Wednesday, March 19, 2014

To the other side of the world and back....

It has been a long journey the past two weeks.  From California to London, and then on to Johannesburg for the first part of the trip.  We arrived on time and in good spirits (just needing a shower and a short nap).  We were greeted by Glenda, our host for this adventure.  I first met Glenda back in 2007 when she attended a workshop the very first time I taught in South Africa.  We have remained friends over the years, always having dinner at CHA to catch up.
I don't know about you, but when I am in a foreign county I always like to see what kinds of different foods they have at breakfast (or at the grocery store).  Our hotel had a huge buffet, but of course I had no interest in taking pictures of the eggs and toast.  I was more interested in this...

 Hummm...I've never had cold rolled up fish for breakfast....ever.
And of course the traditional English breakfast sides...tomatoes, beans, potatoes, mushrooms and green beans.
One ham and cheese omelet please!
 So on to the event...
Glenda and her team did a fantastic job getting everything set up.  Today's class had about 170 students.  That's a lot of people to teach at one time!
  Each table had a little something special for the ladies as well as the first class kit.
There was a photographer on site throughout the event so we asked him to capture a shot of Mario, Tim and I with the team of women that helped us in the classroom.  We took some serious ones, but I liked this shot best.
photography by Richard O'Donoghue
Ready to start?
We are!
What a fun time teaching with Tim.  Truly, the master of product information and encouragement.  People may have been outside their comfort zones, taking on new ideas and techniques but in the end we think they loved what they created.  The best part is that each one was totally different from their neighbor.  Individual choice, individual color and creativity.  That's what it's all about.

 This was spotted at one of the tables, an altered drawer unit...amazing.


 And the creator of the portable drawer unit...Patricia Basson.
Class time...
 My friend Brenda with her finished burlap canvas
 Another finished burlap panel (this one by Val Thorpe)...each of them are so different.
One of the things I was looking forward to was meeting Anna-Karin Evaldsson.  Anna-Karin is on the Sizzix design team and loves creating with Tim's product.  I have been a follower of her blog for quite some time and finally got this chance to meet her.  She was just as nice in person as she sounds on her blog.  Great to finally meet you in person Anna-Karin!
One last picture for today.  My husband had a dream come true...he wanted to play golf in South Africa and he got the chance despite the rain.  Thank you to my friend Lyn for setting him up to play golf with her husband Rob.  He had a great day!
I will be back tomorrow for the next leg of the journey.  Were off to Port Elizabeth and the game lodge called Kichaka.
carry on,
paula

23 comments:

  1. While I don't have the opportunity to travel as you do, I do enjoy seeing and hearing all about your trips! And seeing what other people create from the same items is just so much fun! Love the group shot of the 'staff'...looks like it says it all! And that tower of drawers...no words from me could describe the feeling when seeing it. Just 'wow'!

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  2. Paula, thanks so very much for sharing with all us envious other artists. You, Tim and the team are just the greatest, and I'm sure the lucky people to be in your classes were wowed! We all so much enjoy the photos and little tidbits of info about the travels. And whoa, that little drawer unit -- !!!! Words can't describe the effect, can they? Carry on, and thank you for sharing.

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  3. I love hearing about your adventures! That little chest is just fabulous!!

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  4. Oh thank you Paula for this amazing description and those super photos!!! I am trying very hard not to be jealous of those lucky ladies!! That portable drawer contraption is amazing! Also LOVED the photo of you and Anna Karin!! Thanks for taking the time to share all of this!

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  5. while I know you guys had a ball over in Africa...I'm glad you are home because I'm missing some Inky inspiration! :D

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  6. looks like you had a blast!

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  7. According to my friends husband "it doesn't rain on golf courses..." It was fabulous to meet you and learn from you. Do come back again and again and again.

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    1. thanks Belinda for alerting me to Patricia. I have updated the blog and added her name. Really appreciate that.
      paula

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  8. What a fantastic trip, love the photos - especially the group one!

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  9. Great to see our country through your (and Jay's) eyes. You have represented us well and I look forward to reading more soon, as we miss you! On a different note: had a nice surprise yesterday- your stunning Configurations box from CHA is in the March/ April issue of our local "Craftwise" magazine. Let me know if you have not received your copy, sure Glenda has sent one out?

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    1. Ah, I knew that was coming out. My very favorite piece from CHA.
      So glad to have gotten to spend some time with you and glad I got to sit next to Peter at dinner. He looks very "Downton Abby", but he is really a comedic version of Ernest Hemingway...and I love that. Love to you both, paula

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  10. Hello Paula...Just wish we had more time to spend with all of you!!! The day just flew whilst we were having fun creating...So happy you had a good time in our country and hope to see you, Tim and Mario again soon...very soon! The fish you had is called Rollmops, it's pickled Herrings and is a traditional Dutch delicacy...I would have cleaned that plate for sure...lol! Also thank you so much for sharing the photos of my Altered Stationary Caddy here on your blog...what an honour and much appreciated!!! May I leave a link to my blog post, would love a visit from your readers to share it up close and personal...
    http://patriciabasson.blogspot.com/2013/10/altered-stationary-caddy.html
    Totsiens...till we meet again!

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    1. thanks for the link Patricia. I have added your name and link to the post. I know you didn't really want me to take your picture but I sure am glad I did. Following your blog now.
      thanks
      paula

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  11. Whoo Paula... You showed a pic of my canvas here.... soooooo chuffed thank you :D We had the best time ever.... Did your first class here and loved it and did this class here and loved it... we were the VERY best behaved table in the front row on the first Sat in Jozi Town... Tim is pointing at us at our table because we screamed with delight when we saw there were NO randoms at our table... lmao... you guys were just the best.... <3 hope to see you here again soon... we would come EVERY time. <3

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    1. Val, thanks for commenting! I have added your name and link to the post. Glad to have met you and seen what you can do! And....I always sit a the well behaved table.
      paula

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  12. Breakfast looks wonderful! Reminds me of the ones we enjoyed in Japan. I love how everyone starts out with the exact same product yet every.one is different when completed. I get so much enjoyment walking around after a Tim class and seeing what everyone else has created. Looking forward to the rest of your trip!

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  13. Amazing!!!! Glad you are back safe!!

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  14. Welcome Home, Paula! Thanks for sharing your first round of pics from South Africa :) What an amazing opportunity for all involved--not only for you and Tim as the teachers/mentors but for all of the attendees as well! I will continue to dream of having a destination craft class with you and Tim one day :) XOXO-Shari

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    1. Hi Shari! Thanks for the comment! (your book is in the mail!)
      paula

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  15. Thank you so much for the very sweet words Paula! That's a great photo of the two of us. I am so happy to have finally met you in real life! You are just as nice as I imagined from reading your blog. I hope we will see each other again soon. Thank you so much for coming here and teaching such great classes. Gorgeous photos from your trip!

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  16. such a lucky individual to be in this journey group; I LOVE your apron!!!

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  17. Wow Paula.. You have some wonderful photos of Joburg. I may have to send you some of the ones we took in Cape Town. It was fabulous to have met you. The class was amazing - I was on a high for quite a few days thereafter. Please don't stay away for too long
    Hugz
    Shamela :-)

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