Welcome to The Rabbit Hutch 

This retreat is full but we do have a waiting list for this retreat and future retreats. Get on the list now!

Looking for an inspirational, relaxing, weekend to pamper yourself?  We have just the place!

The Rabbit Hutch along with Newtique (some of you may know Newtique as Zenda at the Bead Mercantile shows) will be sponsoring a bead retreat in the mountains.  Imaging sitting in a hot tub on the patio looking out over the Smoky Mountains.  Sitting in a chalet beading while staring out the window at breath taking views.  Perhaps a massage in the afternoon to loosen those tight muscles.  After all, you are there to pamper yourself!

We have assembled some of the best teachers around to teach you things like wire wrapping, kumihimo, bead weaving, and viking knit.   The Rabbit Hutch and Newtique will have their full lines available for purchase throughout the weekend.  A massage therapist will be available on Saturday at reasonable rates.  Everything you need to relax and have a good time without leaving the building!

This all inclusive retreat is just $295 and includes

• Double occupancy lodging (so bring a friend that you are comfortable sharing a bed with)
• Meals
• Refreshments
• Instructional fee for two classes of your choice (supplies cost vary with the classes selected)
• Additional classes available for only $25 plus supplies
• All the fun you can stand for one weekend!

To make it affordable we are offering the option of paying a deposit of $150 now and the balance of $145 by January 31st.  Check out these teacher bios and class selections before you go to the signup page.

Zenda Connerly - Zenda will be teaching Wire Wrapping.  Zenda is the owner of Newtique Beads, which she started in 1982.  Since that time she has participated in a variety of bead, craft, and art shows.   She started by teaching art in an Adult Education program and continued to pursue her dreams as a small business owner. 

Jann Christensen - Jann became obsessed with seed beads about 13 years ago when she saw an amulet bag and decided she had to make one. Since then, she has taught herself to bead, began creating her own designs, and has taught beadweaving and kumihimo classes where she gets to share her enthusiasm with others. Jann will be teaching bead weaving classes and kumihimo classes.

Lori DeLong - Many of you know Lori as the kumihimo magatama specialist. She will be teaching kumihimo projects with magatamas as well as assisting with viking knit and other kumihimo projects.

Tammy Leonard - Tammy C McNabb hails from the beautiful mountains of upper east Tennessee. For several years, she worked for various electronic companies in the manufacturing of computers, industrial controls and for the Dept of Defense on various missile-manufacturing programs.
After the decline of the electronic industry in the US she decided to pursue her passion for beads and creativity , going to work in bead and craft stores, one of which she was the manager of for the last 9 years.
An avid bead fanatic and designer for 30 plus years she has taught classes in beadwork, wire work, precious metal clay, polymer clay along with fiber arts such as kumihimo, bead crochet , needle felting and wet felting.
“I remember the first time I ever became fascinated with beads. My brother had just returned from Viet Nam and he had brought me a beautiful beaded bracelet. I was just a kid but the way the bracelet was made fascinated me. The tiny seed beads were the color of the South Vietnam flag, vivid orange and yellow…I wore that bracelet until it fell apart. It was only then I saw how the bracelet was truly made. That lead me to learn my very first form of beadwork, bead looming”. Tammy will be teaching bead weaving bootcamp classes.

Terri McGill - Most of you know me as the Rabbit.  I will be teaching kumihimo and viking knit.  I have been lampworking for 3 years and beading the entire time.

 Classes Being Offered

We will be offering classes in kumihimo, bead weaving, viking knit, precious metal clay, wire wrapping, and more.  Something for everybody at every skill level.  The retreat package includes the class fee for two classes but you will be eligible to take more at a special retreat price.  Descriptions of the classes are to the left.  Here is the tentative schedule of classes and events:

Friday

Noon to 1:30 - Reception and Registration

1:30pm to 4:30pm - Viking Knit Bracelet, Pearl Moon Bracelet, and Kumi Ring Bracelet classes.  Open beading/alternate classes for those not signed up for those classes.

4:30pm to 6:00pm - Open beading and free time

6:00pm to 7:00pm - Dinner

7:00pm to 10:00pm - Kumihimo and Magatama Class and Metalicious Class

10:00pm to midnight - Chic Flick and Popcorn in the theatre room

Saturday

8:00am to 9:00am - Breakfast

9:00am to noon - Wire Wrapping, Crystal Tennis Bracelet, and Flat Spiral Rope Classes.   Open beading/alternate classes for those not signed up for those classes.

Noon to 1:00pm - Lunch

1:00pm to 4:00pm - Viking Knit Necklace, Loopy Bracelet, and Bronze Metal Clay classes.   Open beading/alternate classes for those not signed up for those classes.

4:00pm to 6pm - Open Beading and Free Time

6:00pm to 7:00pm - Dinner

7:00pm to 10:00pm - Kumi Krazy Braid Class.  Open beading/alternate classes for those not signed up for those classes.

10:00pm to midnight -  Chic Flick and Popcorn in the theatre room

Sunday

8:00am to 9:00am - Breakfast

9:00am to noon - Branch Fringe Pendant, Charm Bracelet, and Flat Cellini Spiral Classes.  Open beading/alternate classes for those not signed up for those classes.

Noon to 1:30pm - Farewell Luncheon and Awards/Prize Ceremony

Checkout no later than 2:00pm

Don't see the details you are looking for?  Please contact Terri at 937-673-1429.

Still can't decide if you want to go?  Check out these pictures of the lodge!

Front View of the Lodge

 Cozy up by the fire

 Enjoy a chic flick in the theatre room

Enjoy the views while learning a new technique

One of the double occupancy rooms

Plenty of time to play games

Time to relax

Bear's Eye view of the lodge from the back