Last fall I started House Wren Studio Sessions, craft classes held here in Irvington at my friend Jane's house. On Saturday, fourteen of the loveliest, sweetest art girls came from near and far to enjoy each other's company and indulge their creative spirits. Something like a Craft Spa with lunch catered by my talented friend, Suzanne.
With Valentine's Day approaching, the theme for this workshop was Sweater Craft. Ready and waiting were approximately 40 felted sweaters to be deconstructed and upcycled into a selection of projects. Reds, pinks, whites and a few orange ones for spice.
My welcome coffee cozies for each student.
Filled with snippets and surprises from my stash.
Number tapes from Papier Valise (which came in handy as inventive nametags).
Placesetting tins full of extras from the sponsors.
Fabulous hooked circle pins from my wonderful friend, Mary Stanley.
Trophy tags from Denise Sharp.
One of her extraordinary glittered heart boxes for a door prize.
A lovely banner from Kas sent in honor of her own birthday!
It opened to spell- love, sweet, love.
Noodle and Lou's door prize, an adorable handpainted doll.
A vintage hanky pillow from Primrose Designs.
A basket of trims and accessories from Tinsel Trading.
A few extra door prizes from my studio, too.
Valentine-y gifts from the girls for each other.
Favorite materials unpacked and ready to go.
We jumped in and made totes, mobiles,
bib necklaces,
hats, slippers,
Amy's funny-bunny puppet for Alfredo,
little things like roses and bracelets,
snowmen, pin cushions,
beautiful, colorful heaps of scraps and trims.
Roxy joined us to snoop and then found her own spot in the scene.
And right around noon, we went up to Suzanne's house for the most amazing and delicious luncheon
complete with Red Velvet cupcakes- devoured in a heartbeat!
We enjoyed a quick tour of her gorgeous home and returned to Jane's to finish up.
Even the drifted scraps left behind were heartwarming. It was just that kind of a day. There was a moment when I looked around and saw the newly formed community of happy faces, laughing, telling stories, working, teaching, sharing everything so freely and I realized that the overall enjoyment of spirit counted for the biggest success. Relaxing and being together with each other's kindness, creativity and comfort made for a very special day.
And yes, we had fun making lots of crafts too.
Heartfelt thanks to Amy, Marjorie, Jessica, Jennifer, Laura, Stacy, Danielle, Marlene, Meleen, Melissa, Sallianne, Loretta, Debbie, Ellen; to the very generous sponsors and especially to my dear friends, Jane and Suzanne! xo
Oh, Charlotte, what fun this looks like! I want to come play!! :) xotammy
Posted by: Tammy | January 26, 2010 at 02:12 PM
and what wonderful fun it was!many thanks to you, Suzanne, and Jane for making it possible!
Posted by: ellen | January 26, 2010 at 02:45 PM
Thank you, sweet friend. It was a really wonderful time and made a treasured memory for my family who shared in the day.
Love,
Amy
Posted by: Amy Powers | January 26, 2010 at 02:46 PM
ooh charlotte! i have goosebumps...what sweet, sweet photos. everything looks so divine. what a TREAT your darling coffee cozies are!
you are just dElightful:) xox...jenn
Posted by: noodle and lou | January 26, 2010 at 03:08 PM
Charlotte, it looks like heaven to me! p.s. those coffee cozies are SO wonderful!
Posted by: Zita-Mlle Magpie | January 26, 2010 at 03:59 PM
Thank you again Charlotte!
I loved every minute of it. What's next??
:) Laura
Posted by: Laura | January 26, 2010 at 04:17 PM
What a delightful day you all had. I've been wandering around the blogosphere admiring everyone's take on the day!
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | January 26, 2010 at 04:42 PM
So excited to see your day.Everything an inspiration as usual.Love it.Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: ginny | January 26, 2010 at 04:58 PM
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, what great pictures! oh, how I wish I lived just a couple of hours closer and could attend a class.
love, mary
Posted by: mary | January 26, 2010 at 05:41 PM
What a special sisterhood Charlotte ~ I am so happy everything went so well! Thank you again for letting me share in a tiny small part.
Posted by: kas | January 26, 2010 at 06:52 PM
What a lovely workshop! Love those cozies you made and all the wonderful creations from everyone!
Thanks for sharing all the great photos!
xxoo mary
Posted by: Mary | January 26, 2010 at 08:54 PM
Hello Charlotte,
What a fabulous class, I love the ambiance and the awesome projects!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | January 26, 2010 at 09:52 PM
I have been waiting and waiting for you to post the pictures from the weekend. It looks like it was so much fun! And I too love those coffee cup cozies. How darling are they?
Posted by: Nicki | January 26, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Charlotte sounds like your students had a perfect day. Lucky girls
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | January 26, 2010 at 10:43 PM
I am speechless. Everything is absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful, inspiring day!!
Posted by: A Gilded Life | January 27, 2010 at 04:46 AM
thank you again! i am still "high" from all the creativity, inspiration and sisterhood : )
blessings,
danielle
www.thevintagedragonfly.typepad.com
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 27, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Charlotte just a thought.Your classes could be a book along with recipes from your friend.I know I would purchase it.Or perhaps online classes.I love your other books.
Posted by: ginny | January 27, 2010 at 12:13 PM
It looks like a wonder filled day!
Posted by: pam | January 27, 2010 at 12:52 PM
omg, do your students even know how lucky they are? those cup cozies are simply gorgeous.
Posted by: casapinka | January 27, 2010 at 08:58 PM
I was so inspired by your photos of the class projects that I ran right over to our Salvation Army store to look for wool sweaters to felt. Much to my dismay, I was only able to find ONE 100% wool sweater! So, I am wondering if you have a source for pre-felted re-cycled sweaters? I'm thinking that might be something someone could sell, if they have better luck finding wool sweaters in their area.
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | January 28, 2010 at 06:54 AM
You can also try sweaters that have other content mixed in. Mostly wool will still felt- usually. (Its always an experiment.)
Im planning to put together some sweater wool kits for smaller projects in the next week or so. Stay tuned!
Posted by: charlotte | January 28, 2010 at 08:09 AM
(having trouble posting a comment again ARGH! hurray for cut and paste!)
Oh Charlotte! Everything sounds so lovely and thank you for sharing all the wonderful images from the day! Your post makes me so eager to start taking classes again. Many years ago I took lots of embroidery classes and our original group just bonded and we continued together through all of the offered classes - so much fun!
Happy happy weekend to you! Hope Maggie is all recovered now!
Posted by: Sally | January 28, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Love this wish I were there. Is there a pattern for those adorable tea cup cozies?
Posted by: gina armfield | January 30, 2010 at 11:49 AM
What a beautiful post and a fun day! I "know" 2 of your art girls from blogging, Loretta and Melissa!
I also heard about Rebecca's "Haiti by Hand" shop and just sold an item which is shipping out today inspite of a snowstorm. YOur book, "Mothers and Daughters together has meant a lot to me, my daughter and granddaughter!
Posted by: lila | January 30, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Wow! All such adorable stuff! I love the coffee cozies. I wish I lived near you so I could go to a session!
Posted by: Linda | January 30, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Charlotte - Oooooh, Aaaah and Ohhhhh! Wow, your pictures of the day are enough to make me drool. I want to be princess for a day, too! I must make the trip (from near Nashville) to NY to attend one of your classes. The many women who contributed must have been delighted to know how many smiles occured because of their many sweet treats. Thank you for taking the time to have these sessions - they can make a big girl's dream come true, too! :)
Posted by: Shannon Moreno | February 01, 2010 at 10:47 PM
What a truly fabulous day, every little detail looks so wonderful!
Posted by: Sue McGettigan | February 03, 2010 at 12:38 AM
Finally able to spend time looking at the photos from you class and reading the comments. #1 - love love the coffee cozies - and seeing cozy Roxy enjoying it all!
Someone mentioned a book idea -- hmmm?!
You continue to inspire and amaze me dear friend. And Suzanne has such an unending wealth of talent!
Next time I'm staying home to attend~ XO
Posted by: barneypark | February 03, 2010 at 02:20 PM