Leaving for France

Once again, I am off to France to teach an annual workshop. For obvious reasons.. This is one of my favorite venues! We start in Paris and hit many of the flea markets. Linda and I have done well there in the past. Although, last year at the flea market we noticed the prices went up. When we questioned we were told, "well, the Americans are not coming over as much so we sell a smaller amount". Therefor, they needed more money per piece because of the loss of volume. !! It is different from the way Americans think. In this case, we would give lower prices.
I am spending 3 weeks there this year, one week in Paris, one week in Provence and one week in Toulouse at Gwen Gibson's place conducting the workshop. My kids and mother are coming out as well, at least to the first two places. My son and I love the castles and battle areas.
The students are wonderful and we keep to a small group. We love having our 2 hour dinners together prepared by our wonderful chef, Niche. I leave in 3 hours!! Au revior!

Bead and Button show

ahhh, I always feel like so much happened after I get to the end of this event. I taught for 6 straight days..one late, late , meet the teachers event. A few dinners with friends and so on...
Here is Susan, another silversmith. Linda and my sister Cheri at the end of this event..Cheri worked the booth and assisted in class. She is a glass artist and we are teaching a few gigs together next year. Glass casting, etching and enameling on glass. I;ll have some photos in the future.

Last but not least my good friend Joel who we always save the last night for dinner and a few margaritas!!!! I remember taking the picture... we wanted to show off Joel's muscles. Well, with muscles like that he was begging to help us move our heavy stuff.....right??? I owed him a few margarita's!