Photos from Sandcastle Sirens Retreat

Please enjoy the following slideshow... courtesy of Suzanne Hansen from SheWanders.com! She has a great talent for capturing the moment.

Renewed and Thankful

Yes this is me running on the beach laughing and rejoicing in the amazingness of all who joined in and made this past weekend possibleIt was like little Birdie's flew into my garage and magically transformed it into

a Vintage femme

Art studio(birdie's by the name of Linda and Sherry that is)

Everyone just adored meeting and learning from Julie I am so happy to have had her spirit of healing art and transformation


April prepared the most delicious lunch for us all a Parisian Salad with mouth watering bruschetta- we felt pampered and loved

Look at these beautiful smiles- an afternoon of laughter and whimsy created

I am thankful for the woman God has put into my life- we share the fun along with the hard work and laugh the whole time;)

Melanie- you are a true gem I adore your sweet good natured spirit and amazing Project management skills(not to mention your Baking!!) without you I would have lost it!!

April- Thank you for encouraging me and helping me put my inspiration and ideas into action, for feeding our belly's and filling our hearts

Julie- for traveling so far with your truck loaded with our hearts desires - and then so graciously sharing your techniques and secrets- it was pure joy ! and as you so insightfully said:

"Teaching art is my way of making a difference in the world and making a difference in life was one of the things my past husband Mark taught me was so important. When people take art classes they get to transport them selves to living in the moment and this happens by getting into the creative process."

Linda and Sherry- You two are the hardest working women in the business;)

you literally transformed my entire garage and front garden into a magical romantic femme get away- your vision is amazing and only pales in comparison to your generosity.

Deb- You single handedly managed and maintained the biggest event of the weekend.

I knew you were the woman for the job, but I didn't expect to be completely blown away by your selflessness, kindness and complete commitment. I am so very blessed by your hard working spirit and love.

Thank you to all the vendors for your over the top generosity we raised over 1600.00 for our art therapy project:::: you all have touched the hearts of women who have been hurt and cast away.

::::Releasing our Burdens into the fire::::

I am wondering what will be released at the bonfire on Saturday night
First thought I had was that I can be hard on myself sometimes.
So I am going to release unforgiving thoughts and attitudes into the fire-
I was never meant to bear them, and deserve to feel completely loved and accepted by myself
::::::so there:::::

Bon Bon's anyone?

Art Trades are so fun- anything goes, and lets face it we love it all

I knew immediately I had to visit Julie's blog for inspiration

I love her style and how happy her projects make me feel!

Check out her book Pretty Little Felts

I am feeling the call:::::

to the seashore...... how inspired it makes me, all the memories I have being little and so sure I can find the perfect seashell.

I am loving preparing for our upcoming retreat , it's a combination of all the things I love

vintage, sparkly, sand & sea- above is just one of the treasures you will receive when you join us for our two day retreat

Cant wait to Play::::

With the Fabulous Julie Haymaker Thompson

"Time Flies" -In this workshop you will start by making a ”no solder “ pewter charm and then embellish it to your personal liking. You will then design a chain to match the charm. Basic design principles will be taught along with cold connection jewelry techniques. Quality materials will be used and supplied. You will leave with a very special one of a kind piece and the skills to make more!!!! Supply list = Your imagination!!
"Hey Birdie"(affectionately known as Steam Punk Lily) We will make a pewter covered bird, embellished with a variety of interesting objects. Your bird will then perch on a wooden vintage book page covered egg. You will work with a unique variety of finishing techniques in this class. Some of the items will be pre done for you in this class and for those items, demos will be given. again- Supply list = Your imagination!!

Time Flies is being taught on Saturday June 6th 9:30- 4:00 pm-

Comes with a delicious gourmet lunch and concierge service

contact Melanie or Jane , Sandcastlesirens@gmail.com

Hey Birdie is being taught on Sunday June 7th 9:00 -1:00-

come early(8:00) to share free continental breakfast- and join in our Vendor sale afterwords!

contact Melanie or Jane, Sandcastlesirens@gmail.com

We're so excited!

In nearly a month, the Sandcastle Sirens weekend will be upon us! It's so exciting and there is so much in store.

The artistic retreat will be so much fun - I can't wait to take Julie's classes and be surrounded by inspiration. I'm also really excited to see the vendor sale on Sunday. Deb Hodge from Breathing Beside Us has been organizing the Marché Dans Le Jardin, check out these great postcards she's created! I love them!

I've posted some info on the right about the garden market, however Deb has created an informational blog for it - click here to visit!