Finally it's here! All the build up and excitement come to this one magical and glorious day.
When you plan an outdoor event you never know what Mother Nature has in store. Whether it's an outdoor wedding or event like mine you PRAY for sunshine and perfect temps. Of all days, she picks this one to rain on. At first it was a very disheartening feeling. However, I've worked too hard, and these incredible ladies have come far from all over that there was no way sprinkles of rain was going to dampen the mood and our spirits. My first event En Le Jardin was the perfect example. ;)
Everything turned out gorgeous despite the rain which eventually did let up. Whew!
With MUCH hard work and assistance of Tiffany, Christine, and Jo we set up the inside, and made beauty happen.
The tent was set up on the back lawn of the Main house underneath large spanish moss covered oak trees, and overlooking the river. It had the most beautiful scenic view!
I really strive to make the setting inspiring for all the ladies. From the beauty of the surrounding outdoors, to the decor and details inside the tent.
Miss Violet showed off her finest Southern Belle Gown.
Petticoat Parasols dripped with crystals were hung over the tables.
Little petticoats on the back of the chairs looked so sweet.
Beautiful kits for the ladies.
The lovely and SUPER talented Christine Rose Elle was the first class of the morning.
Christine's Peekaboo Petticoat
These are some wonderful photos of the ladies and their projects.
Teresa Corle finishing the details on hers.
Her daughter Ronda Voorhis
Sisters Sherry Ward and Robin Martin
The beautiful Bryanna Lenan
Cathy Edmondson (adore her apron she made!)
Kris Hurst adorable Halloween mannequin.
Rosalyn-Sue's turned out stunning!
Look at the back of this beautiful one. I love the corset look!
After Christine's class we took a break and had a nice formal sit down lunch in the main house.
The lovely Cynthia Vartanian was excited to have found a chocolate parasol mold, and so she made these darling pink and white chocolate parasols for the ladies to enjoy. It's almost too pretty to eat!
During lunch Shelley Overholt surprised me with this beautiful handmade collage she created and had all the ladies sign.
It's SOOO Darling!!! I love the little parasol and froofy skirt. What a gorgeous and thoughtful gift. I look forward to hanging in my studio. It will be a beautiful reminder of our weekend together!
After lunch we were on to the next class which was taught by me.
Pretty Plantation Parasol.
Amada Lebel working on her parasol. Her fabric was gorgeous with the sweet little birdies and cages!
Heidi Meyers turned out so pretty in soft muted colors.
Cathy Scalise pink and green floral parasol.
Teresa proudly showing off hers.
Sylvia Smith and her beautiful floral parasol.
Leslie Walker made this parasol for her granddaughters room.
I LOVE Shelley's! The red, black, and white is so cheery and happy!
Bernadette's turned out so lovely!
My dear friend Kris LOVES Halloween! We all fell in love with her parasol!
Adorable Julie Ann Grakowsky
The last class of the day was taught by the super outgoing, multi-talented and fun loving Tiffany Kirchner.
Sweet Savannah Silhouette
Jodie's gorgeous Silhouette collage.
I love the dark rich colors.
Lisa Campbell made this silhouette in loving memory of her Mother.
While the ladies worked and chatted away Christine sat quietly working, and blew us away again with her breathtaking dress form illustrations.
Gorgeous!
These are some fun and beautiful captures of the ladies.
Jo & Jodie
You can see a bit of her face, but her smile just beams!
Tiffany & Jodie
Despite the rain it turned out to be a beautiful day in so many ways. New friendships were made, sisters and cousins reunited, and breathtaking projects that reflect each and everyone's individual personalities.
I cannot take full credit for the event all coming together so wonderfully.
I am forever grateful to my dear friend Tiffany for being my "rock". She is super hands on and I couldn't have done it without her help. Thank you Tiffany for the GORGEOUS photos! You are blessed with an eye for capturing beauty and making magic with your photos!
Thank you to beautiful Christine for all your help and contribution into setting up and making my vision come alive. I also love your happy and calm spirit that you brought to the event. You have such a sweet and peaceful aura about you and you won everyone's heart.
Lastly, I must give my heartfelt thank you to Jo Packham. Not only did she say "Yes" to attending, but she wanted to be included in every way imaginable. That also included being "One of the girls".
As many of you know, Jo is a strong women that has many a stories and chapters in her rich full life. It's a blessing to have the opportunity to listen to her stories and words of wisdom and advice.
One of her greatest gifts in my opinion is she gives you her undivided attention and makes you feel special.
Thank you Jo for making this event unforgettable!
Im so honored and flattered that these ladies from all over the U.S. chose to attend Petticoats & Parasols. I put my heart and soul into making this their special day and weekend. The reward and payoff for me was seeing their smiles, laughter, beautiful projects, and the new friendships that were made.
It's very emotional and bittersweet for me to see it all come to an end. I worked so hard and it seems like it ended at the blink of an eye. WOW! Time really does fly when your having fun. Huh??? THANK YOU LADIES for the FUN & MEMORIES!
I hope our creative paths will cross again.
Love,
