Sweetland Retreat

A truly unique Bed & Breakfast in Manchester

I just came across this email a few minutes back. Someone told me that I should become a facebook fan of a business known as the Sweetland Retreat in Manchester. Being a publisher, by nature, I usually accept all such requests carte blanche in the hope that they, in return, will become a fan of The Valley Voice online and print magazines.

For some reason, however, I found myself on their website. I was quite impressed and determined that this B & B was different and quite worthy of further review. Apparently, a lot of things happen there. They offer programs that, seemingly, focus on both physical and creative growth.

The Sweetland Retreat has posted their activities for November. They are:

Meditation in Motion “MAGIC STEPS” – let’s dance

Saturday November 7th, 10am – 3pm

From many ancient cultures archaic dancing sequences have been handed down, which have direct impact on our consciousness and our abilities of perception. To practice them is a form of meditation in motion, which opens the door to a conscious experience of the unity of body, mind, and soul. The roots of theses magic steps are thousands of years old.

They address human archetypes which are hardly lived anymore in our modern times, as they are so devoid of conscious rituals.

These movement sequences are quite easy to learn and open the door to a space beyond our every day worries and the constant struggle with our past and our future. This seminar is an invitation to deal with your own being, physical body, and originality.

A part of the training will be accompanied by live music and each dancer has the opportunity to work on the connection of rhythm, voice, and dance.

Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a bag lunch. The workshop will take place in two sessions of two hours each with an hour lunch break.

$60 per person

Instructor: Joao Carlos Bordallo, Portland, ME

Joao Carlos Bordallo is an instructor of Movement Concept and the Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. He has trained in Capoeira for thirty-three years and was honored with his master’s belt, achieving the title of “Mestre,” in 1995. His work is a unique combination of martial art, dance and meditation that blends balance, agility, strength, music and mindfulness. Joao’s work is inspired by his training in Sufism in Turkey and Germany, and his study of Butoh in Japan. He has traveled as a teacher and creative instructor to Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

Quick Card Technique

Wednesday November 11th, 6pm – 8pm

Join Lorna and Maryanne for an evening of fun with card making! You will learn how to make 10 cards out of one 8 1/2 x 11″ sheet of decorative scrapbook paper. Additional decorative papers, including holiday themed designs, along with ribbon, brads, stamps, and other embellishments will be available to create your cards.

We will think ‘outside the box’ and you will discover just how easy and fun this is. You will be amazed! Instructions will be handed out at the class, examples will be provided, and door prizes are drawn at the end of the class. This class is stress-free and the only thing you have to do is HAVE FUN! All ages are welcome.

$15 includes all supplies

Instructor: Lorna Plourde, Gardiner, ME

Lorna retired from Central Me. Power after 36 1/2 yrs. of service. She & her assistant Maryanne McCullough have 15+ years of stamping experience each.

“We enjoy card making and always looking for new and unique ways to make cards. We do this as a hobby, that’s why we enjoy it so much.”

Polymer Clay: Beginner’s Workshop

Saturday November 14th, 10am – 3pm

Join instructors Connie Pelkey of Constance Pelkey Designs & Theresa Chioffi of Dragon Fire Designs for a day of learning about artist grade polymer clay, a very approachable and versatile medium.

In the morning we will learn the basics of polymer clay – conditioning, mixing colors (the Skinner blend), creating simple canes, baking and finishing techniques, basic tool use and care, storage options, the differences in brand names, and fun tips and tricks will be discussed!

After a bag lunch, you will split into groups to work closer with the instructors and “get your hands dirty”! Whether you have dabbled with this medium or never touched it, you will successfully complete a small project of your choice to take home! You are going to be working on making decorative veneer sheets and then choose from various projects to decorate with those sheets; Fun Shell Peeps, Plant Pot Sitters, Pens, Bangles, Mini Diffuser, Purse Pill Tins, Barrettes, Focal Beads, etc….

Join us for a day of Fun and new Friends!

$30 includes supplies

Instructor: Connie Pelkey, Augusta, ME

Connie makes wearable art and more! This includes bags, accessories, art beads, boxes, scarfs, functional and fun sculpture and just about anything else she takes a fancy to! From design to construction, she does her best work and hopes that it shows in her items. She’s happy to answer any and all questions related to her work. See more of Connie’s work here:http://constancepelkeydesigns.blogspot.com/

Falling Into Craftiness- Leaf-Printing on Fabric

Saturday November 21st, 2pm – 3:30pm

Leaf-printing is a fun and easy printmaking method. Using fabric screen printing ink and real leaves, students will create unique, one-of-a-kind fabric art on tote bags, clothing, scarves, or whatever they would like to try! We will also try leaf-printing on paper to make some unique gift tags or cards.

There is NO experience necessary to jump right into this craft, so NO WORRIES! It is easy and fun and yields awesome results no matter what your printmaking experience is.

Kids welcome! This craft is suitable for ages 5 and up, but we do need a parent/guardian there to work with their child. For each parent who registers for the class, one child 10 and under can attend for free.

$20– Provided by instructor: screen printing ink, brushes, brayers, 1 small 8″ x 9″ tote bag to print on. Students need to bring: Fabric to print on for additional projects- this can be t-shirts, scarves, shawls, socks, tote bags, table runner, skirts, etc. The fabric should be smooth (i.e. no terry cloth or knits), and fairly light in color to allow the ink to show up well.

Instructor: Grace Kendall, Litchfield, ME

Grace has been printmaking for about 7 years- a craft she learned at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle, Maine. She is currently a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom, and sells one-of-a-kind paper goods in her Etsy store (www.cozink.etsy.com) and at select stores in Maine and “outtah state”.

From shared artist studies to workshops, I would have to say that this business is not just a bed and breakfast. It has all the makings of a true artist retreat.

Here’s the details:

Sweetland Retreat
Artist Retreat and Bed & Breakfast
256 Pond Rd.
Manchester, ME
(207)-512-8447
sweetlandretreat@gmail.com