It's a wrap!

We returned home from our 7th Tesoro del Corazon retreat in San Miguel de Allende a few weeks ago.  It is so inspiring to be in San Miguel during Dia de los Muertos. The altars, adorned with marigolds and sugar skulls, sprung up around the square in the early morning hours of November 1st It was magical to see the transformation around the Jardin.

Once again we had a great group of gals (and a guy!) with us.....everyone was so warm and friendly which really made our time in Mexico so very special.

The La Narradora (storyteller) artwork that was created was simply amazing. As the artwork arrived for our student showcase on the last evening I think we all felt a sense of pride and accomplishment at what was created in four days. (and a few late nights!)

 It was very moving to hear all of the stories behind the Storytellers.....

And of course, we can not forget Greg and Carman!!!!

 Finally, MANY, MANY thanks to this year's incredible guest artist, Karen O'Brien. I think we can all agree that her class may have been the "scariest".....but wow, did she get everyone painting incredible faces for their projects. She is an awesome instructor and we were lucky and happy she joined us this year. (and Yes, that is one BIG margarita....well deserved!)

Thanks to all who joined us this year......we so appreciate you entrusting us on this journey.....here's to the lasting friendships and great memories that were made..... xoxoxo

Leslie's storyteller!

After many months, Les finally completed her wonderful "narradora"or storyteller. We wanted to share it here so you can see another of the various ways you can make this piece your own. Leslie definitely put her own spin on it....and for those of you who know Leslie like I do....well, (not exactly since she is my sister), you can see that hers is a Queen of Hearts theme and the colors, red, black and white are HER colors! There is no mistaking that this was her piece!
Can't begin to tell you how this piece morphed since its inception.....everything about it changed and this was because she finally found a theme she wanted to use and then the rest fell into place.

So with October nearly upon us, be thinking of the story that your storyteller wants to tell! (hehe, no pressure!)

Getting ready!

Last week we got together to start working on getting all of the pieces of this year's project prepped for students. We didn't quite get it done, so we are meeting again tomorrow. Every year is an adventure figuring out and brainstorming creative ideas for class projects.....and that is always followed by many-a-meeting throughout the year working out all the technical issues!!! 

It is always a process of compromise and a good lesson on working together.....and while we may not always agree on every aspect of how a project should come together, we somehow laugh our way through and it all gets done!

La Narradora-The Storyteller.....Sold Out

We just wanted to announce that this year's retreat, La Narradora-The Storyteller,  in charming San Miguel de Allende is officially sold out. We sold out in record time this year and wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you.....while we were sadly not able to accommodate all the requests we received this year, please know that we are ever grateful for your trust in us.  We hope that those who didn't make it in this year will join us in the future. Thank You so very much.

Our Dates!

Just realized that we never posted the dates for our 2017 retreat......the dates are October 29-November 6, 2017........and registration will be opening VERY soon!

Introducing this year's project.....La Narradora-Storyteller

Tesoro del Corazon is pleased to share this year's project, La Narradora-Storyteller, for our 2017 retreat in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Students will create their own unique storytellers employing a variety of mixed-media techniques. This year's guest artist, Karen O'Brien, will share her techniques for achieving fabulous painted/collaged faces. Once again, Lynn Leahy will teach sculpting with paper clay to create a wonderfully dimensional upper torso and hand.  Laurie Mika will be exploring a variety of polymer clay techniques to fashion a "skirt" for the storyteller and last, but not least, Helen Shafer Garcia will be creating the base for our storyteller, a unique rounded, half-moon shape with a handmade book on it, of course!
Come join us and tell your story......registration information will be coming soon in February!

Announcing our new guest Artist for our 2017 retreat!

Laurie, Helen, and Lynn are pleased to announce our 2017 guest artist for Tesoro del Corazon!

Karen O'Brien
Karen will be a great addition to our creative team. We are still in the planning stage for our 
2017 project...so exciting! 
We'll let you know soon about our sign up dates. 


Karen O’Brien is a self taught mixed media artist and painter of soulful characters. She started her creative journey as a teddy bear artist and developed a love for experimenting with mixed media materials and techniques. Karen believes in the letting her muse loose, enjoying the process of creating by following her curiosity. Her art has been featured in several books and publications including, Incite: Dreams Realized, Incite 2: Color Passions, Incite 4, Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals, Somerset Studio, Art Journaling and Art Doll Quarterly. Her work can also be viewed at Gallery One in Grants Pass, Oregon. Karen's first book was just released by Northlight publications!