Crafts
How to Organize a Successful Craft Workshop
May 17, 2016
We are steadily making progress on our upcoming craft workshop which is just around the corner.
Tuesday June 7th will be here before we know it and I am thrilled to be part of this exciting event.
I really want everything to be beautiful and so special for the Ladies who will be
gathering together at our home.
More than anything I want them to feel welcome!
So, a little while ago we looked at the journey of how Texas bloggers became a community plus Ten Tips on Organizing a Craft Retreat.
Today I thought we'd focus on what I believe to be
four extremely important fundamentals for the success of any retreat that you are
considering organizing and hosting.
1. Cohesion-Why it matters.
No matter the type of retreat you are organizing it is important to be cohesive in order to accomplish successful and strategic planning and implementing the retreat.
Working with your retreat team is an ideal opportunity to develop leadership roles, enhance communication, engage and encourage creativity, and facilitate new ideas.
When creative juices start flowing there is an incredible energy and anticipation.
I have enjoyed visiting with Judith on the phone, meeting Laura in person and getting a sneak peek at the pro-types for her crafts.
Discussing the retreat luncheon plans with Stacey, and having Kari Anne so graciously
share her Hoffman fabric line with us.
One of the great things about this team of ladies is that they are all so talented, capable and inspirational!
Thank you again to each one of you for your commitment in making this an exceptional
event!
2. Creating-Define the Focus of the Retreat & Create An Experience.
After defining the type of retreat that you want to host you will need to insure that all of the necessary supplies and equipment will be provided by the host, craft leaders or that the participants will bring some of them to complete the projects.
Hobbyists will most likely be content to work in a shared space, and will look forward to time spent socializing.
Providing an inspiring spot to create is just as important at the project!
Most art and craft retreats include a little getting back to nature atmosphere.
Adding some chairs and tables in surprising places and creating outdoor nooks lends itself to soothing and inspiring creativity.
Since most everyone leads such busy lives it is essential to create an atmosphere where
participants can connect with one another.
Bringing together a group of like-minded individuals and watching friendships blossom is exciting and rewarding for everyone.
Many times retreats are often a life-changing experience for many people.
Retreats not only connect you with other people, they can help you re-connect with yourself and re-discover some of the talents that you might have forgotten that you even had.
4. Communicating-Retreat is not an end in itself.
No matter what the purpose of the retreat you are organizing or hosting is, it is not an end in itself.
The retreat is truly a stepping stone in forming a organization, a team, community or a group of like minded people to continue to have ongoing activities and communication.
If you are one of the leaders it is vital to the success of the retreat to communicate with one another as well as the participants.
There needs to be ongoing communication and clarity about the retreat goals, projects, and expectations.
We currently have 20 confirmed participants and have room for 3 more.
If you are a Texas blogger and would be interested in joining us please send me an email by Friday May 20th.
Registration closes on Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Cost for the retreat is $15.00 which includes materials for crafts, lunch and door prizes.
Fee is due upon arrival.
Retreat begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 7th.
Can't wait!
Wishing you all well.
XO
Tuesday June 7th will be here before we know it and I am thrilled to be part of this exciting event.
I really want everything to be beautiful and so special for the Ladies who will be
gathering together at our home.
More than anything I want them to feel welcome!
So, a little while ago we looked at the journey of how Texas bloggers became a community plus Ten Tips on Organizing a Craft Retreat.
Today I thought we'd focus on what I believe to be
four extremely important fundamentals for the success of any retreat that you are
considering organizing and hosting.
1. Cohesion-Why it matters.
No matter the type of retreat you are organizing it is important to be cohesive in order to accomplish successful and strategic planning and implementing the retreat.
Working with your retreat team is an ideal opportunity to develop leadership roles, enhance communication, engage and encourage creativity, and facilitate new ideas.
When creative juices start flowing there is an incredible energy and anticipation.
I have enjoyed visiting with Judith on the phone, meeting Laura in person and getting a sneak peek at the pro-types for her crafts.
Discussing the retreat luncheon plans with Stacey, and having Kari Anne so graciously
share her Hoffman fabric line with us.
One of the great things about this team of ladies is that they are all so talented, capable and inspirational!
Thank you again to each one of you for your commitment in making this an exceptional
event!
2. Creating-Define the Focus of the Retreat & Create An Experience.
Hobbyists will most likely be content to work in a shared space, and will look forward to time spent socializing.
Providing an inspiring spot to create is just as important at the project!
Most art and craft retreats include a little getting back to nature atmosphere.
Adding some chairs and tables in surprising places and creating outdoor nooks lends itself to soothing and inspiring creativity.
3. Connecting-Retreats are events that participants hold in their hearts for a lifetime.
Since most everyone leads such busy lives it is essential to create an atmosphere where
participants can connect with one another.
Bringing together a group of like-minded individuals and watching friendships blossom is exciting and rewarding for everyone.
Many times retreats are often a life-changing experience for many people.
Retreats not only connect you with other people, they can help you re-connect with yourself and re-discover some of the talents that you might have forgotten that you even had.
4. Communicating-Retreat is not an end in itself.
No matter what the purpose of the retreat you are organizing or hosting is, it is not an end in itself.
The retreat is truly a stepping stone in forming a organization, a team, community or a group of like minded people to continue to have ongoing activities and communication.
If you are one of the leaders it is vital to the success of the retreat to communicate with one another as well as the participants.
There needs to be ongoing communication and clarity about the retreat goals, projects, and expectations.
We currently have 20 confirmed participants and have room for 3 more.
If you are a Texas blogger and would be interested in joining us please send me an email by Friday May 20th.
Registration closes on Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Cost for the retreat is $15.00 which includes materials for crafts, lunch and door prizes.
Fee is due upon arrival.
Retreat begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 7th.
Can't wait!
Wishing you all well.
XO
Great post!! I wish I lived closer because I would love to attend!! Thanks so much for visiting as often as you do! I truly appreciate it!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb
Thanks Debbie,
DeleteI sure wish that you lived closer too, we'd welcome all of your creativity!
Great ideas and I like how you narrowed planning around 4 concepts. I Can hardly wait for this retreat, I needed something fun on my calendar. This week I'm headed to the workshop to make you a giveaway to share. I'm F]finally ready to get creative again..
ReplyDeleteCarole @ Garden Up Green
Carole,
DeleteOh I am so excited too and I am even more excited to know that you are crafting some thing special for a giveaway too!
Thanks oodles:)
I am so looking forward to the day you have planned for us!
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled to have you all under one roof-can you imagine the joy and laughter!
DeleteYou are going to have so much fun Jemma. Wish I could jump on a plane and come from Florida to join you. I know your Texas bloggers will have fun with you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI wish you could jump on a plane too-even though I have never heard you laugh, I just know it would be joyful and melodic!
DeleteWe would expect you to make some of your fab desserts too:)
Can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteMe either!
DeleteLets chat next week and firm up our delicious menu:)
Hello Jemma, sounds like a fun time. Crafting with your friends, I am sure there will be some great ideas and projects. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteI know right, crafting, food and friends! A slice of heaven:)
DeleteThis sounds like so much fun! You'll all have a terrific time -- and it will be beautiful! Wish I was closer to TX and I'd sign up in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteOur make-and-take tea #2 is next week and I'm excited about that. I'll be posting the project (handpainted silk scarves). It can be done in about 90 minutes or so, leaving plenty of time for lunch and tea! I'll be curious to see what projects you create for your gang -- as you know, I'm always looking for new ideas!
Jeanie,
DeleteWe need to find a way to get you here!
Hand painted silk scarves at your make and take tea...beautiful:)
This sounds incredible Jemma! I belong to Gulf Coast bloggers, a diverse group that meets once a month and we have so much fun and learn a lot from each other. We have recently started ending our meetings by brainstorming for each blog. You are so right, when creative people get together the energy flows! I look forward to reading about your retreat!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Jenna, If I were in TX I would certainly love to join you. I think you have great ideas and I look forward to hearing all about it………….
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to be able to join us!
DeleteOh this will be great and your planning techniques sound perfect!
ReplyDeleteCrafting, food, friends and fabric! Hoping I can come play with you girls next time. Sounds like your retreat has been very well thought out and perfectly planned!
ReplyDeleteX, Tina
Jemma, I love how you added pictures to all the tips on organizing a craft retreat. And what better person to organize this than you. I noticed the pink rose vases that I admire so much. And the pink carnations made me smile, one of my favorite flowers. They're sturdy flowers, and the scent is lovely. I look forward to seeing all the ladies' inspiring ideas and creativity.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the birthday wishes, Jemma. It means so much to me.
love, ~Sheri
Oh my goodness, it's going yo be wonderful to meet everyone! Thank you for doing this. :-)
ReplyDeleteJemma,
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things about the Retreat is getting to meet with others in person. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone, and seeing what KariAnne and Laura have planned for us.
Thank you and Stacey for pulling us Texas bloggers together. Lunch and planning with you today was great. I feel like we are on the same wavelength on so many things!
Judith
Wow Jemma what could be more fun than a group of friends meeting for lunch and crafts! Wish I lived closer, but what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful end of he week.
Hugs Julie
Wish Ihad known about this earlier as I would have loved to come to this!! Looks great!
ReplyDeleteOh what fun y'all are going to have. I'm envious. Almost enough to make me move to Texas. Your images in this post are beautiful, and I look forward to hearing about all of it.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet and creative! I should do this here! Thanks for the inspiration! And Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!
ReplyDelete