If you are very, very lucky good ... and very, very lucky, one day your email inbox will contain a message from Kaari Meng asking if you would like her to come and teach a class at your place. When you finish doing the requisite happy dance, you compose yourself and say "Oh, we would be ever so delighted." *faint*
Shea and I met Kaari last year at Silver Bella. She was then gracious enough to invite us to a party she and Jo Packham threw at her studio during the CHA convention this past January. And, as it turns out, we are all teaching at the same event this coming September!
So, we were just thrilled to hear that she wanted to come to Dallas. She suggested that Shea teach with her as a collaborative project, and the info flew back and forth from Texas to California until all of the details were worked out.
In true "Gilded Girl" fashion, the students arrived with their wares in the most pleasing of carriers. No ho-hum purses and totes here. Could this basket be anymore French General?!? I think not!
Shea's pendant kit was packaged in the tiniest little watering can. As someone who is inordinately fond of all things miniscule, this made me ridiculously happy...
I had every intention of photographing Kaari's kit intact, but they no sooner hit the table and the ladies had them cracked open and all set up for sorting. You can't stop to ooh and ahh on someone's project for too long around here or you'll miss the shot!
The invite to the event was sent out less than two weeks before the actual festivities. We had decided with Kaari to do a small, intimate class with our most loyal students. Kaari talked about 10 people, there was wailing and angst-ing on our end, and we finally set it for 12. In less than 3 days all 12 spots had been snatched up. Did I say loyal...I meant rabid! Kidding! Our group of self-titled "Gilded Girls" is unmatched in every way. How could we not do something as amazing as this evening to thank them for all they have done for us?
We began the evening with Shea's pendant project. We cut, antiqued, glued, glittered, metal stamped and crystal chained our way to absolute bliss. Everyone did their own slight variation on the inspiration piece that Shea did, and everyone's was truly beautiful.
When it was time for Kaari's three strand stunner, there were gasps and *squees* and some slight heart palpitations. When all of that business settled, and the necklaces were created, there was an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment in the room. And when it was all said and done... we made this;
Not too shabby for a class that was proposed, designed and mounted in less than 2 weeks! It was the most perfect Friday night that we have had here at the church... ok, maybe ever!
And really... how could you NOT have fun with this unbelievable group of creative minds?!? Would you believe this picture was taken exactly 7 seconds AFTER Karri had to bolt out of the door because her driver was just about to start laying on the horn?!? What is it about keeping a car service waiting outside for forty minutes that gets them all edgy, anyway? *Le sigh*
As you can see, there was elation across the board! Every attendee remarked that Kaari is a kind and patient instructor... the sort of person who makes everyone feel welcome and special.
Merci beaucoup, Kaari. Merci beaucoup!!
We cannot wait to see you in September!!
