Wednesday, June 26, 2013

DJ Pettit Workshop, Part II

Here's a story for my "small world" files, also known as you-can-run-but-you-can't-hide.  One of the students in the class is the super talented Andrea Walford, who flew down from Canada.  I'd never met her before, but I've been following her blog for years.  How did I learn who she was?  A friend emailed me that she saw one of Andrea's blogposts (she was posting while in NC) and was shocked to see a photo of me, Elena and Jacquie.  It was great meeting her, and she is every bit as nice as she is creative.  Which is very.  Here she is sewing away.

 
 
Look at her amazing book:
 

 


 
 
This is the photo from Andrea's blog that caught my friend's eye.  The blonde surfer dude looking guy standing behind me is Donna's husband/business manager, Bill.
 


 
Have I mentioned how well Donna and Bill treat their students?  Bill picked up and delivered people from and to the airport.  He came by in the morning to transport us to the studio, making as many trips as needed.  Reverse trips after class.  And every day we had unbelievable meals catered by Donna's mom. 
 
 
The kitchen is right next to the classroom, and we were welcome to help ourselves to whatever we wanted, which included all sorts of beverages and did I mention the candy corner?
 
 
On our last night, instead of eating in, we were treated to a meal in a local restaurant.  How did 24 students, two hosts, and one teacher get there as a group?  Here's how:
 
 
 
We were actually very close to the restaurant, so the driver took the long way there so we'd have a bit more of the limo experience.  Look at DJ, so relaxed:
 
 
 
Here's the front of the restaurant.  We had a long table in the back, under a tent.
 
 
 
Of course we had lots of laughs and good conversation between courses.
 



 
 
Remember I mentioned that Jacquie opted to use a photo of her mom instead of the crow photo; well, she did an amazing job.  I think her stylized picture is gorgeous, and her pages are lush, done in vibrant tropical colors with lots of lace and fabric and beads.  Here she is at work, followed by her bound book.
 

 
 
On the last day, just before we all started our journeys home, we took a group picture.
 
 
 
And I made sure I had one with Donna.  And yes, little Karma was in her pouch right between us.
 
 
 
Andrea took this photo of me with my book. 
 
 
 
Speaking of which,  this turned into another episode of War And Peace, so I'll post pictures of the inside of my book tomorrow.  Stay tuned!







 
 




11 comments:

Bearcrazyman said...

Wow. Just wow...

Helen said...

Love it. what a treat you had! Can't wait to see the inside of your book.

jacquie said...

I think I need to take you everywhere I go so you can blog all my adventures!!! I LOVE reliving our journey. Thank you do much dear friend.

Patzee said...

Love your photo-filled recap. I almost thought I was there, too! The studio certainly was full of great energy, no wonder I see so many smiles and great art.

Lori said...

Wowzers, another wonderful installment! I'll have to check out those Janome mini's...they look darn cool. I see Finnebair is coming to New York..I don't suppose you'll be signing up??? lol...I'm not jealous.. much.

Carin Winkelman said...

What an amazing experience!

Leanne said...

Wow . . . I am loving this adventure, and thank you so much for sharing it with us. How cool!!

Jennifer R.D. said...

Hi Eileen,
Wow! Your workshop looks amazing...
Love the book you made! Thanks for the
Adorable birthday card.
You rock my world woman!
Love ya,
Jen oxox

Unknown said...

I loved seeing all these great photos! Can't wait to see your book in person - but in the meantime, looking forward to photos of the inside. Donna and her husband sound like dream hosts. Fabulous.

Kathie said...

The journals are just fabulous!

sara j said...

It is a small world. Between you and Donna I had no idea who DJ Petit even was....how cool you were able to take this class!