Sorry that the blogging from the road stalled out. The Wordpress iPhone app wouldn’t let me post photos. I got frustrated with it and, well, let’s face it… I was having fun and relaxing. So no blogging. But I am home now and it occurred to me this morning that if I didn’t write up my impressions of the 2008 Las Vegas Clay Carnival, I’d probably never get to it.
I had a great time. It was a very low key event for me, and I had as much fun out of class as in it. The workshops were all half day classes and tended to be project oriented. I found the format to be very approachable and low stress. It made for a fun four days. I don’t put pressure on myself to finish projects during class so I don’t have a pile of things to show off.
I did finish a name cane in Judy Belcher’s class. Sorry about the fuzzy photo. I took the picture with my phone and it doesn’t do macro. It was a small cane to start off, but as it got reduced to a couple of really teeny sizes, I probably have a lifetime supply. I have wanted to do a name cane for awhile, but I’ve never taken the time. Judy had some fabulous tips which made the process pretty simple. Now I want to make some word canes.
All the teachers were very good and a lot of fun. We worked on books, boxes, shrines, pendants, organic shapes, mokume gane, caning and chunky bracelets. Lots of variety to make everyone happy. The rotating teacher format was a bit odd in that you really don’t meet people in the other class groups until everyone gets together for a party on the last evening.
(Sarah Fisher’s amazing poker chips. Each one a unique double sided work of art.)
I have to give my roommate, Sarah Fisher, credit for a lot of the fun I had. We had a grand time exploring various restaurants within a few blocks of our hotel. We enjoyed the hospitality of the concierge facilities at The Venetian. We laughed a lot. We spent time at the spa in our hotel. We explored other casinos, but didn’t do any gambling. It was great to share the experience with a friend.
(the Chihuly ceiling at The Bellagio)
If I had to pick a single most memorable experience, it would be going to see the Cirque du Soleil show “O” at The Bellagio. Breathtaking. Pure enchantment. I want to go again.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Sarah Fisher 11.20.08 at 3:46 pm
And don’t forget the hot stones… I had a marvelous time as well. The “souvenir” gifts from Sephora went over well here too.
This was definitely a trip to remember!
Sarah
Libby 11.20.08 at 4:20 pm
I will never forget the hot stones! Or the hot caramel and chocolate beignets. The Sephora goodies were a big hit around here too.
Judy 11.24.08 at 5:19 pm
Hi Libby,
“O” was definately the best night for me. I loved having dinner and a some down time to chat with you. I want to room with you and Sarah next time! Hot caramel and chocolate beignets? WOW! Glad we could spend some time together. Hope you are thinking about Columbus!
Kim 12.02.08 at 10:45 pm
Dear Libby,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Carnival and I’m so glad we went to see “O”. I’ll never forget how magical that was. I can still see it and smell it and feel it in my head! It was a real joy to spend some time with you.