Monday, November 24, 2014

Weekend Results

This past weekend was a busy one for me!

Friday evening was a project class, teaching students how to use photo transfers to embellish stockings.

Here are pictures of all four ladies with their brand new stockings!








On Saturday, I spent the day at All Saints High School in Whitby, in support of the Cuddly Cats Rescue and Sanctuary. The show was a great success for all. I had a fabulous time meeting new "vendor friends" as well! I love having the opportunity to network with other crafters.


This week I am busy busy busy working away at custom orders for Christmas as well as organizing upcoming classes! 

Its a wild and wonderful time of the year! To help boost that holiday spirit, here's a festive photo of my guinea pig :) Isn't he just the cutest? 


Happy Crafting!
Love, Tiffany xo

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Shop "Small Biz" This Holiday Season!




Hi Everyone!

I thought I would mix things up today and spend a little time sharing a few of my favourite local SMALL businesses.
It's important to support small businesses in your community, and with the holiday season quickly approaching, I thought I would share some businesses and give everyone a nice little guide for gift ideas!

If you do live in Durham Region or surrounding areas, some of these businesses will actually be at a craft show this coming Saturday November 22nd 2014. The entrance and parking for the show is free and there will be fun activities for the kiddos!


Now let's get started with that list!

1. Athena's Diaper Cakes : Don't be fooled by the name! This creative lady does not limit herself to diaper cakes. Although diaper cakes are quite a unique item to bring as a gift to baby showers, she sells a variety of other products including but not limited to: baby and adult headbands, hair bows, unique winter hats, hair clip holders, bottle cap necklaces, and other creative baby gift ideas! She also does custom diaper cakes if you are looking for a particular theme. You can visit her Facebook page by searching "Athena's Diaper Cakes" and check out some awesome photos of her work below!
https://www.facebook.com/athenasdiapercakes





2. Jenna's Cakes: A talented lady who makes stunning fondant covered cookies, cakes, cupcakes and cake pops! She is present at some local bazaars and also accepts custom orders!
You can find her on Facebook by searching "Jenna's Cakes" or by clicking the link below!
https://www.facebook.com/jennamongrawcakes
I've chosen some of my favourite pictures of her work to showcase:





3. Horses on Simcoe: Although this isn't a "homemade" item, it falls under my list of "favourite local services". Horses on Simcoe is a local horse riding school, lessons taught by Joe MacKay. He focuses on teaching his students horsemanship skills, proper grooming techniques and learning how to build a healthy relationship with your horse, before you get in the saddle. Gift certificates are available! Would make a great gift for the horse-lover on your list, or for those wishing to try out riding lessons! You can find his Facebook page by searching "Horses on Simcoe" or by using the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/joe.mackay.779?fref=ts


4. Quilter's Connection Magazine: Need a gift idea for a quilter on your list? How about a subscription to a CANADIAN quilting magazine! 
https://www.facebook.com/QuiltersConnectionMagazine?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser
I realize this isn't a "homemade" item, but it is still important to support Canadian magazines, especially when the American ones are so popular already. Heather creates an excellent magazine filled with interesting articles and projects! 



5. Paper Kreations by Jackie: A small business operated by a very talented woman with expertise in paper crafting! Homemade cards? check! Cute ready-to-fill scrapbooks? check! Custom invitations? check check check! Below are some awesome photos of her work! Check her out on Facebook too to find out what shows she will be participating in next!
https://www.facebook.com/paperkreations/info?tab=overview




6. Stuttering John's Smokehouse: Local restaurant that also provides catering services! A variety of delicious foods to try out on their menu! A great place to meet up with friends for a holiday get-together to try something new! A cozy atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food...what more could you ask for? Located on Highway 2 in Courtice! 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuttering-Johns-Smokehouse/179373392153737





7. More Than Materials: A lovely local business that creates a variety of home decor items! Perfect for Christmas gifts or for adding to your own collection of Christmas decorations. Here are a few of my favourite things from their Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/MoreThanMaterials?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser




8. Coeur De L'Hiver: I hear people raving all the time about how wonderful and cozy her mittens are! Check out her facebook page to find out where she will be next, so you can purchase a pair for yourself! Going to a holiday party? Her handmade soy wax candles would also make excellent hostess gift! 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coeur-De-LHiver/132616610144417?sk=photos_stream&ref=page_internal



9. The Pink Squirrel: A variety of creative and unique gift ideas! Including earrings, coasters, necklaces and more! She is present at several shows year-round! Follow her on Facebook to see where she will be next!
https://www.facebook.com/PinkSquirrelAccessories/photos_stream





10. Lastly, I'd like to spread the word about a couple independent consultants that I know of! I'd like to specifically mention Jennifer's Pampered Kitchen (The Pampered Chef). If you are interested in hosting a party or taking part in any of the special events, please visit her Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/ChefLabaj?fref=ts



Second, for the beauty lover on your list, Jamberry Nails make great products. To see more designs of nail wraps or for information on hosting a party, please visit her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/jamberryprettylittledigits?fref=ts

These are a few of my favourite wraps!





I know there are many many more wonderful small businesses growing out there. If you have a few favourites please feel free to leave links to their websites or Facebook pages in the comments below! Please remember to shop local this holiday season and share this blog post so others can read it too!


Happy Shopping! ;)
Love,
Tiffany xo

Monday, November 17, 2014

Animal Shelter Night = Success

This past Saturday evening a few of my students volunteered to make some fleece blankets that will be donated to a local animal shelter this holiday season.
A total of nine fleece blankets were completed in just two hours! A special thank you to my volunteers!




If you are interested in signing up for some of my additional Christmas classes please see the updated list below!

Friday November 21st - 6:30-8:30PM : Want to learn about photo transfers? Do you love "FROZEN" or have a special person in your life who loves Olaf? Come learn how to make this adorable Olaf Christmas stocking. The cost of the class is $20, which includes all materials needed to make the stocking as well as the lesson time itself. This class is now FULL.



Saturday November 22nd : All regular scheduled lessons are cancelled due to the Christmas craft show held at All Saints high school in Whitby. Details below. (All other Saturdays leading up to, and including, December 20th are regular lesson days and all classes will be running!)



Sunday November 30th - 9am-11am: This class is something that I am calling a "Time Crunch" class. Its an opportunity for students to have an additional class to provide more time to work on that list of Christmas gifts that need to be completed! Let's try to decrease the stress levels! Cost of the class time is $10. (2 spots remaining)

Friday December 5th - 6:30-8:30PM : In this class we will be making a memory pillow, featuring photo transfers. The pillow will be 18 inches square. Students will be able to create a very special gift for someone! Your pillow will include a large sized photo of your choice, using a fabric of your choice. This class will require students to please E-mail me a minimum of two high quality photos (no cell phone photos please!) prior to the lesson day. We will only be using one photo for the project but I want to make sure that students have a couple of choices of photos while they are selecting fabrics. We want to make sure the fabrics match the photograph. I have included a pillow that I have made using the same technique. This would be a great opportunity to use a family photo, school portrait, special photo of pets or children,etc. The cost of the class is $25 and that includes all fabrics needed to make the pillow, the photograph printing, pillow form, thread and the lesson time. Any further questions please E-mail me. (2 spots remaining)



Sunday December 7th 9am-11am: This is another "Time Crunch" class. (Description stated above). Cost of the class is $10. (1 spot remaining)

Saturday December 20th: Last day of sewing classes before we break for the holidays!

If you are interested in attending any of the above classes, please send me an E-mail at quilters.workshop@gmail.com as space is limited!

Happy Sewing!
Love, 
Tiffany 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Upcoming Classes!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share a schedule of my upcoming classes with everyone, in case there are some former students out there who may be interested in popping back in for a day class.

Saturday November 15th - 6:30-8:30PM: Come on out for a night of fun and do a good deed at the same time! We will be making fleece blankets for a local animal shelter, to be donated this holiday season. All fabrics and thread are supplied, there is no fee for this class time. Just bring a beautiful smile and some helping hands! If you are interested in attending please E-mail me at quilters.workshop@gmail.com ASAP as I only have a few spots remaining. (5-6 students total)

Friday November 21st - 6:30-8:30PM : Want to learn about photo transfers? Do you love "FROZEN" or have a special person in your life who loves Olaf? Come learn how to make this adorable Olaf Christmas stocking. The cost of the class is $20, which includes all materials needed to make the stocking as well as the lesson time itself. (4 students total)


Saturday November 22nd : All regular scheduled lessons are cancelled due to the Christmas craft show held at All Saints high school in Whitby. Details below. (All other Saturdays leading up to, and including, December 20th are regular lesson days and all classes will be running!)


Friday November 28th - 7-8:30PM : In this class we will be making fabric origami bookmarks. They are super adorable and I have been selling lots of these at my craft shows lately. These would make a sweet gift if you are giving a book as a gift to someone, to tuck inside the cover, or just to slip inside a Christmas card, for the reading fanatic in your life. I'm estimating that students will be able to complete a minimum of two book marks in this class. (Samples below) Cost of the class is $10, which will include all supplies required as well as the lesson time. (4 students total)



Sunday November 30th - 9am-11am: This class is something that I am calling a "Time Crunch" class. Its an opportunity for students to have an additional class to provide more time to work on that list of Christmas gifts that need to be completed! Let's try to decrease the stress levels! Cost of the class time is $10. (4 students total)

Friday December 5th - 6:30-8:30PM : In this class we will be making a memory pillow, featuring photo transfers. The pillow will be 18 inches square. Students will be able to create a very special gift for someone! Your pillow will include a large sized photo of your choice, using a fabric of your choice. This class will require students to please E-mail me a minimum of two high quality photos (no cell phone photos please!) prior to the lesson day. We will only be using one photo for the project but I want to make sure that students have a couple of choices of photos while they are selecting fabrics. We want to make sure the fabrics match the photograph. I have included a pillow that I have made using the same technique. This would be a great opportunity to use a family photo, school portrait, special photo of pets or children,etc. The cost of the class is $25 and that includes all fabrics needed to make the pillow, the photograph printing, pillow form, thread and the lesson time. Any further questions please E-mail me. (4 students total)



Sunday December 7th 9am-11am: This is another "Time Crunch" class. (Description stated above). Cost of the class is $10. (4 students total)

Saturday December 20th: Last day of sewing classes before we break for the holidays! 

If you are interested in attending any of the above classes, please send me an E-mail at quilters.workshop@gmail.com as space is limited! I know there are many classes going on throughout the remainder of November and December. If classes become full and I have more demand to run the class again, I will take that into consideration. If classes do not get filled and do not run, I will consider re-offering the class after Christmas if the interest is there. 

A minimum of two students is required for each of the classes to run. 

Happy Sewing!
Love, 
Tiffany 



Monday, November 10, 2014

Little Gift Items...

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to share a couple of things that I've been working on lately!

1. I completed this custom order quilt. It is made using a variety of baby clothing items including receiving blankets, hats, socks, bibs, etc. It is backed with flannel, hand bound and has a hanging sleeve on the backing (requested by client)
If you are interested in having a quilt similar to this one made, please E-mail me at quilters.workshop@gmail.com



2. I made this adorable little plush elephant. I think these would make an excellent little baby gift, especially with Christmas approaching. I'll eventually have more of these done in a variety of colours. ($10 each)




3. Fabric bookmarks make a great gift if you are giving a book as a gift this holiday season, or if you just want to tuck one inside a Christmas card for the "book-addict" on your list! ($2 each)
I'll have loads of these for sale at my upcoming craft show on November 22nd in Whitby ON. (additional information for the craft show is provided in the blog post below this one)