Just two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to help Beth prepare for the very first “Do What you Love” Retreat. What an absolutely fabulous experience for so many. Laughter, tears, kindred spirits, creative adventure and courage were found in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It was such an honor to be part of this. So many memories were made that will stay with us all for many years.
Seeing this view everyday, sunshine and lots of bunny rabbits filled my creative heart with joy.
Beth’s happy ‘lodge guide’ helpers. Me, Suzanne and Hannah (and Ellie not in photo)
So great being out in the country air and meeting all the new arrivals. {photo:Beth Nicholls}
I was absolutely doing what I loved – losing myself in creativity.
Rachel Hazell – “The traveling bookbinder” was so inspiring, funny and has a gorgeous singing voice.
Afternoon tea everyday and meals in the tipi -YUMMM
The comforting fire in the tipi warmed our hearts.
Mealtime connections and community
Impromptu visit from a giant cuddly bunny (from Hammie)
Bonfire drinks, sparklers and *Love*
(me, Beth, Suzanne & Paul) {image: Navyblur}
Knowledge sharing with Surface Pattern Designer Rachael Taylor -just one of the amazing enterprise sessions.
GORGEOUS lights from Hannah Nunn
Flora Bowley’s beautiful work painted at the retreat and auctioned off. (congratulations Tara!)
Beautiful mixed media canvas by Priscilla Jones. Priscilla was teaching a contemporary 3d workshop with wire, paper/silk & wax – AMAZING!
Special limited edition DWYL books, hand-made by Rachel Hazell
Gallery & Market place night – so inspiring to see what everyone had created.
Just a few of the hand-made pages and notes for the DWYL memory book
My book emerging (pop back on Thursday for more photos from my class & the hand-made book I created)
Happy Doing What I Love?
A picture paints a 1000 happy words. {image: Navyblur}
Thank you lovely Beth for gifting me the photo above. “Heart you”
Pop back on Thursday for photos from my class at DWYL with Rachel Hazell:
‘Maps, Charts & Other Discoveries: An Extraordinary Expandable Sketchbook Journal’
Hi, I'm Louise and thank you so much for visiting me here. I am a mixed media artist, who is passionate about combining the healing energy of nature and color with the meditative process of mandala making
Hi Louise! Great post, and it was lovely to meet you! Your book was amazing too. I wish I had had more time to look through it.
Hey Catherine! So lovely to meet you too. Xx
I just cannot tire of seeing everyones photos and hearing everyones stories. So lovely. Thanks for the pic of my lamps. That last picture of you is GORGEOUS. what a lovely happy face!
Ahhh Hannah, your lamps are amazing and I was showing my mum your website today and she LOVES them too. I am definitely planning a visit next time I’m in Leeds. (which alas may not be until next year) 🙁 If you are ever in NYC, let me know! xx
looks like a truly wonderful time, and what a unique setting that lodge appears to be. the picture of you at the end if stunning. you look incredibly blissed out.
Thanks Kelly, it will be so great to have you there next time, you would LOVE it. Xx
LOVE that last photo of you! Just captures your fun-filled spirit perfectly! Thank you for being the most amazing support. It was fab to be able to share the experience with you
BethXx
Amazing…You and all the participants had unforgettable moments at that beautiful place. Thanks for sharing all those spectacular photos. Your photo is cheerful and captures the great experienced lived at that beautiful scenario! Next year…I have to be there for sure!!
Oh yes, please come next year. Xx
This kind of art retreat looks like so much fun…someday, when I’m back to working full-time and have my summers off, I’d like to begin participating in these kinds of gatherings, where women can connect with like-minded, creative souls, and learn new techniques!
Love the 3rd photo especially!
A 3 day workshop which was all about charting your own map and discoveries sounds AMAZING!
Mary C. Nasser
http://www.marycnasser.com/blog.html
Mary, thanks for stopping by – yes i think this would be perfect for you. 🙂
Very very lovely ! 🙂
Thank goodness for all the blog posts and photos to relive the retreat with 🙂
You look so happy in the last photo !
I am loving all the blog posts too – I don’t want them to stop! 🙂
I LOVE that photo of you – just stunning! So nice to see another set of photos from the retreat; stops it fading away too fast! xx
Hey Tara, absolutely! and so exciting you got Floras GORGEOUS painting too
so gorgeous!!!! i just love that last photo of you! missing it all so much already 🙂
xoxo juliette
You all look like you had a wonderful experience. I love looking at everyones photo’s. Nelly and I are already talking about coming next year and spending some extra time in the country. That last photo speaks louder then words. Truely.
Hi Louise, It looks like you had an amazing, exciting and inspiring time, and you look so happy!! I love the photo of you at the end. Thank you for sharing your experience!!! Wini xox
What a wonderful time this looks like for all, thanks for sharing your time and photos with us! Love of the pic of you smiling in the last one. It says it all! Theresa