the kind-hearted katherine sanz

We are so proud to have one of very own local jewelry designer gems teaching at the Makerie! Katherine Sanz is a second generation artist who earned her Fine Art degree from the University of Colorado. What I love about her jewelry is that it is meant to be worn, and each Moonspun piece is lovingly handcrafted in Boulder. Ethically sourced, recycled, and recklessly beautiful materials are used in every one-of-a-kind piece. (I love that!) It is important to her that the beauty of the jewelry accentuate the beauty of the wearer and reflects a harmony between meaning and design. What I love equally as much as her jewelry pieces is Katherine's kind-hearted spirit. What a treat for those of you that will be taking her workshops! Come get to know her a bit more below.

..............................................

What do you value most in other people?

Honesty. And the creativity, love and humor that naturally pours from their beautiful honest hearts.

If you could start your own restaurant, what would it be?

Breakfast for dinner

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast.

Sunday morning pancakes with my sweet. He makes the best blueberry!

What color shoes are you wearing right now?

Tall brown boots.

If you were to perform in the circus, what would you do?

I love lots of circus tricks and practice fire poi, hula hoop and aerial fabrics.

Do you like to sing in the shower?

Yes. In my mind, I sound like Gillian Welch mixed with Sarah Siskind, with a dash of Bjork. In real life, it's probably a good thing I keep it to the shower!

Your true indulgence.

Chocolate or red wine... or both!

If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be?

Love with your whole heart.

open knitting lab!

Knitting is a wonderful, healing, calming craft, and we are so excited to share with you that we are now offering a workshop called Open Knitting Lab! This class has taken the place of Shape It, as we wanted to offer a knitting day that was open to all levels of experience. All you need is a pair of knitting needles and some yarn, or you could even just wait until Makerie weekend to get your supplies at Fancy Tiger's pop-up shop on site (won't that be cool?). Whether you've always wanted to learn how to knit or you are a more experienced knitter wanting to give a brand new technique a whirl, this would be the perfect opportunity to try it out under the loving guidance of this phenomenal teacher!

a little note from sweet sara

Our super sweet scholarship winner ~ Sara Guiffre

Throughout my childhood, my parents brought me to many Grateful Dead and Phish concerts and I would watch all of these beautiful women walking around in patchwork skirts. When I was in high school, I realized I couldn’t afford to buy one of those skirts, so I started learning how to sew. 

More recently I found the fabulous Fancy Tiger and my love for sewing was reignited. With all of those fabulous fabrics, how could I not be inspired?! I took a class at Fancy Tiger and a few months later, came home to a brand new sewing machine my boyfriend bought me for my birthday! Luckily I had great friendships that have supported my habit and hobby all along the way.

When I found out about The Makerie I was more than excited, but I absolutely knew I couldn’t make the financial commitment at this time. I loved the idea of spending a week with others that shared the same interest and passion for creating and learning. I was blown away when my roommate came home on Valentine’s Day (when I happened to be fairly sick) and told me I had won the scholarship to the retreat! I half didn’t believe him, since I was feverish and all.

Being able to express myself through sewing and make something with my own two hands is an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to hear this same passion from others while I attend the retreat. Not only am I blown away by the classes I’ll be able to take, but I am eager to meet new people, hear new ideas and share my passion with others.

Much Thanks!

Sara Guiffre

our schloarship winner!

 

We are SO proud and excited to announce the (very first ever)

2011 Makerie scholarship winner!

***********

Sara Guiffre 

***********

Sara's third party nomination spoke so clearly about her incredible generous spirit, and how she has dedicated her personal life to serving others less fortunate. She has endured much more than the average person and her love for creativity has helped her persevere. In just one conversation with Sara, her genuineness and positive attitude simply shined. The quote at the bottom of her emails epitomizes what she is all about:

"Just make yourself lovely, there is nothing you can do about the storm."

What a beautiful way to approach life! A most heartfelt congratulations to Sara. We are so happy to have you at the Makerie this year and can't wait to meet you in person!

Thank you so much to every single person who applied for the scholarship and for sharing your heart-warming stories. I am already trying to think of ways to add more scholarships for next year! Here's to Old Glory Antiques & Common Threads for making the scholarship possible this year. Your support means the world.

xo

sweet candy boxes

What a fantastic evening we had making these Valentine candy boxes! I came across this super sweet project last year & tagged it in my special tutorial folder. I was so glad I found it again because it was a lovely little project, perfect for little hands! I absolutely love spending creative time with my kiddos. Not only do I love creating side by side together, but I adore watching them light up with their own ideas and how proud they are of what they make. We used a combination of our own paper patterns we created in illustrator & some of these wonderful ones in red & pink shades (which if you are into cool patterns it's a must for your bookshelf!). Here they are! Are you working on any fun Valentine's Day projects? I'd love to hear about them! ~xo

letterpress class

I was so lucky to attend the letterpress workshop at Birddog Press last Sunday. I love paper ~ beautiful thick paper that feels like velvet in your hands. When I saw that Alli was offering a workshop on creating your own letterpress stationery, well how could a girl with a longtime love affair with letterpress say no? It was a fantastic day of playing with wood type letters, learning a brand new creative skill, and a wonderful place to share ideas and inspiration with like-minded people.

Not only did I leave the workshop with a set of stationery I designed myself, but ended the day with a huge reaffirmation of why I wanted to create the Makerie. Spending the day with this wonderful little community, getting lost in creativity, just filled me to the brim. It's one of the best things you can do for yourself. Period. Creativity helps people find balance in their lives. It fills them up in magical ways. And although it may be a bit disguised, it's one of the most beautiful forms of self care there is.

first friday at fancy tiger!

We are so excited to be part of First Friday tonight at our very favorite local crafting boutique. Fancy Tiger is at the forefront of the modern handmade movement in Colorado, and we are super thrilled (& quite honored as well!) to be partnering with them on the Makerie. (more details on that later!)

But for now, won't you come join us at this adorable, 'makes you want to make everything' shop in Denver this evening? Stefanie will be there with a sneak peek of her knitting embellishment class she is offering at the Makerie. Did we mention wine & treats too?

Come join us ~ won't you?

love mae

(photo credit love mae)

I completely adore this sweet, sweet Australian company. I have been eyeing their reusable fabric (yes, fabric!) wall stickers for quite some time now, and just wanted to share this cuteness with you. I have a feeling these (or these) may end up on my kiddo's walls soon! : )

old glory antique love

We wanted to introduce our newest, sweetest supporter ~ Old Glory Antiques - urban home and design for Denver. Holly's boutique is always warm and inviting, where you will find a fresh mix of old and new combined in unexpected ways. I am just thrilled that Holly and I have the chance to collaborate together, as she is filled with such fabulous ideas and we have some pretty fun things up our sleeves! I really loved reading about how she started her creative journey, and you could too right here.

If you like cupcakes (or your loved ones do!) and love a sweet sale, then do come by Old Glory Antiques on Saturday, February 12 from 2 -4 pm. We will have DIY cupcake decorating and everything in the store will be 15% off. How lucky are we that it just happens to be customer appreciation weekend too!

We are incredibly grateful for Holly's generous sponsorship of the Makerie, including supporting our very first scholarship, and can't thank her enough for her sincere belief in this whole idea. SO happy to have Old Glory Antiques on board! Yippee!!