Wow! - so I am trying to unpack today and I just found all the "lanterns" (very very loose term obviously) we made on the first night. For those of you that weren't able to be there, I'll fill you in on what I am talking about. After we arrived on the Friday evening, settled in and had a drink and some dinner, I introduced myself, the event and the teachers. While this was all going on I asked that the participants write down their reasons for coming on some paper we had prefolded and ready to be made in to lanterns. I was expecting a word or maybe two - some of you wrote a mini essay!
We were asked more than once during registration if people could come for just a day and we gave the same answer - we really want this to be about more than just learning some new skills. We want it to be about connection and community so it was an all in deal. The "wow" is for why you came - you wanted it to be about more than just some workshops too.
Here is some of what you said...
"To get in touch with my creative side in the company of inspiring individuals."
"To hang out with people who share the same obsession. To network, to share, to have fun, to have a weekend away!"
"To enjoy the experience of sharing craft with other crafters create, escape, share, unwind and commune."
"An environment of learning, sharing and inspiration - perfect"
"Quiet time in a different community"
"I have always loved craft so my interested was peeked immediately, but I also was very excited to spend a weekend with like minded people."
"My goal to hang out with people that know how to do stuff. I wanted to learn, while meeting people who like doing the same stuff as I do. Old school craft in new school ways."
"I came to Craft Sessions with the hope that I would meet and make friends who craft, because I honestly don't have any knitting friends!"
"Talk 'craft' without putting people to sleep."
"I am here to meet like minded people and learn some new techniques."
"To meet, to learn, to be inspired, to create the masterpiece."
"Collaboration with inpiring women."
"To reinvent my creative self."
Reading them today as I unpacked made me realise what we achieved. All of you came with this willingness to meet new people and connect. That was so very apparent by the atmosphere that was present the whole weekend. So many of you took a risk and came without knowing anyone - so impressive! And it paid off - it was such a welcoming atmosphere.
I feel lucky to have been able to have been a part of it.
I'll be back later in the week to show some of the beautiful things that were made at The Craft Sessions. Do you like what you see so far?
Felicia x
