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Friday, October 16, 2009

Colorado Trip and 100 Follower's Give Away

While I was away on my KC Willis Studio Retreat I was lucky enough to have hit the 100 follower's milestone! So that means a give away is in order to celebrate all the wonderful friends I have made since I started the Vintage Living blog. I have to say how much I have enjoyed each and every one of you and do so appreciate all of you. Thank you all so much for being a part of my thoughts on paper or should I say online. So I am giving away a piece of my jewelry. It is a necklace made of freshwater pearl, chain and found vintage charms and buttons. All you have to do is leave a comment on my CO trip and I will pick a winner. Thanks so much.







Welcome to my Colorado trip... at the studio of KC Willis
I drove from Chicago to Longmont CO in 2 days and loved it! I stayed in Ogallala, NE the first night and looked for Gus but no luck. The weather was a beautiful 74 degrees, I had the top open and the radio turned up with nothing but corn fields and open sky...it was great!
I drove into Boulder the next day around noon and spent the day looking around and shopping. It was overcast and cold but it didn't dampen my spirits any - but if there are mountains in Colorado you couldn't prove it by me.

Open fields of Nebraska


This is a restaurant I ate at while in CO called The Fort, it is in Evergreen in the foothills. I drove down to meet an old friend and his wife that I hadn't seen in a few years. To be perfectly honest he was my first boyfriend. :) Him and his wife live in this beautiful place.




Yes, that says Beware of Rattlesnakes... and they were on the menu.


This is the only look I got of the mountains of Colorado...


And these are the lovely ladies I spent the next 4 days with making art, laughter and friendships. From left to right Diane, Eileen, KC, Stephanie, Jacquie and myself. We met at this wonderful little quaint restaurant to get acquainted the night we all got into Longmont.


I stayed at the Raddison and the room was lovely with down comforters and a sleep number bed. Mine was 35.







Here is the cool studio of KC Willis...the first day was full of sunshine and inspiration. We all had come from different parts of the country from Wis to Mich to Ill.


KC in front of her special little Victorian house she turned into her gallery/studio.



Some of KC Willis' collage pieces.


I love her artwork, they are pieces of art that tell a story and are truly inspirational.

Here we all are again


We worked in the studio together during the day from 9 to 4 and then met again for dinner around 7pm.
Here is one of my meals...tempura shrimp, not only did we make art we ate it also.



Diane and Jacquie


We all just had such a great time giggling and just being girls...isn't it great to just have fun and be yourself.


Steph and Diane


And then we woke up to a winter wonderland!






But we were cozy in the little Victorian house and we made art!











And of course ate some more...



And then there was art!






So, in case you haven't gotten the idea that I had a great time I just want to say that it not only was inspirational but magical. KC is the most giving artist not only of her talents and resources but of her self and her heart. I truly was impressed that this is her ministry to inspire and show the love of Christ in her art and to teach and share with others. Thank you KC. And I encourage anyone that wants to grow and be inspired to sign up for one of her retreats.... or anyone that just wants to laugh and find a little magic.

PS. I have been asked when the give away ends and it will end on Saturday and I will post the winner on Sunday. Sorry I didn't include the information.

Blessings.

Rebecca

52 comments:

  1. You all look so beautiful Rebecca!!! I know you must have had the most wonderful time ever...and the artwork you creating is gorgeous as well ~ women creating together is magical!! xxoo, Dawn

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  2. Rebecca, Oh how I admire your ability to take off on that wonderful trip. And what a huge blessing you received. Creating beautiful art and beautiful friendships. Glad you had a safe and refreshing time!
    Debra

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  3. What a wonderful experience this must have been. I am so impressed that you would make this trip all by yourself. And just look at the reward...beautiful art and new friendships.
    I can't think of anything better than this.
    You all look so darling in the picture. I love that you shared the photo with us.
    Hugs,
    June

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  4. What a beautiful art you made!
    you're a great artist!

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  5. I would give anything to go do something like that. I'm just learning mixed media, and those finished creations y'all made are just gorgeous. I lived in Colorado Springs as a kiddo, so I know you were surrounded by inspiration!
    Anne

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  6. Rebecca, What a wonderful account of our time together! It was so nice to have met you and the other gals....and make magic! -Stephanie xoxo

    P.S. I've been trying to upload a pic of myself but am having trouble doing so. Diana is my first name, but I go by my middle name. Anyhow, love you and your work!

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  7. You all look as though you had the best ime, Rebecca..... crafting, chatting with friends and learning new skills...... and, I have to say, the food looked delicious !!!!
    ...... and your generous giveaway necklace looks so gorgeous. XXXX

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  8. Rebecca-looks like you had a blast being creative with these new friends of yours...the artwork is beautiful...KC sounds like a wonderful person...so glad that you got to go. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with me.
    Blessings,
    Linda

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  9. How wonderfully enchanting.....and to be able to loose yourself like that.....what magic it must have been.......where your only "job" for the day is to create.......can't wait to see a close up of your finished project.......please be sure to enter me as a wannabe for your necklace and feel free to pick me as the winner....:)))))) xojana

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  10. Can't think of a better place to get out of the snow -- Colorado, with friends, with food and making memories with KC! Lovin your art and your blog! uffda_68787@yahoo.com

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  11. an event not to be missed !what a wonderful testimonial to what we all know is true! Hopefully I'll be there myself this spring! Your necklace is too fabulous.. i'm off to explore your etsy!

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  12. Wonderful works of art!! How nice you got a hint of snow! Thanks for sharing

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  13. Hi Rebecca!
    I love this necklace that you have made! Too Cool!
    I'm so...glad you got to make this trip...it looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
    I have never been on a retreat such as this...I'm going to check into it...It looks like something I too would enjoy!
    Hope you have a wonderful week!...donna

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  14. Hey...It's me again... I forgot to tell you congratulations on the first 100!!!
    And you totally crack me up with the sleep number bed thing!
    I will talk to you soon...donna

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  15. Hi Rebecca,

    What a wonderful trip you must have had, enjoying friendship, doing some beautiful craft work and to have delicious meals out.
    All looks great and I would so love to go on a retreat like that. The snow looks pretty too.
    Congratulations on 100 followers!

    Have a happy week
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  16. how wonderful! KC is the best...

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  17. Hi Rebecca,
    I just found your blog by way of KC's blog and her post on Facebook. I love your work and also thank you for posting so many photos of the Collage Workshop you attended in Colorado. I am about to start a blog as soon as I can decide on the name for it. I have bookmarked your blog and intend to be a regular visitor. And by the way, I have a very good friend who lives in Glen Ellyn which is a place I would love to live. I spent some time there this summer and didn't want to leave. Hey, do you show your things at the Farmer's market? Maybe I looked at your creations on a hot Saturday in August. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello.

    Nancy in Kalamazoo

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  18. Now you're up to 103 Followers...Congratulations! What a wonderful workshop that you attended...it truly sounds like a dream to me. I can only hope to do something like that one day! In fact, I've recently become interested in learning more about mixed media and this style in particular! Like you...I love anything vintage! :-)
    Cindy
    www.sweetbeadstudio.com

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  19. Rebecca! What a great travelogue! Wish we were back there makin' some more beautiful art!

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  20. Congratulations on 100 posts..the necklace is very kewl...the KC class experience will always be with you. I took her first online class and it was a magical gift. The snow was a real treat, Colorado is a land of surprises, I am sorry you didn't have a good visit with the Rockies....but maby you will return someday...maby another class?? The wall hangings all turned out so good, I am glad you posted about the class. I love banner, the studio and shop. I am off to see what is on etsy now! Have a wonderful week.
    Marcie

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  21. Congratulations - it is no wonder you have so many followers - this is a beautiful blog! I am also a lover of vintage things with a story of their own. Love those collages you made at the workshop!!!

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  22. what a wonderful experience!!! and your vintage collage and art work are awesome! love it!!!

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  23. This looks amazing! And I love Colorado! My favorite photo is the one of all participants proudly exhibiting their wall pieces :D

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  24. There is something magical about going on an adventure. It can be a time to search your soul...a time to let your hair down...a time to just enjoy being you. Thank you for sharing your lovely pictures and all of your heartwarming commentary...it made my day just to read of your adventure. Scenic drive, friendly fellowship, food, artful days all topped with a touch of snow...sigh...Congrats on your 100 followers...absolutely generous giveaway...you have an amazing blog...here's to the next 100!

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  25. This necklace is lovely! I am so glad you went to this retreat and have shared pictures. I enjoy a similar kind of art "pollage" which is much like what KC does, but with canvas, paint, found items, and reproductions of old family pictures, postcards, etc.

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  26. Greetings! I came over from my friend Cindy Wimmer. I am always seeking new inspirations and I believe that I have found it! I will be one of your new followers. You make lovely things and I appreciate the fact that you like to tell a story. I would love to take an art retreat like what you did. My husband and I went to Estes Park CO in Oct 2000. Those mountains up close are just incredible. We did drive into Boulder and really loved the street mall there that reminded us of State Street in Madison, WI where we went to school. Thanks for sharing your inspiration today!
    Enjoy the day!
    Erin
    http://treasures-found.blogspot.com
    enjoytheday{at}tesoritrovati{dot}com

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  27. Rebecca! Congrats on the 100+ followers! What a super time on the retreat ... WOW! Such a great necklace you have chosen for the giveaway. But, can you tell me about the necklace you are wearing for the "final pic with projects"? It looks lovely! One of yours, too? Mmmmm ...
    Well, I'd better go, it is MONDAY, after all, lol!
    Hugs and have a great week!
    Betty :)

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  28. A trip like yours is so invigorating for the soul. Meeting new people in new places and expressing yourself through art. I just found your blog and look forward to following it.
    Have a wonderful day!
    http://judithbdesigns.blogspot.com

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  29. I have Cindy Wimmer to thank for sending me to your beautifully inspiring blog! I would love to attend one of your retreats even though I am not a paper artist.

    Love the interesting pictures, especially the snug little cottage. I hear rattlesnake tastes just like chicken!

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  30. Oh so envious.....your retreat looks fantastic, I wish there were retreats of that kind here in Australia! I'm a new follower and just wanted to say how pleased I am to have found it!

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  31. Rebecca...I got an email from K.C...and I hopped over to her blog just to turn super green with envy!(I have been trying to get over for a workshop)And she sent me your blog as well! Oh what fun..and fabulous items! Your necklace is to die for, and with each picture...I crave being there more and more! Glad to see you all had such a wonderful time!

    Cat

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  32. Hi sweetie!

    thanks for stoppin' by the Yaya! I am so happy you had a GREAT time with my dear friend KC....told her I was there in "spirit". hehehe

    Look forward to seeing what all you made!

    xo...deb

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  33. WOW!!!...That looks like SO much fun!!!...And the little Victorian House!...Just so special!!...I'm glad you had such a good time!!...Hmmm...You can keep the snow, though!!!!...Yup!...Definitely Keep that snow!!!...Hugs, Lizzie

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  34. I just found your blog thanks to Cindy Wimmer! It looks like you had a great time on your Colorado trip! What a wonderful work of art you made there, too! I would imagine you are looking forward to a return trip.

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  35. i enjoyed reading about your experience--sounds like a wonderful time! you've left me wondering, however, what my sleep number is . . .

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  36. This looks like a wonderful time Rebecca! I just may have to make the trek down from Canada!

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  37. Rebecca, I found you over at Joanna's(Sweet Finds) & popped over to visit. What a treat!!!! I think I found you too late to enter your Give Away but, I will be back for sure. I loved your necklace, your post on KC's Retreat (I would love to take one) & your whole Blog is adorable. I'll be back. And I'm so impressed you hopped in that car & drove all that way by yourself for the retreat.

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  38. Hi Rebecca! I'm so glad you had a great time...it really does sound amazing!! Congrats on your now over 100 followers - woo hoo!!! Your necklace is stunning and beautiful...you are so talented!

    :) T

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  39. Hello Rebecca,
    Thank you for your visiting in my blog.
    Your blog looks lovely!
    Greetings from Finland,
    Riitta

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  40. Looks like you had a wonderful time with KC...I hope to join in one of her retreats one day.

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  41. Wow~ That looks like you had an incredible time! Good for you and good for your creative spirit! It all looks like such fun!

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  42. Rebecca,
    I found your page over on Creative Cottage Dreamer, Patti's my new swap partner...and I love your site, so beautiful and not just the images, I love what you wrote on your profile, the passion you feel for your family is how I feel, maybe a lot of people feel that but never express it? I love that you described your passion! I love that you feel that way and you share it!! Thank you...so inspiring and I will have sweet dreams tonight for having visited! I will definately be back,thanks for the warm fuzzies!
    XO Keke

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  43. Hi Rebecca,
    I came by for a visit after you posted but never left a comment....Thought it wouldn't be fair to win after you so nicely gave me that lovely headpiece. You don't need to add me into the drawing.
    I truly enjoyed seeing all the fun you had at your retreat. It makes me miss the altered art group I used to be in.
    I might be bias but I liked your creation the best!!! lol
    xxx....C

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  44. Your trip sounds as if it was so much fun....I would love to do that some day...maybe soon! I love the art work and collages of KC Willis....amazing....Your jewelry is wonderful and I would love to be entered into your giveaway....Have a great evening...
    Take care, Laura

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  45. Rebecca,
    Sorry I've been MIA latelythe 'ol ribs slows me down more than I'd like to admit! Anywhooo, sounds like one fantastic trip!! And to come back not only with your creations but the wonderful fellowship memories you made! How fun!
    Hey, if it's no to late, maybe could you also enter me in your give away..love your work!
    My Best
    Gale

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  46. Rebecca: Two friends and I were in your shop two weeks ago tomorrow (10/24). I believe your daughter was working. I'm sure she thought I was a secret shopper or if not, just some kind of a nut because I was asking her all kinds of questions about your store. Like how, where, when...My friends had a great time shopping there as well but I could have stayed for hours. I told her that my Mom lives in Central Illinois and that at Christmas we try to get to as many suburban areas shopping and that we frequented Geneva and DeKalb. She went on to explain where your store used be (by Circa, I call it the tinder box!) and we had a nice chat. I love love love your store and eye for design. We will be in while I'm in the area during the holidays to visit you and Paris over the Moon. Take care, Renee

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  47. Dear Rebecca,
    Wonderful time!!!

    I wish you a lovely weekend!!
    Hugs:)
    ^_^Piitis

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  48. Hi Rebecca! Y=It looks like you had a wonderful time! An art retreat is something I have always wanted to do, and what a pretty state to go to!

    Congrats on your blogging milestone. I love the necklace. Someone, is going to be very, very happy!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  49. Hi Rebecca,

    Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful craft workshop you had the other night. I posted about it on my blog with pictures. You are so generous and it was a great evening. I can't wait until the next one!

    Kathy

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  50. Totally jealous!! Wow! What a fabulous trip! What fabulous art! Exciting indeed!
    bunny hugs,
    shell

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  51. Thank you again for sharing your lovely journey it was full of inspiration. Thank you too for the lovely comment you left on my blog...it warmed my heart...I'm much better and back among the blogging. Be well and many blessings to you!

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  52. Hi Rebecca,

    thank you again for hosting the fabric collage workshop last Thursday! Your inspiration and generosity are truly amazing! My collage is nearly complete, just a bit more stitching and embellishments to add.

    See you soon,
    Judy

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