Anthologies Scrapbook Studio

So... it really happened

You may have heard the juicy gossip from a friend, or maybe even from my tearful mother. It is true... I accepted a teaching position for the 2011-2012 school year! I am quite nervous, but very excited at the same time. Teaching Biology is a huge change from tissue paper crafting and gorgeous flower making, but it's going to work. I'm actually sitting down at home on a Friday night. I told Trey that I'm fairly certain I will never take a Friday night for granted ever again! The past two weeks have been full of meetings and workshops, and now, about 90 extra kiddos. I miss my Kindergarten babies, but I had almost forgotten about the dynamics of high schoolers... it's pretty entertaining in it's own way. I am looking forward to a challenging, but rewarding year. GO RED REBELS!

So, what does that mean for the shoppe?..." you might say. It means that Cynthia is bravely taking on the role of shopkeep, once more. I don't work close enough to the shoppe to help her with the load every afternoon, but she'll still get a little relief on the weekends and some evenings. In a lot of ways I'm really bummed about the turn of events. I was so excited about getting back into the shoppe, and doing what I really love. I have no clue how I'm going to get enough quilts completed for Spark. I'm really stressed out over how my kiddos are going to get to and from school. But you all know me, and you know that I have good experiences no matter where I end up. I have an amazing team of teachers surrounding me. And they have no problem sharing info to help me feel like less of a first year teacher

I bought a sign for my classroom. Just a little inspirational quote I have always loved... "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." I'm having a hard time looking at it because I feel like a bit of a hypocrite. This shoppe is my dream. I thrive here (at least creatively). I have realized how much I love being a mommy, and the time constraints of everything are definitely going to get to me soon. But sometimes, opportunities present themselves at a desperately needed time, and that is exactly what happened last week. I have a great administration and some really great colleagues, and that's a big part of the battle right there!    

So, while I continue to struggle with my new experiences,I just hope that this will be  beneficial for the falmily. You should definitely stop by to keep mama sane.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Just a peek into our stash

we have a lot of developments underway here at the shoppe, and I think this is a good time to give you a peak at some of our favorite creations. most of you know that my mother is a masterful quilter, and does amamzing work. but for those who may not...

 

this is the original Spark quilt! It even has burn holes from our fireside!

 

and this is the quilt that traveled to Spark no. 2 and then stayed at its' new home in Provo... (a bit of trivia... this was my first attempt at quilting)

 

This next one is probably going to always be my favorite... i don't know... i love them all, really

 

this is my favorite size. probably because i carry one just about every, but also because it's so very cozy

 

so, enjoy the pics... and keep an eye out for some fun announcements about making similar treasures your very own.

jen

Summer Already?!

 

(photos from One Charming Party)

So many of you have been loyally asking about our annual Summer Camp Program. It makes me happy to know that your budding artists are ready to come back for more. I am excited about our offerings this summer, and I think you will be, too!

Just like before, sessions will run from Monday through Thursday 9:oo am until Noon. There are three different camps, and each will be offered twice this summer. Once in June and once in July... that's six weeks of fun here at the shoppe!

The schedule...

Art Camp I   -  June 13-16
Tweens I       -  June 20-23
Teen I            -  June 27-30

Tweens II     -  July 11-14
Teens II        -  July 18-21
Art Camp II -  July 25-28

Happenings...

Art Camp (ages 5-8)
For your budding artist! A fun sampling that is sure to stir her creative juices. Painting, Beading Fun Decor, and more! And what kind of creativity blossoms without a little song and dance? We'll even have our own little Art Gallery set up for viewing at the end of the session! Fun things in store for everyone!
Cost $75 

Tweens (ages 9-12)
So she's a little too big for Art Camp, but not quite ready for a Teen Session? It's time for an Intro to Sewing, Etiquette, and Party Planning. We'll also work on some Custom Room Decor... and who's to say there won't be a bit of Painting and Banner Making?!
Cost $100 

Teen Session (ages 13+)
It's all about the texture...  Mixed Media Galore! Paper, Fabric, Paint, Lamp Shades, Vintage Books! oh, the things I have planned! 
Cost $125 

Stay tuned for more details on each camp. Can't wait to play!

- Jen

 

It's a Small World After All...

Lisa Ertle is all too familiar with the fact that I know a LOT of people. I guess that's what happens when you're an Air Force kid and really really good at remembering names and dates and random facts. I love making connections between the people I meet, whether it's figuring out who sent you into my shoppe, or if you happen to be standing next to me in line at the concession stand, or realizing that a friend from Mississippi is marrying one of my childhood friends from Colorado who she met while attending college in Florida (yeah... that one was pretty crazy)

That slight oddity in my personality is something that drives some people crazy, mainly my husband (and anyone who rides to the bakery with me, so sorry, Lisa)... and probably my friend, Randi, who swears she can play "six degrees to Jennifer Fox."

All that said to finally get to my main point... I met the girl who bought one of my dearest friend's house last summer!

 

Her name is Destiny and she bought Cristin's house. After finalizing the sale, names and locations started clicking together and the two realized that they had actually visited each other's blogs over the years.  While that is crazy enough, who could've guessed that the newest resident is super sweet and super crafty. She came into the shoppe last Saturday, and I couldn't stop giggling. Especially when she spotted the silver platter from Goodwill, and told me she was standing in the very long line with it but couldn't think of a use for it by the time she got to the counter, so she put it back... only for me to pick it up a few days later. Ha!

I definitely see a new friendship on the horizon.

- Jen

Dreaming of another yard sale...

Last Saturday, I got up a few hours early to greet a gorgeous March morning, and decided that I was going to hit a few yard sales I'd seen signs for the day before. I made a few fun finds at the farmers market, then headed to Goodwill, and finally making a grand discovery at an estate sale. So this is what I came home with...

 
oops... i forgot to grab the lace and ribbon when i ran out back to snap the pic

That would be:

- 2 lamp shades with great bones ($2.5)
- vintage millnery and silk flowers ($1.0)
- vintage lace and ribbon ($1.5)
- a cute silver platter for some She Art fun ($2.0)
- vintage childrens' books ($1.0)
- 2 American Tourister vintage luggage pieces and 1 Socialite suitcase..... ($5.0!!!!!)

for a grand total of $13  

Not bad for my first ever venture into the world of Saturday morning yard sales, don't you think?  :)

Peyton's penant banner

Ask anyone, I LOVE banners and penant garland! I love making them, hanging them, storing them, finding them later. To quote my sweet friend, Elizbeth Manna, "I hope penant garlands never go out of style." such fun seeing you last night, E, I've missed you! so glad I get to see you tomorrow, too!

So a few weeks ago, Peyton's mother brought in the precious invites for his first birthday, and asked us to create a fun banner to match. Such fun! Here is how it turned out...

 
ignore the tired 5 year old, she missed the count for the picture ;)

 

Well, I finished this one, and had just a few sheets left of the green pinstripe so I decided to make a kit of this banner. The kit includes 9 penants (already dotted, scalloped, and doodled), brads to connect them, the ribbons for the ends, the drop number scallop and a set of numbers. The kit yeilds and identical banner to the one pictured above, well... less the lettering, of course.  I can custom cut the letters if you're interested ;)

And since I don't really enjoy throwing away scraps, I just had to create a mini penant garland (just perfect to hang on a cake stand!)

The banner kit is $12 (not assembled, $18 if you'd like me to assemble it and add lettering)
and the cake stand garland is $8

- Jen

(im)Patiently Waiting...

I know it's supposed to arrive in March, but seriously... it's now the 12th, and I guess I'm getting a little ancy. Well, you know, I've got big plans for this Pink Paislee collection!!! I mean when you've spent countless hours dreaming of...

 
 

and even more hours shopping and creating a fun display (this pic shows it so unfinished... and preparing for a big reveal)....

 

and even more hours gathering and assembling fun accessories...

 

it just seems like it should be about time, right??? Oh, please please please come this week!  :)

 - Jen

p.s.   I'm also anticipating a bit of junque...

 

A bit of inspiration...

Tends to go a long way, right? Okay, so I made a mad dash to the Thrift Store during my planning time last Wednesday... SO FUN! I was in search of 10 candlesticks (which I found and am currently repurposing) when I stumbled across this completely wonderful contact paper...

 

I have been drawn to these colors FOREVER! Aren't they fun?! Anyway, so my fun find got the wheels spinning. I can totally see a recipe book or just a fun collage waiting to happen. We'll just have to wait and see, but for now this is what I've pulled together.

 
 
 

Included in the kit:

Papers:
Jillibean Soup-Head of Cabbage
                           -Diced Tomatoes
Studio Calico-Periodical
American Crafts-Golden Gate Park
Bazzill- Kraft

Fabric and Ribbon:
Orange Plaid
Vintage Brown
Green Words
1.5" Strip of Brown Dots
30"Mustard Lace
5 yards Green Divine Twine
4 yards Orange Divine Twine
3 yards Copper Wire

Extras:
Reed placemat
Studio Calico Home Front Stickers
American Crafts Paper Tape
Maya Road Chipboard House
Two Funky Flowers made by Jen
7 Gypsies Ephemera
and a cute plastic flower ;)

If you are interested in a kit. They are just $15. Don't forget that we can ship some happiness to your door!

Happy Saturday!

Jen is in Utah visiting Cristin and playing at Spark. I asked her to blog about what she is doing, but apparently she is having tooo much fun. So I will tell you what little I do know.

First, she was so excited to see Cristin. She got to go to American Crafts on Thursday. She said they have the neatest Crop Room with everything you can imagine. She said they are sending us a goodie box on Monday. Then Spark started and I haven't heard from her. I assume she is learning so many new things to bring back for you. I do know she is planning the Witch Hat Soiree At least one person is making the cutest hats. I am busy planning my hat. Come by and see us.

It's getting a little spooky around here!

I never knew how much fun Halloween could be until I met my sweet friend, Cristin! Two years ago, she selected my shoppe as the venue for a Witch Hat Soiree. It turned out to be such a great night of crafting and creating and giving! So great that we hosted the 2nd annual soiree together last year! Now, we are busily preparing for the 3rd annual soiree! Sadly, Cristin and her girls will not be joining us this year. The really great part about it is that they have been challenged to continue the tradition in their new hometown... I can't wait to see what she brews up!

Okay, so two soirees, almost 2,000 miles apart. One thing that will connect them? This little creation...

I've made one for Little Miss A and my Miss L! I cannot wait to deliver this to her door in Utah in less than two weeks! Yay!

*** This skirt is super fun to make. There Will Be a Class for it in Mid September!***

Cristin's kiddos hold a very special place in my heart! Especially her girls, both of whom are very crafty creatures. Miss M will be recieving these...

There is a lot of sentiment in these little treasures. I get teary just writing about it. The last thing on my shopping list is a little clay dish or box to hold them. Preferably something with an Ocean Springs feel to it. Let me know if any of you have any suggestions! I got the idea from a wonderful book, called Stargirl... a definite MUST READ for everyone in your family!