Plush Retreat!

From left to right, top to bottom: Moons Creations, Chris Creatures, abbydid, Yummy Pancake, LEFTZ, Zazu Faure, Squirrel Momma, Tyler Poncho, Sunny Plum, Fluffy Flowers, Patti Haskins, Christina Ward, Susarto, Plush Goodness, Plushroom Soup, Cutesy But Not Cutesy, and Hibou Cards. 

The Plush Team has been all abuzz for some time now over the momentous occasion of the Plush Retreat, this past weekend (March 31 - April 3) in Luray, Virginia.  Sometime last year the idea evolved of getting together without working our furry little tails off during a gallery show or craft show so that we could bond and learn from one another in a more relaxed setting.  Don't get me wrong, we loved being a part of Maker Faire last year, but it was a wee bit stressful;)

And so!  Our fearless leader for 2011, Moons Creations, forged ahead and found us the most delightful rustic getaway in the mountains.  I mean, really, check this out:

 And here was our view:

 I know, it looks terrible doesn't it?  Somehow we suffered through it, with sheer will and determination.  This quaint little getaway boasts 9 bedrooms and three bathrooms, a hot tub and a pool table.  I'm pretty sure that's how the pioneers did it back in the day;) 

Having said that, with 17 women in one house it's no small feat to share 3 bathrooms.  But see?  That's how awesome we are.  Teamwork!  Here are some shots of the merry chaos that ensued as we began pulling out our various implements of plushmaking and set to work:

General hilarity ensues.

Squirrel Momma shows us her mad needle felting skillz.

Only a fraction of the sewing machines brought are in use here!

We had intended on having lots of workshops and demonstrations, but once there things just flowed organically with people moving from one area to another and doing their own thing.  A few of the planned activities did take place, like the needle felting workshop and the white elephant gift exchange (so hilarious that two folks took that literally, and made the cutest white elephants you have ever seen).  Also, there was, of course, TACO NIGHT, as the Plush Team is nearly obsessive over our passion for tacos and the taco's preferred mode of transportation, the taco truck. 

There was much coveting of the eyeball stash!

Speaking of eyeballs, Plushroom Soup just makes her own! 

Christina made us all tees and totes to decorate!  Thank you, Christina:)

I lovingly referred to this as "Mt. Supply."

We also occasionally ventured out of the cabin.  There were a few voyages to flea markets and antique shops.  An adventurous bunch descended into the Luray Caverns and saw all of the lovely stalactites and stalagmites. 

Touring Luray Caverns

Chris breakdancing, the lemon party cat cone of shame, the Cadbury Egg Incident, getting Diane laughing so hard we fear we'll need to call 911, Leeanna's balls hat, going over the covered bridge, homemade strawberry wine, these are the things I will never forget. 

And then as quickly as the retreat began, it was over.  Time FLEW by!  Two full days, three hilarious, often sleep-deprived nights, and we were dispersing to go our separate ways.  I so loved every moment of meeting new faces, further getting to know the old ones, gaining new knowledge, sharing ridiculously funny moments, and creating some cool stuff along the way.  Here's to hoping this becomes an annual event! I miss all of you already:)

Christina's needle-felted rock star.

Sunny Plum's very first needle-felted creation (so damn good, right?) and a Good Seed.  Good Seed came home with me, but ask nicely, she'll hook you up with one of your own:)

LEFTZ is bringing the Stegosaurus back from extinction, single-handedly.  Zazu's white elephant was such a hit she hurried to make a new one, this time in a lovely sage green.

Plush found its way into every nook and cranny.  Here we have pieces from Hibou and Fluffy Flowers.