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....
Looks like a wonderful time.It's great you had the chance to create and teach,AND raise money for a good cause.
Posted by: Jaimie Sander | August 31, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Oh my gosh! That lamp is absolutely amazing. Lucky lady that Nicole is, my goodness, I'm sure she will treasure it for a long time to come. Congrats to Nicole for winning that beauty.
Posted by: Nannie of 3 | August 31, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Looks like good times!!! Im glad you had an awesome time!!!!
Posted by: Char | August 31, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Thanks again for a truly amazing escape!!!! It was such a good time! The last evening was extremely moving!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth B. | August 31, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Wowza! I heard about the auction - seems like it would be hard to be humble in those circumstances! That rewarding experience should carry you through the end of the year, at least!
Posted by: Gloria L. | August 31, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Oh that looked likes such a fun time. .. I am impressed with your lamp very cool and a great cause that is for sure!
Your mini book is to die for. .. love the suitcase!
Posted by: Michelle Salazar | August 31, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Oh SNAP! are those Mini suitcases ever adorable or what???!!! I LOVE them! Wish I had one for DD's Baby album...so SWEET!
Great work for a great cause! WTG to all you talented artists.
Posted by: Dolly/scrapthat | August 31, 2009 at 12:56 PM
What a remarkable weekend and a remarkable story that people are willing to be so generous to others. It's truly inspirational.
Posted by: D'Ann Swanson | August 31, 2009 at 12:58 PM
What a wonderful experience. I love that everyone was in such a giving spirit!
Posted by: Dawn-Marie | August 31, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Sounds like you had a great time and what a great cause. What a cool experience for all of the students. Way cool project too!
Posted by: Debby | August 31, 2009 at 01:04 PM