Flora Bella Bliss Filled Weekend!

 I have just returned from the quaint town of Micanopy, Florida where I hosted the beautiful Flora Bella Art Retreat Weekend along with my dear friend Cassandra.

              It was everything "Bella" (beautiful) and beyond!

The Herlong Mansion was our home for the weekend, and we filled the place with joy, happiness and late night laughter!


Friday night began with a wine and cheese celebration.  It is so wonderful to spend time with other artists who are passionate about the same things!

All arrived to their rooms to find one of these gorgeous handmade pillows by Cassandra Vancuren on their beds! 

 The handmade rose is detachable and can be worn as a pin.  The pocket held some sheet music and one of my greeting cards from the crowning of the angels series, and a delectable lavender lollypop.

I do believe the partner swap was one of my favorites ever.  The ladies made home made floral inspired bath products and each and every one were GORGEOUS and smelled like heaven!  In fact, many of them seemed as though  you wanted to EAT them instead of bathe with them!!

On Saturday morning, we opened the doors to the Long Hall which would be our creating space for the weekend.  All received a golden pot filled with an african violet and fresh mint to take home and enjoy.

The first several hours were devoted to covering our bodices with old sheet music and book pages.  And after they dried, the dress creations began!

Cassandra taught us several techniques for making fabric roses and slowly, the bodices became works of art!

I chose to do mine in shades of blue to match my guest bedroom.  I used a vintage slip and petticoat.  I am putting the finishing touches on her at home and will post a photo when it is complete, but this is a little look at the details...

This is the way Cassandra packaged all of the items for our bodices...just beautiful!

I taught the girls how to make Lavender and Chamomile Bath Tea and also Lavender Vanilla Body dusting Powder.  The room was filled with such a beautiful scent!

We loved retreating to the veranda after a long workday for some happy hour bliss before we went to dinner.  I was so in love with the huge columns...it was a perfect place for photos!

 Here we are with our almost completed bodices before we left Sunday morning.  It is always bittersweet to say goodbye, but one thing makes it a little bit easier.......

 A car filled with beautiful treasures to take home!

With the exception of a few shots, all of the amazing photos at Flora Bella were taken by Cassandra Vancuren of Artful Adventures Photography.  You can view even more photos and details of the event on her website here:

www.artfuladventuresphotography.com



Weekends such as Flora Bella leave me in a state of peace and well being.  I feel so blessed to spend time that is nurturing to the mind and soul..

Until we meet again, I nod to all of the Flora Bella creative women in admiration of your incredible talent.  Thank you for being part of the fabulousness!   xoxoxoxo