"Charm School Soldering Workshop" ~ with Ali Gripp and Kara Ward

Join Ali and Kara in this introduction to soldering class Saturday, November 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You will learn all you need to know to create beautiful soldered charms... the kind that are smooth and flawless! This workshop will take you from "beginner" to "can do it myself" in just three short hours. Come learn from the girls that were taught by the well renown soldering artist Sally Jean Alexander. All supplies and tools are included in the fee. You will come away having completed two charms and with the supplies and know how to create another. The workshop fee is $125.00. To reserve your place in this fun creative workshop, email me at vintageartsstudio@hotmail.com ~ space is limited and is available on a first come first serve basis. I hope to see you here! Lauri

The Art Girl charm bauble that you see above is one of the charms you will be making for yourself in this creative workshop.

The three photos below represent some beautiful examples of Ali's and Kara's pieces...for reference only...these will not be made in this beginner workshop, but can be made in a more advanced workshop that may be scheduled at a later time ~ to be determined. Here is an example of one of Ali's and Kara's beautiful charm bracelets.

I love this one with the little floaters inside...

and this one is just beautiful!

Talk About Personality...These Little Birdies Are Too Cute...and Fun to Make!

Last evening I taught my "A LiTtle BiRdie ToLd Me" Paper Mache' Workshop in my Vintage Arts Studio. I was excited to have a full class of fun girls that wanted to make these "little birdies." It seemed that everyone enjoyed making them ~ it gets a little messy making these special paper mache' birds, but nothing that doesn't wash up easily!

First, each participant was instructed on how to create the shape of their bird...



Then they added the base layer of paper.

To give each bird his color, they added finishing paper of their choice.

Some of the paper mache' birds have a special tail...see how it's being curled?

Once the eyes are added, the little birdies start to sing! The photos below are of everyone's finished little birds that they took home ~ talk about personality!

Due the popularity of this workshop, I will be forming another class soon. Please email me if you have an interest in making your own! Lauri Meyers - vintageartsstudio@hotmail.com

A Little Birdie Told Me Paper Mache' Workshop

I will show you how to make these fun Paper Mache' Birds ~ each bird develops his own personality as he is being created by the maker...if you would like to take this fun class call me (913) 963-2985 or send me an email vintageartsstudio@hotmail.com The class fee is $50.00.

"A LiTtlE BiRDie toLd mE"

Busy week...after the Big Friends of a Feather Event

The fall is such a wonderfully cozy time to me...the beauty of nature is breathtaking...autumn presents itself in all of its warm and subtly rich hues. It has been a busy and fun week...the clean up and reorganization after the Friends of a Feather Fall Event, having a workshop in my studio, going to The Farmstead with some friends and spending a quiet, (finally sunny) Sunday afternoon with my husband Brian. I had to take some photos in the courtyard while the sun was shining brightly today...the sky was so blue!

These are a couple of my angels in my garden...hand created by Steve Hess.

This week in my Vintage Arts Studio Mom and I hosted our Rustic Winter Ornaments Workshop for a couple of lovely women who were sister-in-laws. Mom instructed them on how to make a couple of the ornaments that she designed using beautiful rustic fall colored wools. Mom is very patient when she teaches...though she will make you rip a stitch if you need to...I remember her making me rip stitches when I was a little girl...as unhappy as I was when she told me to do it...it was always for the best! :)

The Farmstead...if you've been there, you know that this is all you need to say to describe this warm and inviting special place...Cheryl from Now & Then, my mom, Jana (a dear old friend of mine) and I went to The Farmstead owned by Kelly and Ron Littman located north of the airport...it was an beautiful setting...in the winding, gravel backroads of the countryside in Platte County...the sale had all kinds of wonderful architectural pieces, old wooden signage, handcrafted art and jewelry by very inspiring local artists to offer to the discerning eclectic buyer. A couple of the Friends of a Feather vendors were a part of this fabulous sale ~Angie, Junie "C", Mary Alice of Beading Hearts and Sheila and Craig of Odd Folies. This was my most favorite purchase from the sale...a local artist who just recently received the prestigious honor of winning 3rd place overall in the Westport Art Show~ Chari Roberts Peak...she is an outstanding artist!

Friends of a Feather Fall Event ~ Gone...but not Forgotten

The Friends of a Feather Fall Event was an amazing success in spite of the unusally cold weather ~ the weathermen said it was the 2nd coldest October 10th in recorded history! Crazy... But, regardless, we had an incredible turn out ~ we served hot chocolate and coffee and yummy chili that my husband Brian made. We also had a firepit going ~ so anyone could warm themselves whether consuming the warm goodies or standing by the fire (I think some were warmed by the excitement of a special find that they couldn't live without!) The sun did actually come out for a while...as you can see by some of the photos.

My daughter Jennifer, who is a 1st grade school teacher, makes cupcakes for our event...she gives her profits to the United Way. She made some tasty apple strudel cupcakes ~ they were so good ~ especially with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee!Lots and lots of wonderful goodies to choose from...from handmade creations made by our amazing group of creative "Friends" ... these trays are made by Kathi of TrayBella...Marilyn...my mom... had made some beautiful journals and wall hangings to give as gifts, or to keep for yourself!

These three girls were so happy to be getting Angie's a.k.a. Junie C's handmade head bands....a huge selection of repurposed furniture, flea market finds and wonderful things for your home and creative space were on hand to choose from...

Craig and Sheila from Odd Folies brought some very unique pieces that are perfect for any office or creative space in your home.

Robin Macintosh had some lovely Christmas pins, and ornaments...I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner ~ and as cold as it was, you'd think it was next week!

Busy...busy...busy!!!

I personally fell in love with the pink chair that you see in the photo above...it is now a part of my Vintage Arts Studio... I sometimes can't resist... :)

These are three "little sisters" that helped at the event. From left to right...Jennifer ~ my oldest daughter's "little sister" ... Cara ~ my "little sister" and Carol ~ Mom's "little sister." I want to extend a special thanks to these three amazing women...we couldn't have done it without you!

Rain, Rain Go Away!!

Just so you all know...rain or shine, we will be open for business tomorrow at 9:00 as planned!

We are unloading...and setting up, in the rain...everyone has brought some amazing things! We are a little damp...but we won't melt!

See you all tomorrow!

Lauri

More Goodies to Look for at the Friends of a Feather Event this Week

I'd like to introduce to you our newest "Friends of a Feather" Artisan...Betsy Olson! You can see that she is an amazing potter. We are very excited to have her as part of our event this fall!I was immediately impressed with her work. She has been working all summer on some beautiful pieces and quite an assortment!

The added detail in some of her pieces are very unique and intricate.

These wonderful little "scary" creatures were handmade by Robin Macintosh and will be available at our show this week. They have such personality!

Robin will also have some of her fun little Christmas ornaments she made out of old tin molds. Too cute!

I made these fun Vintage Flowers made with old ephemera and made ephemera wrapped bottles for the vases with embellishments. I offer a class in my Vintage Arts Studio on how to make your own. Be sure to pick up a class schedule in the Studio while at the Friends of a Feather Sale this week.

This is one of my newest creations..."A Little Birdie Told Me" series of paper mache' birds with little sayings. I will have some of these fun little birds for sale, but I will also be offering a class at Vintage Arts Studio on how to make your own!

Craig and Sheila from Odd Folies made this wonderful repurposed printers drawer cabinet ~ fantastic for holding all kinds of "little diddles."

These are some of the other types of repurposed things that Craig and Sheila will be offering at our Friends of a Feather Sale.

Kathi of TrayBella is branching out with her amazing trays that she creates one at a time...with beautiful papers and fun, chunky handles.

"The Gathering Place" ~ The Magazine Article!

We have been anxiously awaiting to have the October issue of Kansas City Homes and Gardens hit the newstands which features our garden courtyard, our dog Cooper, and our upcoming Friends of a Feather Fall Sales Event. I met Andrea, the Editor-in-Chief, at our last Friends of a Feather event that was held this past June. She and her staff did a fantastic job! Click on the KCHandG link highlighted above to read the complete article.

This is Cooper, our 165 pound Great Dane...he loves to drink out of the small bird bath that sits in our garden...especially after a cool rain. He is such a sweet boy!

This is Daisy Mae, our other Great Dane...she wants her five minutes of fame too!

The windmill was a purchase that my husband Brian made while combing the River Market Antique Mall in downtown Kansas City with me one afternoon. He repainted it, and I added his name and the year detail to have it be "written" in history...

Marilyn (Mom) is Amazing!

Marilyn (Mom) has been creating things with her hands her entire life. Growing up, I have always watched and admired her creative talents. These are just a few of her wonderful things that she will be offering at our upcoming Friends of a Feather Fall Event.

Her artistic creative stitchery enhances these one of a kind, handmade album covers with pretty fabric-print pages that will be hard to resist! These would make unique gifts for someone you know ~ or keep them for yourself!! :) Mom's muffin-tin pincushions are made from bright colored wool...each one different and unique! She was one of the original pincushion creators!

Good Company ~ "Junie C" and Beading Hearts

Two of our Friends of a Feather, Angie a.k.a. "Junie C" and Mary Alice of Beading Hearts, participate in a monthly gathering located at I-35 and Lamar -behind Joe's Carpet ~ there are 8 or so gals that get some amazing things together ~ fabulous flea market finds, jewelry, art work, embellished clothing and accessories.

These are just a few of Mary Alice's and Angie's a.k.a. Junie C's fabulous handmade treasures that will be available at our Friends of a Feather Fall Event coming up October 9th & 10th.

One of a kind brooches made from fabrics, woolfelt and other beautiful elements...

Lovely embellished clothing...

Unique choker necklaces...

And quite an assortment of embellished accessories! You better come early to our Fall Event for the best selection!

My Grama's Apple Butter ~ Available at the Upcoming Sale!

My Mom has been making this Apple Butter for years. She always makes up a big batch at Christmas time to give a jar to each of us kids (I usually get two jars :) but don't tell my siblings...) It is an old family recipe that my mom got from my dad's mother. This was the first time that I got together with Mom to make the recipe ~ I think it was about time! We thought that we would sell some at our upcoming Friends of a Feather event. It is the absolute BEST Apple Butter you can imagine! I tend to want to keep it all for myself... The process is quite simple...cook the apples down...grind the apples through the mill...

Add ALOT of sugar...

cook it in the oven for about an hour...

Pour into sterilized jars...

Seal with wax.

The Apple Butter looks so beautiful with the sun shining through the jars!

You will have to be sure to get a jar to take home with you when you come to our sale!

Friends of a Feather Fall Event!

The much anticipated Fall Gathering of Like-minded Souls is just around the corner! You don't want to miss this HUGE sales event. There are 13 of us Friends of a Feather who have been working relentlessly since our last sale in June to put together another fun-packed two days of SHOPPING ~ SHARING TIME WITH FRIENDS ~ HAVING LUNCH ~ AND TOURING THE VINTAGE ARTS STUDIO!

A Girl's Knit-Group Gathering at Vintage Arts Studio

I hosted a fabulous group of friends who get together regularly to get some "knitting" done. We first gathered in the courtyard ~ it was a very pleasant afternoon ~ everyone brought wonderful treats to share. We hung outside for a while chatting about life ~ friends and family...

Once they finished the "catch up" session in the courtyard, I showed them into my Vintage Arts Studio, right off the courtyard, to find a place to settle in...

Everyone brought something of their own to work on ~ knitting, crocheting, embroidery...

You could really see that these girls have fun just being together and being creative in their own way ~ which is what gatherings of friends at my Vintage Arts Studio is all about...

Learning new tricks ~ beautiful! I loved this "yarn" ~ which was more like ribbon!

Everyone seemed to have a great time!

Making Flowers with My Daughter Jennifer

I can't believe my second to the oldest daughter Jennifer is all grown up and is a first grade school teacher! She was in the midst of putting her classroom together for the new school year and thought she could use a few "pops" of color in her Reading Rainforest area of her classroom. So my mom, Jennifer and I got together in my Vintage Arts Studio a couple of weeks ago to make a few tissue paper flowers. Gathering different colors of tissue paper...Trimming...Folding...Fluffing...These are so easy to make ~ and creates such a wonderful splash of color!What a beautiful arrangement!You can see how she displayed them in her classroom! I am sure the new little first graders really enjoy sitting among the animals and flowers ~ a great place to sit, read and be inspired!

Watercolor Class with My Oldest Daughter

My oldest daughter, Sara and I (who is pregnant with our first grandbaby ~ yippee!), took a Digital Photo Watercolor class from the Kansas City Art Institute recently. On a couple of the days the instructor had us meet at the Muriel Kauffman's Memorial Garden just east of the Plaza in Kansas City ~ an amazing place to see if you've never been. I took photos of the beautiful and interesting assortment of flowers that could be used as reference for our paintings. I spent the entire session photographing my "baby girl" from all angles, sitting on one of the many benches, and the endless blooms that caught my eye! It was a beautiful day in many ways!

~ Minature Keepsake Scrapbooks ~ A favorite workshop!

I had a wonderful group of ladies come to my Vintage Arts Studio to learn how to create a Miniature Keepsake Scrapbook. Everyone brought their own assortment of fabrics to make it their "own." We all got busy creating the pages with fabric, cardstock (to make the pages more stiff), and by xyroning them together. Each of them made 5 to 6 signatures for their book.

Notice the package of ephemera that we gave to each of the girls...to get their ideas flowing for embellishing later.

My mom (Marilyn) and I both taught this workshop together. She brought over her vintage Singer sewing machine and I had my Singer ready to go ~ she and I stitched the signatures onto the binding piece as the girls completed them.

Measuring for the inside front and inside back covers. (M&M's help...)

They each finished up their scrapbooks by covering bookboard with some of the fabrics that they brought with them and glued it to the binding piece with the signatures all sewn in place.

Checking out the finished Miniature Keepsake Scrapbooks ~ everyone seemed excited about the possibilities of embellishing the scrapbooks when they got home ~ filling them up with their own photos, memorabilia, or ephemera.

If you are interested in taking another Miniature Keepsake Scrapbook creative workshop, email me at vintageartsstudio@hotmail.com or call me (913) 963-2985. Lauri

thinking outside the box

i was in my studio today working on some new trays. i have been collecting old handles while out junking.....

and old boxes, drawers,

and even some fruit crates.

i still line them with beautiful papers (a signature to tray bella) and i think that these 'boxes and drawers', along with those funky handles, will turn out to be some beautiful one of a kind trays.

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i will post another photo once i get the cool handles attached to them.

these, along with others, will be for sale at the next Friends of a Feather sale! i can not wait to see you there! ~ kathi

~ Paper Memory Quilt Workshop at Vintage Arts Studio

Gay and Teresa ~ two new "Friends of a Feather"...and best of friends :) ~joined us for Robin Macintosh's Paper Memory Quilt Workshop last week in my Vintage Arts Studio. They brought some of their own ephemera that represented some memories in their life, along with buttons, fabrics, beads, charms, photos and alot more "little diddles" to create their own one-of-a-kind 9 patch Paper Memory Quilt.

Robin is an amazing instructor ~ she knows when to step in and help ~ and knows when to step back and let the participants' own creative juices flow...

Gay had fond memories of her mother making her clothes when she was growing up in the 1970's ~ and some NOT so fond...when she wanted to wear a dress too short for her mother's taste :) ~ (I remember those days myself...) She used some of the actual fabrics these clothes were made from along with photos of herself in the same clothes to create her Paper Memory Quilt.

Teresa wanted to create her Paper Memory Quilt of things to represent the love between her other best friend...her husband ~ and herself. She has treasured a note from her husband that he gave to her many moons ago...as well as a little paper window she hung on her wall that he gave to her to brightenher outlook when she worked in a window-less office ~ Life is good :)

I wanted to try my hand at the Paper Memory Quilt, too! I used things that represent things that I love... the B&L represents my husband and I ~ married almost 30 years now :) ...the number 3 ~ which represents our three children Sara, Jennifer and Michael...dogs ~ I have two Great Danes ~ Cooper and Daisy Mae...old vintage homes...old typography...old laces...old keys. I have ideas flowing for more Paper Memory Quilts!!

~ A Girl's "Craft Day" at The Vintage Arts Studio ~

I hosted a lovely group of "like-minded" souls at my Vintage Arts Studio ~ "A Girl's Day Out." I could see that these girl's were seasoned crafters! :) They brought their own goodies to work on and brought their supplies in boxes, bags, and rolling carts ~ it was amazing! They chatted for a few minutes before settling in to their "spot" ~ and then they got busy...the chatting among good friends never ceased ~ talking about life, creating, their passions, and sharing experiences ~ very uplifting and inspiring listening and watching these girls go to work!

Mother and daughter ~ sharing in the fun art of "crafting."

~ Some of the amazing projects that were being worked on ~

Some of the girls brought their own goodies to munch on ~ while some of them ordered a yummy box lunch that was provided by a dear "Friend of a Feather" of mine ~ Kathi ~ see the previous post to see her amazing artistic flair on box lunches!

A fun and very productive day was enjoyed by all!

box lunch

The Vintage Arts Studio had a few girls in today for some creative time. I was asked to prepare a few box lunches for them.
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I'm a big believer of packaging. I think you should take the time to make your presents beautiful and I think the same even if I'm just delivering box lunches.
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Simple paper craft boxes are easy to find at craft stores and are a perfect size for holding lunch.
To jazz them up a bit I just cut rectangle shapes of scrapbook paper for the top. Wrapped each with a ribbon and sealed with a label.

Inside was the yummy lunch. Homemade pasta salad loaded with vegetables and cheese. A hunk of asiago cheese bread (from Panera) and a good sized piece of chocolate brownie cake.
A cute napkin to wrap the fork in and mints (because I added onions to the pasta salad). A bottle of lemon water was also included.
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I hope they were enjoyed by all!
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If you are planning an event at the Vintage Arts Studio ask Lauri about the box lunch details.