Registration now Closed

So sorry - too late for this fall but looking forward to the one in the Spring!! There is cotton to pick and fun to be had in those ole cotton fields back home!!

Are your bags packed?????

Get those bags packed and head out West for the High Cotton Art Camp!!

Registration Closes on September 15

 Round up your Gal Pals and get signed up NOW-

quick before it is toooo late!!

We can’t wait to meet all you High Cotton Gals!

 

 

Registration Now Open….

BANDS ARE PLAYING , twirlers twirling,  cheerleaders cheering, all because High Cotton Art Camp is now accepting  Registration for Camp. All you have to do is click on the REGISTRATION BUTTON at the top of the BLOG and join the fun this October 15th & 16th. Reserve your place TODAY!

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Charmed, I’m Sure….

The last of our eight classes consists of making darling charms to wear on necklaces, bracelets, anywhere your heart desires. Jonnette Speigel will teach this class and she is sure to  get your creative juices flowing. More about this talented artist and her fun stuff later- for now just a sneak peek of her charming  

Soldered Charms….

Meet Judie….

Judie Byrd loves to teach people to cook! She is the founder of The Culinary School of Fort Worth and host of the award-winning program, “Judie Byrd's Kitchen”, which airs daily on FamilyNet and ALN cable television. She is the author of 5 books, serves as Food Editor for Fort Worth Magazine, and writes a monthly food column for HomeLife magazine.  Judie is a frequent guest on local and national TV and radio, and her tips and recipes have been featured in numerous publications, including Family Circle, Reader's Digest, Women's Day and Martha Stewart Living. A popular speaker at women’s events and food industry conventions, she serves as national spokesperson for Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms Turkey. Judie studied cooking at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Le Cordon Bleu School of Cookery in London, as well as in the Orient, France, Belgium and Italy. She is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
Judie lives with her husband, Bill, in Fort Worth, TX. They have 3 married children and 5 grandchildren - all of whom eat Sunday dinner at their home each week.
Creating “Hollywood”
Be a culinary star this holiday season and all through the year. Serve beautiful hors d'oeuvres and desserts that look like a gourmet cook has been in your kitchen, yet are simple, easy, make-ahead, and stress-free.
Learn chef tricks for dishes that make knock-out presentations and centerpieces, yet are absolutely so yummy people will beg for the recipes. (Go on! Share them and spread the fun.)
Judie's specialty is creating "Hollywood" looking presentations that are simple for the everyday cook and high on the delicious scale. She is here to share all her secrets and tips so YOU can add excitement and celebration at your house. Join us for this happy, fun seminar and be inspired to make your home the best it can be this holiday season.
A sampling of what she will share:
Snazzy Whole Salmon Dressed to Impress with Cucumber Scales and Melon Face,
Savory Cheese Cake with Sculpted Decor,
Buche de Noel with Meringue Mushrooms,
Chocolate Fudge Strawberry Decadence with Chocolate Leaves and Curls,
Pastry Chef's Basket Cake Filled for the Holidays

Visit her web pages for more about Judie-
http://www.judiebyrdskitchen.com/ and http://www.judiebyrd.com/

A Girl with Flair - Sherry Ratliff

Sherry Felts Ratliff is comparable to a sumptuous piece of dark chocolate - a little taste and you must have more! From the whimsical self-designed jewelry she wears around her neck, to her passion for designing and teaching others to create something glorious from little or nothing, she is positively irresistible! She explodes into a room with the exuberance of an excited child, full of colorful and creative fantasies! Her mind overflows with imaginative ideas for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Born and raised in Texas, Sherry’s flair for inventive and inspired design was exhibited early. For the past 28 years she has used her God-given talent for creativity in a variety of ways: designing and landscaping
flower beds for homes and businesses, decorating restaurants, designing building interiors, set design for T,V, shows, designing furniture for her clients, and creating her own unique jewelry. She has decorated the homes of friends and homes of the prestigious. She totally restored her own home, a Texas Historical Marker, built in 1876, which became her calling card in the late 90’s in Brownwood, TX.
Sherry is “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” Her roots run deep in the rich soil of imagination, bringing forth the most delightful creations, whether it be in fashion, architecture, or artful design!
Sherry Felts Ratliff is the mother of five children, and the grandmother of four. She currently resides in Midland, TX.
Sherry will be sharing her imaginative ideas with us as we decorate cowboy boots – great for a special place in your home or maybe on your own two feet! Any cowboy would be proud of these extraordinary creations.

Merry Mary…..

We would like you to meet another one of our own – as in one of the High Cotton Gals.

Mary Gregory
Mary’s curiosity and love of learning has led her down many creative paths. From pottery to painting to jewelry making, the possibilities are endless and endlessly exciting.
Previously, Mary has sold her hand painted goods at markets in Dallas and Atlanta and had contracts with companies such as Neiman Marcus and Better Homes and Gardens.
Mary’s current passion is oil painting. She paints all the time whether or not a brush is in her hand, taking great delight in the natural world – from a butterfly wing to a vast landscape and everything in between. Painting or sculpting, even in her mind, is a way of interacting with these things and their Creator. She is represented by River Oaks Gallery in Abilene, Texas, and The William and Joseph Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Mary lives in the country with her high school-sweetheart-husband, two dogs, two cats, nine chickens and three cows. They have two lovely daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law.

She will be teaching-
STICKS AND STONES AND...POLYMER CLAY?!
Polymer clay is great...as long as it doesn’t LOOK like polymer clay! In this class, you will learn how to apply texture and finishes to this synthetic product to make it look more natural. Clay is an excellent way to add dimension to collages and assemblages and the principles you learn in this class can be applied in almost any way you can dream up. Using clay and natural elements, you will complete from one to three projects in the class, depending on how quickly you work:
1} Glass vase embellished with clay tiles and twine
2} Bird pendant with lamp-work glass bead
3} “Rock of Ages”
All supplies are provided and there will be plenty for you to choose from so that your projects reflect your own personal style.

Ready for a Cotton-Pickin' Good Time?

Many of you have asked about the cost of this fabulous weekend. So, here it is!
Make plans now and register this week. We are going to have a great time creating!

In-town Camper - $275.00
Includes:
· 3 Art classes of your choice
· 2 lunches
· 2 Dinners- “Cotton Ball” and Ball Ranch
Camper shared Bedroom/Bed – $475.00
Share a bed with a buddy or perhaps you are mother/daughter campers - just like camp used to be when we were younger girls. Each room has either one queen bed or twin beds. If you come in a small group, let us know...we can put you all together in the same home or rooms. We will try to accommodate every one's request on a first-come basis.
Includes:
· 3 Art classes of your choice
· 2 lunches
· 2 Dinners- “Cotton Ball” and Ball Ranch
· Lodging for 2 nights in a shared room

Single Camper- $575.00

Includes
· 3 Art classes of your choice
· 2 lunches
· 2 Dinners- “Cotton Ball” and Ball Ranch
· Lodging for 2 nights in a room of your own

Check back this week as we introduce you to the remaining 4 Art Teachers and their projects.
Registration Opens on Saturday August 21!!!

Home Town Girl…

Let us introduce you to one of our own…

Nancy Davis

Nancy is a mixed media artist who finds joy in being referred to as quirky. “One who is not conforming to an ordinary pattern and strikingly unconventional.” Her attention to detail and unusual element of taste allow her to see through a different eye to find value in otherwise discarded items.

Growing up in Abilene was a blessing to Nancy. Her backyard was along the banks of Cedar Creek. God’s handiwork was all around her as she picked up leaves, rocks and sticks for her own little art projects. Her mother would often find these bits of nature stuffed in her dresser drawers. It wasn’t until Nancy turned 50 that she realized how much of an influence being a pack-rat would impact her future path in life. All that she had been moving toward as an artist started coming together. She allowed herself to listen to her inner voice that was urging her to just be herself and follow her heart.

She now spends her time repurposing and designing new creations from what most would call junk. She is one of the top producers in the Antique Company Mall located in the historic downtown of McKinney, Texas.

Nancy lives in Frisco, Texas with her dear hubby, John. Almost thirty years ago on their honeymoon, John, had to be persuaded to get out of the car to go in the antique stores. Now in his spare time he is willing to join Nancy in her quest for hidden treasures. He is a skilled carpenter and is a great helper. They have three grown children, a sweet daughter-n-law and two perfect grandsons.

More information can be found on her blog:

EllaElaine.blogspot.com

Her mantra in life:

“Let what you love be what you do.”

 

She will be teaching

Every Birdie Welcome!

Join in on the funkiness of transforming found objects from the past into an art piece for today.

Mix architectural elements, an array of vintage papers and old tart tins to elevate them to a new life

every birdie would love.

The project is a multi-step process where you will learn the best tried and true methods for assemblage.

So, bring your quirkiness and get ready to create!

Brandywine designs.....

 The third artist we would like to introduce you to is -

Brandy Faulkner 

Brandy is the owner and sole proprietor of Brandywine Designs.
 She is a  wife to a super supportive, goofy guy, mom to a unbelievably compassionate,

creative son, step mom to two boys, and a backyard farmer. Brandy has lived in Texas  

her whole life. Creating and designing is her passion and obsession. Brandy is a self
taught artist with a background in Environmental Science Technology.  Her style
and likes change daily but she thinks she will always love homemade, vintage style!

  Brandy has been blessed to have been published in these magazines:
Somerset Life Winter 2009
Winter Blogging Winter 2009
Somerset Life Spring 2008

Coming Soon Better Home and Gardens Halloween Issue 2010

 My motto is Make Everyday Magic!
 

Get to know her better at:
http://www.brandywine.etsy.com

http://www.brandywineboutique.blogspot.com/

Autumn Blessings Flip Book

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love to slow down and count my blessings when the leaves start to turn glorious colors,  families come together to bake and cook,  and the garden offers its bounty.  Come count your blessings with me and make this Autumn flip book and holder. The book  has many layers of new and vintage ribbons, papers, gems, glitter, and embellishments. It will have places for you to journal what your thankful for, record your favorite fall memories, and add autumn pictures.  You will also make a Plexiglas holder that can adorn your home year around. The holder will have antique mother of pearl buttons, real silver glitter, and vintage lace.  In the class you will learn many  techniques you need for that vintage distressed look.  All the supplies are include. You can however,  bring Fall stamps (rubber or acrylic), photos, and any little collected treasures you might want to add.  So come on over and creatively put your blessings to paper to remember what your thankful for.

Roxanne the Artist.....

In the next 6 days we will introduce you to one of our wonderful teachers daily, leading up to Camp Registration on August 21! I know- you can't wait can you?

The second teacher we would like you to meet is known for many things including painting lovely bird's nests.
                                                              

Roxanne Spradlin

Artist ,Roxanne Spradlin, is a bit of a mess. When she was little she melted crayons on light bulbs and made lots of mud pies.Now as a grown-up girl she breaks dishes, draws on ceilings and paints on walls!

Inspired by creation,Roxanne is deeply moved by God's majesty as clearly displayed in nature. In the bloom of a rose,the architecture of a bird's nest and the develop of a butterfly, one can clearly see His invisible qualities- His eternal power and divine power and divine nature...(Romans1:18-20)God whispers His love through lavish beauty which is a favorite subject of this West Texas artist.

After 15 years of painting murals, domed ceilings and faux finishes in exquisite homes across the country. Roxanne has replaced scaffolding with an easel, where she enjoys painting with oils and acylics.With little training, she relies on God-given talent, divine inspiration and a 'eye'for beauty. At this time, her are is available exclusively at Red, in Fredricksburg,Texas. 

Roxanne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Houston and is currently combining her love for creating with a passion to share by teaching beginning art classes to women in her community.The results have been fun and rewarding! Classes meet twice a month in her historic studio located in downtown Abilene.

Roxanne is married to high school boyfriend, Mike Spradlin, Head Football Coach/Athletic Coordinator at Abilene Cooper. They have three married children and 2 grandchildren. Both agree, life has never been sweeter!

Join artist Roxanne Spradlin for 3 hours of creative fun! With paint and brushes you will build your own bird's nest on canvas.  You will acquire basic techniques and principals in a relaxed setting.  No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided.  If you've ever had a desire to paint this is the perfect opportunity.  Spend the class time learning and take home a completed painting!   

Let me introduce you....

In the coming weeks we will introduce you to the amazing artists that will gather and share their talents with us at High Cotton Art Camp. We are so Blessed to have gathered some of the most talented women in Texas. Now, the first of 8!


Chantal Johnson has been the recipient of God’s great love and has been given creativity as one of her many gifts.  She has a love for the Lord that permeates her life as well as her art.  Her heritage is one of Southern hospitality and European style but her heart is pure Texan!! Her home, as well as her art, resounds with sentiments from a joyful, grateful spirit to that of faith and hope mixed with a touch of wonder.  Her creative path began as a little girl with her mother introducing every form of creative arts from thread and fabric, yarn and hook to paper and paints. 

Chantal spent 12 years in the ministry with her husband where she taught women as well as children and teens.  Her love of teaching extends into the art arena as well.  She has written for several Christian publications and is currently a Women’s Bible Study teacher at  Lakepointe Church.  She loves all things that can inspire others to find joy in the everyday. 

Her many passions include gardening, interior decorating, cooking, swimming, sewing, paper arts and antiques. But, being with her children, husband and family bring her the most joy.   Most days you will find her in her Art Studio that she and her husband designed.  It was completed last year along with the outdoor kitchen/living area and the one of a kind swimming pool.  

Her work has been published in Somerset Studio, Somerset Home and will be in the next issue of Haute Handbags.   Chantal resides in Rowlett, TX with her husband, Scott, and her three children.

She will teach-
                  Heart and Home Inspirational Book

Let us tell you a little story...

 ...about how High Cotton Art Camp came to be. We, Roxanne, Molly and Mary, creative girls and fun-loving souls, each had a desire to share our creative experiences with other like-minded women. Especially women who had not been able, for whatever reason, to discover their inner artist. Once we put our heads together, for planning and prayer, things literally began falling into place. Our ideas jelled right away and it became apparent that this was an event that was, indeed, meant to take place.

It is our belief that we are created in the image of our heavenly Father and that our love of beauty and need for creativity comes from Him. It is our hearts' desire that those of you who attend HCAC will find fulfillment in the classes and events we have planned and that you will be blessed with fun, laughter, discovery, new friends...all the good things! And, that when you get home, the creativity and friendships will continue to fill your hearts with joy.

And so, here we are at the end of our little story, but we don't want to sign off with "The End" because we feel as if this is just the beginning!

Please stay tuned...registration coming soon!

'High Cotton' means the best of times!

Hi, Y'all! Welcome to High Cotton Art Camp!

Needless to say, this newly-launched art event has stirred up quite a bit of excitement in our little corner of the world. Like the arrival of a new baby, we've been anticipating the launch of HCAC for several months. A lot of thought has gone into the planning of this creative retreat and now that our site is up and running, we are fast and furiously getting everything ready. Registration day, coming soon in August, will work on a first-come, first-served basis, so check back often for 'news-breaking' information. We've got so much to tell you, we're about to burst!

In the weeks to come, we'll introduce the 2010 'High Cotton' instructors and tell you about the fun classes they'll be teaching. We'll even show you photos of the projects, so you can choose your favorites ahead of time. In addition, we'll take a peek at the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses, where many of you out-of-town girls will get to stay. These 'right out of a magazine' cottages are simply stunning! You'll enjoy every square foot. Unfortunately, space is limited...but we'll talk more about this later. Last, but not least, we will tell you about the fun-filled nights we have planned for everyone. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, we promise this weekend will be jam-packed with non-stop activities. Definitely a weekend to remember! So grab our High Cotton Art Camp button, display it on your blog and tell all your friends.

Next post: We'll tell you our little story about how all of this fun began!

You're in for a High Cotton Good Time!

Head Out West for a Creative Adventure for Grown-up Girls!

October 15th and 16th
Abilene, Texas

Experience a weekend of creativity, new friendships,

great food, shopping,

and West Texas' finest accommodations.

Pack up your bags,
head out West,
and discover the artist in you.

More information to follow...keep watching this blog.

Looking forward to seeing you
High Cotton Gals!