Thursday, July 1, 2010

Paper Cowgirl 2010...Part One

The weekend was everything I thought it would be and MORE!

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WARNING: This is a fairly long post as I would have liked to sum up the fun all in one post, but it was impossible  :)

I'm on vacation this week and I did not plan to be glued to the computer...but there is just SO much fun to cover...and I promised to take you with me so LET'S GO!

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I was so excited to be able to attend the 3rd annual Paper Cowgirl, founded by a dream of the very first follower of my blog, the late Tina Wright.

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She was such an inspiration to me and MANY artists who have crossed paths with her. I love the way that Cindy (her soul-mate and Paper Cowgirl co-founder) memorialized the weekend with her presence. It was heart felt and very much appreciated by all who knew her.

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She was greatly missed but she was certainly there in spirit :)

I guess you could call it "Texas-sized" FUN as there are really no words to describe how much I enjoyed myself from the moment Sarah and I left Louisiana for our 6 hour journey to Paper Cowgirl.

Sarah is such a sweet friend and she's my travel buddy. She is my navigator, my singing partner, and my eyes that are looking out for junk at the end of driveways. I just love her to pieces.

As soon as we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted with so many hugs from friends. Just wonderful!

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Meet and Greet was at The Dove's Nest in downtown Waxahachie. The antique store was filled with goodies and I was busy taking in the scenery while everyone was participating in their swaps.

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Here is Sarah with her arms full AND she's even wearing some of the fabulous swap goodies...isn't she so cute?

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I wish I had photos of the swaps...they were OVER THE TOP. The lighting in the room was terrible so you'll just have to trust me that they were fabulous! I'm sure you will see lots of photos while blog hopping...there were some really beautiful things created.

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This cute pillow above really describes the weekend to a T so I'll try to keep this short and simple so I won't let out any privileged information secrets that may harm others! haha

My first class of the whole retreat was the Le Petite Boutique taught by Cindy Gilstrap of JunqueArt.

She's the cutest little thing and I was so happy to finally get the chance to meet her in person.

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See the cute necklace I'm wearing? (that's me on the right just in case you didn't know). My travel partner Sarah handmade that for me out of clay! I love it! She made one for each of her roomies and I think one for each of her teachers too. Hell, she might have even made one for each of the staff members at the Hampton Inn & Suites...she's THAT sweet!   :)

Speaking of sweet, I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting next to Nancy Reeb...she has the sweetest heart I've ever seen!

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Cindy's class kits were too cute, but I have to tell you...I didn't finish this project OR ANY OF THE FOUR class projects that I took over the weekend! I'm such a bad student. When I was young, I always had a "C" in conduct (sometimes worse).

Come on, you should know me by now...I talk to darn much and you know that I just want to play, have fun and enjoy the moment!  :)

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Therefore, I can only show you the class kits and maybe a sample or two...please don't be mad at me because I had too much fun, okay?  ;)

The second class of the retreat was the Mixed Media Tags by Lisa McIlvain of Tarnished and Tattered.

This is an example of Lisa's beautiful work...she's amazing.

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Let's just say the class was AWESOME!

And I'm sure it's safe to say that EVERYONE who took her class can say the same!!!!

This was my class kit waiting for me in my spot...

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Lisa sewed a different burlap kit bag for each of us students and filled it with handmade goodies. Some were to use in class and some were for us to bring home as a token of her appreciation.

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She taught us many of her famous techniques such as fabric transfers, clear transfers, burning fabric, working with resin and SO much more.

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This was really like five classes, all rolled into ONE! She had everyone's full attention.

For her first time teaching, she was amazing!

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When I walked into the class room, I nearly lost my breath. She had the whole front of the class decorated with the most vintage goodness I've even seen, all on one table!

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  And it was ALL for us to use! She's such a sweetheart!

If you want to see more of her art, please go visit her blog and her online shop.

Lisa is also published in the newest issue of Somerset Studio that's due to come out on July 1st. It's a five page spread and awesome article about her beautiful bottles from her heart...it's a must read!

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I only had two classes on Friday so after Lisa blowing my mind with all her techniques...I was ready for a drink!  :)

Friday night, we all went to eat at the Catfish Plantation.

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The locals say it's haunted, but we didn't see or feel anything . The weather was terrible and the lights did blink but that was about it. I was ready to get my ghost on!!!!  But there was nothing except for the resident "fake" ghost. She was life-sized and very beautiful as she hung from the ceiling and over the top of the fireplace.

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The only excitement that was above and beyond our Paper Cowgirl FUN of the evening was our waiter. He was just the hottest  most handsome young man...19 tattoos and all. Anne took a photo of the two of us...I hope she posts it soon so I can "steal" it from her. He was a cutie but he really needed to keep his mouth shut. He made all the ladies mad when he said that we were old enough to be his Mother.

TURN OFF!

NOTE: He was right about that and I tell ya, duck tape would have solved his only flaw :)

After dinner, sweet Charlene was kind enough to let us all pile up in her van and she took us shopping downtown to a couple of antique stores. They were fabulous as I contributed to the economy of Waxahachie once more :)

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Here's a few sneak peeks of some awesome goodies...

just LOOK at this detail of this old sewing cabinet! augh!

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I love the reflection of what I saw in the mirror of this beautiful old armoire. {sigh}

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Too sweet!

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I snagged this little quilted satin keeper :)))

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I could go on and on...there was so much eye candy everywhere...even up high...

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Dang I wish I was skinny! I love that shirt! It's so ME!

on that pitiful note...let's move on  ;( 

Saturday morning rolled around and I was a VERY bad girl. I missed my first class of the day with Mendy of Mendy Texas. It was a Photoshop digital art class and I'm sure it would have been SO  much fun. I'm already familiar with PS so it was no biggie but I really missed being with the girls.

So why did I play hookie then??????

Because of THE FAMOUS Cat Daddy and Debbie!!!!

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This FABULOUS couple (whom I love the most in the whole wide world) called me and told me they were driving down to see me since I was so close!!! I met them in Round Top this spring and the rest is history. They are...Magical.with.junk!!!

We met in the lobby, had a fast (& I mean FAST) lunch, kissy kissy and then said goodbye. All in the blink of an eye.

But...ANY time with this couple is priceless. I'll take what I can get, when I can get it :)))

My last class of the day (& the retreat) was the Shabby Classy Necklace taught by Angela Berger of Filigree Moon. Dang I love this girl! She's plum crazy! Crazy Good!!!

Sadly, I didn't get a photo of her and I together :(

Her class kits were presented so awesomely in a beautiful cigar box with a cool little card...love it!

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I love making jewelry and this class was so cool. We wrapped some wire around some BEAUTIFUL lace that Angela provided to us...totally awesome!

Here's Angela's beautiful example of the necklace we were to make...

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Remember I told you that I didn't finish any projects from my classes, right?

Well, this one was no different. I was late for class AND I ate my TO GO lunch while Angela showed us her fabulous techniques. Thankfully, there is no detention at Paper Cowgirl. I would have really hated to be sent to Cindy's office, especially since this was my first time attending! You know how important first impressions are, right? haha

Hmmm...I wonder if they will let me go back though?  :)))

Well, that is it for Part One of Paper Cowgirl 2010.

Next up...Vendor Night!

It was FABULOUS!

I don't have many photos because I was too busy shopping but I do have enough photos to make you wish you were there!!!

~Stay tuned for the Vendor Night Photo Fest of Goodies~

(I'll slip it in between enjoying my week off from work!)

woooo hoooo! oops. I mean yyyeeee hhhaaaaawww!

:)

47 comments:

miss lynn said...

oh jo jo!
what a
weekend!
i am so
glad you
had such
a great
experience...
wish i was
there!!!!
those texans
can throw
a party!

summersundays-jw said...

Whew!!! I'm exhausted! Jan

Robin Thomas said...

You are so funny. I hope we can cross paths there next year. Big hug girl.

Anonymous said...

Jodie
what a cute and sweet post!!! I'm so blessed to have a friend like you in my life seriously!!! You keep my spirits up when they are down, you remind me that I AM talented even when you are AMAZINGER (hehe you know I love making up words)you say I'm giving and sweet but in all reality you give to me so much more and last but NOT least I just love you to pieces too!! Thank you for being yourself ALWAYS!! I had a blast as always with you!! I'm working on a cd for our next road trip!! Hehe big big big hugs
toodles- Sarah

Sheila Rumney said...

Loved all the pics and just tee hee'd about talking too much. I still haven't finished all my Silver Bella classes from last year!! Better get that done so I attend this year! haha

FILIGREE MOON said...

Jodie, like Sarah's fun "Amazinger", I love making up words, so here's another one for you...Amazingest!!! You are one of the "mostest amazingest" blogger girls ever! So glad you had a great time, learned a few new techniques, and got to see "THE" Deb and Cat Daddy (Lucky you!). Thank you for the kind shout out, and thanks for being such a good and helpful student. Never a "C" in conduct from me! ~ Angela

Linda said...

Oh my goodness - I'm overwhelmed just looking at all of this. You all are just sooooo creative!!! Everything looks beautiful and so much fun to be had. Thanks for sharing it with us dear one.

~Linda :)

Sherrie said...

Lucky Lucky girl! Thank you for sharing the pictures. What a fabulous event :0)

Janet Ghio said...

This looks like so much fun! Can't wait to see the next set of photos!!

Lisa said...

Jodie,
It looks like you had an amazing time! All the beautiful goodies! WOW!!!

Karen said...

And you did it all without me! pout. I can't wait to see Vendor Night! :)
Hugz! Karen

Tina said...

OOOOhhhh - what a fabulous and amazing trip you have had Jodie. I so enjoyed your post - wish I could participate in something like this. Lisa´s class sounds so fantastic too - she´s so talented.
Thank you SO much for sharing.
Wishing you a winderful day
xo Tina

trash talk said...

First sweetie...I would crawl across broken glass...on my knees...just for a few minutes of time with you. You always, always make me laugh. You see I drug poor old C.D. out (yeah right...he beat me to the truck) just to get to hang with you for a bit!
Second...Sarah is a doll baby and quite a talented girl. Loved getting to meet her. Tell her next time I'm having the salad too!
Thirdly (is that a word...since we're making up words here) You make me want to get my rock, paper, scissors out and try my hand at creating anything. I figure if I can master the glue gun, I could attend these great events just to hang with the best! Don't laugh...it could happen!
Love you to pieces!
Debbie

Claudia said...

Gosh darn it! Someday I'm going to have to give one of these events a try...though I am sadly lacking in these crafty skills - but only for now!

So glad you had a fabulous time! I love reading your post - can't wait for the next installment.

I always got in trouble for talking too much in class.

xo
Claudia

Sandy Navarro said...

Ok, that's it! I think I'm gonna have to spend my bday @ Paper Cowgirls next year!

Everything is absolutely FabUlous!

Jan Thomason said...

Jodie!!
let's cover the important things first..............I MISS YOU!!
I am so, so glad that God put you in my path - what a joy you are!!

so, now about your post.
you covered the retreat beautifully!! all of your photos and words brought back such memories - i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am now feeling the urge to get my blog posted about the retreat!

love you, girlfriend, and look forward to hearing from you,
Jan

vintage girl at heart said...

that's it!!! i am STOWING AWAY in your suitcase next time!!!
i am so glad you got to go and that Tina was remembered and honored..i never met her but felt like i knew her through blogland!!!
you shure have some great eye candy...stories and you got to smooch with cat daddy and deb too!!! you lucky cowgirl!!!
i gotto go back and reread your post and hit all of the linkys too...uh kids lunch will be an hour late today!!!
smoochies!

Rochelle said...

Oh Jodie - you are just too funny! I love reading your blog because it is always filled with such animated stories that make me laugh! Looking forward to more...
-Rochelle

Jessica Rodarte said...

One of these days we will meet at one of these events because I so wanna go. You show the best pictures and tell the best stories of your adventures!

VS said...

Yikes!!!!
Cracky!!!
Holy Cow!!!
OMG!!!
Shut Up!!!
Get Outta Here!!!
No Way Jose!!!
Your Foolin Me!!!
How could soooo much wonderful yumminess be found in one place on one fabulous weekend & how could I be sooooo unfortunate as to not be there???
I LOVE all of it!!!
I want a cute as pie little kit to play with!
Where's my burlap bag filled with goody goodness???
Why do people always have soooo much fun without me?
I know, it's not all about me.
I'm so glad you were able to go though & now I can live this amazing weekend filled with art & friends through you & that amazing camera of yours.
Smiles Friend...maybe next year.
XOXO
Susie

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Ok Jodie...one of these years I am definitely going to do a road trip and join in on one of these fun weekends...would love to meet up with you in class ~ and at the bar!

Nancy said...

Jodie le Jeune...Ma Douce Amie. It was a delight meeting you at Paper Cowgirl. I could call your name all day long and never tire of saying it!!! You were a busy gal at Paper Cowgirl and didn't you cram a lot into just a few days. Loved reading your post and now I understand why you played hooky for Mendy's class! I'll be back to read more of your blog. xoxo Nancy (Rio Boudreaux)

Sue@MyArtsDesire said...

Jodie,
You are too fun! I would be right there with you in not having any finished products by the time I left one of these events. Just adore your sense of humor...it's like sunshine...it spreads a lot of warmth and makes you happy when you see it! Xo, Sue

Robin Sanchez said...

Jodie looks like lots of fun!! I can hardly wait to see what you brought home.
Robin

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the pictures in all!
I love your blog.
Warm regards from the sea:)
Zondra Art

virginiasvignettes said...

OOOHHH WHat FUN!Luv the pics ,Ican't wait to see vendor night!...what a fun,fun,trip!Thanks for sharing your goodies& stories...They are Great!!...:)virginia

Lisa said...

Jodie,
Oh girl, you are so darn talented with a camera! You made my class look soooo good! I just love the way everything looked in your pictures. Cindy G. is a doll baby. So tiny & sweet. I love her etsy shop. And our leader Cindy, well I can't say enough, reading what you said about Tina made me cry. I can't wait to see the blackmail shots of you & Anne & your boy toys! Meeting the infamous Deb & Cat Daddy was a highlight for me. Your just lucky Angela has a good sense of humor showing up late like that! I gotta tell you, you are what teachers in the old day called a 'problem child'. It's just a good thing you took such good class pics! Can't wait to read part 2. I'd post except I don't have any pictures, whaaaaa!
Now & Forever your Lurd,
Lisa Marie

Geralyn Gray said...

I always feel like you take me with you on your art retreats......it looked like a lot of fun......enjoy the rest of your vacation!!!!!yyeeeehhhaaaaaa!!!!!

Pat @ My Tattered Elegance said...

Your pictures are great!! I enjoyed being next to you too. I enjoyed everything about that Friday. I can't wait to see part 2. I'll be checking so don't make me wait too long.
Hugs, Pat

Beth A. @ Songbird Hill said...

Jodie, I've been waiting with bated breath for you to post about your trip!!! I loved reading all about it. I know you had a great time and thanks for sharing all the beautiful pics with us!

Charlene said...

Oh what a wonderful time we had!!!! Thank you for the shout out & I was thrilled to have everyone all riding together! And thank you for the photo lessons deary you are amazing. So many things you said were discussed by Cami & I Friday night in our late night Roomie Chat. The part where you said you didn't want a professional teacher to retrain your eye or what you see. WOWOWOWZER! How intuitive you are. And an amzing photographer & friend. HUGS! Charlene

Cindy said...

Jodie,
You are such a doll and your kind words are so greatly appreciated! I'm so glad that you had a great time and got to hang with Deb and CD, if just for a short time. I tell ya, that night at Catfish P...I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard (and so much, Ang kept telling me to shut up!). What happens in 'Hachie, stays in 'Hachie, so I'll never tell that I slipped ya a 20 dollar bill to find those 19 hidden tats! LOL.

What so great to finally get to meet you and Sarah, y'all are both too cute! It was a blast! Love ya gurl!

hugs,
-c
(head cowgirl)

June said...

So Jodie, now are you an official cowgirl?! I know you are an amazing artist!!!
There was so much in this post to take in and I loved reading every word. I can't tell you how jealous I am that you got to meet Lisa. I love that girl!!! And to take a class from her would be a dream come true.
I've been crazy busy and missed your awesome soapbox and post on the beautiful cuffs. Heart be still...what an amazingly creative girl you are. You should be teaching classes at these events!!!
hugs

Anne Lorys said...

Hanging with you all weekend was my definition of a wonderful time!

You are sweet, FUNNY, talented, generous, cuddly, and just altogether precious. And I love you. :-)

XOXO,
Anne

A Fanciful Life said...

If I said it once, I'll say it again... It's must be great to be Miss Jodie! How fabulous it all was. I can't imagine any more fun than you must have had. I love that photo of Sarah, too! So happy for you, girl!

Sharon and Miss Gracie :-)
xoxoxo

The Feathered Nest said...

What a great post girl!!!!! I ALMOST feel like I was there! I'm just glad you girls took the time to talk to me for a minute ~ it was so good to hear your voice after all these years! I can't wait to see more ~ thanks so much for sharing these with us too. Have a wonderful week off Jodie! hugs and love, Dawn

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Oh my gosh Jodie ~ What a wonderful post about what I missed ~ Darn it !
It looks over the top amazing !!

xoxo
Lori

Pierelantijntjes said...

Dear Jodie,
What a Beautiful post you made of your wonderful weekend.
I love the little charms with the vintage pictures in them.
Wish I could learn about al that fabric stuff from Lisa. I'm sure going to visit her blog.
Hugs Ester

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

That looks like a whole lot of fun and that's exactly what you deserve, sweet girl! The classes sound just fabulous and it must have been wonderful to meet Lisa again. I wish I could have played with you girls.
I love this beautiful ghost that hangs in the restaurant. She would look pretty good in my studio too.
I know that your pictures of the vendor night will make me drool :-).
Have a wonderful weekend, Jodie!
Lots of big hugs,
Julia

Jane said...

Miss Jodie....thanks for your comment(s) on my blog this morning. You had me laughing the entire time!! I wish I could take you with me because I just know that you would be so much fun to travel with. Maybe we need to get a bunch of our blogging buddies together and make a trip to Paris to visit the flea markets. I'm afraid that I'm not going to get to go to any on this trip as I'm traveling with two non-junkers!! My husband says I have enough American junk...I don't need to be dragging any more home from overseas. He obviously has not been bitten by the junking bug!!
Paper Cowgirls looked awesome...I need to attend one of these events one of these days!
Have a wonderful 4th.
Jane

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Oh Jodie...it was soo nice to meet you! What fun we had, huh? I did hear a couple of ladies talking about the silverware being moved @ the catfish plantaion...maybe they lucked out & got a ghost for a waiter instead of a cutie.

"I tell ya, duck tape would have solved his only flaw" ROFLMBO

I didn't know Tina was your first follower...how sweet. And yes, Sarah is too cute!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This just looks like SO MUCH FUN, Jodie!! Thanks fo sharing it with us! Happy 4th!

Karen Valentine said...

Wow! I almost feel like I was there! (almost)My heart is pounding a little faster than when I started! I sooooo wish I could have been there! I think I may try to shoot for next year, what do you think?? I hope when you come down from your shopping and creating high, you will find some time to give me a call and let me hear all about it first hand!!
xo,
Karen

Debby said...

Hi Jodie,
What a fabulous post, I knew it would be awesome. Sounds like such a wonderful time with so many amazing people and I love seeing all your beautiful pics. Lisa's class looks amazing. You make me smile every time I read one of your posts. So glad you had the best weekend and hoping one of these days I can join you.
Hugs,
Debby

Sandy said...

After that post I might just have to become a paper cowgirl next year! It looks and sounds like you had an awesome time!

deb did it said...

Jodie, this post is beautiful, and oh your photos are FABULOUS!!

Jessica Rodarte said...

Jodie,
Paper Cowgirl sounds so stinkin' fun! I'm pouting over here 'cause I so want to go to something fun like this.
When my babies are older!
I love everything you posted. I was giggling about that waiter. Hello, he would have got a bigger tip had he not been so... well... dumb.
;)