Beadingschool Summer Day Out

I remember when the email invitation for a personal, face-to-face meeting landed in my inbox. It is quite rare in the current pandemic situation and none of us expected Erika to travel to Slovakia. I believe I can speak on behalf of the whole Beadinschool Team that we were happy to learn this news and looked forward to spending time together.

 

Of course, we were not able to fit into the office

Ladies in the warehouse brainstormed ideas, where to held the meeting, as there were 8 of us getting together – Erika, Adam, Ivett, Orsi, Monika, Andi, Kati, and me – Zuzi. We missed Timea, who couldn’t join.

We met and enjoyed a beautiful place, Chateau Amada, near Dunajska Streda, Slovakia. It’s a romantic, historical place rebuilt into a hotel, offering relaxation in wellness&spa (maybe next time 😉 ) and also conference, and meeting services.

 

 

We were welcomed with coffee and tea, and also got a little tour around the chateau to start the day!

 

 

Thanks to absolutely gorgeous weather, the staff prepared our little “conference” space outside so we could enjoy the sun and fresh breeze in the park.

 

Yes, we had agenda for the meeting!

First, a bit of business

We were welcomed by Erika who prepared the whole speech 🙂 Andi presented a little insight into operations and strategy, so we all are on the same page when it comes to goals – as individuals and the team.

 

 

Second, the fun part

What we really didn’t expect, were lovely presents. Erika gifted each of us a handmade jewel beaded by her, something sweet – chocolates, something purely Dutch – cheese, and something with the Beadingschool logo on it. Thank you for spoiling us!

 

 

I really loved the team quiz by Ivett! She prepared a set of questions we answered and then presented the results together. We needed to conclude some of the answers as a team – counting our pets,  or scars 😀 to find out who guessed the correct answer. Other questions were personal. This was a great opportunity to learn new things about each other and that was the best thing!

 

 

We got to bead together, too!

 

This is something I have planned for months. When I learned ladies in the warehouse don’t bead or haven’t tried making any kind of jewelry before, I really wanted to show them at least the basics. Having this teambuilding meeting was a great opportunity. Each of us got one Summer Spirit Box to get initial inspiration, components, and beads.

 

 

First, we tried to work with pliers. What I really loved was the creativity and thinking outside the box. For example, Andi didn’t find the earring component she wanted for her earrings so she simply made it from the eye pin!

 

 

Ivett and Andi showed their amazing speed (as in most of the things they do) and made two pairs of earrings using pliers.

 

 

Next was beading their first peyote bezel! The level of excitement and interest honestly surprised me.  Even Adam, our IT guru, asked for beads!
Kati knew that she wanted a pair of earrings from the beginning. Andi surprised me by designing the bracelet. Orsi, Monika, and Ivett did amazingly well for their first time beading with Miyuki seed beads, including the smallest size, 15/0. Erika and I are so proud of them all!

 

 

Erika took a picture of all the jewelry made yesterday and we also got a team photo!

 

 

The seed (bead) was planted and I know at least 4 of them will continue with more jewelry projects!

 

We did a little fun photoshoot together after tasty lunch and coffee…

 

…and Erika found a tree for her classy handstand picture 😀

 

 

I feel thankful we were given the opportunity to have a wonderful time together as a team – to share fun moments, passion for creativity, discussing ideas, respect each other, and love what Beadingschool means and Erika represents with following her vision and hard work. I believe we all enjoyed it and look forward to our next meeting, and beading together!

 

Thank you and greetings from your Beadingschool Team 🙂