The Art Nest Retreat 2008
This was another demo piece from my Symbolic Icon's class on the first day.
And here's the rest of the demo I showed you before.
I tend to work alongside participants in my workshops so that I can demonstrate how many outcomes there can be. It also helps inform me of things I might otherwise forget to share. 
Candice and Julie kept us fully stocked on gourmet and pretty chocolates. (The image on the right is by Julie on the first day)
Day two was a fantastic day with Amy Hanna. The talented jewelry vixen with extreme talent. Her class was called "Rejuvenated Jewels". This image was my stash of findings for the day and the image on the right is some finished work of mine from the day.
Pam sat next to me this day and so I had a chance to drool all over her boxes of goodies. Can you believe this loot?!
The image here on the left is a sampling of some of Amy's bracelets she brought to share with all of us in class. She also had tons of goodies for sale.
Day three was Pam's day to shine and she really took us all on an incredible journey through binding, and her incredible process. Her workshop called "What Lies Inside" 
also had the most amazing hand made manuals for all of us. (That's it looking all cute)
We used old ledgers (here's a great reproduction Pam recommends) and books to bind and create some fabulous new books.
We all filled our pages with doodles and paint colors and those who are not sewing challenged (No really-they made sure I wasn't sewing unsupervised!) We made all stages of pages so that when we revisit our books we have different places for when the varied moods strike. That was so freeing for me to play with. It's awesome to have these blank-ish pages to go back and celebrate as my book progresses with life.
The Art Nest Feb 2008 Crew. Julie Collings, Candice Elton, Pam Garrison, Amy Hanna, me. Lower picture Pam Garrison, me, & Amy Hanna. Art Nest is continuing the momentum of their successful retreats. For more information and the new lineup for summer 2008 visit their website!
A big thank you to everyone who participated and made such a journey both to the cabin and through your creativity. It was such a joy to connect with so many. It was also such a dear treat to be able to take classes from Pam & Amy. We usually room together at Artfest and have yet to be able to take each other's classes. I was blown away by their creative generosity and talent. I came away with so much artwork and a fresh perspective. Thank you Julie and Candice for a lovely event. xoxoxox.
I bet that was an incredible experience for everyone there. Thanks so much for sharing with us :)
Posted by: Lilli | February 27, 2008 at 05:22 PM
wow, this sounds like it was amazing! i love that old ledger that you turned into a "new" book. how inspiring! your work is so so lovely. :) and your blog, too!
Posted by: jess gonacha | February 27, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Thanks for sharing. Your pictures are great!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 27, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Your enthusiasm and creativity are contagious! xoxo
Posted by: Corinne | February 28, 2008 at 01:08 AM
A!!! So beautiful!And the cololrs is amazing! So pity that I can not to visit your class:))) Have you a book with your master class?
Posted by: Oksana | February 28, 2008 at 06:22 AM
Oops! I finally got a blank screen to comment. anyway, I LOVE this eye candy. The event looks like so much fun and really rewarding. I'm glad I found your blog; you have great style.
Posted by: Chris | February 28, 2008 at 09:20 AM
oh, it all looks so amazing!!! i'll have to remember art nest for next year...can't wait to take symbolic icons with you at artfest in april, yippee!!! love your work to bits!
layla
Posted by: layla | February 29, 2008 at 10:42 PM
dear anahata,
what a rare pleasure to have you come teach for us at the art nest!!
your class was incredible and the art work each person created blew me away. . .everyone had two and three pieces of amazing work. it was very cool to hear about each persons journey through their art as you had each of us talk about our pieces at our days end show and tell.
thank you for posting the pieces you created, it is wonderful to see how they ended up after the thrill of watching you work on them.
thank you for such a fabulous day!
xo julie
Posted by: julie collings | March 01, 2008 at 07:15 AM
wahouuuuuu magnifiques tous ces bijoux ! j'adore !!! et le livre aussi est superbe !
Posted by: Maylie | March 03, 2008 at 02:05 PM
YOur work is just Stunning what a wonderful time you must of had .It is all part of the enthusiasm and creativity we all share
Jen
Posted by: Jen Crossley | March 05, 2008 at 03:26 AM
It was such a great weekend,Anahata! Thanks for making it so fruitful! I really enjoyed your class, and I loved getting to know you!
oxox
Posted by: Maija Lepore | March 05, 2008 at 10:01 AM
What wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing for those of us that didn't go!
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa | March 07, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Love the post and your work. I'm green with envy over the box of jewels.
Posted by: robruhn | March 16, 2008 at 04:59 AM
Hi! I am new to your blog and I must say that I'm loving your art! Lovely!
Posted by: Molly Kate | March 18, 2008 at 08:36 PM