so where do i begin to share all of the incredible moments and memories of this past weekend at creative escape? the new friends, the amazing talents of the teachers i got to share this experience with, the generous students who took time out of their lives to share in this event - so many things... creative escape is truly that, an escape from it all. a place to release your creative inhibitions with other people in the world who have this passion in common. i just want to thank heidi swapp for asking me to be part of this event again this year...
after arriving down in phoenix on wednesday night we checked in and went right to sleep (well tried to anyway) to get some much needed rest for the event packed weekend ahead. thursday morning was set up for the trunk show where all of the teachers set out a sampling of their creations on a table and have a chance to meet each of the 500+ attendees personally. this is such a great part of the event as everyone is excited to meet each other, and as teachers, we get the rare chance to see each others personal works of art and connect with that common bond we all share. here are some pics of the table displays from this years teachers - so cool...
(in the following order: heidi swapp, marah johnson, debby schuh, heather bailey, carol wingert, debbie crouse & paula cheney, lynette carroll, and myself)
the next 2 days (friday and saturday) were filled with classes as each of the attendees get to experience all 8 of the workshops throughout the weekend - we taught 4 groups of students each day. the venue is simply amazing at the wild horse pass resort surrounded by arizona's unique landscape - the setting couldn't be more perfect. my class project was all about exploring your imagination and remembering the moments from the journey. we made this little mini book (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") complete with pockets, clear pouches, and journaling tickets that tucked into this mini suitcase - it was a fun project to teach...
the last night of the event was definitely one of the most memorable and heartfelt experiences - one i will never forget. we all gather for our final formal sit down dinner illuminated by candlelight and complete with a creative escape tradition to "eat dessert first". that's right, we actually are served dessert first! our meal concluded with a photo slide show of some of the weekends highlights, and lot's and lot's of raffle prizes. so many generous sponsors of this event gave away some pretty cool gifts to some very lucky winners! each year, creative escape selects a charity to raise money for - this year the charity was for the leukemia and lymphoma society and each of the creative escape teachers (and some teachers from previous years) all created lamps in our own personal style to donate to this cause. students were able to purchase raffle tickets throughout the weekend and then the winners were selected. in addition to this raffle, a live auction was held for heidi's lamp as well as mine. live auctions always create such excitement and when it's for such a great charity it's filled with emotion as well. all of the lamps created raised a significant amount of money for the charity, and i think everyone in that room had their hearts filled with a generous spirit that was truly in itself a priceless moment. thank you to the winner of my lamp nicole, for your genuine words and gracious giving to such a great cause; thank you to melanie wellman for a touching and perfect keynote presentation to end the night; and a final thank you again to everyone who shared in this incredible weekend, these memorable moments will last a lifetime, and i hope that throughout it you took the time to explore your imagination, and experience your own creative escape....
How wonderful to share that experience with other artists!! Thanks for some great pics! -Melinda
Posted by: Melinda Brein | August 31, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Oh it looks so cool! I hope you had a blast!
Posted by: Mahala | August 31, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Looks like it was an incredible time. Having fun and enjoying good company while creating is the best! And the auction served a very, very important cause.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Tim, not to mention your talent and inspirations. I love reading your blog.
Posted by: Cynthia White | August 31, 2009 at 11:45 AM
That was an AWESOME, unforgettable night, your talant for making cool things goes beyond words. Thanks for an AMAZING escape. Loved your class.
Posted by: Tess | August 31, 2009 at 11:47 AM
OMG....Where can I get one of those mini suitcases? That is such a great idea & perfect gift for some of my family that has it all. Congrats again of the wonderful lamp you created!
Posted by: Lisa | August 31, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I'm sure it's safe to say we all had an AMAZING time, Tim! Thanks for creating such a spectacular class and lamp. I look forward to next year already!!!
Posted by: Sara Carns | August 31, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Tim, I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience. It sounds like the people were really in tune with the spirit of the event and that is so wonderful to hear!
Posted by: Jingle | August 31, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Thank you for making Creative Escape a wonderful experience. It was better than I ever expected. You, and all of the instructors, were generous teachers and gracious about being photographed.
I feel very fortunate to have participated in such a special event.
Posted by: Renee S. | August 31, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Oh, it sounds so wonderful. Maybe someday....
Everyone's work looks fabulous and your lamp is gorgeous....lucky raffle winner there.
Where to next, Tim?
Eileen in NYC
Posted by: Eileen Bellomo | August 31, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Congrats to what I hear was an amazing time and on the money raised! I'm so sad that I wasn't there to play along and thank you for sharing your photos! Hugs from Conroe, TX!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | August 31, 2009 at 12:08 PM