21.3.11

Back in Time Retreat, USA 2011



Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster, PA, USA
July 21st – 28th, 2011

Travel with Holly Gage and Angela Crispin to a simpler time and place in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster, PA, USA to explore their second innovative Metal Clay Retreat experience !

For more information or to make reservations, please contact:
Holly at hgage1@ptd.net or Angela at ange.est.la@wanadoo.fr
Or visit our retreat's Facebook page

Pa Dutch Country Lancaster County is known for its simpler way of life. Rolling Farmlands and landscapes, horse and buggy travel, and rich traditions. Broaden your artistic skills while being inspired to bring past and present together into creative pieces of wearable art. Angela Crispin and Holly Gage will be helping you to combine a new material, Metal Clay with influences from the area -- Antique objects and textures, handmade connections, and interesting combinations of old and new. But don't get fooled, innovation is the heartbeat to any of Angela and Holly's collaborative workshops.

In addition to the workshops, excursions will be planned to take advantage of the local flavor as we visit the Antique Capital of the World; Kitchen Kettle Village, a popular spot for artisan crafts, jams, jellies, and Amish quilts; A tour of a Mennonite run pretzel factory where you can watch and participate in making handmade pretzels; an Amish auction, one-room schoolhouses, farm markets and covered bridges. We will also enjoy learning about the Amish heritage as we dine with a traditional Amish family and experience a bit of yester-year.



Angela and Holly have chosen the Artist’s Inn and Gallery as a unique regional experience. The Artist’s Inn is a classic Federal style brick home, built before the Civil War, and was “modernized” in the 1890’s with Victorian front and side porches. Innkeepers Jan and Bruce Garrabrandt have restored the 1853 wide plank flooring throughout the inn and several rooms feature hand-painted walls. The inn is decorated with American and French antique furniture and accessories, including many family heirlooms. “The Artist’s Inn and Gallery” features the innkeeper’s colored pencil drawings displayed along the hallway, sitting room and dining room walls. Much of his artwork captures the simple beauty and slower pace of the Lancaster County countrywide. Chimes from a neighboring 19th century church, and the horse-drawn buggies which frequently pass by, help to recreate the quiet charm of life in an earlier era.

Voted by Arrington’s readers as one of the top 15 bed and breakfasts in the Northeast for the Best Breakfast. Listed by http://www.BedandBreakfast.com as one of the 25 most romantic undiscovered inns in the country.




The Inn has several amenities that make your stay very comfortable depending on the room available. Large feather beds, massage showers, and Jacuzzi tubs, radio/CD player/alarm, HD-TV/DVD player, gas stove/fireplace, and wifi.

Holly’s new studio is only a 10-minute scenic drive from the Artist’s Inn. It is well equipped, ventilated, and supplied with many of the basic tools you’ll need for the workshop right at your fingertips. Just off the studio is Chris’ magical kitchen where delicious and savory lunches and desserts will be prepared and served on the sun deck every afternoon. The large deck is perfect for taking a break, or simply go ahead and sit under the shade of the big Poplar tree while gazing into the small Koi pond. Raspberry bushes and apple trees line the property and many of the lunch ingredients will be selected from Chris’ homegrown garden.

Prices include accommodations, teaching fees, bench fees, all tools, equipment and firing. Consumable materials such as Metal Clay, etc. will be sold per student usage, but you may bring your own if you prefer. Air flight is the responsibility of the student and not included above. Euro amounts are “estimated” based on the exchange rate at the time the retreat was organized. Fluctuations occur daily. We will re-adjust the Euro amounts to reflect actual cost of the workshop the day of final invoicing. For example: if the Euro gains strength against the Dollar, you will receive the difference, if the Euro loses value you will pay the difference. To lock in current rates and keep airfare as low as possible, please consider signing up and paying in full now and booking flights early. To keep track of current rates visit the rate exchange calculator at: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
* Accommodation option within the Inn : mini-group of friends option for approximately 4-6 people in an individual cottage with kitchen and
living-room.

Retreat includes:

7 night stay, 7 full 4 course breakfasts, 5 full lunches provided by Chris Gage including main dish, accompaniment, and desert (you are on your own for lunch on tourism outing)
Workshops at Holly’s Studio – classes from 9:30 -5:30 pm with “on your own” open studio time until 9:30 pm
2-day workshop with Holly Gage on Kinetic Movement Necklace
2-day workshop with Angela Crispin, Cultivating Unity Brooch-Pendant
1-day workshop with Angela Crispin and Holly Gage, Captured Time pendant with Keum-boo

Out and About in Lancaster County:
PA Dutch excursion – Morning at Renniger’s Antique Market, afternoon
at Kitchen Kettle Village*
Supper with an Amish Host with authentic Amish Fare*
After class hands-on tour of Uncle Henry’s Old Fashion Pretzel Making*
Morning at the Amish auction
Evenings on your own to explore
* Any dining away from the Inn or the Studio will be “pay as you go”.

Day 1: July 21: Welcome reception first night – wine and cheese - At the Artist Inn 6 – 8 pm

Day 2 July 22 – 23: Kinetic Movement Necklace with Holly Gage.





Inspired by wind sculptures and windmills along the country landscape. You will be mesmerized by the constant changing designs as your pendant moves with a simple touch of your hand or body movement. In this project you will learn the nuances of working with the newest metal clay, PMC Pro. The advantage of working with it is the strength it adds to designs not possible with some other clays such as thin appendages used in this project. Other skills learned are Gems set in Metal Clay tube settings, riveting and working with your own handmade stencils.
Materials: PMC Pro, activated coconut carbon, stencil paper, tracing paper, pencil, fire in place gems, separate sandpaper and
3 M polishing papers for Pro use, polishing cloth, 1 ft. sterling wire 14g, usual metal clays tools,


Day 3: July 24: Pennsylvania Dutch Excursion

Our excursion will start early in the morning at the Renniger’s Antique Market. Folks come far and wide to find the most unique antiques in the world. We will be there on a mission, as we will search for unique textures to include for our « Cultivating Unity Brooch-Pendant ».
Then we’ll catch lunch and observe the Horse and Buggies, roadside vegetable stands, and one-room Amish Schoolhouses on the go as we head to Kitchen Kettle Village. The village is full of artisan crafts, jams, jellies, handmade quilts, and other locally made goods. More inspiration!
Materials: Come in hand with Bi-Cold compound, you never know what you will find along the way !

Day 4 & 5: July 25 -26: Cultivating Unity Brooch-Pendant with Angela Crispin


Learn Angela’s techniques in combining copper clay with silver clay to make a unique handmade pin. Students will learn the best way to fire and mechanically connect the two materials for a strong connection and many other details covering the technique, which she herself uses in her own designs. Students will also learn how to make a handmade, metal clay pin back.
Materials: Silver clay, silver clay paste, Art Clay Copper clay, 8mm or 10mm sterling wire, micro-grade 3M unwoven polishing cloths, sanding sticks, Pro Polishing Pads, Wenol, Gloves In A Bottle hand cream, paper, pencil, usual metal clay tools.

Day 6: July 27: Captured Time Pendant with Angela Crispin and Holly Gage



Amish quilts are known across the country for their quality and use of symbols. In this class students will create a pendant inspired by this aspect of local Amish culture, integrating their own symbols and meaning, much like the quilts of the past, while adding a contemporary twist. We will join silver clay and contemporary lace work while using found textures from our local visits. As the final touch, 24k gold Keum-boo foil will highlight the piece to make it your own unique heirloom of the future.
Materials: Silver clay, silver clay syringe, 24K gold foil, Pencil, paper, symbols of culture will be studied for inspiration (will be provided), usual metal clay tools.

Day 7: July 27: Dinner with our Amish Host
Enjoy an authentic Amish meal with one of our Amish neighbors who will invite us into her home and around her dinner table for a “Family style” supper.


About the Teachers

Angela Crispin
Angela is passionate about her work and her art. She strives to
design and make unique contemporary jewelry while sharing her enthusiasm, passion and knowledge with others. Her motivation to teach comes from the pleasure of seeing students fly on their own with a technique learned in class. Angela has exhibited her jewelry work in various countries in Europe (UK, Belgium, Portugal, France). Her work has appeared in over 30 international publications: American Magazines such as Ornament, Jewelry Artist, Studio PMC, to name just a few, as well as in Findings (UK) and in such French magazines as Le Bijoutier, Madame Figaro, Marianne Maison and Ateliers D’Art. Her work can also been seen in various metal clay books (PMC Decade, The Premier Guild Annual, and more). She is a contributor to Metal Clay Artist Magazine with technical bi-lingual articles. She sells her jewelry under her company name “L’Ange Est Là”, a play on words translated to mean: “the angel is present”.
She teaches both general and certification metal clay classes in Paris, at the pole Bijou Baccarat in the East, and at her home studio on the coast of France where she lives with her family. She is a Saul Bell Design Award 2010 recipient, having received second honors under the Metal Clay category. Other awards include the 2e prix SEMA 2006 for Contemporary Artistic Creation, France, 2nd Place in the Small Treasures Award 2007, UK. Angela sees her work as an intense, fun and sincere dialogue between herself, the material and the future wearer or student.


Holly Gage
Holly enjoys creating contemporary fine art jewelry. The need to create is an essential and personal form of self-expression. Miniature sculptures, pictorial scenes, and symbolic use of materials and imagery replace words as a form of communication. She welcomes others into her world by means of her jewelry designs in an effort to share an intimate slice of life, idealistic thought or deep emotion.
Holly enjoys exploring and developing new techniques and teaching her findings to others who possess a similar curiosity and a thirst to learn. She has her BS in Fine Art and Education and is a certified metal clay instructor speaking and teaching locally in Pennsylvania as well as nationally and internationally. Awards include the Narcissus Award, Silver Prize Winner in the Art Clay category Fire Mountain, Editor’s Best Choice Awards 2008 & 2009, Annual Bead Arts Award. Her jewelry and articles on techniques and design can be found in over 45 regional and national publications including The Best of American Jewelry Artist, The PMC Guild Annual 1, 2, 3 & 4 Setting Stones in Metal Clay, Metal Clay Beads, Jewelry Artist, Art Jewelry, Bead & Button and more. You can find more information about Holly’s jewelry, awards and classes on her website.
.

Transportation
All flight arrivals will come into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) We suggest you look into car rentals since the area is rural, arrangements can be made either in advance through internet, or on location at airport. As guests sign up for the retreat, they will be direct ed to an established Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/4bkf3on) to get to know each other prior to the trip. This is a good time to organize ride or room shares. Please submit Travel itineraries a week prior to arrival, so we can stay abreast.

Local airport link :
http://www.phl.org/directions.html

Car rental links on the Internet:

http://www.philadelphiaairportcarrental.net/?gclid=CISRsfTpnqcCFQgMfAodHlblcQ

Philadelphia travel guide :
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-860659/Transportation-Philadelphia-Philadelphia_International_Airport-BR-1.html

Approximate distance by car from Airport to retreat location: 77 miles / 124 km

Useful Link for distance calculations:
http://www.travelmath.com/


Weather, clothes and dining and details:

Weather for the local area: http://www.accuweather.com/us/pa/bowmansville/17507/city-weather-forecast.asp
Dress for warm weather. Averages range from 70 – 90 °F ( 21-32°C). The studio will have climate control. Shorts and short sleeve tops would be appropriate. It is best to bring some long pants and a light jacket just in case of cooler nights and the unexpected. Close toed shoes are a must during the workshop session.

Dining:
If you have any food allergies or limitations please let us know so we can accommodate your needs.


Policies:
All bookings require a 50% deposit.
Deposits can be made by secured Paypal account, wire or express mail by check. In order to hold a reservation we must receive the deposit within ten days of the booking being made. The balance is due 45 days prior to your arrival date.


Special Notes:

Between Angela and Holly, they have literally fired hundreds of loads of Metal Clay with precision and accuracy. However it should be noted, firing with the base metal clays & PMCPro presents an additional challenge in a classroom setting. Like baking a batch of cookies, thickness of the dough, how many are in the oven and placement in the oven effect the outcome. As you know some get more or less done than others, etc. Apply this theory to artists all working in different styles and at different thicknesses, surprises "can" happen. Since kilns are tested before class this is unlikely to happen, but we would be remiss in not mentioning the possibilities and can not be held liable should the unexpected take place. With that said, they make their best effort for a wonderful experience.


Cancellation and refund policy:
All cancellations are subject to a 20% booking fee.
Reservations cancelled prior to 90 days of retreat, 50% of retreat fee is refundable.
Less than 60 days, 25% of retreat fee is refundable.
Less than 45 days prior to workshop, accommodations and workshop fee is non-refundable.
Should any workshop/retreat be canceled the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after the tour's cancellation. Once this occurs, we have no obligations regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. We accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. Nor does it accept liability for canceled flights.
Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended that all workshop participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company.
*EURO amounts are “estimated” based on the exchange rate at the time retreat was organized.
For more information or to make reservations, please contact Holly at hgage1@ptd.net or Angela at ange.est.la@wanadoo.fr Your payment for your trip acknowledges that you have read this Contract and Itinerary and agree to the policy and the terms.

What to do in the area:
- Black Horse Restaurant & Tavern
Denver, PA • (800) 610-3805
- Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant & Brew Pub
Adamstown, PA • (717) 484-4386
Fine dining and pub menu available. Choose from award winning micro-brewed beers, pub sandwiches, snacks and lite entrees or the finest selection of aged beef, seafood and raw bar.

- Café at Ten Thousand Villages, The
Ephrata, PA • (717) 721-8418
specialty drinks along with soups, salads, quiches, wraps and delicious desserts.

- S&S Grilling and BBQ
New Holland, PA • (717) 354-0999
Come in for a taste of southern-style smoked barbeque
Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen
Columbia, PA • (717) 684-1706

- From Cajun to all-American, something for everyone.
Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
Lancaster, PA • (717) 295-1621
This restaurant which serves delightful, authentic Thai cruisine

- Shady Maple Smorgasbord
A local favorite
East Earl, PA 17519 • 717-354-8222
Emily's
3790 Morgantown Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 • 610-856-7887

- Hong Thanh Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant
22 N. 6th St.,
Reading, PA 19601 • 610-374-0434

- Viva Bistro & Tapas Lounge
Italian cruisine901 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610 • 610-685-5299
Judy's on Cherry
Award winning dishes
332 Cherry Street, Reading, PA 19602 • 610-374-8511

- Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant - Dine Indie
Delicious Mediterranean food.
401 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 • 610-685-6677

Outlet Shopping:
- Rockvale Outlets Lancaster (20 minutes)
- Tanger Outlets (20 minutes)
- VF Outlet in Reading (30 minutes)
- Wilton Armetale Factory Store (30 minutes)

Antiques:
There are thousands of antique dealers just ten minutes away in Adamstown, known as The Antiques Capital of the USA.
- Oley Valley Antiques (15 minutes)
- Renningers Antiques (10 minutes)
- Churchtown Antiques (10 minutes)
- Conestoga Auction (25 minutes)
- Antiques Capital of the USA (10 minutes)
- Horst Auction (antiques) (15 minutes)
- Morphy's Auction House (antiques) (10 minutes)
- Shupps Grove (5 minutes) - Read our Blog to find out more
- Stoudt's Brewing Company and Antiques (10 minutes)

Great Shopping:
- Kitchen Kettle Village (20 minutes)
- Green Dragon Flea Market (10 minutes) - Friday Only
- Frysville Farms Nursery, Ephrata (7 minutes)
- lower and Craft Warehouse, Blue Ball (5 minutes)
- New Holland Farmer's Market (10 minutes) - Saturdays mornings May - September
- Central Market - Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (25 minutes)
- Carson's in the Cornfields, New Holland (5 minutes)

Farm Markets:
You will find flowers and produce fresh from the farm within 3 miles of the inn - no matter what direction you travel.
- Amish Farmers Market - (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) (20 minutes)
- Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market (Wednesday-Saturday) (20 minutes)
- New Holland Farmers Market (Saturdays) (10 minutes)
- Weaverland Auction (Wholesale but open to public) (2 minutes)
- Green Dragon (Fridays only) (15 minutes)
- Shady Maple (5 minutes)
- Central Market (Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays) (20 minutes)
- Vilage Farm Market (5 minutes)

Golf:
- Hawk Valley Golf Club (5 minutes)
- Foxchase Golf Club (15 minutes)
- Honeybrook Golf Club (20 minutes)

Museums:

- Lancaster Cultural History Museum (20 minutes)
- Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum (20 minutes)
- National Christmas Center Museum (20 minutes)
- Landis Valley Museum (15 minutes)
- National Watch and Clock Museum (25 minutes)
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (30 minutes)
- Mid Atlantic Air Museum (30 minutes)

Theaters:
- Sight and Sound Theatre, Strasburg (35 minutes) - Read our Blog about Joseph
- American Music Theatre Theatre, Lancaster (30 minutes)
- Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, Lancaster (25 minutes)
- Freedom Chapel Dinner Theatre, Lancaster (25 minutes)
- The Underground Railroad, Living the Experience, Lancaster (25 minutes)
- Sovereign Performing Arts Center, Reading (30 minutes)
- Fulton Opera House, Downtown Lancaster (25 minutes)
- The Ritz on Main, New Holland (10 minutes)

Other Points of Interest:

- Pennsylvania Dutch Convention amd Visitors Bureau (25 minutes)
- Red Rose Segway Tours - Read our Blog about these tours
- Aaron and Jessica Buggy/Sleigh Rides (20 minutes)
- Pa Dutch Travel
- Maple Grove Raceway (5 minutes)
- Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (30 minutes)
- Long's Park (20 minutes)
- U. S. Hot Air Balloon Rides (20 minutes)
- Local Covered Bridge Tour (You can start this tour right in front of the inn!)
- Manetas Park - a Family Fun Outdoor Park (10 minutes)

20.3.11

Complete program Pennsylvania USA, July 2011

Day 1: July 21: Welcome reception first night – wine and cheese - At the Artist Inn 6 – 8 pm

Day 2 July 22 – 23: Kinetic Movement Necklace with Holly Gage



Inspired by wind sculptures and windmills along the country landscape. You will be mesmerized by the constant changing designs as your pendant moves with a simple touch of your hand or body movement. In this project you will learn the nuances of working with the newest metal clay, PMC Pro. The advantage of working with it is the strength it adds to designs not possible with some other clays such as thin appendages used in this project. Other skills learned are Gems set in Metal Clay tube settings, riveting and working with your own handmade stencils.
Materials: PMC Pro, activated coconut carbon, stencil paper, tracing paper, pencil, fire in place gems, separate sandpaper and
3 M polishing papers for Pro use, polishing cloth, 1 ft. sterling wire 14g, usual metal clays tools,

Day 3: July 24: Pennsylvania Dutch Excursion
Our excursion will start early in the morning at the Renniger’s Antique Market. Folks come far and wide to find the most unique antiques in the world. We will be there on a mission, as we will search for unique textures to include for our « Cultivating Unity Brooch-Pendant ».
Then we’ll catch lunch and observe the Horse and Buggies, roadside vegetable stands, and one-room Amish Schoolhouses on the go as we head to Kitchen Kettle Village. The village is full of artisan crafts, jams, jellies, handmade quilts, and other locally made goods. More inspiration!
Materials: Come in hand with Bi-Cold compound, you never know what you will find along the way !

Day 4 & 5: July 25 -26: Cultivating Unity Brooch-Pendant with Angela Crispin
Learn Angela’s techniques in combining copper clay with silver clay to make a unique handmade pin. Students will learn the best way to fire and mechanically connect the two materials for a strong connection and many other details covering the technique, which she herself uses in her own designs. Students will also learn how to make a handmade, metal clay pin back.
Materials: Silver clay, silver clay paste, Art Clay Copper clay, 8mm or 10mm sterling wire, micro-grade 3M unwoven polishing cloths, sanding sticks, Pro Polishing Pads, Wenol, Gloves In A Bottle hand cream, paper, pencil, usual metal clay tools.

Day 6: July 27:
Captured Time Pendant with Angela Crispin and Holly Gage
Amish quilts are known across the country for their quality and use of symbols. In this class students will create a pendant inspired by this aspect of local Amish culture, integrating their own symbols and meaning, much like the quilts of the past, while adding a contemporary twist. We will join silver clay and contemporary syringe work while using found textures from our local visits. As the final touch, 24k gold Keum-boo foil will highlight the piece to make it your own unique heirloom of the future.
Materials: Silver clay, silver clay syringe, 24K gold foil, Pencil, paper, symbols of culture will be studied for inspiration (will be provided), usual metal clay tools.

Day 7: July 27: Dinner with our Amish Host
Enjoy an authentic Amish meal with one of our Amish neighbors who will invite us into her home and around her dinner table for a “Family style” supper.

Rates and Policies Back in Time Retreat, Pennsylvania USA July 2011

Location: The Artist's Inn
Lancaster Country, Pennsylvania USA

Prices include accommodations, teaching fees, bench fees, all tools, equipment and firing. Consumable materials such as Metal Clay, etc. will be sold per student usage, but you may bring your own if you prefer. Air flight is the responsibility of the student and not included above. Euro amounts are “estimated” based on the exchange rate at the time the retreat was organized. Fluctuations occur daily. We will re-adjust the Euro amounts to reflect actual cost of the workshop the day of final invoicing. For example: if the Euro gains strength against the Dollar, you will receive the difference, if the Euro loses value you will pay the difference. To lock in current rates and keep airfare as low as possible, please consider signing up and paying in full now and booking flights early. To keep track of current rates visit the rate exchange calculator at: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
* Accommodation option within the Inn : mini-group of friends option for approximately 4-6 people in an individual cottage with kitchen and
living-room.

Retreat includes:

7 night stay, 7 full 4 course breakfasts, 5 full lunches provided by Chris Gage including main dish, accompaniment, and desert (you are on your own for lunch on tourism outing)
Workshops at Holly’s Studio – classes from 9:30 -5:30 pm with “on your own” open studio time until 9:30 pm
2-day workshop with Holly Gage on Kinetic Movement Necklace
2-day workshop with Angela Crispin, Cultivating Unity Brooch-Pendant
1-day workshop with Angela Crispin and Holly Gage, Captured Time pendant with Keum-boo

Out and About in Lancaster County:
PA Dutch excursion – Morning at Renniger’s Antique Market, afternoon
at Kitchen Kettle Village*
Supper with an Amish Host with authentic Amish Fare*
After class hands-on tour of Uncle Henry’s Old Fashion Pretzel Making*
Morning at the Amish auction
Evenings on your own to explore
* Any dining away from the Inn or the Studio will be “pay as you go”.

Policies:
All bookings require a 50% deposit.
Deposits can be made by secured Paypal account, wire or express mail by check. In order to hold a reservation we must receive the deposit within ten days of the booking being made. The balance is due 45 days prior to your arrival date.

Special Notes:
Between Angela and Holly, they have literally fired hundreds of loads of Metal Clay with precision and accuracy. However it should be noted, firing with the base metal clays & PMCPro presents an additional challenge in a classroom setting. Like baking a batch of cookies, thickness of the dough, how many are in the oven and placement in the oven effect the outcome. As you know some get more or less done than others, etc. Apply this theory to artists all working in different styles and at different thicknesses, surprises "can" happen. Since kilns are tested before class this is unlikely to happen, but we would be remiss in not mentioning the possibilities and can not be held liable should the unexpected take place. With that said, they make their best effort for a wonderful experience.

19.3.11

Transportation to Pennsylvania Retreat - July 2011

All flight arrivals will come into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) We suggest you look into car rentals since the area is rural, arrangements can be made either in advance through internet, or on location at airport. As guests sign up for the retreat, they will be direct ed to an established Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/4bkf3on) to get to know each other prior to the trip. This is a good time to organize ride or room shares. Please submit Travel itineraries a week prior to arrival, so we can stay abreast.

Local airport link :
http://www.phl.org/directions.html

Car rental links on the Internet:
http://www.philadelphiaairportcarrental.net/?gclid=CISRsfTpnqcCFQgMfAodHlblcQ

Philadelphia travel guide :
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-860659/Transportation-Philadelphia-Philadelphia_International_Airport-BR-1.html

Approximate distance by car from Airport to retreat location: 77 miles / 124 km

Useful Link for distance calculations:
http://www.travelmath.com/

What to do in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania USA - July 2011

What to do in the area:
- Black Horse Restaurant & Tavern
Denver, PA • (800) 610-3805
- Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant & Brew Pub
Adamstown, PA • (717) 484-4386
Fine dining and pub menu available. Choose from award winning micro-brewed beers, pub sandwiches, snacks and lite entrees or the finest selection of aged beef, seafood and raw bar.

- Café at Ten Thousand Villages, The
Ephrata, PA • (717) 721-8418
specialty drinks along with soups, salads, quiches, wraps and delicious desserts.

- S&S Grilling and BBQ
New Holland, PA • (717) 354-0999
Come in for a taste of southern-style smoked barbeque
Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen
Columbia, PA • (717) 684-1706

- From Cajun to all-American, something for everyone.
Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
Lancaster, PA • (717) 295-1621
This restaurant which serves delightful, authentic Thai cruisine

- Shady Maple Smorgasbord
A local favorite
East Earl, PA 17519 • 717-354-8222
Emily's
3790 Morgantown Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 • 610-856-7887

- Hong Thanh Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant
22 N. 6th St.,
Reading, PA 19601 • 610-374-0434

- Viva Bistro & Tapas Lounge
Italian cruisine901 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610 • 610-685-5299
Judy's on Cherry
Award winning dishes
332 Cherry Street, Reading, PA 19602 • 610-374-8511

- Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant - Dine Indie
Delicious Mediterranean food.
401 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 • 610-685-6677

Outlet Shopping:
- Rockvale Outlets Lancaster (20 minutes)
- Tanger Outlets (20 minutes)
- VF Outlet in Reading (30 minutes)
- Wilton Armetale Factory Store (30 minutes)

Antiques:
There are thousands of antique dealers just ten minutes away in Adamstown, known as The Antiques Capital of the USA.
- Oley Valley Antiques (15 minutes)
- Renningers Antiques (10 minutes)
- Churchtown Antiques (10 minutes)
- Conestoga Auction (25 minutes)
- Antiques Capital of the USA (10 minutes)
- Horst Auction (antiques) (15 minutes)
- Morphy's Auction House (antiques) (10 minutes)
- Shupps Grove (5 minutes) - Read our Blog to find out more
- Stoudt's Brewing Company and Antiques (10 minutes)

Great Shopping:
- Kitchen Kettle Village (20 minutes)
- Green Dragon Flea Market (10 minutes) - Friday Only
- Frysville Farms Nursery, Ephrata (7 minutes)
- lower and Craft Warehouse, Blue Ball (5 minutes)
- New Holland Farmer's Market (10 minutes) - Saturdays mornings May - September
- Central Market - Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (25 minutes)
- Carson's in the Cornfields, New Holland (5 minutes)

Farm Markets:
You will find flowers and produce fresh from the farm within 3 miles of the inn - no matter what direction you travel.
- Amish Farmers Market - (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) (20 minutes)
- Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market (Wednesday-Saturday) (20 minutes)
- New Holland Farmers Market (Saturdays) (10 minutes)
- Weaverland Auction (Wholesale but open to public) (2 minutes)
- Green Dragon (Fridays only) (15 minutes)
- Shady Maple (5 minutes)
- Central Market (Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays) (20 minutes)
- Vilage Farm Market (5 minutes)

Golf:
- Hawk Valley Golf Club (5 minutes)
- Foxchase Golf Club (15 minutes)
- Honeybrook Golf Club (20 minutes)

Museums:

- Lancaster Cultural History Museum (20 minutes)
- Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum (20 minutes)
- National Christmas Center Museum (20 minutes)
- Landis Valley Museum (15 minutes)
- National Watch and Clock Museum (25 minutes)
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (30 minutes)
- Mid Atlantic Air Museum (30 minutes)

Theaters:
- Sight and Sound Theatre, Strasburg (35 minutes) - Read our Blog about Joseph
- American Music Theatre Theatre, Lancaster (30 minutes)
- Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, Lancaster (25 minutes)
- Freedom Chapel Dinner Theatre, Lancaster (25 minutes)
- The Underground Railroad, Living the Experience, Lancaster (25 minutes)
- Sovereign Performing Arts Center, Reading (30 minutes)
- Fulton Opera House, Downtown Lancaster (25 minutes)
- The Ritz on Main, New Holland (10 minutes)

Other Points of Interest:

- Pennsylvania Dutch Convention amd Visitors Bureau (25 minutes)
- Red Rose Segway Tours - Read our Blog about these tours
- Aaron and Jessica Buggy/Sleigh Rides (20 minutes)
- Pa Dutch Travel
- Maple Grove Raceway (5 minutes)
- Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (30 minutes)
- Long's Park (20 minutes)
- U. S. Hot Air Balloon Rides (20 minutes)
- Local Covered Bridge Tour (You can start this tour right in front of the inn!)
- Manetas Park - a Family Fun Outdoor Park (10 minutes)

Weather, clothes and dining and details, Pennsylvania July 2011

Weather, clothes and dining and details:

Weather for the local area: http://www.accuweather.com/us/pa/bowmansville/17507/city-weather-forecast.asp
Dress for warm weather. Averages range from 70 – 90 °F ( 21-32°C). The studio will have climate control. Shorts and short sleeve tops would be appropriate. It is best to bring some long pants and a light jacket just in case of cooler nights and the unexpected. Close toed shoes are a must during the workshop session.

Dining: If you have any food allergies or limitations please let us know so we can accommodate your needs.

19.8.09

France Retreat

Moëlan-sur-Mer
March 12 – 19th, 2010


Come on a week long journey to Moëlan-sur-Mer, Brittany, France with Holly Gage and Angela Crispin to learn new innovative techniques!
Try setting brilliant Titanium or odd shaped stones with Metal Clay, and enjoy the relaxed process of Metal Clay repoussé, carving and refined detail with Holly. Learn Angela's inventive seamless ring technique contrasting copper clay with silver clay or her unique ways of working with Faux Bone (tm) and silver clay. What a line up!



Visit Pont-Aven, Concarneau, Moëlan-sur-Mer while staying in an ideal and inspiring setting. The village of Pont-Aven is picturesque and has become a popular artist's paradise. Concarneau is a medieval walled town and one of the most photographed in the region. Moëlan-sur-Mer is ideal for long, stimulating outings between land and sea, with fishing ports, paths and fine sandy beaches.

Our stay at Le Moulin des Ducs, Moëlan-sur-Mer, Bretagne, France is an ancient mill first owned by the Duc of Brittany. Today a charming 3 out of 4 star hotel with its 12 hectare garden, nestled within a lush valley and offering a gourmet restaurant. Pretty granite homes house charming rooms and refined amenities surrounding a bend of the Belon river which flows through the property - a peaceful haven made for strolls steeped in ocean air! In the handsome traditional mill dining room, extended by a veranda overlooking the river banks you can enjoy savoury cuisine inspired by the best of regional local goodness by Chef Thierry Quilfen.


Retreat includes 4-5 full days of work of which 4 cover intensive workshops, a French outing, Room, breakfast, lunch + drink, complimentary transportation from airport (*)



Prices include accommodations, teaching fees, bench fees, all tools, equipment and firing. Consumable materials such as Metal Clay, etc will be sold per student useage .
Airflight is the responsibility of the student and not included above.

Retreat includes:
7 night stay
7 full breakfasts
5 full lunches including appetizer and wine (you are on your own for lunch on tourism outing)
4 workshops
1 French Excursion
Evenings on your own to explore
Spouses and French residents are welcome. Rates available upon request.

PROGRAM:
(the order of the workshops may be adapted to suit the excursion date to gallery seasonal opening hours)

Day 1: Welcome reception first night – wine and cheese
(check-in as of 2 pm)

Day 2: Faux Bone™ and Metal clay – an exciting combination with Angela Crispin.


Faux Bone™ is a very strong plastic material which allows artistic freedom and structural strength while attaining the aspect of real bone or porcelain. In this workshop you will learn how to cut, sand, pierce, shape, thermoform, stain, and polish Faux Bone™ to your own design, while adding metal clay accents and inlays to your work with cold and/or chemical connections. Examples will be shown to help you launch your own creative process with this exciting combination of materials.

Materials used: PMC3, Faux Bone ™ 6X6” sheet, epoxy resin, Sterling silver wire or brass wire,

Day 3:

Innovative Prong Solutions for Setting Titanium (or any irregular shaped object) with Holly Gage.

Free-formed rainbow Titanium can be very intriguing.It is bright, colorful, and sculptural. Against the bright shine of silver it certainly has the “bling” factor. One
method for setting Titanium is by making your own hand built prongs. Our exploratory trip will highlight innovative handmade prongs solutions; proper placement
and structural consideration for the prongs; basics do’s and don’ts of prong making; as well as learning how to design with shrinkage in mind. Your finished piece will
be of your own unique design inspired by your individual titanium or free-formed item of choice.
You may bring your own irregular shaped item for setting or purchase Titanium at or before class at Holly's website. Recommended size is 20mm – 40mm.

Materials used: Non-combustible Paperclay, PMC3, epoxy resin, Titanium

Day 4:

France Excursion
Morning : Visit the charming, reputed painter’s town of Pont-Aven, with it’s many art galleries and secret paths over the Aven river crossing the town center. Pont-Aven is world-known for Gaugin’s presence, artistic influence and launch of the “Ecole de Pont-Aven” painting style. 10 minutes from the retreat by motorway.
Open lunch-time (at your expense): a wide choice of local créperies and restaurants.
Afternoon: Visit to the fortified city of Concarneau, 20 minutes by car from the retreat and only 10 minutes from Pont-Aven by the express motorway.

YouTube Video here.

Day 5:

The Seamless Ring – a Copper Clay and Silver Clay combination
with both contrast and strength by Angela Crispin.

In this workshop we will explore the combination of copper and silver using one of
the very exciting new copper clays applied onto a ring-band using my “seamless ring-band technique” to obtain possibly one of the strongest forms of silver metal clay ring bands. You will have examples of many of the possibilities surrounding design, the best way to mechanically connect the two materials for a strong connection and many details covering the two techniques, which I myself use in my own designs. These ring-bands, if made and fired correctly, are so strong they can be stretched on a mandrel up to 1 and 1⁄2 sizes, can be hammered with a metal hammer for texture and even further added strength.

Materials used: PMC3, PMC3 paste, copper clay

Day 6:


Exquisite Designs Pendant: Silver Metal Clay
Repoussé, Hand-wrought texture and carved details by Holly Gage.

I will share my secrets in transforming original photos or drawings** into highly detailed, low relief images looking similar in style to traditional repoussé. Students will learn to wet-work a reverse polymer mold of their image; manipulate the clay and use tools to create different hand-wrought textural effects; and to carve details for the finishing touch. The results are unique and original, beautifully echoing the hand of the artist.

Materials used: PMC3, Bake and Bend Polymer Clay

**We’ll take photographs on an excursion day, choose the best for the project and print them on a laser printer. So bring a camera with a memory card and a USB card converter. Instructor and others will have a camera and pictures to borrow if needed.

Day 7: Wrap Up – Open studio, finalize all work, Group Show and Tell

Day 8: Morning departure

About the Teachers

Angela Crispin

Brazilian born artist Angela B. Crispin grew up in both Brazil and Hawaii, before her heart made France her home in 1987. After obtaining her degree in International Affairs at the American University of Paris, she began making resin jewelry in 1990, while learning jewelry fabrication at the Ecole BJO (Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfevrerie), followed by metalsmithing, wax carving and enameling at Nicolas Flamel, also in Paris. By 1994 her work was mostly focused on sterling silver. In 1995 she discovered Precious Metal Clay but this material only became more easily available in Europe around 2003, when she immediately began to discover its possibilities on her own, followed by certification courses in England and in USA (Rio Rewards and PMC Connection, Art Clay World).

Since 2003 her work has been focused on the various metal clay techniques while incorporating other materials such as Faux BoneTM, resin, leather or impression techniques such as photopolymer plates, hand carving. Angela has exhibited her work in Europe (UK, Belgium, Portugal, France), and in the United States, and has received awards in Brazil, France and England. Her work has appeared in American Magazines such as Ornament, Jewelry Artist, Studio PMC, to name a few, as well as in Findings (UK) and in such French magazines as Le Bijoutier, Madame Figaro, Marianne Maison and Ateliers D’Art. Her work has also been published in various metal clay books (PMC Decade, The Premier Guild Annual,and more.
She sells her jewelry under her company name “L’Ange Est Là”, a play on words translated to mean: “the angel is present”.
After having lived in Paris for 15 years, she moved to the North-Western coast of France, in Bretagne in 2002, where she now lives with her family. She teaches metal clay classes in both Paris and at her home studio on the coast, and writes a monthly column on metal clay (“Tecnicas e Dicas” for the Brazilian website PortaldasJoias.com.br since 2006. She also launched the French Guild in 2007 to provide further information and support on metal clay in the language.
Angela sees her work as an intense, fun and sincere triangular dialogue between herself, the material and the future wearer.

Holly Gage

Holly enjoys creating contemporary fine art jewelry. The need to create is an essential and personal form of self-expression. Miniature sculptures, pictorial scenes, and symbolic use of materials and imagery replace words as a form of communication. She welcomes others into her world by means of her jewelry designs in an effort to share an intimate slice of life, idealistic thought or deep emotion. Her jewelry is crafted using fine silver metal clay. For its amazing play of saturated and subtle rainbow hues, she has one collection featuring her own Titanium, imparting a strong sculptural quality. This reactive metal, named after the Greek Gods (the Titans) for its strength, becomes, in her jewelry, a metaphor for the empowerment of the human spirit and a celebration of the beauty of nature. In constructing her pieces, she gets immersed in the therapeutic process of carving and forming and bringing life to something that was just a mere idea.
Holly enjoys exploring unusual materials and developing new techniques and teaching her findings to others who possess a similar curiosity and a thirst to learn. She has her BS in Fine Art and Education and is a certified metal clay instructor speaking and teaching locally in PA as well as nationally and internationally. Awards include the Narcissus Award, Silver Prize Winner in the Art Clay category Fire Mountain, Editor’s Best Choice Awards 2008 & 2009, Annual Bead Arts Award. Her jewelry and articles on techniques and design can be found in over 35 regional and national publications including The PMC Guild Annual 1, 2, & 3, Setting Stones in Metal Clay, Metal Clay Beads, Jewelry Artist, Art Jewelry, Bead & Button, and more. You can find more information about Holly’s jewelry, awards and classes on her "About My Art" Pages.

Transportation
We will provide complimentary transportation on the day of arrival and departure to and from Lorient at specific times, however we suggest you look into car rentals, which can be made either in advance through the internet, or on location at either the train station or airport. Travel itineraries must be submitted a week in advance to take advantage of complimentary service.

Here are local car rental links on the internet for your convenience:
http://www.Europcar.com/Lorient
http://www.internationalairportguide.com/europe/lorient_lann_bihoue_airport.html

Train stations and approximate distance by car from the Moëlan-sur-Mer retreat location:
Lorient train station – 30 minute drive (25 km)
Quimperlé train station – 14 minute drive (9.38 km)
Quimper train station – 43 minute drinve (47 km)

Airports and approximate distance by car from the Moëlan-sur-Mer retreat location:
Lorient-Lann Bihoué (national flights) –30 minutes (28km).
Brest Bretagne Airport – 1 hr 28 mins. By car (116 km) (flights to / from England and other European countries)
Rennes Airport – 2 hrs 14 minutes by car (170 km) (flights to / from England and other European countries)
Nantes-Atlantique airport – 2 hr 39 minutes by car (193 km)

All of the above offer direct daily connections to and from Paris. The city of Lorient is less than 4 hours from Paris on the high-speed train (TGV), and about 40 minutes by plane from the Paris’ Southern - Orly airport.

If coming by car, Moëlan-sur-Mer, where the retreat is located, is 522.28 km, or a 6 hour drive.
information concerning local distances, a useful map website


Weather, clothes and details:Lien
The weather this time of year is a variable Spring weather, with possible rain and variable temperatures from about 5°C in the early morning to 12-15°C in the afternoons, and cool evenings. Bretagne is known for having “beautiful year-round sunny weather at least once a day”, although this is intended to be humorous, it means you may be subject to heavy showers at any time of the year. The retreat is located in the middle of nature, rooms are located in beautiful stone cottages spread throughout the grounds surrounding the main pond.

Bring comfortable clothes, at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes, a sweater and a lightweight coat and/or rain jacket.
local weather forecast


Dining:
Breakfast and lunch will be at the retreat property. The chef is also the owner and runs the restaurant. It is a gourmet 3 out of 4 star reputed regional dining location. If you care to dine at the hotel dining room, we think you will have an enjoyable experience.

Policies:
All bookings require a 50% deposit.
Deposits can be made by secured pay pal account, wire or express mail by check. In order to hold a reservation we must receive the deposit within ten days of the booking being made. The balance is due 45 days prior to your arrival date.

Cancellation and refund policy:
All cancellations are subject to a 20% booking fee.
Reservations cancelled prior to 90 days of retreat, 50% of retreat fee is refundable.
Less than 60 days, 25% of retreat fee is refundable.
Less than 45 days prior to workshop, accommodations and workshop fee is non-refundable.
Should any workshop/retreat be canceled the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after the tour's cancellation. Once this occurs, we have no obligations regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. We accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. Nor does it accept liability for canceled flights.

Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended that all workshop participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company.

*Dollar amounts are estimated based on the exchange rate at the time retreat was organized. ($1.00 US = $1.36 Euros) Fluctuations in exchange-rates may occur. We will re-adjust the dollar amounts to reflect actual cost of the workshop. For example: if the dollar gains strength against the euro, you will receive the difference, if the dollar looses value you will pay the difference. To lock in currhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifent rates, please consider signing up and paying in full now. To keep track of current rates visit the rates calculator.

For more information or to make reservations, please contact:

Holly Gage
hgage1@ptd.net

or

Angela Crispin
ange.est.la@wanadoo.fr