ribbon retreat

Happy Holidays to you and yours...

I'm busy dreaming up projects for the Spring Retreat...all about Marie Antoinette. In the meantime...you can dream about half-dolls resembling the young French queen made into lampshades, and French fan handbags, and pleated cupcakes for "let them eat cake!" Thank you to the wonderful, creative women who joined me this year for the Autumn Retreat. You truly inspired me and everyone around you! I've left the project photos for you to see to finish up. See you in six months. Happy Holidays! Love, Roxanne

Roxanne's Ribbon Retreat

~Join us in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California for a weekend of ribbons and quilting...and enjoy spectacular gourmet food. The Ribbon Retreat is held at the Inn at Pasatiempo, just before you reach Santa Cruz off the Pasatiempo exit on Highway 17.

~Create something new and feel inspired~take one, two or all three workshops.

~The Spring, 2010 Retreat is April 30 and May 1 & 2~Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'm creating the projects now, so check back in February, 2010 when the photos are registgration will be available! Photos from the Autumn, 2009 Retreat are shown below. It was a wonderful time, meeting many new friends and creating one-of-a-kind heirlooms.

~For the Spring, 2010 you can take a look at the Retreat Flyer in February. Once you've decided on your workshops, print the Registration Form and mail with your payment to Roxanne. Upon receipt, I will email you the supply lists so you can bring materials and mementos from your personal "stash" to use. I will also have my boutique at the Retreat with special ribbons, photo transfers, antique laces & jewelry, as well as hand-dyed velvets and ribbons for purchase.

~If you plan on spending the night, accomodations can be arranged at The Inn at Pasatiempo. They will be happy to give you a discounted rate if you mention you are there for the Retreat. Spring in Santa Cruz is my favorite time of year...majestic redwood trees, awe-inspiring coastline and shopping on Pacific Avenue and in Capitola Village. Click their links and find out more...

~Contact Roxanne at (831) 345-7477 or email: roxribbons@comcast.net with any questions.

Friday, November 6, 2009 ~ 9 am to 5 pm....................$65.

ORNAMENT or PINCUSHION ~ This cherished "strawberry" is crazy quilted, then embellished with silk ribbon and thread embroidery. Hand-dyed silk ribbon roses and pansies with beadwork adorn the top. The leaves and a rose are pleated French wire-edge ribbon. Use your strawberry as an ornament, or put emory inside for a pincushion. Both "stuffings" will be provided for you. I will have my embroidery sewing machine there to stitch "2009" to your strawberry. This project is a great introduction to crazy quilting, silk ribbon embroidery and dimensional flower making techniques. Makes a memorable gift...

Saturday, November 7th ~ 9 am to 5 pm & later................$85. (includes the box/mirror kit)

I was inspired by a 1920’s jewelry box and this amazing wedding photograph to create the Antique Ribbon Box. The wedding photo rests on silk velvet we will emboss and surround with a favorite trim. We will recreate vintage flowers from my collection~cabachon roses, "chili" buds, wisteria and silk azaleas to place on the box lid. The ribbons can be antiqued and dyed for a true 1920's look. The sides of the box are French ribbon, ruffled on a pleating machine during class (it's a wonderful technique and faster & easier than using fabric). Then satin ribbons will be ruched for the inside of the box and around the beveled mirror. Add vintage jewelry pieces and your Antique Ribbon Box is complete and ready to hold your treasures. A kit will be assembled for your convenience at wholesale cost, and you can bring your favorite fabrics, ribbons and treasures. The kit will contain: wooden box, beveled mirror, wedding photograph, paper pressing guide, paint and brushes, crinoline, embroidery floss, antiquing dyes, embossing tools, cotton swabs, matches, paper toweling, wax paper.

Sunday, November 8, 2009 ~ 9 am to 5pm..............$65.

This little French confection was created for Sunday's workshop. They are my latest passion. The base of the oval pincushion is dyed silk and the top is lush silk rayon velvet we'll emboss in class. The stuffings will be provided for you. The French ribbon is ruffled in class, using a pleating machine. For the stem, gimp (silken cord) is couched along top of the pleated ruffle. Silk ribbons for the flowers will be hand-dyed during class. They are then fashioned into small pansies, rosebuds and dancing fuschias, beaded and added to the stems. Then we'll embroider and detail silk ribbon leaves. A lovely half-doll can be added, or a special piece of jewelry to finish our lovely pincushion. Techniques explored are: dimensional flower making, hand-dyeing silk ribbon, embossing velvet, pleating French wire-edge ribbon, pincushion-making.