March 2013 Retreat Information

NeedleArts Adventures presents

Sewing by the Sea

March 2013

at the Grand Hotel,

2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, Maryland, USA 21842

A retreat for textile and mixed media arts enthusiasts who enjoy

- quilting

- clothing design and wearable art

- cloth doll making

- paper arts (journaling, book arts, etc.)

- beading

- knitting & crocheting

    

Wednesday March 20 (8 AM) through Sunday March 24 (6 PM)

Wednesday is a BONUS DAY for those who can come early. The retreat “officially” begins Thursday  evening.

WHAT: Treat yourself to several days away from the distractions of home. We have reserved a spacious room in which to work and enjoy the company of other textile/paper artists. Make connections with old and new friends. Share ideas, advice and inspiration.           

Bring your equipment and supplies, and all those projects you have been meaning to work on! Relax and have fun. The schedule is designed to give you maximum flexibility so you can work non-stop, or take a break and enjoy a walk on the beach, shop, swim in the pool, or whatever YOU like.

Overview of Activities:

All activities are in the Grand Ballroom

Wednesday

     8:00 AM – 2 AM   Bonus Day for those who can come early

 Thursday

     8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Bonus Studio time for “Early Birds”

     8:00  PM - 10:00  PM  Opening Program

    10:00 PM – 2 AM Studio Time 

Other days

      6:00  AM – 2 AM  Studio time

Sunday     

      6:00  AM – 9:30 AM Studio time 

      10:00  AM – 11:00 AM  Share your accomplishments

    11:00  AM -  6 PM Studio time

WHO:  This retreat is designed for sewing and paper arts enthusiasts. People interested in quilting, beading, crafts, clothing design and construction, and hand- or machine-sewing activities are welcome. Scrap booking, altered books, collage, book making, knitting, crocheting and similar activities are welcome. There are always people engaged in some of these activities.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Space is limited.

Registration is $80 per person. It includes:

A full 6 foot banquet table of work space for studio time (you don’t have to share a table)

A simple project for an opening activity on the first evening

On the last morning sharing of accomplishments (show and tell)

Registration does not include lodging, meals or travel expenses.

Register soon to avoid disappointment. Registration is on a first paid, first served basis.

A minimum deposit of $10 is required. Registration is refundable, except for a $10 processing fee, until February 20. After that time we cannot make refunds. You may send someone in your place.

LODGING - FOOD - TRAVEL: You are responsible for your lodging, meals, travel and things not specifically covered by the registration fee.

The Grand Hotel is a beach-front resort hotel on the boardwalk. Our group’s sleeping rooms are oceanfront or ocean view, with balconies. Each room has 2 queen beds, a microwave, a bar sink, some counter space and a small refrigerator.

Our special group rates are:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday the rate is $92 (plus taxes) per night.  Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday it is $74 (plus taxes) per night.  

This is single or double so sharing a room with a friend means even greater savings.  Participants must stay at the Grand Hotel; we cannot provide studio space for those who stay elsewhere. Many people will arrive early and depart the morning after the last day.

Please make your hotel reservations directly with the Grand Hotel by February 20 to receive the group rate. You are responsible for making your own reservations. Identify yourself as part of the NeedleArts Adventures Group. The hotel’s reservation number is 1-800-447-6779 / 410-289-6191.

You can find travel directions and information about the hotel, its policies, and facilities at their web site: www.grandhoteloceancity.com. There is a 24-hour coffee shop in the hotel and there are many restaurants and grocery stores near by.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ocean City is an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive from Baltimore or Philadelphia. There is plenty of free parking at the hotel. You can fly to Philadelphia, PA,  Baltimore, MD,  or Salisbury, MD, and rent a car. (Salisbury is 30 minutes away.) There is sometimes commuter flight service to Ocean City. We will help with carpools and roommate referrals.

To register send your name, address, phone nr., e-mail, whether you are registering for fall or spring, & check to: NeedleArts Adventures, PO Box 331, Crownsville, MD 21032-0331. One person per registration check, please. Make checks to NeedleArts Adventures.

Check our blog: www.needleartsadventures.blogspot.com for current retreat information.

Questions: Contact Sandy Sapienza. Phone - 410-923-6133. E-mail - sandra@annapolis.net

NeedleArts Adventures, PO Box 331, Crownsville, MD 21032-0331

Fall 2012 Retreat Information

NeedleArts Adventures presents

Sewing by the Sea

November 2012

at the Grand Hotel,

2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, Maryland, USA 21842

A retreat for textile and mixed media arts enthusiasts who enjoy

- quilting

- clothing design and wearable art

- cloth doll making

- paper arts (journaling, book arts, etc.)

- beading

- knitting & crocheting

    

Wednesday November 7 (8 AM) through Sunday November 11 (6 PM)

Wednesday is a BONUS DAY for those who can come early. The retreat “officially” begins Thursday  evening.

WHAT: Treat yourself to several days away from the distractions of home. We have reserved a spacious room in which to work and enjoy the company of other textile/paper artists. Make connections with old and new friends. Share ideas, advice and inspiration.           

Bring your equipment and supplies, and all those projects you have been meaning to work on! Relax and have fun. The schedule is designed to give you maximum flexibility so you can work non-stop, or take a break and enjoy a walk on the beach, shop, swim in the pool, or whatever YOU like.

Overview of Activities:

All activities are in the Grand Ballroom

Wednesday

     8:00 AM – 2 AM   Bonus Day for those who can come early

 Thursday

     8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Bonus Studio time for “Early Birds”

     8:00  PM - 10:00  PM  Opening Program

    10:00 PM – 2 AM Studio Time 

Other days

      6:00  AM – 2 AM  Studio time

Sunday     

      6:00  AM – 9:30 AM Studio time 

      10:00  AM – 11:00 AM  Share your accomplishments

    11:00  AM -  6 PM Studio time

WHO:  This retreat is designed for sewing and paper arts enthusiasts. People interested in quilting, beading, crafts, clothing design and construction, and hand- or machine-sewing activities are welcome. Scrap booking, altered books, collage, book making, knitting, crocheting and similar activities are welcome. There are always people engaged in some of these activities.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Space is limited.

Registration is $80 per person. It includes:

A full 6 foot banquet table of work space for studio time (you don’t have to share a table)

A simple project for an opening activity on the first evening

On the last morning sharing of accomplishments (show and tell)

Registration does not include lodging, meals or travel expenses.

Register soon to avoid disappointment. Registration is on a first paid, first served basis.

A minimum deposit of $10 is required. Registration is refundable, except for a $10 processing fee, until October 6. After that time we cannot make refunds. You may send someone in your place.

LODGING - FOOD - TRAVEL: You are responsible for your lodging, meals, travel and things not specifically covered by the registration fee.

The Grand Hotel is a beach-front resort hotel on the boardwalk. Our group’s sleeping rooms are oceanfront or oceanview, with balconies. Each room has 2 queen beds, a microwave, a bar sink, some counter space and a small refrigerator.

Our special group rates are:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday the rate is $79 (plus taxes) per night.  Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday it is $60 (plus taxes) per night.  

This is single or double so sharing a room with a friend means even greater savings.  Participants must stay at the Grand Hotel; we cannot provide studio space for those who stay elsewhere. Many people will arrive early and depart the morning after the last day.

Please make your hotel reservations directly with the Grand Hotel by October 5 to receive the group rate. You are responsible for making your own reservations. Identify yourself as part of the NeedleArts Adventures Group. The hotel’s reservation number is 1-800-447-6779 / 410-289-6191.

You can find travel directions and information about the hotel, its policies, and facilities at their web site: www.grandhoteloceancity.com. There is a 24-hour coffee shop in the hotel and there are many restaurants and grocery stores near by.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ocean City is an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive from Baltimore or Philadelphia. There is plenty of free parking at the hotel. You can fly to Philadelphia, PA,  Baltimore, MD,  or Salisbury, MD, and rent a car. (Salisbury is 30 minutes away.) There is sometimes commuter flight service to Ocean City. We will help with carpools and roommate referrals.

To register send your name, address, phone nr., e-mail, whether you are registering for fall or spring, & check to: NeedleArts Adventures, PO Box 331, Crownsville, MD 21032-0331. One person per registration check, please. Make checks to NeedleArts Adventures.

Check our blog: www.needleartsadventures.blogspot.com for current retreat information.

Questions: Contact Sandy Sapienza. Phone - 410-923-6133. E-mail - sandra@annapolis.net

NeedleArts Adventures, PO Box 331, Crownsville, MD 21032-0331

SBTS Last Minute Notes – March 2012

It is getting close to time for our sewing and arts retreat Thursday afternoon March 22 through Sunday March 25, 6 PM March.  The studio will be open at 8 AM on Wednesday, March 21, for early birds. The retreat Opening Program will be at 8 PM on Thursday. Here is some last minute information that may be useful to you.

MEETING ROOM: We will be using the Ballroom on the 4^th floor.

HOTEL:  You should have made your hotel reservations. If you have not, call the Grand Hotel immediately. The hotel’s reservation number is 1-800-447-6779 or 410-289-6191. (When you make your reservation you must identify yourself as part of the NeedleArts Adventures Group to receive the special group rate.) Check-in is assured by 4:00 PM. Checkout is 11 AM.

Remember, there is a 72-hour cancellation policy. This means if your plans change you MUST cancel your reservations at least 72 hours before your scheduled arrival or you will be charged for the first night’s lodging. It is hotel policy to charge for the total nights originally reserved by guests when they check out earlier than scheduled. If your departure date is changed by 24 hours prior to arrival there is no early checkout charge. There is an additional charge for more than 2 in a room. We hope there are no family emergencies and no one gets the flu, but these things DO happen so please be aware of the hotel policies.

CLOTHES: Casual clothing is appropriate. The weather can be changeable so plan accordingly. Bring a bathing suit; there is an indoor pool.

BASIC EQUIPMENT: Bring the sewing, beading and art supplies and equipment you need. You will have one 6-foot banquet table for your workspace.   You may wish to bring a chair cushion for added height and comfort.  A long heavy-duty extension cord and a work light may also be useful.  It is a very large room so we will need lots of long power strips. If you have one it will come in handy. We will have one or two irons and ironing boards set up for all to share.  A “wheelie” (a carry-on bag with wheels) or collapsible rolling box is handy for transporting your supplies and equipment.

We can leave supplies in the ballroom overnight. (Note: Some people use small chains or computer security cables [wire covered with plastic, with a lock] to secure their sewing machine to the table when they leave the studio area. You may want to do this.)  The hotel will lock the door when the last person leaves the room. We have never had a problem, but you don’t know what may happen.

OPENING EVENING PROJECT:  Our project is a surprise. Come to the Ballroom. We will begin at 8:00 PM. If you arrive later you can catch up easily. We will provide all of the supplies. This project can be done by hand or machine.  BRING: tan thread, a hand sewing needle, an embroidery needle, a beading needle, scissors. A sewing machine is optional. Bring your sewing machine (or share with a friend.)

SHOW-&-TELL:  We will have our traditional show-and-tell of our weekend’s accomplishments on Sunday morning 10:00 to 11:00 AM. We must keep Show and Tell to 1 hour. Please do not take photos during Show and tell. We have a lot of really interesting work to see and a very limited amount of time in which to do it. So, if you want a photo of something please arrange to take it before we do Show and Tell.

          

INFORMAL SHARING:  Carrying on our tradition of sharing, we are planning several informal workshops during the retreat.  You should have already received workshop descriptions and schedule. If you have not already pre-registered for the workshops and you want to take a class you may sign up at the Opening – if there is space available. Kit fees are paid to the session leader in cash at the workshop.

The workshops are:

1. Board Book Fun-Scrapping

2. Paper Bow       

3. Silly Birds

4. Journaling Round Table

5. Easy, Fast and Economical Portable Quilt Design Display Rack

6. Fabric Beads From Batiks

Remember there are kits for some classes so you will need to bring whatever is on the supply lists ----- or make a run to WalMart or Michael’s  :-)  !

          

 ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP:  "Little Dresses for Africa?" 

         Linda Taltavull is active in a “Little Dresses for Africa” program and would like to share information about it. She is working with a group that ships the dresses for free to Africa and several other places.  She also works with a group that sends them to Appalachia. She will bring finished samples and present a 15-20 minute demo to show you what to do if you would like to make a dress or two during the weekend. This is an extremely simple dress with tie shoulders. A dress takes less than an hour to make and can save a child's life! 

         Supplies: If you want to make a dress you will need 100% cotton fabric. Each dress requires a single cut the full width of the fabric that is 21" to 41" long.  Size of dress is determined by the length i.e., 21" is a size 3.  A package of double fold bias tape in a coordinating color completes the project.
Linda will bring some elastic, bias tapes in many colors and a few precut pieces of fabric to share.  This is a great way to recycle some fabric from the give-away tables.  

         If you aren't familiar with this project, its amazing ... and life altering!  Young girls are often violated because they are orphans and considered disposable in some African countries.  Law allows this to happen in countries with a cast system.  There are millions of orphans due to the AIDS epidemic. It was discovered that girls in orphanages that wore dresses could walk through the villages and be safe from the possibility of rape because they were believed to be from a more elevated status and men can be prosecuted and even given a death sentence for attacking these "better" girls.  With all of our talents and wealth of fabric, it seems a perfect solution to a real problem. 

         Linda will present the demo twice.

              Thursday 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM & Friday 4:00 PM– 4:30 PM

You do not need to preregister. There will be a sign-up sheet on the registration table.

Soaps and Toiletries Needed: Lois Uditsky is still collecting soaps and personal hygiene items   --- like the shampoo, lotion and soaps you get in a hotel room.  Bring whatever you may have to share and save what you do not use at the hotel during the retreat.

“GOOD STUFF” EXCHANGE:  We all have a lot of fun sharing “good stuff” we no longer need. If you have some fabric, books, sewing, art or craft supplies, patterns, etc. that need a new home please bring them to share. We will have “Give Away” tables in the Ballroom. These must be things you’re willing to GIVE away --- no sales. We will put out these treasures on after the Opening on Thursday evening.

         Note: Please be sure your give away items do not have pet hair in them. There are people in our group who are allergic to cat/dog hair. We want to keep everyone healthy!

SNACKS:  The hotel policy is that any food in public spaces, for general consumption, must be provided by the hotel catering services. This is because of the health laws.  This means we cannot have a snack table from which we share. You may have your own snacks at your own table.

SOUND CONTROL REMINDER: If you want to bring a tape or CD player or a TV, it should be small enough to fit in your work area and MUST have earphones so it does not disturb others.  

SPA:  The spa is giving a 10% discount to our group on services over $20. You may make appointments before you arrive. (The massage and facial appointments often fill quickly.)

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE: When you arrive check into your hotel room and get settled. I know a lot of us are coming a day early and departing on Monday morning.

Our studio space is on the 4^th floor in the Ballroom.  The room will be set up by 8 AM Wednesday for Early Birds. Someone from NeedleArts Adventures will be in the area Wednesday. Stop by the Ballroom and pick up your nametag and table marker; they will be on a table. Put your table marker on the table at which you wish to work.  

    You can set up and start working when the room is ready. We strongly recommend that you do not leave your sewing machine unattended. While the hotel is safe and secure, one never knows what can happen. (Remember: Some people use small chains or computer security cables to secure the machine to the table when they leave the studio area. You may want to do this.) 

This is going to be a wonderful, relaxing and productive retreat. We are looking forward to seeing one another!  There are several new people joining us. In the mean time, if you need more information, please call me at 410-923-6133 or e-mail at sandra@annapolis.net. NeedleArts Adventures, PO Box 331, Crownsville, MD 21032

Remember: you can always find the all the SBTS information on our blog

http://www.needleartsadventures.blogspot.com

See you soon,

Sandy

Workshops for Spring 2012

Workshop Descriptions – SPRING 2012

1.  TITLE OF CLASS:  Board Book Fun-Scrapping

DESCRIPTION:  Take a blank board book (thick cardboard pages) and make it glamorous!  Learn how to add scrapbook paper backgrounds, cardstock pockets, embellishments and more to create fun pages that are held together with yarn ties or metal rings. 

You’ll add photos or ticket stubs or stickers or, or, or…. And it’s easy to do!

CLASS SIZE:  No minimum; maximum 10

KIT:  1 small (miscellaneous shapes) board book, rings/yarn.  Cost:  $2.00

         Or… you may bring your own board book to work on. 

BRING: 

·      Scrapbook papers (10 or so) in small, coordinating prints/solids at least 8x8 inches; 12x12 inch papers provide more flexibility

·      Scrapbook tape, permanent (not removable type) and/or glue stick.

·      **Craft scissors for trimming photos and small paper pieces

·      **Craft knife (X-Acto type) and blades

·      **Self-healing cutting mat to use with craft knife.

·      **Paper cutter/slicer that is big enough for your paper height.

·      **Colored marker(s), permanent that coordinates with any of your papers.  This will be used for the outside edges of your boards.

·      Photographs to feature on your pages.

·      Embellishments (stickers, flowers, ribbons, etc.)

**If you don’t have these items, no need to worry.  I’ll provide my tools too and anyone is welcome to share. 

WORKSHOP LEADER:  Judy Ridgway ~ I consider myself a novice scrapbooker (not a beginner, but I have lots to learn).  I love documenting events (especially with photographs) and helping others to do the same.  Don’t feel intimidated by this project.  It can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like.  J

DAY AND TIME:  Friday morning 10 – 12. You can work on your own after

2.            TITLE OF CLASS:  Paper Bow

DESCRIPTION:  Use scraps of paper from magazine/catalog pages or scrapbook paper to make pretty paper bows.  Great project for recycling paper!

CLASS SIZE:  Any

KIT:  None / No cost

BRING:  Sharpened pencil, glue dots or scotch tape; a tape dispenser, desk style, is easier to work with.

WORKSHOP LEADER:  Judy Ridgway ~ I learned to do these bows a zillion years ago.  Children love it too.

DAY AND TIME:  Saturday afternoon 2 PM – 2:30

3. TITLE OF CLASS: Silly Birds

DESCRIPTION: Learn to make a silly felt bird and create your own version. Learn to blanket stitch by hand and make wrapped wire legs. How to assemble the parts after sewing and then embellish your bird as you desire.  

Note: This class is fine for beginners with some sewing skills as well as for advanced folks.  The pictures here are of several birds, none exactly a like, and none exactly like the pattern you will get, to inspire you.   Judi will also have some mix and match parts that participants can copy to make their own combination of features.  Participants will learn to blanket stitch and how to stuff the parts, create sturdy, wrapped wire legs, and make their own silly bird creation!

CLASS SIZE: Minimum, 6        Maximum  12 

KIT: A SIlly Bird pattern and various color combinations of felt which can be used, swapped and shared, and wire for the legs.  Michaels has all sorts of fun "finishing” stuff. I will bring stuff for you to see and get ideas from.   "Playing” and experimentation is part of the workshop!

Cost.  $6.00

BRING: Sewing thread in several colors so you have a choice to sew the bird with, paper and cloth scissors, a hand sewing needle with a nice easy to see eye, stuffing, floral tape, needle nosed pliers with a cutter, and black, brown or orange yarn for leg wraps.  I will have several hot glue guns and glue and several needle nosed pliers too.

FACILITATOR: Judi Ward.......The bird lady from last November. I have created dozens of birds since then and am doing a full, mix and match pattern or possibly a book for them to be ready in the fall of 2012.   (Note: Judi is an internationally known doll artist and designer. Her classes are always fun.)

DAY & TIME: Friday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The workshop will take an hour to 2 hours, depending on whether participants want to work at the workshop table or at their own table after getting the basics.  Finishing will take however long the maker desires.    

4. TITLE OF CLASS: Journaling Round Table

DESCRIPTION: Do you keep a journal or art journal or studio journal/sketch book? Do you make travel journals or artist books? Do you want to learn about or try some of these things?  Join us for a round table discussion where we can share ideas, inspiration, techniques, tools  ---- anything thing goes. No experience needed. This is a time for sharing and perhaps beginning a new and fulfilling activity.  We did this at the last SBTS and everyone wanted to do it again. 

CLASS SIZE: any

KIT:  no 

BRING: Your ideas and enthusiasm. A journal, if you have one.

If you have extra ephemera, book pages, other stuff to use in journals / paper arts, bring it we will hare it. There is often inspiration in new and different materials :-)

FACILITATOR:  Sandy   Sapienza  

DAY & TIME: Friday 8:00 – 9:00 PM

5. TITLE OF CLASS: Easy, Fast and Economical Portable Quilt Design Display Rack

DESCRIPTION: This sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it! Some of you have seen Linda’s portable quilt design flannel display board at previous SBTS gatherings. It makes it super easy to see what you are doing as you design and construct quilt blocks. It is made of plastic pipe pieces and connectors and slips together in just a few minutes. Because of the size of the materials this will be a demo – Linda will have the directions for you and she will answer your questions. Go to her workspace at 9:15 Friday morning to see the display board and find out how to make one.

 

Of course, if you are really ambitious you can then take your directions off to Home Depot and make your own display board during the weekend J

CLASS SIZE: Any

KIT:  no  

BRING: Pencil and paper for notes - optional

FACILITATOR:  Linda Murphy  

DAY & TIME: Friday 9:15 – 9:30 AM  

6. TITLE OF CLASS: FABRIC BEADS FROM BATIKS

DESCRIPTION: We will make fabric beads in a new and easy way using Batik prints as they are, or embellished with foil and or paint. 

 

CLASS SIZE: Max. 12 people at a time.

 

KIT: $ 2  for sticker paper and other supplies

 

BRING: Scraps of Batik fabric or any other fabric you would like to see in a bead. Rotary cutter and tiny mat if you have one.  If you plan to make a piece of jewelry, bring jump rings, wire or thread, 1/4 to 3/8 inch disks and seed beads to go between fabric beads and some type of clasp.  

 

FACILITATOR: Doris Slye

Doris is a very talented textile artist and creative beader. She is a member of the Baltimore Bead Society. Doris has taught in many venues; including at SBTS 2 years ago

 

DAY & TIME: Friday 3:00 to 4:00 PM    

Call for Workshop Ideas - SBTS Spring 2012

  

It is time to start planning for our free mini-workshops. Carrying on our tradition of sharing, we would like to offer several informal workshops during the retreat. Is there a technique or project you would like to share?

 We need your input!  What short classes would you like to offer?

As a workshop leader you choose the day, time and duration of your class. You can set a minimum and a maximum class size. Several people can lead a class together. You volunteer your time. You can offer a kit with a kit fee, and/or have a supply list for participants. The class can be hands-on or a demo.

In the past we have done things like learn doll-making techniques, make bubble bracelets, felt bars of soap, make altered board books, explore foiling on fabric, see demos of lace making, decorate glass Christmas balls, and try yoga. Anything goes!

Send your ideas to Sandy by February 15th.  We will send out the offerings in early March so you can register for the classes you want.

 For those of you who are attending for the first time, these are free workshops of 1/2 hour to 4 hours duration that are taught by volunteer teachers. The only expense to participants is the supplies. The purpose of the workshops is to share our expertise and interests, and to explore new techniques and materials.  And, of course, to have fun together.

Here is the basic information we need:

         TITLE OF CLASS

         DESCRIPTION    

CLASS SIZE: Minimum, Maximum  

KIT:  If any. What is included. Cost.
BRING: Supplies /equipment participants should bring.
WORKSHOP LEADER:  Can be more than one person if you want to work with a friend. One or  two sentences about yourself.

PROPOSED DAY & TIME: What works for you? How much time do you need? Remember, you can do a demo and get people started then they can work on their own to finish.