marvelous marisa

You can certainly say that everything Marisa makes is adorable. In fact, I have one of her paintings that I gaze at every single day. It says 'Be Yourself' and I just love it. Marisa is the founder of Creative Thursday. If you're wondering what it is, you're not alone as it is a question Marisa hears often. Here's how she describes it: "I realized that I am happy when I am being creative. When I was working my 9 to 5 job in Colorado and hardly getting any creative time in, I decided that at least one day a week, Thursdays, had to be set aside for fun and creativity! And this is how CREATIVE THURSDAY was born." When you visit her site, Marisa hopes 'you feel inspired to be more creative in your own life, and to surround yourself with color as you can't help but feel happy and alive in its presence. Just remember there is no limit to what we can do when we live to be FREE, Happy and TRUE and be CREATIVE every day, especially THURSDAYS.' We are honored to have Marisa and her passion for living a creative life leading two workshops this year. Both will be filled to the brim with inspiration ~ that we know for sure! 


Here's a peek into Marisa! 

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The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

A hot shower and then coffee time with Sean. At the moment I’m actually trying out life with out my usual latte, so technically I’m having tea time and Sean is having coffee time. Visiting with a hot beverage in hand, this is always our chance to chat and connect before the rest of the day begins. In regards to the shower it’s like a brand new, fresh, clean start to every morning, and I always like to be ready and dressed for the day even if my plan is to work from my home studio. This way if something spontaneous comes up, I’m ready for that too!

A fun tidbit people would never know about you?

I have been known to eat Pistachio nuts at breakfast time

Some favorite ways to relax?

Yoga, being creative, a walk and watching an episode {or 2 in a row} of Breaking Bad {Yes. This is true. The relief we feel that we don’t lead the lives of criminals combined with the appreciation we have for the life that we are already living leaves us feeling completely relaxed after each episode}

What's for dinner?

Wild Rice Casserole from one of my new favorite cookbooks “Super Natural Every Day” by Heidi Swanson

What are you most excited about lately?

Everything! It's so exciting when you finally start hitting your stride because you made the decision to commit to really, truly stepping into the fullness of your life.

A favorite spot you’ve traveled to?

The picnic area in front of the Eiffel Tower is just a magical as it seems.

What makes you laugh? 

When Conan O’Brien does his puppet strings dance 

Any tricks for finding life balance? 

Get enough sleep. I recently heard Gretchen Rubin, the author of “The Happiness Project” talk about how we are living in a sleep deprived society. She proceeded to tell us the first step to finding more happiness in your life is to get enough sleep. Something about hearing her say those words, gave me permission to start making more sleep a priority and on the days when I do I feel so much better. I can’t help but spread that message everywhere I go, to everyone I know now.

Favorite books from your personal library?

Right this moment, Dottie Angel by Uppercase, and my second favorite cookbook La Tartine Gourmande by Beatrice Peltre. Love, love, love them!

Thank you Marisa! 

we heart uppercase!

What an absolute delight and surprise to be contacted by the much admired Uppercase Magazine out of the blue a few months ago. They requested just one photo that represented the Makerie (a tall order indeed!) as part of a creative retreat feature in Issue #12. To be included alongside a plethora of incredible retreats across the world was another 'pinch me please' moment and to actually see it in print was quite exciting and humbling to say the least.

And if that wasn't wonderful enough, the fabulous Janine Vangool (Uppercase's founder) is giving every participant a copy of their inspiration-filled magazine. Can you believe how generous and thoughtful they are? I'm quite excited for our Makerie peeps to see first hand what an amazing publication this is. I am now a proud subscriber and think you might be too after seeing the abundance of creativity they share.

We heart Uppercase!

a brand new offering at the makerie

We are pretty excited about a brand new offering at the Makerie, as we're always searching for ways to tie together the mind, body and spirit. There is certainly a connection between food and creativity and we are thrilled to announce that we will be incorporating a Mindful Eating Breakfast into the retreat, open to everyone who would like to take part. I tried this for myself several months ago and knew within five minutes into the session we had to find a way to make this part of the Makerie experience. Luckily we live in Boulder, a town of very food conscious folks, and found an amazing woman to lead us through this playful and insightful way to eat. Jenny Epstein Kessem, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, a Boulder psychotherapist, uses mindful eating in groups and with individuals to access mind and body integration. Here's a sneak peek of how she'll be sharing her personal passion with all of you through this meaningful meal.


A breakfast for your senses...
Start your day off with a refreshingly new way to eat breakfast ~ mindfully! We will be guided to be awake and present for this most important meal of the day by slowing down and really noticing what we're doing as we do it. The Mindful Eating Breakfast will help awaken the senses, increase the ability to feel pleasure, and open pathways to feeling satisfaction. These are skills that are invaluable for creative people! Who knew you could eat your way to feeling more creative?

Won't this be cool? Even the New York Times thinks so! 

in honor of valentine's day...

Plant a kiss!

xo

it's here ~ creative pilgrimage!

We shared a few months ago that we were featured in a book (yes, a real book called Creative Pilgrimage!). Well it just arrived in the mail and to see it actually in print was quite a fantastic feeling. Never in a million years did I think our new little event would be part of a book, let alone a totally gorgeous one! To be in the same publication alongside amazing retreats across the county and incredibly inspiring artists and their projects has left me over the moon with excitement and quite frankly, disbelief!

The book not only shares many wonderful opportunities for creative retreating, but also features a plethora of fantastic projects and tutorials by the very special souls who teach at these events ~ Flora, Maya & Sarah just to name a few. It's really a remarkable combination that Jenny Doh has put together and I highly recommend checking it out! Of the many things I love about Creative Pilgrimage, one of the things I cherish the most is that my mom's photographs appear in our feature and her name ~ Linda Winski ~ is even in the credits! We have always talked about how neat it would be do a project together and low and behold, here were are. (For those of you coming to the retreat this spring, keep an eye out for her. She'll be the beautiful little ball of energy wandering around with a camera strapped on her shoulder.)

What really says it best is the most lovely dedication by author Jenny Doh. I've shared it below.

"I dedicate this book to the courageous spirit of discovery within us all ~ the spirit that helps us put aside our insecurities and imperfections as we take a leap of faith in our quest to learn, to teach, to grow. May this book remind us that the time will never be perfect, but the time will always be now, to embark on pilgrimages both big and small." 

With enormous gratitude to Jenny for believing in the Makerie enough to include us in Creative Pilgrimage. It's certainly a dream come true.  

xo

the lovely liesl

I've been a huge admirer of Oliver + S since its inception. Their modern, stylish sewing patterns combined with darling paper doll images have always caught my eye! Liesl Gibson, founder and chief designer, worked for several top fashion brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, before launching her own company. She has created such an inviting, successful boutique brand and has certainly filled a need for fresh children's sewing patterns! Lisette, her newest venture, feautres a fabulous new line of women's designs. With a beautiful book ~ Little Things to Sew ~ under her belt and a wealth of sewing knowledge, Liesl is certainly one to watch! Just take a peek at their pinterest boards ~ Oliver + S here and Lisette here ~ to see what I mean. With her warm, wonderful and stylish ways, we are so thrilled to have Liesl teaching two workshops this year ~ Oliver + S Sleepover Pajamas & Lisette A-line dress. Students are in for quite a fun-filled day learning lots of her special tricks of the trade. Each student will have their own dedicated sewing machine, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Janome and even some extra treats from Fiskars (details to come!). Lucky girls!

Get to know the lovely Liesl below! We loved the best advice she's received.

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The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

My daughter, S, usually crawls into bed with me for a few minutes of cuddling before we head to the kitchen to make breakfast. That cozy time together helps us both face the morning because, much as I would like to be one, I’m just not a morning person. Neither is she.

What's for dinner?

Tonight it’s one of our favorite dishes: pasta with sweet Italian sausage & broccoli rabe. S has been learning about vegetable in first grade, so I’m hoping she’ll try a little of the broccoli rabe for a change. Here is the recipe.

The best advice you’ve received?

Definitely to be yourself & don’t compare yourself to other people. Sometimes it’s hard to do, but I know from experience that it’s true.

What is the best meal you ever had?
My husband, Todd, & I once took a trip to Japan and found ourselves in a little side alley during lunchtime. I ate the best noodles of my life at what I think was the Japanese equivalent of a greasy spoon-style diner, with all the locals. It was probably a combination of the great food & the adventure of it all—neither of us speak a word of Japanese, & we loved finding our way around the city by ourselves, despite the language barrier—that made it all taste so good.

What are you most excited about lately?

I’m looking forward to doing more teaching again this year. For the past several years I’ve had to cut back because we’ve been so busy, but I’ve really been missing it & have decided make time for it again. I love to teach because I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with other people, and I get a lot of inspiration from my students at the same time.

A favorite spot you’ve traveled to?

The highlands of Scotland really resonated with me. I often think of it & could probably live there very happily. There’s something about the hills, the climate, the traditions, & the dark pubs where the locals congregate in the evenings that I just love. It felt such a strong community, & I can imagine that the lifestyle is a bit more laid-back than my usual frenetic New York pace, too!

What makes you laugh?

I’m pretty easily amused, I admit. I laugh very easily. But I’ll never understand the tv show, The Office. My husband loves it, but it hits a little too close to home for me—I’ve worked there.

Your favorite way to make someone smile?

With a heart-felt compliment.

What, in your mind, is a recipe for disaster?

Not enough sleep and a looming deadline. Oh, wait, I think I just had one of those!

Any tricks for finding life balance?

Is there such a thing? I think it all ebbs & flows. There are various stages in our lives, & each stage has its own tenuous balance. But women always seem to find a way to feel guilty for not getting it “right,” don’t we? I’m skeptical that there is such a thing as right.

If the world ended tomorrow, what would upset you most about the person you didn’t get to become?

Oh, there are so many things I’d like to improve about myself & so many ways I’d like to grow. Mostly I want to see my daughter become the amazing woman I know she’s going to be. And I want to be her proud mom. I’d be really sad if I missed that.

Favorite books from your personal library?

The one book I seem to turn to over and over again is Bird by Bird by Anne LaMott. She gets it right every time, but that particular book keeps me inspired and encourages me to keep working.

Thank you so much Liesl!

our 2012 scholarship winner!

Every single time I sat down to read and re-read our scholarship applications, I cried. There were nominations from mothers, husbands, best friends, sisters and amazing people who beautifully nominated themsleves. Each incredible story made this choice impossible really, as every single person is SO deserving of a creative weekend away. I wish we could give everyone a scholarship and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Reading the words about what attending the Makerie would do for peoples' lives gave me chills ~ the kind that turn into goosebumps and stay for awhile.

To those who submitted applications, if I were to meet you in person I'd give you each a giant hug to thank you for sharing your heart-warming stories with us about the heroes in your lives. They are all extremely lucky to have you, recognizing and honoring what they give to others and this world. What a gift that is in and of itself.

With all that said, it's now time to celebrate the winner of our 2012 Makerie Scholarship!

We are THRILLED to announce

** Karisa Cerullo **

as this year's scholarship recipient!

Karisa's story is one full of heart, courageous spirit and a genuine, deep love for creativity ~ much of what the Makerie is all about. A huge, heartfelt congratulations to Karisa and enormous love and gratitude to Old Glory Antiques and Prince Street Dry Goods for making this scholarship possible! We're honored to have Karisa as a participant at the 2012 event and now a very special part of our Makerie family. What an exciting day!

With love...