Last Sunday, during what may very well go down in history as one of the worst November storms on record in Illinois, I taught my first workshop. Believe it or not, people still came!
When I arrived at Vintage Charm to set up, it was a blustery, overcast day but the temperatures were in the mid 60's.
Needless to say, that's virtually unheard of in Illinois at this time of year...especially in light of the fact that we had snow a week ago.
As I filled baskets with ribbon and put rubber stamps and Washi tape (patterned paper tape) on the tables, the skies darkened.
Then, about ten minutes before the doors were scheduled to open, the skies opened up and it began to rain....hard.
But then, the doors opened and lovely ladies (and a few gentlemen) with smiling faces and rosy cheeks began to arrive.
Some were wearing raincoats and jackets.....some had umbrellas in hand.
Once inside the bright and beautiful shop, the awful weather outside was a distant memory. With a hot cocoa bar home made treats and the company of friends, the focus quickly became the holidays and I went to work...well, it wasn't exactly work.
I began chatting with friends, old and new. Finding glue dots and threading baker's twine onto a large needle for "sewing" skate laces onto tags.
The chairs around the table filled and we had to borrow a few additional chairs from around the shop.
Familiar faces mixed with new friends that I met that day. My life-long Rockford friend, Ann, quickly became BFF's with my Chicago friend, Deb. There was much laughter, and there were many smiles as everyone found their creative spirit and made a tag...or, in many cases...a new ornament for their tree.
There was a young couple celebrating their son's fourth birthday by making tags. Two young ladies in their pre-teens stopped by in the rain...twice. There was stamping...and gluing...and glittering.
As the winds blew and the rain poured, I tied bows on holiday and birthday gifts. I even taught a few people how to tie bows of their own and we talked a little bit about the French Farmhouse project as we kept an eye on the weather and made phone calls to check on loved ones who were in the storm's path.
Time passed far too quickly. Eventually, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Nancy, Carol, and the rest of the lovely ladies from Vintage Charm even let a few gals stay after the store closed to finish their tags, pick up a quick gift and exchange a hug (or two) with friends.
Before I knew it, it was time to pack up and as I did, I turned to Carol and said, I would imagine that this is how the parents feel on the day after a wedding. I kept thinking to myself, "Gee, I wonder what I'll do tomorrow."
It was also mentioned to me that many of you have noticed that I'm not often in the photos that I share on this blog. Well, that's because I'm usually behind the camera. It's also because I like to keep this blog focused on the most important people:
....those of you who read this blog and attend the workshops.
Those who follow along and send me lovely messages. This blog is for you as much as it is for my need to have a creative outlet. So, for those of you who casually mentioned it...here's a shot of me:
Even without a photo, you'll recognize me. I'm usually the one at Home Depot or Hobby Lobby with a car full of vintage junk in the parking lot and a glue gun or power tools plugged in in the kitchen.
Around this time of year, you'll find me with paint under my nails and glitter...in my hair and on my clothes!
The sparkle in my heart, however, is put there by you! Thanks to each of you for making what I do so much fun.
A special thanks to those of you who braved the wind and rain to attend the Holiday workshop and make a tag or two and a very special thanks to Nancy and Carol from Vintage Charm for inviting me to host this event!
I'll come back any time! Just say the word and choose a topic!
NOTE: All materials used to create the tags shown were purchased at local craft stores. The tags and shapes were made at Archivers where, if you purchase your card stock from them, they will allow you to use their die cut machines at no charge. I have also found that some schools and churches have die cut machines which they will sometimes allow you to use if you ask.
Materials:
Precut Tags and punched shapes Glitter Washi Tape
Rubber stamps Pom Poms Glue, Glue dots, Hot glue
Scissors Ribbon Twine and/or Baker's twine
Small ornaments Snips of evergreen and pine Faux Christmas Greens
Buttons Pinecones Jingle bells, stars and snowflakes
