Carolina Crafting

Finally, Spring has arrived in the mountains. Thought it would never happen. So much snow this year !!!

Things are coming to life in the crafting world, too. All the crafter’s in Brasstown will be in their shops April 1st. (some of us died hards are open already) Lots of new merchandise !!

I now have some baby item. Simply Sande has brought in some really cute rag quilts, crib size. I have little girl bows and pacifier holders from Tacy’s Boutique and the cutest booties.

Gradually the gardening items are arriving. I’ll have stained glass plant stakes this weekend. Also, teacup bird feeders, trellis’, plant pokes and much, much more.

So, while you are out enjoying this wonderful weather, drop on in.

Just Jackie

I received this message today and thought it would be a “good thing” to pass on.

Appalachian Heritage Crafters is reopening Thursday, March 3rd with a new look and many beautiful crafts.  The hours through March are Thursday through Saturday, from 11AM to 4PM.  In April we will resume normal hours of Monday through Saturday from 11 to 5.

We will be offering great classes of a wide variety for every interest.  In March the classes scheduled are: on the 16th is pottery making a face mug (loads of fun) with Ron Withroe from Brasstown,  jewelry making on the 24th by Denise, making a beautiful two sided stone and bead bracelet, lovery china painting by Lee on March 30th , the first class in April on the 7th, is painting a floral design on a tote bag by Diane.  Samples will be on display at the store.  Most classes will be offered at $20.00 plus supplies and payment will be due at sign up.
Other classes being offered will be rock painting, crocheting, quilting, card making, mosaic, decorating on clay pots, photography, basket making.  The dates will be determined soon.

One of our members, Carol Orloff, is donating a beautiful, queen size quilt to the fight against breast cancer.  the quilt will be displayedI in the shop as well as other locations.  the drawing for this quilt will be in Oct. Tickets can be purchased at the shop at $3.00 each or two for $5.00.

In the summer we will be offering children’s classes,  which will be geared to visiting grandchildren plus locals.  We are really excited about this year and we are committed to making it our best.

For additinal information my e-mail is dhalasz@brmemc.net and phone 828-837-4626.  Thank you, Diane Halasz

Good luck AHC. Can’t wait to drop by and see the new look.

Just Jackie

Mountain Morning in Andrews NC has been offering some fun classes this month. I went to the bird feeder class yesterday and had a great time.  The classes are only $10 and that includes everything. We actually made two different projects but I’m saving the other for later postings.

The PVC pipe had been painted for us. (Save on drying time) I decided I wanted the cup with grapes on it because I knew I could actually paint grapes on my post. We glued the cup to the saucer, then both to a coupling that fit over the pipe. While that dried we painted designs on the post.

Painting on PVC is tricky. There are new plastic paints but they still chip easy.

This morning I just stuck the pole in the ground, fitted the coupling on to the post and filled it with wild bird seed. Ta-Da !! A great addition to my little flower garden.

Just Jackie

New show featuring Russ & Rhonda Adams of Back Porch Quilters who demonstrate how they use their long arm quilting machine. Click on “Watch Latest Videos” above to view all of this season’s shows.

I go for weeks with nothing to write about and all of a sudden, I’m swamped. We started the excitement with a chimney fire. No damage, just some frightening moments.

Mountain Mornings in Andrews, NC, has started their classes. I didn’t make the embossing class but will be at the Cricut class today. (1 pm to 3 pm…only $10) I’ll take some pics.

Big news is that there is finally a craft show this weekend. It’s at the Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, Ga. Starts at 10 am both Saturday and Sunday) If you’ve watched the Christmas show video you will know what a beautiful place the Resort is. I’m going to be out in the hall this show, so please look for me. You can check out other shows for this promoter at www.robinrobertspromotions.com

The shop has some new items in. (If the snow, ice and mud ever go away) I love the little baby booties.

Dana brought by a few of her quilts.

I had a great idea for later this year…what would you think of having a quilt show??? Would you attend??? Any feed back would be good.

Just Jackie

I mentioned yesterday that I could not get excited about crafting and was blaming the “Winter Blues” for my problem. well, today I found the cure !!! Mountain Mornings in Andrews has posted their February craft classes. Right away I wanted to sign up for every class offered. Couldn’t do them all because I have to keep my craft shop open.

Mountain Morning Craft Gallery classes are as follows:

“Saturday, Feb. 5…Make Embossed Valentine Cards 1-3 pm Cost: $10.00

Wednesday, Feb. 9…Learn to Use the Cricut for Fun and Profit 1-3 pm Cost: $10.00

Thursday, Feb. 17…Make a Market Basket in a Day 10 – 4 pm Cost: $10.00 Bring a shack lunch

Wednesday, Feb. 23…Recycled Creations – Make a Teacup Birdfeeder 1-3 pm Cost: $10.00

Call the shop at 321-2929 for more information or to register or come by the shop.”

I’m taking the Cricut Class and the tea cup bird feeder. (I had bought 6 cups and saucers at a yard sale and had no clue as to what to do with them.) Hope to see you at one of the classes.

Just Jackie

I’m a little behind with my blog. I’ll blame it on the Winter Blues.

It’s time or in some cases, past time to fill in your shows for the year. I’ve already applied and been accepted to 3 shows for this coming year. I try to do them as far in advance as possible. Watch your local paper constantly for shows, ask all your crafty friends, google shows you’ve heard of and think you would like to do.

I’ve heard from two promoters so far. The first is Laurie Keneipp in Franklin NC.  Laurie’s first show is Firecracker, July 1 & 2 at the Franklin Plaza. The second show is the 19 Annual Smoky Mtn. Fall Fest, October 21 & 22 at the Macon Co. Fairgrounds on 441 in Franklin. If you sign up for both shows there is a discount on the fees. contact Laurie at:828-524-6630/ lkeneipp@earthlink.net (I’ve done several of Lauries’ shows and they were well organized and good traffic.

The second promoters are  Robin and Lee Roberts  at www.robinrobertspromotions.com. Robin has 10 shows this season.  I attended some of her shows last year as a vendor and as a shopper. Her shows are well organized and well attended. Several of these shows are indoors at the Brasstown Valley resort. Check out her web site or give her a call at 706.897.6179

Don’t forget the John C. Campbell folk School’s Fall Festival. Check their web site often to get the application. I’m not real sure when the applications come out but it’s not that far off. Sign up for their newsletter at www.folkschool.org

I’ll post more shows as I find them. Hope you have a great craft season !!

Just Jackie

We have SNOW, the likes I’ve never seen. I love snow but hate driving out in it. I’ve been off the “farm” once this year. REALLY ! The one day I did get out, I ran all my errands, visited with friends and had a doctor’s appointment. It was a crazy, fun day. It’s been 10 days since then and I’m ready to get out again.

I’ve been sewing, making a new craft space, cooking and eating way too much. It’s been fun but I’m thinking it’s time to get back out into the real world.

I saw on the John C. Campbell’s Folk School page on Facebook that it’s almost time to get your tickets for The Empty Bowl Event. This cause is very dear to my heart because of childhood experiences. No one should go hungry, EVER.

Share a hearty meal with friends…enjoy an evening at the Folk School…AND help support our local food banks.
March 12, 2011
Tickets are $25
Event begins at 5 pm….
Location: Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall

First, select a handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by area potters. Next, fill your bowl with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread and dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home with you to keep as a reminder of hunger in our local and global communities.

All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Clay and Cherokee County Food Banks.

Tickets will go on sale February 1 and may be purchased at the Craft Shop, United Community Bank in Hayesville, and the Chamber of Commerce in Murphy.
Extra bowls may be purchased at the event for $20.

I’ll be there and hope to see you there, too.

Just Jackie