Seaside Soiree 2012 Recap

Hi Everyone!

Seaside Soiree 2012 was definitely a HUGE success with all the arts, crafts, food, and unforgettable laughs. This three-day retreat had so much going on that there was no way that any participant or volunteer could not have fun. Since I have never attended a Seaside Soiree event before, I was nervous about the sheer magnitude of working an event this large. However, with amazing planning and awesome volunteers, this whole weekend came together beautifully.

On day 1, we had set up all these decorations and tables outside for the crafting to beginning. However right before the event started, there was a slight problem that arose…it started raining. Yes, the hard work we did on setup was lost, but did that put a damper on the night? Of course not! We merely moved everything inside. Were we all snug inside the Martin Johnson House? Yes, but that’s the point of a retreat right? Haha. As soon as the ladies got to the house, we begin our first class with Jennifer Priest and her adorable altered dress forms! We also began to ice resin pieces of JenCushman’s Fly With Your Hearts Desire Art Journal. After a crafty night like that, you think it would stop there. But the party continued at the hotel where we had an ice cream social and art swap. It was such a great time for everyone to get to know each other, trade art, and enjoy some tasty sweets.

Day 2 was just as busy as some attended an early tour of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography Pier tour with Jesse.

This is our view! That is the pier at The Scripps Institute of
Oceanograph

Then the day kicked off with Danita Art’s class where she showed all the women how to make their own personalized mermaid! Soon after, they were able to finish completing their Art Journals with Jen. Then the nightly activities began with “Dinner by the Seaside”. It was extraordinary with all the Seaside Soiree attendees and special guests. We were lucky to get amazing food from Villa Capri and Whole Foods like Spaghetti alla Puntanesca, Gambero alla Senape, Thai Chicken Skewers, and Spinach Savory Pastries to name a few. And what kind of dinner would this be without alcohol and coffee! Roast Coach Coffee Bar was there to serve coffee all night long with a huge assortment of beer from Wetten Importers and wine from One Hope Wine. And if that wasn’t enough, we had a rockin’ photobooth. If you want to check out the photos, click HERE. 

However, the best part of the dinner was definitely the silent auction that took place. Thanks to everyone’s help, we were able to raise so much money for the CharityWings Art Center and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Unfortunately the fun had to end sometime, but Seaside Soiree concluded with Cheryl Waters’ class making a vintage wall hanging and a fun Artist Faire. Sprinkles Cupcakes was nice enough to donate cute mini cupcakes for everyone to enjoy as they shopped around the faire and buy some amazing goodies to take home with them. 

Seaside Soiree 2012 has come and gone, but we’ve all built some wonderful memories with one another. So see you there next time. But in the meantime, check out some photos from of the event HERE.

Yours truly,

Paul Nguyen