new techniques,

learning how to repurpose items,

meeting new friends with your same passion, then this is a must.

 

Karen Hillman has hosted several events out at the ranch,

the most recent being Serendipi-TEA.

 

This blog showcases upcoming art events.

Check them out and get with Stacy as soon as possible to sign up.

Seating is limited and open spots will not last, I guarantee it.

 

Wicked Tea, hosted by Cindy Mayfield from Paper Cowgirls,

will be held on October 15-18.
Tammy Lee will be teaching you how to create an Explosion Box.

Vicki Stevenson will also be teaching.

A full list of projects and details to be announced soon.

 

Shanna Noel with Illustrated Faith and Tracy Pounds with The Little Blue House

are coming to Whitworth Ranch Retreat October 22-25.

Shannon will be teaching several classes.

You will learn how to journal in your bible, scripture, worship and more.

Tracy will hold two great technique workshops as well.

 

Speaking of The Little Blue House,

the Holiday Pickers Retreat

will be November 12-15.

Projects will be announced soon.

 

Vintage Christmas Art Event will be a four-day workshop

with several projects and many techniques being taught.

The dates are December 4-8.

This is a Canton First Monday Trade Days weekend.

 

Details, photos, supply lists and costs for all projects will be published soon.

Instructors for this event are:

Julie Watkins - details coming soon

Marie Whitworth - details coming soon

Sarah Hemphill - needle keep

Stacy Seely - altered silver service pin cushion

Me, Sue Kosec - Christmas ornament and cards - details coming soon

Tracy Pounds - altered old world Christmas clock

 

Stacy will serve High Tea at each of these Art Events

and the retreat will be decorated to the nines.

Oh - and you just know the food will be wonderful!

 

Looking forward to seeing you at these events.

I just know you'll have the best time and create memories.

Lastly, have you retreated at Whitworth?
I would love to have you be a Featured Guest right here.
Please let me know if you would be interested.

 

Remember one thing:  YOU matter.  See you next time.

Serendipi-TEA

May I just say "what a magical event?"

 

We were able to sneak in this wonderful art retreat before the rains,

storms, tornadoes, flooding and all around bad weather here in our area.

The sun was shining and the stars aligned themselves perfectly.

 

It all began on Wednesday when guests began to arrive.
Nine guests from Florida.
One from Kansas.
One from Indiana.
One from North Carolina.
Six from Texas.

They all trickled in.

Old friends hugged and new friends were made.

 

The theme for the weekend was Downton Abby.

The food.

The clothing.

The projects

The meals.

 

We had gluten free, cinnamon free and pepper free.

But certainly not calorie free.

Tell me - how did I lose a half a pound then?

 

The craft room was transformed into this:

Thank you, Marie Whitworth, for all of your hard work in making these beautiful table coverings.

I watched as the guests came in one-by-one.

They all gasped at the settings.

No stones were left unturned.

Everything was perfect.

 

Early Thursday morning, the crew left to go junkin' for their treasures.

So much had to be shipped home - they bought that much!
Here's Randy Nathan and Karen Hillman.

 

Stacy, Jammie and Julie Treadwell and Karen Hillman

ready to fill their carts with Canton treasures.

 

Cassandra Vancuren and Molly Knox. 

 

Friday morning they all headed out again - this time for downtown Waxahachie.

They shopped, they antiqued and they lunched.

 

 

Squeezed in were some fabulous projects!!!

Our own Cassandra designed Milady's Handbag for us to work on.

The makings for this handbag were presented to us

in this beautiful handmade fabric envelope.


Here are a few versions.
Once everybody got started, there was no stopping them.

Aren't they just gorgeous?

 

 

Thank you, Cassandra, for gifting me with a finished handbag!

Somehow, you just know I wasn't able to make one!

You're the sweetest!

 

Molly designed Milady's Choker.

The fixings were packaged so sweetly in this darling little box

all tied together with lace and seam binding.

Just beautiful! 

 

Stacy is wearing the choker that Molly gifted her.

She was so busy in the kitchen, there was just no time to sit and make one.

 

Lisa Lavalle working on her project.

 

Friday night, keeping with the theme of the event

fish and chips and mushy peas were served pool-side.

Absolutely DELICIOUS.

 

 

Downton Abby style high tea luncheon - another delicious meal.

Everybody was dressed period style.

What beauties!!!!!

 

Sissy Mansell, me and Karla Nathan. 

Sisters, Julie and Jammie Treadwell.

 

Mr. Randy certainly looked quite dapper

in his white linen outfit.

 

Sonia Crouse from Creating Vintage Charm magazine

and Regina Brodbeck. 

 

Molly Knox, Lisa Phillippi and Karla Nathan.

Cucumber sandwiches

and sparkling berry lemon chiffon.

Just look at these beautiful apple rosettes that Julie Watkins made.

They were better than the best apple pie I'd ever eaten!

 

Linda Postma striking a pose.

She looked like she belonged on Downton Abby.

Jammie Treadwell and Katie Fairchild.

 

Karla just resting after a delicious meal.

Looks like the pool got to be a little tempting!

Guests were summoned to Saturday's formal dinner by Sarah Hemphill.

 

These centerpieces were made by Julie Watkins, Stacy and Valerie Jackson.

You can read all about it here.

We sure had a great time!

 

Keepsake Serendipi-TEA napkins were embroidered by Julie Watkins.

Shepherd's pie, salad, rolls, green beans and many delicious desserts to choose from.

  

 

The cake pops were made for us by Patty Bassham.

Just perfect with those shiny and elegant holders.

  Linda Postma made her beautiful headpiece for the event.

 Isn't it gorgeous?

 

Champagne Jell-O.

They looked so festive under the full moon.

 

Oh - and the chocolate pudding was a hit as well.

 

Molly, me and Julie Watkins.

 

All I can say is "thank you" ...

Thank you, Stacy and Karen, for inviting me.

It was an art event I will remember and cherish forever.

 

Remember one thing:  you matter.  See you next time.

Happy Mother's Day

... from your Whitworth Ranch Retreat family.

 

Today is the day to celebrate and honor mothers,

as well as motherhood, maternal bonds,

and the influence of mothers in society.

 

We hope your day is spent exactly the way you want it to be spent.

Enjoy the festivities in your honor.

 

Remember one thing:  YOU MATTER.  See you next time.

Featured Guest - Susan Hahaj

I APOLOGIZE PROFUSELY.  I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO THE FONT SIZE ON THIS POST.  EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT WHEN I SCHEDULED THE POST.  PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY - ESPECIALLY YOU, SUSAN!!!

Susan was at the retreat the last time I was out there.  She was part of the Paper Cowgirls group and let me tell you ... that girl can create some magic!!!!!  Keep going - read below and look at the pictures.  Oh - and that craft room!?!  What person wouldn't just die for a room like that?  I think you'll join me when I say "I know I would!"
 

Tell us something about yourself.  I am a lifelong crafter. I have always loved creating pretties for myself and family and friends.  One of my first projects was a corduroy skirt for my sister at Christmas when I was in the seventh grade. I also loved crafting and sewing for my children as they grew up. I now love creating for my two grandchildren, Madison and Aiden! I love themed crafting for birthday parties and such. My day job is as a broadcast captioner for television – for Canadian television – from my home.  It’s a wonderful job! And I have more time to craft when not working too!

 

Now that we know a little about you, tell us how others would describe you – in just five words.  Obsessive crafter, lover of vintage, friendly, Mimi and Mom.
 

What do you want to be when you grow up?  Just who I am now – but can we add in my own craft retreat to share with fellow creative friends too?!
 

How did you find out about Whitworth Ranch Retreat?  Through my Paper Cowgirl gals from one of my favorite towns - Waxahachie!

The "Cindy" fabric door hanger was one of several pretties I made when our group got together at the Ranch a couple times ago. I like to bring a gift for each gal - when I can find the time to make them.

The Tilda teacup was a tutorial I taught the gals at that same retreat. I also left one that is on display in the main house too. It was a hit!

How many times have you been there?  Three.

 

Do you have a preference as to which room you sleep in?  I like the main house. I love the vintage country style and it has a serene aura!
 

Where do you prefer to get your craft on?  Large room, small room?  Do you have a favorite spot/table?  I like large tables – I’ve gotta lot-a-junk! 

Were you in a mixed group or did you fill the house with your own friends?  Mixed group and that is the BEST way to be! It makes life and crafting much more fun!
 

If there is an opening for just one person, are you open to attending a retreat with women you’ve never met?  Probably not. I have to be selective with time off and I prefer to at least know one person when I’m at the ranch.
 

If you were forced to wear a warning label, what would yours say?  Warning – my junk spreads as I craft! Sorry!

What do you do in your spare time when you are not crafting or retreating?  Spending time with the grandbabies and reading.
 

Are you a paper crafter, seamstress, quilter, knitter, jewelry maker or trouble-maker?  I love many crafts. All it takes is an hour on Pinterest and my obsessive crafty side will kick in and not let go!

How would you describe your art for the general public audience if they have never seen it before?  Full of vintage details and/or a theme shines through.

 

How does your work differ from others in your genre?  I’m very much detail oriented and probably a messy perfectionist. If that makes sense.
 

What have you created that you are most proud of – and why?  Probably pieces I’ve created for my daughter over the years. She “gets” my style and really appreciates everything I make and showcases it in her house. Also I was very proud of all of the wedding items I made for her wedding eight years ago. She let me have full control and I ran with it! Fun but in the end it was stressful too!

 

I created this for my daughter, Megan.  This was a birthday present and she loves it!  I think this was one of my favorites to make, too.

I made this for my husband for Father's Day.  He is an amateur radio enthusiast and this spells "Freedom" in 'ham radio' language.  He loves it and has it in his office.  It was created on an old cupboard door bought in Canton.

This is a framed chalkboard I created for my niece's wedding.

This is art I made for my grandkids' playroom at our house.  Fun!

The colorful "book" I made from a tutorial and it's filled with neat pages made out of old dryer sheets! 

 

  

I made crowns for all of the kids for my granddaughter's third birthday party and this is her with her BFF in them.

 

Aprons and matching chef hats were made for a cupcake cooking themed fifth birthday party for my granddaughter.

 

The next is a special present I made for Madison as a keepsake of her birthday. She's into little vignette settings to play pretend. 

 

The theme for my granddaughter’s sixth birthday party was "Mermaids.”  Each child received a hooded mermaid towel!!!

 

Here is a picture of Madison wearing the Easter dress I made for her Aunt Katie (my youngest daughter who is now 26) that Katie wore when she was the same age. I love this!

 

This laundry bag was a pretty I made for Madison to use at home.

 



I entered a contest and made and decorated a top hat and I won! I donated it to a charity auction to raise money for victims of a tornado and it sold for a hundred dollars! It's made from a vintage dress with embellishments.

Do you have any crafting secrets you would like to share?  I read that the Amish purposely have a “mistake” in their quilting to show humility. I take that to heart and also believe that a mistake in my projects is just another way to view a different direction that I may not have considered before.

 

What do you wish you were better at?  Knitting and crocheting. I tried to take it up again and it was a hellish mess! 

If Ms. Muse decides not to show up, where do you get your inspiration?  Like all other women, I find it on Pinterest. And living in Texas with Canton monthly, I can walk around there and come up with all kinds of ideas swirling in my little head.

How do you stay inspired?  I let myself be inspired when it comes. If it’s not there, I usually take a break and just read a good book until it comes back.
 

How does your creative process work?  Idea is seen or hits me. I go to gather supplies and spend half my paycheck at either Hobby Lobby, Michaels or Joann Fabrics. Come home, make a huge mess creating my project and then a week later decide I better clean up that mess so I can start another project. 

Do you have a dedicated craft area in your home?  I do and it’s made me giddy! I FINALLY have what for me is my dream craft room. We moved to our new home a year ago and the criteria for this new house was a large kitchen and a LARGE craft room the length of the house. And we found both in this house and only five minutes from the grandbabies, which is best of all!

This is a thrift store chair I recovered in feedsacks I bought at the Round Top Antique Show and I also made the pleated trim to recover it for my craft room.

 

Tell us all about it – what have you done to make your space cozy or beautiful or inspiring?  I did a trio of complementing colors on the walls and tried to have a designated crafting area, sewing area and a TV/computer seating area.  We also added into the existing attic and I told the contractor I want a BIG craft closet. I’m like REAL Big. I wasn’t joking! LOL!!!
 

How do you keep your area organized?  I’ve tried so many things over the years. In our old house I had a small bedroom so I went UP. I purchased slat walls and shelving and hooks from a Dallas company (slat walls are used in store shelving) and it did help with my small room. This time I have more room so I bought wire paper shelves for paper and several IKEA cupboards and cubes and even added an over the door organizer on my closet.
 

How many hours a week do you spend in your happy place?  Not as many as I’d like. But probably one to two hours a day. Darn it that I have to work to support my obsessive crafting!

What would the walls in your craft space say?  About you?  About your work?  They’d say she likes a lot of variety and supplies. They’d say she creates to be happy.

If you could add just one tool to your craft arsenal, what would you add?  A kiln. I don’t know how to really do pottery, but I have a book that makes me want to do it!

What is your favorite “must have” item for crafting – something that you just cannot be separated from?  My glue gun. I like glue but the glue gun is a crafter’s MUST. Oh or maybe it’s glitter. I am also known as a glitter queen.

What is the most useless item that you have purchased to craft?  Probably my Silhouette cutting machine. I just can’t get myself to read the manual. I’ve had it like five years and my daughter used it once, as I wouldn’t take the time to read the manual. LOL!

Do you keep any of your own creations on display?  Yes, I love to remember the fun I had creating items by glancing at them in my craft room and my house too.

What are your tricks for organizing your supplies?  Just do the best you can in the space you have with the time that you have to do it. And just “let it go” like Elsa sings.

Finish this sentence:  When I am in my creative space, I feel curious, excited, happy.

I am going to grant you three wishes to make your area into your dream space.  What are your three wishes?  Even more room with a chandelier please!

What are your favorite products to create with at this moment?  It would have to at this moment be my embroidery machine.

Speaking of embroidering, this beach tote is a rare embroidery machine/sewing goodie I made for myself.  It's not often that I craft for myself, but this is the one time that I did.

Are you a neat or a messy crafter?  Messy. I’ve gotten better though on cleaning up afterwards. It’s a continuing struggle.

It’s time to go shopping.  Does most of your money go to Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, Michael’s, conventions or a local scrapbook store?  Or are you an on-line shopper?  Probably Hobby Lobby. It’s their home décor and sewing department all together with the crafting supplies that have me choose them most often.

Are you an impulse craft supplies shopper?  Yes, very much so. Clearance is my middle name.

Do you have any personal goals you have not yet attained?  If so, what are you doing to fulfill these goals?  I would like to learn more and take classes on quilting. I think I’ll need to retire in order to have the time to do so though.

Tell me that one thing that you have not yet done that you really want to do.  I want to go to an art retreat in France. Is that too much to ask?!

If you were given $1000 to spend on craft supplies/tools what would you purchase?  Probably would buy a serger and maybe a second sewing machine to go with my embroidery machine. This way I can embroider and sew on the second machine.

Do you spend hours and hours looking at blogs?  Do you have a blog?  I don’t. I have a few blogs I look at daily, but I’m a scanner now. Usually led there by Pinterest. I did have a blog, but I found that I sit on my behind too much when I work and then to sit more to blog was not healthy. So I quit blogging.

What is the best piece of advice that anyone has ever given you regarding your crafting?  Nicki told me at our last ranch retreat that your (Bleep) is good, Susie. You should sell it! Thanks, Nicki! You’re so sweet!

Do you have any inspirational words to share?  I will give you the one on my office wall:  “A book is a garden carried in a pocket.”

I know.  I know.  What happens at the retreat stays at the retreat.  Let’s break a few rules.  Tell me something interesting that was said or happened on one of your retreats.  Oh we all agree what happens at the ranch stays at the ranch.  It's a code punishable by no more sharing of craft goodies with you if you break it.  ZIPPED LIPS HERE!

WOW - now that's an interview!!!  Thank you so much, Susan, for a peek into your life.  AND into your craft room.  I'm sure most of you will agree with me when I say I am green with envy.

Remember one thing:  YOU MATTER.  See you next time!