I was lucky enough to attend one of Carol Parks' annual Valentine parties yesterday and the only thing I can think to say is Wow! wow. wow. wow. Carol is a Valentine art angel for sure! She treated her guests to the most extravagant, stimulating, (yet very relaxing too), welcoming, generous art party I've ever heard of. I am so glad I was there to take in the splendor. I thought you'd love to see some of her magic. As usual, I hardly took any pictures. Yesterday I was caught up playing and making art. It was simply dreamy. Here is one of the centerpieces. This was on our craft table. Imagine the stimulation it provided while we were crafting.
Another shot of the table, albeit a blurry one.
These are the Valentine boxes Carol created for each of us. They were overflowing with art supplies. We were told we need bring nothing, not even scissors, to the party.
Above and below you see my Valentine box as it is today. During the party Carol signed the side of our boxes by writing us each a spontaneous poem. I tell you, her creativity knows no bounds.
I love it and it will forever be my Valentine box now. I couldn't resist playing with it this morning, lining the inside with old paper.
But back to the party...this box was FULL of treasures and we dug into the activity of making a party participant autograph book for the party using childhood pictures from each participant. Here's my book:
We all had red stamps in our boxes as well. The red/pink theme was everywhere, even down to this small stamp detail.
I arrived a bit late due to getting a lost (even though I've been to Carol's before!), so I missed the balloon man and watching him create something for everyone. Yes, you heard me right, she even had a balloon man! I'm telling you, Carol has the most creative and playful spirit. It is contagious! They were kind enough to make a balloon for us latecomers though...isn't my Valentine pup cute?
On Carol's website her mission statement includes the following statement:
"I strive to envelop the seer in rich color, to stir the soul, to step up the energy
and stimulate the imagination." Mission accomplished my friend. That and so very much more. Thank you for the magic. Thank you for the love. xo
And, if you want to participate in Carol's world, you are more than welcome to. She hosts art instructors and weekend classes that you can see here.
Oooh la la! Love this post! It's great eye candy!
Posted by: Rachel | February 09, 2009 at 07:32 PM
wow, looks fab.
I was just thinking about our party last year and how much fun it was, the other day!
Hugs!
Posted by: Carolyn Peeler | February 09, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Oh my word...now THAT's a party I'd like to attend. :) Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Tami B. | February 10, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Oh you lucky, lucky girl!!! I can't wait to check out her blog. WOW! I just love your's! I get so excited to see that you have posted. One more continuing joy from Silver Bella!!! I can hear your enthusiasm still through each post.
Posted by: Debe | February 10, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Bummer, she doesn't blog!! Cool website though and how exciting to live close to her!!
Posted by: Debe | February 10, 2009 at 07:47 AM
A Balloon Man!?!? WOW!?!? love that... the project turned out fabulous as well. Thanks for sharing your talent and carol's.
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany ~ shabby scraps | February 10, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Such a Wonderful day and so glad we were there together! Check out my little slide show ;)
http://sweetsistergina.typepad.com/joyful_purpose/2009/02/carol-parks-valentine-salon-2009.html
Posted by: gina armfield | February 10, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Hello! how delicious an array of dazzle these photos exude!!! everything about your blog is so lovley, & your work is a palette of inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing! Magnificent Wishes,
Posted by: chenoa | February 10, 2009 at 07:04 PM
you take us to the best places!xo
hApPY St. vALeNtIneS day
~cgs
Posted by: connie | February 10, 2009 at 09:28 PM
All I can do say is wow, jealous, lovely and holy moly! What a wonderful art party! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Becky Caldwell | February 11, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Magical! Down to the last detail... TFS!
Posted by: Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage | February 11, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Wow! Lucky you! It all looks beautiful, I love your pictures
Posted by: Cat | February 11, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Oh I wish I was at that party - but what a great idea 0 want to host some of my own.
Posted by: cathy | February 11, 2009 at 05:35 PM
um...the green-eyed monster has captured me on this post...love love love it...how do you find these creative people and invite them into your life? what a wonderful party!
Posted by: Shawn | February 12, 2009 at 03:50 AM
Oh.My.Goodness. I don't get jealous too often, but you know what? I got jealous with this one! What a marvelous party! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Dime Store Thrift | February 12, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Wow! What a fantastic creative party! Love all the detail she put into every last thing!
Posted by: lucy | February 14, 2009 at 04:35 AM
OMG, what a magically-delicious event that must have been! Your pic of the table looks like a cover for Mary Englebreit's mag or something. Love your family Valentines and am enjoying your work in the Somerset Art Journaling mag, too. TFS!
Posted by: ~marilyn | February 15, 2009 at 03:54 AM
pam, your beautiful heart you gave us each will be much treasured. i would love to take a handwriting class from you, you ave the most beautiful writing i have ever seen........we were so lucky to be a carols, which it could have been longer..... your pictures of carols catches some mememorible moments
Posted by: minnie | February 18, 2009 at 02:21 PM