Want to go to France the end of this summer? See some castles, perhaps? Bead together? Eat cheese? Drink wine? Get away from stuff? Come with us!
It seems like that the pandemic changed the bead world: there are fewer in person classes, more things happen online than before. And people are looking for experiences, rather than more things to stash away.
We are all getting older, the last 5 years managed to be simultaneously like no time at all and also two decades. Like Lenin said, "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen."
It was something like that, anyways. All I can tell you is that my life went from living at the airport flying around to see all y'all in whatever bead store you bead at, to everyone all the sudden wanting to see the world while we are still here in one piece and our legs move and hearts beat and our hands bead.
There are domestic bead retreats too, but the international trips are more attainable and available to everyone than ever before.
Traveling internationally by oneself is not easy. Going to places where most people speak a different language, eat different food and live in ways we aren't intimately familiar with is intimidating. Not everyone has the chutzpah to pack their bead bag up, hop on a plane and hope that things are going to go perfect when they arrive to their dream destination.
That's what our community has lovely international retreat organizers for. I have business relationships with quite a few of them, and they all specialize in places where they have history, community, locals to support their retreats.
Olympia Retreats is organizing this fine trip to France; the Loire valley to be exact. Here is a summary of the trip from the organizers' website:
"Our trip will start in the enchanting city of Paris, a world-renowned metropolis adorned with iconic landmarks, breathtaking cathedrals, charming cobblestone streets, cozy sidewalk cafes, and many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. You will have the opportunity to explore this incredible city through a bus tour and a dinner cruise.
During the retreat, you will explore the captivating Mont- Saint-Michel, a picturesque village that evolved around a stunning Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michael.
As part of this experience, we will explore six extraordinary palaces and castles, each with unique charm and architectural splendor:
Versailles, Villandry, Chambord, Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte, and Chantilly. Some of these are Unesco World Heritage Sites.
We always try to conclude partnerships with hotels that offer higher comfort. This means that you can relax in comfortable rooms, and at some hotels, you can indulge in swimming pools, saunas, wellness sessions, or marine thermal baths. We want you to feel pampered during your stay with us.
During the two days of the workshop, you will create two beautiful projects inspiredly French art under the guidance Beki and Kinga. "
- That's me! And my project is named after Mont- Saint- Michel.
In the pendant's center there is a large rose cut pyrite cabochon, surrounded by beautiful keshi pearls and spinel, labradorite, and a faceted freshwater pearl. The somber tones of the beautiful natural stones are reminiscent of the Gothic architecture and carry a feel of mystery. The composition also manages to be sort of fruit like- the finished pendant feeling like a fruit born out of grey stone.
The pendant hangs on a beautiful lizard print leather cord and has a seamless stainless clasp.
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