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!
