Thursday, January 5, 2017

Planning for the Fashion/Food Design Retreat, Italy, 2017

It's that time again... planning for our annual creative retreat in Italy. This year it will be a combination of both the Food and the Fashion. The Dates are June 14th - 23rd, 2017.

Here are some highlights of past trips and a testimonial from a happy traveller who joined us in 2015.

The 2015 Fashion Retreat was a real trip of a lifetime. As an avid textile lover, it was a transformational experience! Susan’s fun and fact filled itinerary exceeded my expectations. We had such an organized agenda it seemed like we were on the go from morning until night. The array of appointments included quality museums, demonstrations, factory visits, fashion houses and many, many extras –Venice, opera, great Italian dining, terrific accommodations, and easy transportation. Susan was always there to guide and help us along the way. It’s difficult to say what my favorite experience was- it was all very exceptional.
“Eye opening, fun, educational, adventurous… not your ordinary trip!
Linda Perry
Click on this link for more info.. and enjoy the fashion and food photos here..
Painting a ceramic in Renaissance stle

Lunch at a restaurant in the Lake Garda district. We will have a cooking class here in 2017!

and of course... wine tasting in the Lake district outside of Verona

We'll have a felt workshop with Lisbeth Wahl, renown fiber artist

There are always the appetizers!


Lots of unique styles

Visiting a velvet weaving workshop in Venice

with Gloria..

and lots of relaxation!


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Fashion Cookies

Trader Joe's had a new version of the Gingerbread house. This was the Ugly Sweater Kit.
So... here are a few samples of decorated cookies.


My Instagram shot..

Different Styles

Close-up


2016 Non-Traditional Christmas Tree


Petticoats hanging on display in LA Garment District
I'm a bit behind this season, and am long overdue with blogging.
But, annual tradition of the non-traditional Christmas tree continues. This year, the theme was somewhat Mexican.

Throughout the year, I'm scouting for a 'theme'. This year, the theme was found on a trip up to the Los Angeles Garment District in November. A group of women, who were here for the Fall Cochenille Design Retreat joined in on a day exploring fabric, fashion, and related in LA.

While walking the streets and browsing fabrics, I happened to notice this great storefront.. with hooped petticoats hanging from the ceiling... so that was 'it'.


Students and faculty from Mesa College assisted in putting the tree together.. and as you can see, we continued with the Mexican flavor.


Lights were placed on my metal frame,
and the hooped skirt was positioned above.
Dressing the head! Notice the eyelashes!

Testing the head
Hanging banners for the skirt
Almost-finished dress



 See the video above and forgive the group singing.