Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Jolly Jingle Workshop

Oh my goodness! 
Jolly Jingle Workshop was a wild success!

 
 
Here are our amazing Mermaid Teachers:
(left to right) Lynette, Margaret, Sheri, Karen, & Jenny 

If you don't know about Calico Mermaid's Jolly Jingle Workshop, let me explain.
First, you get 5 fabulous teachers together who love Christmas projects, & love to share their love for crafting with others, then turn them loose on your shop & let them design a 3 day technique workshop to kick off Christmas in July!
I love the way these creative folks worked together!



All the projects were ready for sign ups at the Heart of the Valley Shop Hop in May. 
There were quilt blocks, tree skirts, hand work, table runners, wall hangings, & lots of gift ideas. Many sessions filled up immediately!


When we started bright & early on the morning of July 6, it was a wild flurry of setting up & getting acquainted.


Visiting, sharing, & learning - it was 3 days of pure Christmas excitement & making new quilty friends.




Our Mermaid Teachers chose new techniques, tools, & ideas. Then they added in some traditional favorites, & ended up with a winning selection for Jolly Jingle participants to choose from.



There were 8 class sessions in 3 days, & twice that many classes offered. 
As you can see, I had a terrible time choosing photos to show you!











After 3 intense days of teaching, our Mermaid Teachers are tired, but still smiling & ready to start planning next year!


I appreciate these Mermaid Teachers so very much.
Their passion for sharing their crafty gifts is amazing.

When we were in the early planning stages for Calico Mermaid, we wanted the shop to be a creative & inspirational place where people could come together to share their art, imagination, & passion. 
These Mermaid Teachers have helped us accomplish that goal in just four short years. 
They are an invaluable resource of creative talents.

Thank you to all Jolly Jingle Workshop participants!
Watch for sign ups & we'll see you next year!


Sunday, July 5, 2015

Fiji Dream Trip!

We just returned from a dream come true trip to Beqa Lagoon in Fiji. 
It was beautiful & relaxing & a wonderful way to kick off our summer & my retirement.
Let me bore you with a few vacation pics!


We've been to Beqa before, & love everything about it. 
We love traveling with Maui Dream Dive Co.


These are the beautiful flowers given to us when our boat arrived at the island.


This is the view from our bure (our cottage on the beach.) 




 I love all the flowers blooming everywhere!






 This is the view from the spa.




Here are a few of Richard's photos he took when we were scuba diving.


 Fiji is known for its' colorful soft corals, & sea fans.


I love all the pretty colors of fish! 












 My first Hawk's Bill Turtle

I love when the clown fish match their red anemones!

Now we're back to reality & the Mermaid has LOTS of fun plans for the coming months!
Follow us on Facebook & be sure to click "following" so you don't miss anything.