The Best Little Art Retreat In Texas

...or maybe anywhere!

Take a left at the giant asparagus and you'll find a little piece of heaven...

...a little piece of the world of Rachel Ashwell...(This is her Texas country home-away-from-home. You'll find a few of her thoughts about The Prairie, here)...

...and a totally inspiring and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a weekend of creating. Art Retreat at the Prairie is a not-to-be-missed art event. I can't imagine a better place for an art retreat.

The Ranger Lounge was our classroom...purely delightful. I've got tons of photos to show you because words just can't describe how lovely this place is.

But, let me begin at the beginning...The grounds are beautiful. Everywhere, you see Rachel's touches.

There are several charming guest cottages and outbuildings. This is one of them...can you imagine cozying up here for your creative weekend?

I can totally see myself sitting right here, at the end of a day of teaching; daydreaming with a glass of wine in my hand and gazing at this adorable glass house. Everyone should have a glass house to gaze at.

I absolutely fell in love with, and coveted, these sweet, little table umbrellas... 

Just look at those jing-tinglers. I want one! Don't you?

I was intrigued by Rachel's pastel stash of shabby chic goodness.

But, let me show you the big house...

It's an interesting blend of deconstructed elegance, rich detail and simplicity bordering on austerity.

The style is oh, so pretty! May I please move in?

Please, may I snuggle up in this big bed with a good book and a box of chocolates?

Or, perhaps this one, after a hot bath in the claw-foot tub? I'm telling you, I would sleep like a baby in this house. It's the kind of house I've always dreamed of.

Breakfast was served, every morning, cooked by The Prairie's resident renaissance man, Danny. I don't have a photo of him but, trust me, he looks like he can do pretty much anything. Turns out, he can...and he can cook...real good.

Our sweet and lovely organizer, Barb, took such fabulous care of us. I've never had a classroom set up as beautifully as this.

Thanks to Barb, this is what greeted each student when they came to class.

Barb, and here sweet daughter, Erin, created these adorable potted place markers for each and every one of us.

And, get this, they created these gorgeous necklaces for each student. The students were seriously spoiled...and happy. Happy students make me happy.

Here's the crew. Diane Cook (left) taught...and Barb (center) ran around making sure everything went smoothly while, at the same time, being a student. She's got a lot of energy. I was worn out, just watching.

And, she looked fresh as a daisy, at all times. I looked like a wilted dandelion, most of the time.

And...I'm messy.

But, we had SUCH fun. I'm talkin' serious fun.

They even let us mess up the wonderful covered porch area, in the back.

And, Diane got to ride a little, bitty scooter.

And just look what they made. Creative students. Awesome students. Love.

The food. The food was to die for! Barb had a handy meal plan for us so we didn't even have to leave the property but, one night, we did. We had dinner at the famous hot spot, Royers, in Round Top. I can safely say, this was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. I was very nearly incapable of waddling back to the car for the ride home.

And, guess what? We're going to turn right around and do it all again in the fall.

It's pretty fabulous. If you like to be spoiled, and pampered, and hang out with like-minded, creative gals.

I do. I really, really do. I think Barb is still working on the site but, when she gets all the details up, you can see them HERE.

Rachel's inspiration board

If you're interested, you should contact Barb and let her know. Her email is on the Art Retreat at the Prairie site. Right now, there are a finite number of spots for students and I'd hate for you to miss out.

If you do come, make sure you bring your cowboy boots. The Prairie is a place you can rock your boots and enjoy a good tutu...all at the same time. See ya'll in the fall!

Comments

[Deb Trotter]

Your photos are beautiful - you've really captured the spirit of Rachael Ashwell's style. I can't imagine a more fabulous place for an art retreat. And it looks like you had so much FUN!
Did you wear your favorite cowgirl boots and that fabulous conch belt at least one day? I do hope so! This is an art retreat in Texas, after all.
So much fun to see it all - thanks for sharing with us.

[stephani gorman]

Oh my gosh! Looks so fun! I too loved the stash of shabby chic goodness you found! :)

[Marcy Antle]

Oh Deryn, it truly was a magical place and I could live there! Thank you so much for the wonderful classes! I still cannot believe I made that clasp and have now added beads to finish up the bracelet! I will send you a photo, I am just so proud of myself, thanks entirely to you! Your classes are always awesome and so are YOU!!!!
Loves from Atlanta, Marcy

[Karen Downs]

Great pics Deryn! Please, please, please offer the wax on as an on-line class!

[Debbie Cardwell]

This retreat was the best ever! Thanks to you, Diane and Barb! Your pictures transported me right back there and I look forward to doing just that in the fall.
Debbie C.

[Tina Gilmore]

So jealous of you all, please come to the UK to do some teaching!! pleeeaaaase! Great photos, what a wonderful place! xx

[Cynthia@OrnamentalStyle]

Looks like so much fun!

[kim]

wowser!!!!
this is a top notch joint!!!
i really need to make this a destination>>
thank you for sharing and allowing me to frool, lol
xox

[Cynthia wolff]

This looks so fabulous... What a wonderful retreat... Maybe someday.

[Kim WIlliams]

Deryn: I hope I can attend the fall retreat and may I also request a class please? I am so hoping you will teach the flower bracelet that made the cover of Belle Armoire this spring. Cheers Kim

[diane cook]

OMGosh, that's a lot of beautiful pics! I just can't make myself go through all of mine yet, but could you please send me the scooter one??? LOL...forgot about it! And, the one of you, Barb & I the first day =)
It was wonderful reliving the weekend through your pictures, Deryn...makes me want to be sitting back there right now, under the arbor sipping sweet tea!