It’s hard to believe that a month has passed since we welcomed our Creative Explorers to Seaside Sessions 2023. In this next series of blog posts, we’ll share some of our favorite moments from our time together which included boundless creativity, uproarious laughter, lovely bonding moments, and numerous examples of the absolute magic which occurs when creative women gather in a gorgeous setting.
Penny and I traveled to our lovely Surf City NC oceanfront venue a few days in advance of the Creative Explorers to ensure that everything was ready for their arrival. We were ever so thankful for the existence of the elevator, as we made numerous trips from vehicles to the third floor, bringing in equipment, art supplies, food, and special gifts. During this prep time, we made beds (10), spent hours in the kitchen (17 in one day!), prepared delectable dishes for the week (with intervals of singing Motown hits, and a bit of dancing), and transformed the living area into a workspace for all of the creative activities to come. As we worked, we gazed at the wondrous ocean and sky right outside the wall of windows, knowing that everyone would be as entranced as we were at the sight (we even spotted pods of dolphins, and we hoped they’d reappear during the week so everyone could see them too. They did.).
The sky was an amazing lavender here; which was among the many moods of the ocean we witnessed during our incredible time by the sea!
Gifts galore!
Your Creative Connection embroidered tote bags were the first of many gifts our Creative Explorers received during Seaside Sessions 2023. We love our colorful, satiny butterfly ribbon!
Wednesday: Check-In
As each woman arrived, the level of excitement and anticipation increased. Our Creative Explorers came from as far away as California and Minnesota, with others hailing from South Carolina, Virginia, and other parts of North Carolina, ranging in age from 17 to 77!
Once everyone was settled in, we gathered for the Welcome Arty Party.
After dining on pizza and crudité, Penny and I officially welcomed our guests, and shared our excitement and gratitude that the time had finally come for us all to be together. I began our nightly Creative Exchanges by gifting everyone her very own stencil, courtesy of our fabulous sponsor: StencilGirl Products. Here they are, in the hands of their beaming new owners!
Thanks to StencilGirl Products, we have new stencils to try!
Our first evening’s creative activity centered on designing bookmarks using watercolors and markers supplied by another one of our generous sponsors: Royal Talens. Penny and I showed the bookmarks we made by following the instructions provided, and others we created in our own ways which produced even more interesting effects. Then, ideas sparking, and supplies at the ready, everyone set to work.
Working on bookmark designs with watercolors, stamps, and markers from Royal Talens.
The finished bookmarks were spectacular! We’re always amazed at the variety of results when a group is given the same materials and instructions—each artist’s work reflected her artistic vision and her approach to the use of materials supplied—a hint of the creative magic to come was revealed on just the first night. Several hours of open studio time rounded out the evening, and we had to encourage several Creative Explorers to leave the work area so that we could mount the surprise Penny had in store for the next morning….