Friday, September 4, 2009

Greetings from Texas...

 

DSC_0051 (2)

Please note that every photo in this post was taken by me of Chantal Johnson's home, gardens and studio. Please do not infringe on copyrights or privacies, thank you!

DSC_0048 (2)

Welcome to Tidbits and Tassels... an art retreat hosted by Chantal Johnson at her beautiful home in Texas on Saturday, August 29th.

DSC_0050 (2)

From the moment we drove up to her beautiful home, everywhere we looked, we were engulfed with welcoming beauty.

Having never met Chantal in person, Sarah and I traveled 6 hours from Louisiana not knowing what to expect. I must tell you, this day was not what I expected at all...

It was much, much more...in every delightful way possible!

DSC_0052 (2)

When someone says "It's all in the details", believe them as this statement is so true. Chantal thought of every little detail which made our day so dreamy.

DSC_0143

My breath was taken away upon my entry into this beautiful home filled with her compassion for art...art that she creates!

DSC_0151

I knew this day would be a wonderful day of learning and meeting like-minded women. Just the thought of creating with them brought a smile to my face and I instantly felt at home.

From details of the gorgeous table centerpieces...

DSC_0057 (2)

 

DSC_0150

 

DSC_0149

To the scrumptious food available buffet style...

DSC_0146

 

DSC_0148

 

DSC_0069 (2)

To the goody bags that she personalized with our initial and a beautiful tassel...one of which we were going to learn how to make!

DSC_0155

Everything was absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking!

Speaking of breathtaking, let's walk outside shall we? I want to give you a peek into my next post. I'll be sharing with you where we created. Here's a sneak peek...

DSC_0080 (2)

Isn't her pool just to die for? We didn't create out there though, we created out here...

DSC_0079

Under the patio with the cool Texas breeze. It was the most beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and low (very low) humidity.

See those beautiful french doors in the background? Well, they open up into Chantal's beautiful studio. It's like something out of a magazine I tell ya! I tried to capture all of the beauty but I don't think even my photos will do it justice.

We'll see in my next post and I'll let you be the judge of that.

Thank you for stopping in to peek at my creative weekend with the Texas Bellas.

I have much more eye candy ahead if you're interested as I will take you inside her studio in my next post!!! Be sure to come back as you wouldn't want to miss this!!!

Then after that, I'll show you all of the little details of our creative day, and the last post will be about the 'special little moments' that made Sarah and I's trip to Texas unforgettable. So stay tuned for all of the scoop! ;)

DSC_0059 (2)

I have to give a big THANKS to Chantal & her Mom, Maryse for making last weekend so special for all of us. I'm sure that Sarah, Susan, Rita, Heather, & Ann Michelle would all agree too!!!!

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do agree! thanks Chantal!!! It was the best weekend ever! hugs

toodles-
sarah

Lori said...

it sounds like you all really had a wonderful time...gorgeous pictures Jodie...you really showed very well how much time and effort was put into this event!!!

Tina(Taken over by her daughter, Nicole) said...

Looks like alot of fun was had! did you know we snagged Chantal for our Paper Cowgirl Retreat in October??? Wish you were comming!

Karen said...

Oh boy - it looks like you had just a perfect weekend! Don't you love it? Every little detail is carefully thought out and these lovely hostesses just go over the top! A delicious way to get spoiled!
I cannot wait to go to my weekend "Artisitc Affaire L'Automne" on the 18th and 19th. It is just a beautiful time - Kim Caldwell is the Hostess, she hosts it now in an old photographer's studio in downtown LA and it is just the perfect spot. This will be my 2nd one I have attended and I cannot wait!!!
Oh I can't wait to see the inside of the studio. There's something magical about peeking into where other women create their masterpieces.
Hey! Isn't that how you and I met? With Sophie as our guide! YAY! I'm so glad!!
Have a good day! I'll be Emailing you later this morning to chat!
Love these pictures!!!!
:) Hugs. Karen

trash talk said...

I would bow and curtsy to such beauty, but there is no one at home with me to raise me back up!
It all looks wonderful...those tassels are 2die4!
Who wouldn't be inspired to create sitting amongst all that!
Debbie

A Fanciful Life said...

Oh my gosh... that all just takes my breath away. What an incredible home - it reminded me of the show "Dallas"!. What lovely touches all around and I love how you captured that. I'm sure this was a very, very special weekend. It must have been like winning the lotto! Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures...
Sharon :-)

Debra@CommonGround said...

Such a beautiful setting for a wonderful creative weekend. Glad you were able to go and have such a great time. Looking forward to house photos!
Debra

Stephanie O. said...

What beautiful artwork and what a lovely home...

Linda said...

Gorgeous!! All of it. I'm very fond of that peach and blue combination shown. The pool is fantastic of course. :)

NicNacManiac said...

Can you see the green...envy I tell ya!! The girl time, the creativity and the venue...all spectacular!! Chantel really welcomed you guys!!! Can't wait to see more!
Enjoy your evening, Hugs xOxO, Nerina

chantal Johnson said...

Jodie, your post is beyond kind words. Thank you so so so much.. the company is truly what made it a great day..I hope to do this agin in the Spring. Love to all of you

BALLET NEWS said...

Hello, you have the most fabulously wonderful site here and I had to leave this comment for you ! Your posts are beautifully written, creative and original too, and you have interesting pictures.

It's all perfect !

Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes.... 'Happy September'....

DeeDee said...

Hey I am from texas...I didn't hear about such a fun event...Was it close By Fort Worth..I would love to Attend if you have another..I love both your blogs..


Looks Like you had a awesome time...

kana said...

What a beautiful setting and I love that back patio! I am sure you gals had a great time!!

Jessica Rodarte said...

*sputtering* Wow...

Anonymous said...

Wow what a treat. That must have been a beautiful experience. Looking and learning, can't beat that.
QMM

Geralyn Gray said...

It looked like an awesome weekend---so many nice touches. I love the pool and patio---it's perfect!!!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jodie,

Looks like the perfect weekend at the perfect home.
Everything looks amazing and glad that you had a great time.
thanks for showing us a little of your magical time away.

Hugs
Carolyn

Hope Ellington said...

Hi Jodie~
Your weekend details are awesome. I am drooling for more. I did have the awesome pleasure of meeting Chantal & her sweet mother at Silver Bella last year. She coaxed me along her beautiful remodel during the process as I am doing a remodel as well. I can't wait for more posts of the weekend...it is killing me!
Blessings~Hope

Becca said...

Wow what an awesome retreat!!! I can't wait to see the studio, the outside is GORGEOUS!!

zandra said...

Soooo Beautiful! Can't wait to see what you gals created. Great pics! Hugz, Z

The Victorian Parlor said...

Oh my, I am in love with that outdoor dining room! I would drink tea, and wine, and create, and read out there all the time! This is so much fun-I feel like I am there with ya!

Blessings,

Kim

Jane Jeffress Thomas said...

What a wonderful place to create in and such a gracious hostess. Love every picture you put up. Gorgeous things.

The Chateau of Remnants said...

Oh my gosh how fun and exciting!! What great creations!! I would love to do a retreat like this!

{ttfn}
Renee