A few weeks ago, I loaded my spinning wheel in the car before the sun was even up and headed to the Ozarks; I was off to my first ever art retreat! And this one was special, because it was all about fiber art!
   Hosted by Vicki and Debbie from Fleece ‘N Flax in Eureka Springs, AR., the retreat took place over 3 days in the little Ozark mountain town of Eureka Springs, a perennial favorite of mine! I’ve been visiting this beautiful artsy enclave since I was a child, and we even went there on our honeymoon.

  But this time, i was flying COMPLETELY solo— which honestly, I had NEVER done. I had never had a hotel room ALL TO MYSELF. It was bizarre, and exciting. I cant tell you how READY I was for this chance to get away, and indulge in my love of fiber art….

   The reason I wanted to attend this retreat was to learn the basics of rug hooking, a medium I am interested in and think is so beautiful. My friend Vicki brought many of her own hooked rug, and they were so stunning. The colors and form, are all so ‘folk art.’ And you can do lots of interesting things with the fibers. As a ‘home craft’ its one of those ‘use whats on hand’ type of endeavors, and I got so many ideas….

And each day we were able to return to Fleece ‘N Flax and shop, oohing and ahhhing over all the luxurious fibers and accessories. I bought a beautiful yarn bowl and some roving that I spun up. And I fell in love with the weaving studio downstairs, full of the most amazing looms….

   By the end of the weekend I was so relaxed and inspired, ready to come home and work. I got so many ideas while I was there, and made some wonderful friends. I hope I am able to go again next year, it was a tonic for the fiber loving soul!~

  Til next time…
~H