Hacienda Mosaico

Hacienda Mosaico. For those who have been there, those words together translate to "oasis." It is an amazing, beautiful, colorful place in Puerto Vallarta. The hosts and staff have created an atmosphere that is both relaxing and artistic. One week workshops in a variety of topics are offered every year, from November through April. (Unsurprisingly, many of the workshops are mosaic related.) I was there this year (for the third time) to attend a workshop with the wonderfully talented husband-and-wife duo of Richard and Jane Salley.

But first, the space... I'm going to let the pictures do the talking:

For the workshop, Richard and Jane introduced us to some new materials (like argentium silver, Aura 22 gold, and bimetal sheet) and taught us some techniques around enameling, clasp building, and ring making. At the end of the week, I had completed (or nearly completed) 5 rings, 4 pairs of earrings, 2 pendants, 2 clasps, and 1 completely off-topic necklace in class. (I do tend to go a little rogue sometimes. Quelle surprise.)

I also took a lot of my own work with me to finish up. Outside of class, I completed 2 carved bangles, 4 pairs of earrings, 4 pendants, and 1.5 necklaces. (The pearls that I brought for one necklace didn't work out, so I only halfway finished it.)

If you haven't been to the Hacienda yet, I can wholeheartedly and very highly recommend it. Everything about the facility (the rooms, the food, the outdoor studio space) is absolutely lovely, and the people there make you feel completely welcome. Plus, you'll find that you make friends easily with like-minded folks – and you'll see many of them there again next year. And you get to learn something interesting. There are definitely worse ways to start a new year!

One final thought, courtesy of the Hacienda: