Oh what a fabulous time it was! The best ever! So great to see returning Bellas in our town and meeting new ones was so exciting! Of course I didn't take enough photos, but I'll show what I have!
There was a packed house the night before for a preview party at Second Chance Antiques. We got there too late, as we had a special teacher dinner to attend. The next morning we (Sassy, Betz, Beth, Heather) headed over to Second Chance and were glad to see there were still more goodies to be found. I think they did some restocking!
(Codger of 2nd Chance, me, Sassy)
Lots of planning goes into Welcome Night. Here's that sweet Heather...busy busy...so much prep work!
A peek at swag bags from the sweetest Sponsors!
Tables getting ready for their visitors...
Cari and her adorable centerpieces. She out does herself every year!
Check in begins! Jill and Cori checking in the happy and eager Bellas...
Here's what I taught at our Group Workshop. The glittered mat (11x14) was filled with mini prints of vintage photos. All with an art sisters theme.
Another view:
After the workshops, the students' swaps and trades began. This was (and always is) amazing.
Michelle Geller gave me the greatest Bella Souvenir Journal! Lori Burek (below) was full of delightful pretties for her swap. I enjoyed meeting you Lori, and that Upcycled Treasures Swap was amazing.
I have more to share on the swaps, I'll show later!
The one on one swaps (trades) were one of the highlights of Silver Bella. I've rarely have the chance to witness this sharing time. The women spend so much time and share their talents...it's so impressive and so often heartfelt. They get nervous and hope their work is well received, and it always is...because they work so hard on them and it SHOWS!
Here's Stacy McGinnis opening up her crown from a swap...
Isn't she adorable in the crown?! I think she liked it! :) Who made that crown? Someone do tell!
Colleen Moody made this for Natalie (Artful Bra Swap). Natalie has just completed her chemo treatments for breast cancer, which made her "fight like a girl" piece extra sentimental! Look at the wonderful dolly she put in the center...sigh...so special.
Here are some other smiling faces from the swaps.
(Franc Franke)
(Robin Thomas and Lori Orme)
The perfect evening!!! Applause to all the swap participants! Such a special part of the Silver Bella experience!
Next post...day two: some workshops and Bella Market!
