Rachel's School At The Prairie

ON FEBRUARY 24TH - 26TH WE HOSTED OUR FIRST EVER SEMINAR AT THE PRAIRIE BY RACHEL ASHWELL BED & BREAKFAST.

As with most new ventures, whether it be a store, a book, a TV show, a bed and breakfast...... once myself and my village decide to do something that seems viable and meaningful, we just work out how to do it.



I have never been one to learn much from a classroom or instruction manual, so it was rather profound to think I was to have my own classroom, of sorts.

However, the combination of the inspirational qualities of The Prairie and my journey of my life and career, I felt I did possibly have some wisdom to share.

The focus of the seminar was Creativity (Inspiration) & Business.

Guests from all over the country started to gather on Friday afternoon.



We started off with a little historical tour of The Prairie, to explain the hows and whys!!!!!



Over the course of the weekend we walked through the history of Shabby Chic.



I shared my journey of the past 22 years of how my stores came into being...... and where we are today.



I have had openings and closings of stores over the years.





We talked about my books and TV show......and other pivotal points of my career.



I have so enjoyed meeting all that have been touched by my design work. I acknowledge the influence of celebrities spreading the word of their love of my work.



I so enjoyed sharing how life has been my inspiration....from the sticky fingers of my kids.



And of course no seminar of mine would be complete without honoring my mum. My teacher, my inspiration and the example of "the beauty of imperfection."



And then of course somehow always Marie Antoinette always shows up in my work. Either directly or indirectly. I love Sophia Coppola's vision. Sumptuous and quirky.



I opened up my inspiration book, to demonstrate direct and indirect translations of inspiration.



My inspiration book is forever changing. Some pages are forever to keep pages, some get borrowed for other projects, I add, I take away, I ponder, I see different elements at different times.......but always I am guaranteed to be creatively refueled.

I explained to all, that sometimes I get inspiration from the sensibilities of others rather than their aesthetics.



I was moved by the presentation of these ordinary elements, made extra ordinary by the focus of detail. Inspiring patience and appreciation of what is important to another.



And then also how to see the power of the curve ball, the unexpected.

Time really went so fast. all who came were so generous with their patience to listen, digest, ask questions and share their own journeys.....

We watched two movies that have been very meaningful in my life. Out of Africa and Miss Potter. We all had hot chocolate and were mesmerized.

The characters in both movie demonstrated passion, disciplines, focus, creativity and love......

We all agreed we could have done with just a little more time. But then sometimes the best times are had when its not quite enough.

All guests stopped by the store on their way out.



I was glad that I felt I was able to just be me, I was proud of my village who "pulled it off", seemingly seamlessly.......

And lovely Grace made a take home token for all......



Sometimes when something is so perfect, its hard to imagine it can ever be repeated, but hopefully.......