Friday, November 13, 2009

Omaha hold'em

When I signed up - almost a year ago - to teach at Silver Bella, I had no idea of the level of craft that is going on across the country. I spent the last 5 days with women from all over the states - women who gather to share their talent and be with others who have a passion for the old and unusual. I always thought I was one of the few who loved the bizarre, odd bits that were found in someone's address book - or the flowers that were pressed into an old autograph album. Who knew. I taught four jewelry classes to some of the most creative women I have ever met, many who had never made jewelry before - but every one of them finished the projects.
Before the madness began, we traveled down to Freemont - just 45 minutes west of Omaha - where we spent some time doing some serious digging in the antique shops. I found an 1840's catalogue of home necessities, upholstery needles and a collection of old ledgers. I loved the antiques we saw - old, old farm equipment, heirloom quilts, early craft books, tons of ironstone and lot's and lot's of old, slightly creepy, medicinal supplies. Everything seemed too big or too heavy to actually ship back - but a driving tour through the midwest to pick up some good old American antiques is surely in order!
This past week was played and worked as hard as a good game of poker - and we would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks Teresa!






14 comments:

rebecca said...

And what fun adventures we had, yes? So happy to have met you and Dawn. Let's do it again sometime!

Wanda said...

You and Dawn were the best...I loved that you kept coming around to help us all out. I am tickled pink that you chose to show our table's necklaces...thank you. That was my favorite class this year. :)

chantal Johnson said...

Kari, Mom and I enjoyed meeting you in Omaha...when in Dallas, please call if you need anything. Blessings,
Chantal johnson

kelli said...

Kaari,

Thank you so much for the amazing classes and squeezing the 3 of us into your last class. I enjoyed every second of it.
It was a pleasure to meet you and hope to cross paths again someday

Kelli

Catherine said...

Kaari, I soooo loved taking your bracelet class and meeting you in person! I am such a fan. I, too, had never made any jewlery but you made it possible and now I have an amazing bracelet. Merci

Catherine Aguilera

Sharon Stanley said...

Thanks for a fun post...I always enjoy a visit to your blog and feel as though I have been on a fun little creative holiday afterward!

Jen Kershner said...

Kaari- Thanks for being the highlight of my week. You rock. Dawn rocks. Your teaching skills rock. Your beads and charms rock. Really I could go on but I fear I'm hovering on the edge of going too far (or maybe I fell over the cliff). It was a pleasure to have you as an instructor.

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Kaari, I am in awe that you chose the photo of OUR vintage rosary necklaces to highlight on your blog. I enjoyed BOTH classes with you as I was anxiously awaiting to meet you in person...it was a dream come true, for you are such an inspiration! Thank you for your photo with me and your autograph too!
Thank you...from my little Bella heart!
;)
everything vintage

Rachel Carlson said...

sounds like it was a grand time, cheers to you. i feel truly inspired right now!

charlotte said...

It was such fun to meet you and Dawn.... and to wander Fremont (and beyond!?) with you. I really wish we teachers could have had a chance to take your class- and each other's as well. So looking forward to spring in STL. xoC

Anonymous said...

Kaari, It was such a pleasure to meet you and Dawn! I felt as though I had known you both all my life; definitely kindred spirits! I am sure we will cross paths again! A million thanks for the inspiration and creativity you ladies passed along!

Julie B.
tabbytribe@earthlink.net

cammy said...

Kaari,
It was such a pleasure meeting you at Silver Bella. I thoroughly enjoyed both of your classes and am so grateful to you for squeezing us into your bracelet class. I have always been so intimidated about jewelry making but your teaching style just made it all so easy.
Cammy

Anonymous said...

it was great meeting you. i love my rosary necklace...am seriously thing about france..and driving so for your sat workshops

Anonymous said...

oh my!...fremont! I live here and had not been there for 10+ years, admittedly I find few reasons to leave the farm, with the exception of grazing. =)

Words will not do, as to meeting dawn, and yourself. Simply wonderful women, er travel buddies???