I am in AWE! (Silver Bella part 2)

After the opening dinner, the much anticipated swaps began and there were 32 of them! It was like Christmas. I tried to see as many as possible, but it was pretty much a zoo. First were the group swaps and then very late in the evening were the one-on-one swaps and we stayed up for all of them. I particpated in the Holiday Fabric Fat Book hosted by the FabUlous Michelle Geller. Here's the finished masterpiece and my page . . .



There were receipe book swaps, embroidery swaps, apron swaps and crown swaps just to mention a few. The ooo's and ahh's, smiles and tears of joy continued for hours. There just aren't enough words to express the talent of these amazing women.

We also gave out hostess & roommate gifts as well. I made personalized gifts for my peeps by starting with a pearl initial and created a charm dangle with a Tim Holtz fragment with each girls' blog banner and coordinating beads. Michelle took a much better photo of hers . . .



Friday started 2 full days of classes and my favorite was Rebecca Sower's cigar box. I brought my own photos to use as a tribute to my mom & grandmother. It's still a work in progress, but here's a close up of the photo collage. . .

Friday night was vendor night and night of 100 aprons. So many yummy things to choose from.

I think eveyone had on an apron of some type, but not me . . . Honey, I don't do aprons! So, I made myself a hostess skirt in true Lucy fashion! It ties in the front with a big double black satin bow and I added a huge vintage rhinestone buckle I found at the Brass Armadillo - perfect!

More classes on Saturday and a closing lunch where Jo Packman of Where Women Create gave a truly touching and motivating speech. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. She also made eveyone a bookmark that was wrapped and waiting for us at each table setting.

I met so many wonderful women . . .

Michelle, Cheryl & Me

Karla


Mendy from Texas

Take a good look at that "mum corsage" she's wearing; it was incredible! The Texas Bellas did a pre-bella swap and wore them for all of us to see. I so want that one, Mendy! Think I'm going to have to make my own cuz I don't she's gonna give hers up!

Chantal and her mom, Maryse - such lovely women

Lastly, here's a pic of some of my Silver Bella goodies. Can't wait til next year!