Spring Has Sprung!

It's been a while since I've written - busy times! Thank you Lord! I have had the MOST fun with the first Saturday of the month craft classes, held here at The Gathering Place! We learned Wool Rug Hooking in February, with Judy Cripps; and just last Saturday we painted "Spring in Watercolor" with Susan Poitevan, of The Brown Rabbit here in Paxico. It was absolutely the most wonderful fun! See pictures somewhere on this page!

Our next class will be the first Saturday of May - Needlefelting, taught by Rob Walker. It promises to be just as much fun as the last two classes!

My mom, Nancy, was here last week and I have to say I miss her tremendously now! She is so talented at decorating, rearranging, and alas, she cleaned my kitchen here at the shop! Bless her! My 65-year old mother was balancing with one foot on the edge of my sink, and one on my counter top, cleaning a shelf. Needless to say, I am proud of her...she's so young! My inspiration! Thanks mom and come back SOON! :)

I have started carrying some vintage fabric and sewing notions. I bought a Singer featherweight last fall from a wonderful gal, and I just NOW have been researching about it, reading about it and getting to know my little jewel! I sewed on it for the first time this past weekend and I love her! And in my excitement to have her and share about her, my mom, aunt and cousin all bought on too! We can have a family featherweight group! I really want to look for more to add to my collection - and USE, of course - so if anyone knows of any for sale, please let me know! I'm becoming a fanatical addict!

I have more purses and candles and lots of "new" antiques in the store, plus my little sandwich/bakery shoppe, so please come see me soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

I have to take a moment on this most romantic day of the year and thank my husband, Darrin, for everything wonderful he has brought into my life! Our third anniversary was last Wednesday...I cannot believe how time has flown by. That kind of happens more as you get older, doesn't it? :) My husband has taught me a lot and shown me a whole new world in so many ways. Mostly, I thank the Lord for the love he has given us for each other.

Well, enough mushiness! I need to remind you to call with your reservation for the WOOL RUG HOOKING class to be held on Saturday, March 7, in the store from 3 to 5 PM. I have several openings left, so call today! 636-5577. It's gonna be fun!

And don't forget if you need a 13 x 9 inch cake or a 12 x 18 inch cake for a special event to give me a call!

Cakes!

I've got spaghetti on the stove, waiting for Darrin and Kailey to get home. It was so beautiful today outside; in the upper 60's - just a little touch of spring before it starts raining tonight and is only in the 40's tomorrow. But, at least we got that touch! It's enough to put a "spring" to your walk and give you hope! Plus, my daffodils are starting to peek out of the ground!

I am now offering decorated cakes! Two sizes: 13 x 9, and 12 x 18. Call to order for your special occasion! I've been decorating cakes for about 21 years; I even made my oldest daughter's wedding cake a few years ago. I'll try to post a picture on the blog! Anyway, I'll keep an album in the store of past cakes I've made. It'll be fun to do it again!

My wool rug hooking class is filling up! If you are interested, please call me as soon as possible. The deadline is February 20, but you will absolutely LOVE this rug we will be making; you can use it for a wallhanging since it's only 7 x 9. I am so excited!

Chelsey brought in some new cards she just made for Valentine's Day, Easter and birthday! They are adorable! Remember to stop in for a unique, one-of-a-kind card for any occasion!

Rumor has it I will be receiving some new purses by Denise of DS Designs soon, and some spring smelling candles from my sister, Jill, of Glory and Grace Candles! Check them out soon!

Have a beautiful week!
Julie

Wool Rug Hooking Class Offered!!!

Who's ready for spring??? I'm sitting here today on day three of a stuffy nose and headache, and I am ready for some warmth and sunshine and green grass and flowers! Some fluffy bunnys and butterflies would be alright too!

I have been adding lots of "new" antiques to the store lately. I've been to a couple of auctions and found some wonderful things! Beautiful glassware, costume jewelry, enamelware....come check it out!

I am most excited to announce that on Saturday, March 7, I am hosting a special class in The Gathering Place from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Judy Cripps, of Rustic Rugs in Topeka, will be teaching a Wool Rug Hooking class, featuring a special pattern/kit she designed called "Paxico House." Cost will be $35.00 a kit; all you need to bring is a 10"-12" hoop. I will provide drinks and dessert! It is going to be so much fun; I have always wanted to learn to do this craft and feel very blessed that Judy will be teaching it! If you would like to sign up, call me at 636-5577 - space is limited, so call soon! I've already got several signed up! What fun! There is also a sample of the finished product in my store, if you would like to see it!

Lastly, I am posting a picture of my very handsome husband on here, with a big thank-you to him for his love and support! He truly is the best, and I appreciate him! Thanks, Honey!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

FOUR degrees today, to be exact! I cooked up a big pot of chili for lunch today - I wish I had some huge cinnamon rolls to go with it! Yum! Not good for my diet!

Well, Happy New Year to everybody! I had the pleasure of my mom, Nancy, and sister, Jill, coming down the end of December and helping me rearrange my store and put new displays in the windows! I have to say it is WONDERFUL! I love it and it motivated me to bring up more antiques I've had in the garage and get them put out! Even my little nephew helped with the cleaning! See the attached pictures - he was adorable!

I have so many new plans for the store this year! I am excited to announce that on March 7, Saturday, Judy Cripps of Topeka will be in my store to teach a class on wool rug hooking! The class will be from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the store and the cost for a kit will be $35.00. This includes EVERYTHING but an embroidery hoop that you can bring! I have limited space, so if you know NOW that you'd like to take this class, give me a call at 785-636-5577 by February 15! What a fun way to get together and make a wonderful craft and get to know some new friends! I'll even have some refreshments!

In the future, I am planning to try to have one craft class like this a month. I am also planning to start carrying some notions, some fabrics, and other fun crafting items!

Let me know what you think, or any suggestions! In the meantime, STAY WARM!

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Well, it's Christmas Eve Eve, and there's a snow storm moving in, and I'm ready to go home and start getting ready for my Christmas festivities! Lots of baking yet to do, and cleaning, and ok....just a lot to do!

I want to take this time to pause and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! With all the busyness and sparkle of the holiday, let's remember to keep our focus on the reason for the season...the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

Beautiful Open House!

Words cannot express what a wonderful day last Saturday was! It was such a festive day and FUN! My mom and dad came down from Plainville to help us during the Open House. All three of my daughters - Chelsey, Erica and Kailey - were here to help and we had a ball! My husband, Darrin, my dad and my son-in-law worked on our lighted float for the parade all day Saturday and it was FANTASTIC!!!

I enjoyed visiting with friends and family and was thrilled to see all of you! A big thanks to Paula, Connie and Marcy from WRHS in Topeka, who came and had lunch and spent a lot of time with us! We were so happy to see my cousin, Matt and his wife, Misty, along with their beautiful children! And, it was "joy" to see my friend, Joyce, walk through the door!

We had a great time with Santa (my oldest wants some ocean-front property, my middle one wants a Hummer, and the youngest wants a puppy, for the fourth year in a row). They had no problem telling Santa their wishes, even at ages 21, 19 and 13! Got a picture too!

And the lighted parade.....Fabulous! I can't tell you how proud I was of my float that the boys put together! Thank you to them for all their hard work! It was the best!

The greatest gift of the day was the sense of community and family in our little town. It is truly a fun place to visit and to spend some time. And YOU are welcome anytime!

Merry Christmas!