We are so excited…All of the details have fallen into place for the BellaCon 2023 Virtual Retreat Craft-along.

Listed below are the workshops that will be happening. We wanted to make them available ahead of registration so that you can check them out before you register.

The BellaCon 2023 Retreat is a 2-1/2 day Virtual Crafting Event which will be held February 23 – 25, 2023, with all of the instructors in one loacation. While we wanted to make it an in-person event, as we have in the past, the decision to make it a Virtual Event came with the realization that many are still not quite ready to travel.

What makes this BellaCon Retreat unique is that each registered attedee will have access to all the workshops not just a selection of them. BellaCon 2023 will features 10+ Classes, Quick Projects, Tips & Tricks, Crafty Challenges, and a Q&A time with the instructors. There are many amazing people and companies that are supporting this event with their time, talents and amazing products…we are beyond grateful!

Our confirmed instructors and workshops are:

Eileen will be teaching two workshops using her dies from Sizzix.

Her first workshop is a Vintage Journal. This Vintage Photo Book is so versatile- it can be used to hold 4” x 6” photos but there are so many more uses for it! In this class, we will add photo sleeves to the inside of the book, but it could also be used as a junk journal, planner, art journal or traveler’s notebook.

The sample shows the Frame Pocket Journal die used as the base, but the Book Box die will work as well. I am in love with the napkin decoupage technique! Throughout the process we will have to stop and allow finishes to dry but that’s OK- we have all weekend! We will be creating a gorgeous book with a crackled vintage finish. The photo insert pages are removable so if you change your mind, you can use the book in another way! I love options, don’t you?

I created a leather title strip from a scrap of leather that perfectly matched my napkins. See what you have on hand to use as a title strip! A kit will be offered for this workshop.

The second workshop is an Embossed Storage Drawer. Organize and store all of your tiny little items like beads, findings, charms, pen nibs, die cuts, dies, buttons, and jewelry. Make one for your granddaughter to hold Barbie shoes and accessories and Polly Pockets items.

The sample shows the Frame Pocket Journal die used as the base, but the Book Box or Skinny Mini Book Box dies work too. Use Luster Waxes to bring out the details and dimension of your 3D embossing folders. There are so many directions you can take this!

Once you make one and see how easy and fast this drawer goes together, you will want to make a stack for all your precious treasures! A kit will be offered for this workshop.

Karen will be teaching two Ink Technique-based workshops.

In Karen’s first workshop she will teach you an Ink Blending Technique that can be used to create a beautiful sunrise/sunset scene and so much more!

Karen’s second workshop will focus on a No-line Coloring Technique using colored pencils. This can be used to create beautiful cards that wow!

LIGHT-UP CARDS with Amanda Stevens of Pear Blossom Press. Amanda will be teaching two workshops showcasing Pear Blossom Press lights.

Together, we’ll make a pair of fun light-up birthday cards guaranteed to impress! For the first class we will start with a sweet cupcake-shaped card featuring three candles on top that really light up.

In the second class, we’ll light up a punny shadowbox card to showcase the adorable parrots inside!

Both of these cards are easier to assemble than you might think, but your recipients will never believe it. You’ll learn how to use our EZ-Lights and One Lights in these workshops. Plus, we’ll show you how to prepare your cards for mailing, so the batteries don’t run down in transit.

Kit price $15, including free shipping within the United States. (International shipping add $10.)

Julie will be teaching two fun workshops.

Julie’s first class is all about her favorite technique – String Art. In this workshop, you will learn how to create string art embellishments for all your paper crafting needs using Julie’s special dies and even decorative edge scissors!  Make ornaments, bookmarks, or simply use to embellish cards, tags and, of course your favorite scrapbook pages!

String along with me with this special kit which includes everything you’ll need to make the tassel ornament including 4 dies!  $20 (includes shipping US only). Please specify Blue/Silver or Red/Gold. First 10 orders will also receive a small pair of “best ever scissors”!

In her second class Julie will be sharing Tips & Tricks for Etching with etchall®. You’ll see how truly easy it is to etch not only glass, but slate, mirrors, china and glazed tile! You’ll also learn where to find and/or create your own patterns to personalize with both etching creme and etching dip, perfect for home décor, special occasion gifts, and more! 

Beginners’ etchall kit is available for $25 (includes shipping US only).

Jean will be teaching two workshops focused on the popular fabric wrapped rope trend.

The first one is Fabric Wrapped Rope Bracelets. Learn to make 3 different bracelets in this class. Multi media fabric combine fabric, rope, wire, beads, and buttons to make boho chic bracelets for yourself, or to give as gifts. Follow along and learn techniques to make crafting these bracelets easy and fun, plus see samples of other fun fabric wrapped rope accessories.

There is a kit available for this class for $20 plus shipping. You’ll have enough supplies to make the bracelets shown, plus extra wrapping fabric for future projects.

Jeans second workshop is Wood and Fabric Fun. Learn how to combine fabric wrapped rope, wood and vinyl sayings to make a delightful home accent which you can use as a wall or door hanging, or kitchen trivet. Learn two different finishing style, plus lots more!

There is a kit available for this class for $20 plus shipping. You’ll have enough supplies to make the class projects, plus extra wrapping fabric for future projects.

Rita will be teaching one mixed media workshop, Explore Mixed Media.

A colorful journey to Explore Mixed Media, DIVE into the creative process and PLAY with color. Tell personal STORIES. MAKE colorful marks. CREATE your signature palette. IMMERSE yourself in the world of VIVID color…Explore Mixed Media, is an immersive online and virtual painting experience with artist  
Rita Barakat. CREATE your very own beautiful palette and art! Have you wondered how to weave your ideas & daily explorations into your paintings with vivid colors?

Making art is not just about mixing mediums & color, anyone can do that. It starts with an in-depth creative process where you gather inspiration, brainstorm ideas, and pull together a palette that reflects an idea, an experience, or a theme. 

It’s a meditative + soulful process. It’s intuitive…it’s playful…you have the FREEDOM and ability to create artwork that is truly one-of-a-kind.

TRANSFORM your stories into colorful paint palettes, PLAY with color, mix mediums, and join Rita for this colorful creative journey!

Cindy will be teaching one Funky Florals & Zen. A Zentangle workshop that will have you doodling on everything!

Create mini masterpieces of fun, funky florals using Zentangle patterns, simple lines, shading and embellishments. Great for card making, art journaling, collage and framing. A workshop you won’t want to miss!

Pam will be teaching one workshop showcasing her fabulous Rope Baskets.

She will take you step by step through the process of creating beautiful Rope Baskets. How to get started, shaping your basket and finishing. She will share her tips & tricks so that you will have success every time.

Check out the instructor’s bios here.

The Virtual Event will be offered two ways. One with SWAG from our Sponsors and one without.

The First level is $127 and includes:

• 12+ Workshops.
• 12+ Quick Projects, Crafting Tips & Tricks.
• Q&A with instructors.
• SWAG…estimated retail value is $200! That is a lot of Awesome SWAG from our generous sponsors. We will ship the SWAG right to your door at the end of January. Please Note: The SWAG is limited to the first 120 who register. If you live outside the USA there will be an invoice sent for the additional shipping which will be calculated to the address of where it will be shipped.
• A chance to WIN dozens and dozens of fabulous Door Prizes from our sponsors.
• A $50 Voucher that can be used for the next BellaCon in-person Retreat.
• A Private Facebook Group where you can get to know other attendees, ask questions, share your projects.
• Access to the Facebook group so that you can replay each workshop after the event is over.
• The opportunity to purchase workshop kits from the instructors before (and after) the event so that you can Craft-along.
• Chat Room during each LIVE workshop to ask questions and converse with other attendees.

The Second Level is $97 and includes:

• 12+ Workshops.
• 12+ Quick Projects, Crafting Tips & Tricks.
• Q & A with instructors.
• A chance to WIN dozens and dozens of fabulous Door Prizes from our sponsors.
• A $50 Voucher that can be used for the next BellaCon in-person Retreat.
• A Private Facebook Group where you can get to know other attendees, ask questions, share your projects.
• Access to the Facebook group so that you can replay each workshop after the event is over.
• The opportunity to purchase workshop kits from the instructors before (and after) the event so that you can Craft-along.
• Chat Room during each LIVE workshop to ask questions and converse with other attendees.

The BellaCon 2023 Virtual Retreat begins on Thursday, February 23, at 7:00 pm CST. Instructors, sponsors and special guests will be introduced, questions will be addressed, and a few of the fabulous prizes donated by our generous sponsors will be given away.

Workshops begin at 9:00 am CST on Friday and go through 4:00 pm CST on Saturday.

The event will conclude Saturday evening at 7:00 pm CST with closing remarks, recognitions, and additional prize giveaways.

Please be aware that in the event an instructor becomes unavailable through no fault of their own, as we all know Life Happens…a substitute instructor will teach the workshop or a substitute workshop will be added. This has never happened at one of our events but needs to be put out there as I said Life Happens and we all do the best we can!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get a refund? Sorry, there are no refunds. If your unable to be at the event Virtually during the event, everything will be available to replay when you are able.
• Will I be able to get a class supply list or buy a kit? A class supply list will be available in the Facebook Group at least one week prior to the event. Limited kits will be available from the instructors and these will also be listed in the Facebook Group.
• Can I make partial payments? No, payment must be paid in full at time of registration.
• I don’t have a PayPal account.  Will I still be able to register and pay for the event?  Yes.  You do not have to have a PayPal account.  You can still pay through PayPal using a credit card without establishing an account.

Registration for the BellaCon 2023 Virtual Retreat is now open simply click here to register. There are limited tickets (120) available that include the SWAG…so be sure to sign up early :0)

If your looking for more crafty projects, the Winter 2022 issue of Bella Crafts is available to download FREE…to grab your copy sign up here! Then, each issue will be sent right to your inbox when they are released.