In a flash, our long-awaited weekend of art bliss has come and gone.

I heard several times afterwards that artBLISS 2013 was the best one yet. I have to agree – it just keeps getting better.  Artists, bloggers, jewelry designers, friends – we all gathered for a weekend of camaraderie and workshops.  We came with our hopes – hearts full of anticipation – and minds ready to learn….. and I do believe we left feeling renewed (and a bit tired, yes) with a sense of validation that we don’t often find in our every day lives.   It was good to see many attendees return, many for the 4th year in a row. We missed those that just couldn’t make it this year.  We also welcomed first-time attendees to the artBLISS community.  We were especially thankful for the elite group of instructors who made artBLISS 2013 so memorable.  They shared their knowledge and contagious passion for many different mediums of jewelry design.

If you could not attend this year, we have you covered! We’d like to keep you posted on our future events and hope to see you in 2014.  Please join the artBLISS newsletter list, and you’ll be entered to win a $50 fundametals.net gift certificate!

 

 Bags packed for an amazing weekend!

We were thrilled to have Richard Salley return and to welcome Jessica Papke  – they taught 3 incredible ring workshops.

 Bette and Charlie take it outdoors – the weather was beautiful.

Beware the ring mandrel!  Vicki.  Me.

 I made a ring too – love how it turned out + I learned many tips and tricks!

The beautiful work of Christine Damm, our resident polymer clay artist/expert/instructor.

Melissa having some fun with polymer clay.

Erin, Michelle and Erin making thin gauge metal earrings in Stacie Florer’s popular workshop.

 Anna and Charlie working with some of the many tools that Stacie brought for her students to try.

Gathering ’round Stacie for a demo.  In the workshops, everything is hands-on.

 The instructors are 100% accessible and full of encouragement.

 My earrings from Stacie’s Focus on Posts workshop.  Below, a class photo.

 

There are many FUN traditions at artBLISS:

At the Meet and Greet, students meet their instructors and friends while enjoying yummy appetizers. 

 Sandi, Heather, and Michelle with Jessica.

 The evening wraps up with loads of give aways!

The chance to shop from instructors is a big highlight – often times they bring pieces that are not sold elsewhere.  (Clockwise:  cuff by Richard Salley, ring by Jessica Papke and earrings by Stacie Florer).

Lunch at artBLISS!  We eat lunch as a group at artBLISS so there is plenty of time to catch up with friends and share works in progress (from left:  Patti, Heather, Dia, artBLISS-cohost-Jeanette, Shelly, Michelle, Bette and Jenny).

Another favorite tradition is the artBLISS Charm Swap!  Every year participants really put their heart and soul in to their mini charm designs (and packaging) and we all look forward to the swapping and unveiling during lunch.  A special thanks to Dawn for coordinating the swap again this year.

The Saturday Night Soiree was a new social this year.  We had pizza and salads brought in so the attendees could stay after class, socialize, unwind, and SHOP!  We had limited spacing for vendors and the spots were grabbed quickly.  What fun – shopping for vintage components, art beads and jewelry supplies!

 

Jenny showcasing her beautiful ceramic pieces (her new sugar skulls sold out quickly!) –

there’s Tracy, Terri, Sally, Diana and Sandi shopping!

My shipment of my new book, The Missing Link arrived just in time to bring to artBLISS.  The response by the attendees was heart-warming and I thank everyone for sharing this big milestone with me; it was a magical moment in time.   I had both my jewelry and those made by some of the contributors on display.  I was lucky to have 2 contributors join me at the retreat, both Christine Damm and Tracy Statler.  Please join all of us on the book blog tour coming up on Oct. 15th!

 

 Thank you for stopping by and reliving the recent memories of artBLISS 2013!

Please join us next year for our 5th anniversary.  You’ll get the latest information when you join our newsletter list here.  New subscribers will be entered in a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from fundametals.net.  The winner will be drawn on October 13th, 2013.  Good luck!

– Cindy

 

 

 

Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design.   She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her first wire jewelry design book , The Missing Link, just hit the shelves!