Santa Barbara to Carmel

     Greetings,
     This is the special place I go every year
     for retreat...... about 30 ~ 35 artists .
    We create, share ideas, teach.......It's 5 full
     days of complete pleasure, rest, and inspiration .....

     There are 22+ acres of secluded oak covered, creeks, trails,
     orchards, and vegetable gardens ... they feed us organic foods
     and we fill in the rest.........

     I like to sit here with a glass of wine
     before we head off for our evening meal ........

     Everybody has a large table to spread out
     the piles of supplies we've brought ....
     Everyone seems to be doing something different
     and we all get inspired from each other.....
     I like making large sheets of decorative papers
     to turn into, books, cards, paper beads, and so much more.........

     I've made handmade paper books using
     a japanese stab binding stich to put them together.....

     This year I also made crepe paper flowers, it was
     just for fun, they turned out quite beautiful .

     We made these books, my cover was done
     with water color and oil pastels .........

     Using the clay faces I made at home
     I incorporated them into small projects.....

     It was a marvelous time with people I admire
     and enjoy being around, I can't wait until next year.....

     Returning home it took days to put all my stuff
     away and get ready to drive to Carmel for a dear
     friends 80th. birthday party....

     The decorations, beautifully prepared foods
     and old friends made for a magical party.....

     On my way home the next day I wandered down this
     road to take in this spectacular sight......
   

     What a sight,  invigorating................

   
     Hope you have enjoyed the views
     I wish you, happy creative days.............. victoria