A Beaded Get Away
Betsy Youngquist showing off the underside of her female dragon.
Picture this: the salty air of the Atlantic, the charming, cobbled streets of Portland, Maine, and an entire weekend dedicated to the dazzling, delightful world of beadwork. That’s exactly what a group of us lucky ladies got to experience on a recent mini-retreat at the incredible Museum of Beadwork.
And the star of the show? One of my favorite artist, Betsy Youngquist!
My blinged-out horse shoe!
The Sparkle and the Strings
Imagine a room buzzing with creative energy, filled with women beaders from all along the East Coast. It was a true bead-lover's paradise. We gathered to learn from Betsy, whose work is just jaw-droppingly original, and also from each other. There's something truly special about being in a space with other women artists—the shared passion, the encouragement, the 'oohs' and 'aahs' as someone finishes a particularly tricky section. We dove deep into techniques, shared our favorite threads, and yes, probably bought way too many new beads at the neighboring bead store, Caravan Beads (oops!).
It’s one thing to admire a master's work; it’s another to sit at the table with them and soaking up their wisdom. Betsy was not only a fantastic teacher but a genuine inspiration, reminding us that beadwork is not just a craft—it’s a powerful form of artistic expression. We all worked on beading a horse shoe…. so fun and surprising challenging!
Beyond the Beading Table
But a retreat isn't just about the work; it’s about the recharge.
When we weren't happily hunched over our projects, we were out enjoying everything Portland has to offer. We wandered the streets, soaking up the cozy New England vibe, sampling the amazing food (hello, lobster rolls!), and letting our minds completely unplug from the usual daily grind.
A highlight? Definitely riding the boats out into the water. The sea breeze was the perfect palate cleanser after a session of intense, close-up work. Seeing the city from the water, feeling completely disconnected from email and laundry and to-do lists—it was pure bliss.
Why You Need to “Get Away” for Your Creative Soul
This mini-retreat was more than just a fun weekend; it was a powerful dose of creative nutrition. If you’ve been feeling a bit drained, here are a few reasons why getting away, even just for a couple of days, is the best gift you can give your inner artist:
Breaks the Routine, Sparks the New: Your brain thrives on novelty. Stepping away from your usual environment and daily schedule literally refreshes your perspective, opening up new pathways for ideas that were previously blocked.
Deep Focus Time: At home, your time is fragmented. A retreat provides a stretch of uninterrupted creative time—hours you can devote purely to making, learning, and refining your skills without the usual demands of life pulling you away.
The Power of Creative Community: Being around other passionate people is infectious. That shared energy and vulnerability helps you push past creative blocks, get honest feedback, and feel validated in your artistic pursuits.
Self-Care is Art-Care: Taking time off—even for a creative pursuit—is an act of self-care. You return home nourished and energized, not just creatively, but in every other way, too. You can’t pour from an empty spool, right?
Ready to dust off your beads, brushes, or knitting needles? Find a workshop, call a friend, and plan your own little escape. Your artistic self will thank you for it!