We All Need a Little Time Away

Several years ago some friends and I were discussing the idea of going away and having a crafting weekend. Well, that finally happened! When we first started talking about it, we tossed around the idea of getting a hotel, but after attending Lorri Heiling's Cozy Crafty Retreat last September, I was inspired to find a house similar to the cabin we stayed in. That search took me to The Raggedy Inn in Ramona, CA! Everything was perfect. The place was perfect for a small group of 10, the weather was perfect, and the mix of friends was perfect! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend!

Just a couple of the fun pillow gifts given to each attendee at the retreat (I wish I had thought to take pictures of all of them... they were cute - if I do say so myself. LOL!).

Every retreat needs a swag bag! This one was summer/luau-themed, complete with Bunch of Blossoms stamp set and Blossom Builder punch.

Margo shared her husband Lynn... who kept our bellies full with amazing catered meals.

Of course the only picture I took of the food is the one below... we had a luau lunch with crabwiches, fruity beach balls, sea shell pasta, tropical veggietation with seaweed dip, and sea snail bites. YUM!

We even had a tropical "mocktail" (not pictured, but oh so tasty)!

There was enough time for everyone to work on their make-and-takes, swaps, and any other projects they brought. All make-and-take supplies were kept in sand pails.

Pinterest and other Stampin' Up! demonstrators offered much inspiration for our make and takes. This card was CASEd (copy and share everything) from Lyssa Zwolanek. She is so talented! 

The ladies were having fun and working hard... okay, not so hard. But they were working.

 

  

But there is always time for selfies... especially with your sister.

Yes, we had to take a group picture... and yes, we had to use props.

Of course, no retreat would be complete without swapping. These are just a few...

So many great cards - lots of inspiration! 

And no retreat would be complete without time for some R&R and hanging out with your sister and/or BFF! 

Yes, even Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy were hanging out. There were quite a few... which is why the house is called the Raggedy Inn. 

There were so many great moments from the retreat, but my favorite was actually having time to work on my own cards. Aside from my swaps, I made cards for all of the hubbies whose wives came to the retreat. I know it was a sacrifice for the guys to give them up for a weekend, so this was a way for me to let them know how much I appreciate it.