Sunday, May 2, 2010

Chapter 5: The Big Day ~ Creating at Ford Plantation

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photo courtesy of Shabbyscraps

~ Petticoats and Parasols ~

hosted by the Queen of the South...

the one and only Jennifer Hayslip.

Teachers included:

Tiffany of Shabbyscraps and Christine of Dollybelle

Guest Speaker:

Jo Packham of Where Women Create

*****

Well friends, it's here...the moment you've been waiting for!

~ Final Day of the Event ~

Even the rain couldn't dull our excitement as we arrived by trolley for the big day!!!

No way!!!

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Jenn was sooooo cute as she looked like a little doll standing there in the massive front entrance of the beautiful Ford Plantation.

She was pretending to be crying and wiping her eyes because of the rain and yucky weather. 

There was a sweet, but somber sound of "awwwwwe, poor Jenn" throughout the whole trolley when we saw her and as soon as it stopped, we ran up the up the steps as fast as we could and assured her that the rain was NOT going to ruin OUR par-tay!!!

No way!!!

Making our way through the house and again through the back door, this was our view...(sigh)...

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And to the right of this sensational pool was the white tent on the beautiful lawn next to the Savannah River which was to be our creative nest until dusk!

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We took three classes throughout the day.

The first was the Peekaboo Petticoat taught by Christine aka Dollybelle...

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This was an AWESOME class as we covered and embellished a paper mache' dress form, Southern Belle Style!

Our supply kit from Christine was a treat in itself and those of you who know me, I really had a hard time opening the pretty package...but I did!  ;)

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Presentation! Presentation! Presentation!

Christine sewed the precious little bags above that held our kit supplies which included detailed instructions, a paper mache' dress form, a painted and distressed candle holder (for the base) and a cute little bag of embellishments (not shown) below...

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Christine had a few gorgeous "models" already made to guide us through. As you can see below, she is so talented in SO many ways!!!!!

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This is what a typical creative table looked like in the first fifteen minutes of the event...

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A beautiful mess :)

And this is what the area of the typical floor space looked like...

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Another beautiful mess :)

Let me present to you my "Mini-Me" (as Tiffany calls her), but please note that she's not finished...she still needs some shaping up a little here and there...

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I took a break and walked around with my camera. I really didn't neeeed a break...I was just being my typical nosey self and of course, I wanted to take you along with me ;)

Everyone was having fun fun fun! Here we have

Rhonda...

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Sylvia...

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Shelley...

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and Nicole...

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By this time my tummy was growling and it was almost lunch.

Before you and I head to the dining room...let me not forget to show you another sweet little detail from Jenn...

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These cue-tees were hung from each of our chairs as a keepsake to take home. Isn't that sa-weet?

Alrighty now...let's head back to the Ford Plantation.

My place at the dining room awaits us, and so do the ladies at my table!!!

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I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Tiffany, Julie Ann, Amada, Karen, Nicole and her Mother Bernadette. Lucky me that our table was the closest to the bar and before anyone else in room new it, I had my tab open and I was on my second C&C! Tiffany turned the rest of the ladies on to Amarettos (sp?) and everyone was "over the top" happy :)

Our place settings were so pretty and with such classy details.

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And then came the chicken...YUMMY!

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I made a "happy plate" and oh my gosh...after eating seeing this again, I think I just might have to go take a nap...

No? You won't "let" me? You want to see more?

Alrighty then...you're killing me!

Let's go back to the tent...it's play time again :)

Next up was the parasol class taught by Jenn. This was an AWESOME class too as you're not going to believe the beautiful creations you're about to see!

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I didn't do my parasol in class.

It was killing me not to, but I have to tea stain my parasol before I can even start on it. The parasol was bright white and all the material I brought of course did NOT match, much less blend with white so guess what? No fear!  That gave me the chance to walk around and show you some more fabulous women and their creations!!!!

Are you ready?

Nicole and Rachel

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Bernadette

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Joanna

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Karen

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Shelley

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Cathy

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Heidi

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Julie Ann

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Sherry

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There were so many other beautiful parasols under that tent! I didn't get a chance to catch everyone...I didn't want to "disturb" their creative mo-jo!

I did have the chance to sit and chat with Jo for a while and that was a highlight of my day :)

Plus, I sure wish I would have had more time over the weekend to sit and chat with Julie Ann. She's such a sweet heart and she's been so good to me from the day we met through blogging. She has the biggest heart and she's so full of surprises!

I love this photo of her and I...

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So by now, it is late in the evening and we have one more class to take.

Tiffany taught the Silhouette class which was totally AWESOME too! All we had to do was bring an 8x10 frame and she supplied the class kit with yummy Melissa Frances goodies...

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with extras on the main table for everyone to dig into...

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These were two of the amazingly beautiful frames that she created as an example...

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Well, if you remember clearly...I had a tab open at the bar. Many hours have passed since. The sun was setting. I was getting tired (& hungry as always) again so therefore I whipped up my silhouette frame standing at the glue gun station.

This is what I came up with in a matter of 15 minutes using Tiffany's signature floral photography fine art and her silhouette.  I grunged up the background with walnut ink and added some bling, paper flowers and velvet.

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And this my friends, was the LAST photo I took of the whole event. Yes, picture number 359 on Saturday evening at approximately 8 p.m.

I turned my camera off for the final time in Savannah, packed all my little supplies neatly back in my bag, closed my tab at the bar and plopped myself in the trolley.

I was so happy, honored and humbled to spend a beautiful weekend with all of these creative women.

I was sad that it was ending as I was flying home in the morning.

I was TIRED as there was so many little details to soak in and I was scared at the thought of forgetting each one.

I was speechless as I couldn't comprehend the fact of being happy and sad at the same time.

I was scared at the thought I might need to be on the lookout for a therapist. Seriously, how can a person be happy and sad at the same time, right?

;)

Words and photos cannot express the fun that I had...from the moment my toes touched down in Savannah, Georgia!

I hope you had fun coming along with me too. At least you don't have to feel all psychotic like me...lucky you! haha

********

I wanted to let you in on what I'll be giving away at the end of the last Chapter (coming soon) of my Savannah Weekend "book"...

I'll be giving away Jo Packham and Jenny Doh's newest book, Where Women Create ~ The Book of Inspiration.

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It is a special copy as this is one of many that I lugged with me from Louisiana to have Jo take it back to her room and graciously sign it...just for you.

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Jo is such a fascinating and inspiring woman.

She is my mentor and my hero.

Hearing her laugh makes me happy.

Hearing her trials and her struggles makes me stronger person.

Seeing her smile makes me feel like all things are possible.

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I've felt so selfish to have had the privilege of seeing her three times in the past five months and not sharing her with you.

So here's my chance to give back some of the love in hopes of having her inspire you also.

And of course, no box leaves my house without extra surprises so I won't give out any more details ;)

Hopefully I'll see you again as we read Chapter 6 together!

(that's correct, I'm still NOT finished!)

;)

39 comments:

Honey Lamb and I said...

Oh it makes me so sad that this is the end of the Savannah post of yours!!! They have been so perfect for reminiscing! I love the picture of Rachel and Nicole working and the one of Sherry's smile! I am flattered to have my mug in there too!!! lol So what is going on with your parasol!! Is it ready to make it's debut?!?!? You know your silhouette was my favorite!!! I think that should be your give away to me!!! lol j/k Love your, Moulin Rouge

Jennifer Hayslip said...

Dearest Jodie, Your post has me on the verge of tears. AGAIN! LOL!!! So beautiful, heartfelt, funny, and I just adore how you tell a story. I giggled out loud when you wrote SA-WEET! hee! hee! You have a very gifted way of expressing your thoughts and words so beautifully. Thank you my bayou friend for blessing us with your awesome soul and charm. I only wish I had more one on one time to spend with you. Hopefully one day soon!
Your pictures ROCK....just like YOU!!! Love ya!! XOXO,Jenn

NicNacManiac said...

Oh my good gracious Jodie,
I feel like I travelled to Savannah with you and had the time of my life! Your journey through photos is just spectacular and all of your commentary just cracks me up!! I can only imagine spending real life time with you...I know it would be a blast!! You ladies sure rocked out the Pink, you stayed true to yourself of course, your the bust is gorgeous...can't imagine what finishing touches are in store for her!!
Each and every photo has the subject smiling from ear to ear and I can tell that they are having a wonderful time!
The parasol...can't wait to see it completed....everything vintage style!! The food, the company, the creativity...off the charts!!
Thank you for taking me with you, I really enjoyed myself...Happy Sunday sweet girlie xOxO Nerina

Lynn said...

Jodie thanks so much for taking us along with you! What a treat it was. I love love love your Peekaboo Petticoat - just my colors! I hope you post your parasol when it's done ;)

~Lynn

Anonymous said...

sniffsniffsniff....
you brought me on you rollercoaster of emotion.. b/c I am soo Happy for you to of had so much fun! BUT so sad cuz I wasnt there sniff... hehe

I love your creations and I cant wait to see the parasol when you get it tea struck! Everyone looked so cute in the pics! big hugs

toodles-
sarah

Jennifer said...

Oh my goodness, I am so inspired. I want to sign up for the next one - it is exactly me cup of tea! Everything looked so romantic and over the top. I am swooning. It must have been amazing.

Draffin Bears said...

How wonderful sweet Jodie ~ I loved reading your post and seeing all your delightful photos. It was almost as good as been there, for those of us thousands of miles away.
I love what you have all made and what fabulous memories and treasures you have taken home with you.
Not to forget the special friendships and love you shared. Love the photo of you dear friend and all the Girls.
Thanks Jodie, for sharing your wonderful time at Petticoats and Parasols.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

I see the bridge! said...

Oh I have so loved every single chapter so far, thank you thank you for all the gorgeous photos, it does indeed make me feel like I was there, either that or it makes me feel jealous...oh no now I am half crazy as well...oh well it is a short journey to crazy for me...anyhoo...thanks for sharing, I adore reading your posts and can't wait to see your parasol when you finish it.
That is also my most favourite quote that Jo has written in the book and I have stitched it on many a wall hanging...perfect!
Kiss Noises Linda

Angela said...

Jodie, Jodie....how did I miss meeting you on Friday at the Vendor night? I have wanted to meet you ever since I read some of your Silver Bella posts and had no idea you were even in the same bldg. with me. UGH!! I didn't get to join in on the rest of the fun but you have completely taken me along for the ride. I do hope you are going to the Creative Connection because I just have to meet you..you crack me up everytime I read something that you post!! I would love to win this book so here's hoping I get picked.
love,
angela

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for taking us on this fabulous journey! I'm looking forward to seeing your completed parasol and Chapter 6;D

kay ellen said...

What a wonderful event~~beautiful photos Captured your creative weekend:)

Thanks for sharing!!

Kay Ellen

summersundays-jw said...

I've so enjoyed your get-away & must admit, a little jealous (OK, a whole lot jealous). I've never just gotten on a plane by myself & headed someplace without someone with me. I plan to do that someday soon & it's all because of you. What a wonderful trip. Jan

Rachel said...

Love you!! What a great post!! Come to Silver Bella!!!!!!

Hearts Turned said...

I'm loving these posts, Jodie! I can't believe all the lovelies you created there--what a dream!

Can't wait to see what's next...how could you top all this?!

Hope you're having a beautiful Sunday!

Debby said...

What a beautiful and inspiring post! I have enjoyed reading all of your fun posts and seeing the awesome pics. You have included all of us in your special journey and that is what I love about you. Thanks so much for sharing, you are so sweet.
Hugs,
Debby

Jane Jeffress Thomas said...

I don't want it to be over with, Jodie. I just know I haven't seen over 300 pictures. :-) I am lusting after that book. Man, what a trip you got to take and all the lovelies you got to make. Thanks so much for taking us along with you.

Robin Sanchez said...

Jodie looks like so much fun!! Wish I was there following along like SB. Thanks for sharing with us.
Robin

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

These projects are so fun...I just have loved seeing the great time you all had! Thanks for sharing all the photos and fun times!

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Thank you for this wonderful tour! I love the setting of the Ford Plantation. What an enchanting ambiance to get creative! Again there had been so many sweet details in the presentation. I almost fell off my chair when I saw that the little M & M's had words like "create" and "inspire" on them. How cool is that! These were wonderful workshops that you girls attended. Everything looks so pretty! Oh my goodness, you created that beautiful frame in just 15 minutes? You are amazing, girl!
I can understand that you had been happy and sad at the same time when you had to leave. This event will remain unforgotten for you though and you made a lot of wonderful memories.
I'm glad that there will be another chapter of your trip since I would love to see the swap items you girls had received as well as your finished parasol :-).
Have a good night and sweet dreams, dear Jodie!
Big hugs,
Julia

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Absolutely fantastic! Did I already say that? It does look like a most wonderful weekend -- friendship, fun, food and creativity -- what more could you ask for? Oh, open tab at the bar. :) That's the icing on the cake. Speaking of cake -- CUPCAKES, they look great too. Savannah so lovely on its own but then to be there for such a great event surrounded by likeminded crafty folks, now that is just pure heaven. Your 15-minute silhouette frame is better than anything I could come up with in 15 hours. And the little YOU mannequin, so sweet! Fun, fun stuff. Thanks for sharing! Have a great week. Tammy

Unknown said...

WOW, what a great trip! I felt like I was there with you. And I loved every miniute of it...Your frame turned out beautiful..

Thanks for bringing us along.
Hugs, Linda

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Jodie what an unbelievable trip you had!!! So happy for you!!! Thanks for telling us all about it, makes me feel like I was there watching you all!! Can't wait to see your parasol!

Geralyn Gray said...

I loved reading every sentence of your trip.....it looked fabulous and I know that feeling of being happy and sad at the same time!!!!! I love JO's quote and I AM going to try something I have always wanted to do but was afraid of failing........right now I have no fear and can't wait to share all with you!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Dearest Jodie...thru your words and pictures I was there...and for that I thank you!!! This was the greatest mini-epic since 'gone with the wind' :D
OMG your mini-me is gorgeous...the bling took my breath away.
It's only 7:20 a.m. as I'm reading this, and I'm salivating for that chicken...OOOOOooo the Silhouette...I love everything Melissa Frances and yours was ADORABLE! Thank you for sharing :D

zandra said...

It looks fabulous...all of it! What a great adventure! Picture frames are my favorite!
Hugz, Z

Kateyed said...

Jodie,
I adore the things you made.I am gobsmacked at the parasols...I am speechless!

Thank you for continuing to take pictures...even with the tab at the bar you did a magnificent job. So many wonderful artistic things to do these days but this one really raises the bar.

I wonder, would people make fun of my Fargo accept...teehee!!!

I would love that copy...Jo's quote makes me cry...right now...and I am a tough sell!!!

Hugs and much thanks,
Suz

Lisa said...

Joooodieeee,
What fun! I really like the silhouette class. That would have been cool. All of it was just wonderful, load of memories, huh?! I know you were in heaven with your Jo right there all weekend. I'll bet she's gonna remember your name next time you meet. Well, I better get to work on my class after seeing the awesomeness you just experienced. Don't worry tho honey. It may not be pink, but it'll be fun! Lisa

The Victorian Parlor said...

OK, I'm exhausted-what a workshop! I am still sooooo disappointd that I couldn't make it down there! Ugh! It looks like you guys had such fun-I love all of the wonderful creations! I can't wait to see your finished pieces-I know they will be beautiful! You captured Savannah beautifully in your photos-it is such an amazing place to visit:). Thanks for sharing so much of your trip. Maybe next year I can attend the event and get to meet many of these wonderful people-especially you!

Blessings,

Kim

Cheryl said...

Jodie,
Thank you for sharing all your fabulous pics and ancedotes about your P & P trip. I have never been down to the South (other than a layover in Atlanta, which doesn't count) and I would love to come down sometime and explore.
What a generous person you are to give away Jo & Jenny's book...I would be tickled "pink" to give it a good home.
XO
Cheryl

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

What fun this must have been!!! I LOVED your frame!!! And the dress form!! Gorgeous!!!

What an awesome give away!!!

I'm still working backwards!

Lou Cinda :)

Rochelle said...

Jodie....wow! What great shots of some great creations. I have loved reading your journey of the weekend and have anticipated the next "chapter". I loved the parasols - they are each beautiful in their own way - so unique to each person.
Waiting for the next chapter....
Rochelle

Lisa said...

OH, I found it!! Yes, I did read this!! Thought I'd missed it!
Good luck to all!
Lisa

red.neck chic said...

I know you will find this super hard to believe... but I am completely speechless!!! Jodie - how did you do it? I would have been in creative heaven!!!

I'm going back to drool some more.
I'm green I tell yeah... green with envy!!!

;-) xoxo
robelyn

Bryanna Lenan said...

This is the best post I have ever seen!! Holy cow of creation... this had to take hours... !! WOW!! It was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you better at the next art event we attend together!

xo
Bryanna

Cathy said...

Dear Jodie,

I am so happy that you took such amazing photos. This blog post was awesome, awesome. I loved your "gift" that you made for us. It was awesome.

I wish you and I had more time to meet and chat but the weekend went by so fast.

Thank you again for your lovely blog post.

xo Cathy

Anonymous said...

Hey Sweet Jodie, I just love going on virtual trips with you! I have to say the graveyard was on the top of my list, besides hanging with all the like minded soulful women, laughing, "DRINKING", and creating those wonderful projects! Glad you had such a wonderful trip! I understand the happy/sad situation! Better get some supplies out and make a journal! Take care my sweet friend,

Julie B.
Roswell, NM

Rose Petals & Blooms said...

Oh Jodie, you've made my heart smile to see my journal featured along side such talented artists... Although I couldn't attend Jennifers amazing event, your photos have helped me feel closer. Mark my words, I will be there next year if Jennifer hosts another! lol.. Hopefully I'll have the honor of meeting each of you. The icing on the cake is to see Savannah, it's always been on my list of dream vacations.

Thanks so much Jodie, I look forward to visiting your blog again.
Hugs,
Michelle
xo

starrynightimpressions said...

Beautiful blog!! And what fun you all had at such a gorgeous creative event. I so wanted to attend but was only able to send my little favor kits this time, but hopefully next year I can join all of you.
Those dressform creations are just sooooo darling!
blessings,
deborah

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

What an amazing time you had. I'm so glad that I found your blog.
Can you tell me where I can learn how to make those lovely parasols?
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~