Packing for a Creative Retreat
Packing for a Creative Retreat
Packing for a Creative Retreat
As long-time readers know, each year I set up as a “satellite” on-site store for the Art & Soul events that take place in Portland, Oregon and Virginia Beach, VA. I have often written about the work of packing for these events, as well as for the many quilt shows I exhibit at...shortly after arriving home, I’ll be working on stocking up and packing for the International Quilt Festival (October 29–November 1) in Houston.
So, other than telling you to be grateful you don’t have to pack an entire trailer full of EVERYTHING, what are my recommendations for packing supplies for attending an art retreat? This the alphabetical text version (originally published as a cute graphic) of the basic supplies recommended by Art & Soul. If these items aren’t already on your class supply lists, you likely won’t regret packing them. (Pictured are the adorable tags Mindy Lacefield used as examples as she taught her fun class on Monday.)
- a few special trinkets, treasures and beads
- awl or needle tool
- basic ink pad
- bone folder
- cutting mat
- glue stick
- hole punch
- needle and heavy thread
- needlenose pliers
- notebook
- paint brushes: regular, foam, stipple
- pencil and eraser
- popsicle sticks
- ribbons, yarns, fibers
- ruler
- scissors
- tape: double stick and regular
- toothpicks
- Xacto knife and extra blades
My recommendations for additions to this list? Well, of course, some fabric! When I am teaching a class that requires fabric as a supply, I recommend just a sandwich baggie size amount of scraps, of a variety of types and weights (unless it is a quilting class that requires yardage, of course). You will be really surprised how far just that baggie can take you with a project!
What else? Golden Soft Gel Medium — this can used as be an embellishment adhesive, a a collage medium, a final sealant, etc. And of course you are packing light, but one or two stencils, especially those that can be used for background layers and textures, won’t add much weight. A couple favorite rubber stamps and/or wooden printing blocks, and a favorite color/brand of paint. A handful of buttons...great embellishments!
What supply or tool have you learned to always take to a class, even if it’s not specifically listed?
P.S. Remember that every Art & Soul event includes Vendor Night, inviting many of the instructors and other creative individuals and stores to sell supplies, jewelry, ephemera and finished artwork. The public is welcome with a $10 admission (free for attendees) — well worth the cost to have this special access. Art & Soul Vendor Night Virginia Beach is this Saturday, October 3 from 6:00-9:00 pm — if you are located anywhere within a reasonable drive, plan to attend!
Email Judy Gula or learn more about contacting Artistic Artifacts. 
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