this was the first craft weekend at my house after we have moved out.
there were a lot of details to be taken care of to get it ready for guests.
touching up paint from little feet or handprints....washing everything....cleaning.....donating things to the thirft shop....repainting an entire room.
it all came together beautifully....thanks to lots of helpers.
this buffet was in my home growing up for as long as i can remember.
my mom painted it black a few years ago.
she recently inherited more furniture from the grandmas & this lives with me now.
yay.
kimberlee always has the kitchen sparkling clean.
we get all the craft supplies set up in the craft room.
fabric arranged by color is way too happy.
we dished out all the swag...good stuff AGAIN!
always.
it was time for the girls to arrive!
6 flew in and the others drove....everyone showed up within 15 minutes of each other.
they got settled in their rooms and then we gathered for dinner.
after that the crafting begins!!
the ruffle aprons are a big project and there are always a few non-sewing girls in the
group....at first. but then we teach them how and they are awesome!
always.
it's so cool.
it is such a neat sound to hear all the machines running at once.
sarah finished first.
way first.
she is a speedy seamstress....super talented.
kerry was our helper for the weekend.
she picked up the girls at the airport, she cleaned, she organized.
she's a life saver.
and oh so funny.
her apron had cupcakes all over it...ADORABLE.
(she is the sweetheart that brought the chocolate coconut cupcakes....yum)
by the time everyone was finished it was 2 AM.
oh my.
i am so grateful that kimberlee gets up to make breakfast....and not me.
reason #1 is i would not be coherent enough and #2 she is an amazingly better cook than i am....just look at those cinnamon rolls!
craziness.
they were ridiculous.
i ate every bite.
we went to my favorite antique store in marion, kansas called Bearly Makin' It.
tara spelled out Merry Christmas in old vintage blocks.
i love to see the different things that everyone finds.
there is something for everyone!
and it all organized so you can find what you want!
i brought these home for a future craft project.
1990's edition?! this cracked us up! queen of the prom game. wow.
barbie has big bangs! (and ken is wearing a crown!)
after everyone made purchases at the store we headed to the barn for more
treasure hunting.
that green rocker in the background went home with someone that day!
Oggie is one of the owners of the barn & shop.
he can always find something for me to buy. :)
we were FULL in the big van of all our vintage goodies.
we stopped at Sonic for happy hour drinks and a snack.
do other sonics around the US have trucks pull up with pigs in the back?
or is that only in kansas?
then back at the house we played antiques show-and-tell.
these ladies can shop!
kimberlee cooked another wonderful meal...sooo good.
as soon as dinner is over then it was back to making crafts!
my friend jess came by for the evening to teach a craft and make some fun crafts herself.
she taught us how to make nest necklaces.
they were FUN!
kendra finished hers right away.
there were four other projects to make the second night.
everyone was free to make them in any order they chose.
the ginormous rusty table is PERFECT for a cutting table.
happy crafters working LATE into the night.
melissa made THE cutest bunting.
i loved her layering.
we had a little birthday celebration for TWO girls who share the same birthday on the same year even...states apart!
isn't chocolate peanut butter cake the best way to honor a birthday?
yes.
yes it is.
a few of the nest necklaces....
we also made headbands.
each different and unique and SUPER cute.
we made these wood block photo frames.
Tara from Craft weekend #2 gave me the rainbow one as a gift and i LOVE it.
they decorate their tote bags any way they want.
it's fun to have a blank slate.
:)
each one is so creative.
these girls were so sweet...and such fast workers.
...................................... cassie from florida ............................. kendra from washington
............................ melissa from washington ........................................... karen from utah
...................................... katie from colorado ...................................... erin from colorado
..................................... stacy from nebraska ................................... tracy from nebraska
..................................... tara from wisconsin .................................. sarah from wisconsin
posing for their senior protraits...ha ha ha.
such silly girls in their ruffley aprons!
then it's hugs goodbye and it's over as soon as we started.
it goes by so quickly....i just want to keep crafting!
and talking.
and laughing.
and eating kimberlee's meals.
and desserts.
(btw...that michelangelo hands on the porch ceiling....it was there when we moved in....i think it is completely corny....it's a wallpaper decal.....but i never use that door so i forgot it's there.)
Craft Weekend has turned out to be even more RAD than i dreamed it could be.
we get to meet marvelous women from all over the country.
blog readers are pretty cool people.
especially MY blog readers! :)
i am blessed to be able to get to know them.
thank you God for making ART! for creating a desire in me to also CREATE!
and thank you Lord for bringing women together who love it too!
would YOU like to come one of our craft weekends?
you can email whatevercraftweekend@yahoo.com to get on the wait list.
we chose the women who come by random number generator...so you could get picked for the very next one.... you just never know.
we have a full year of CRAFTY GOODNESS planned.
so get on the list!!
I absolutely *love* Craft Weekend posts!! What a fun time!
Posted by: Julie | 04/03/2012 at 09:27 PM
LOVE these posts
Posted by: happygirl | 04/03/2012 at 09:34 PM
Is it CRAZY that I don't craft, at all, but think that looks like such fun!?!
Posted by: Tina I | 04/03/2012 at 10:00 PM
I can't believe how far Kansas is from Pennsylvania. Boooooo. Distance stinks. So kind of you to share these weekends it brightens my day! One day I'll make it, one day...I have to get to that Barn! And Bearly Making It, of course. ok, I have to scroll up and read it one more time, and drool...:)
Posted by: Tiffany | 04/03/2012 at 10:01 PM
Fun times! I know it took a small *forever* to upload all the pics... so thank you for such a great, detailed, LONG cw post :) I looked at each photo about 4 times. I'm excited for you - that you get to do this. That you get to do something that you love this much. Yay. And I just want to say that I love your hair this color. This is perfect. I liked the blonde-ish, too, but I think the dark brown is much younger on you. And great cut.
Thanks again!
Posted by: Jacci | 04/03/2012 at 10:15 PM
This looks so much fun! Everytime I see these posts I tell myself I'm going to jump on a plane w/ a friend and come. May have to do it soon ;)
Posted by: amanda d | 04/03/2012 at 10:19 PM
I luuurve these posts!
What I wouldn't give to have a ruffly apron EXACTLY like Kimberlee's! I'm not good at crafting and almost failed sewing class in school, but I know something A-DORABLE when I see it!
Posted by: Heather S. | 04/03/2012 at 10:29 PM
It's fun to see the crafts y'all did besides the aprons. I was wondering what all went on at craft weekends. Fun as always to read the post. So glad you're getting to do this! Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | 04/03/2012 at 10:35 PM
This looks wonderful. Congratulations on another great weekend of fun, creativity and fellowship. God is good!
Posted by: Karen Gerstenberger | 04/03/2012 at 11:49 PM
I had more than a "litel" bit of FUN with you all! Such a special weekend and a WONDERFUL group to spend it with!
Posted by: Katie | 04/03/2012 at 11:57 PM
I read your blog but never comment! But this post just makes me happy and so I had to congratulate you and all these women on making good things happen... bringing color to the world... adding joy and friendship. Goodness.
Posted by: Red | 04/04/2012 at 12:19 AM
pigs @ sonic..totally an Indiana thing too..haha!
amazing weekend,i hope i can come one day!
Posted by: tristan | 04/04/2012 at 12:55 AM
Wow, what fun! And they all got to meet Jess too... Super cool! LOVE those buntings so much.
Posted by: Jenn | 04/04/2012 at 01:00 AM
I can't even imagine how much fun you girls have!!
Posted by: Heather @ Glitter and Gloss | 04/04/2012 at 01:09 AM
Meg, I'm saving up to come over for one on my 30th Birthday... That's 14 months to save. That would be THEE cooolest present :)
Looks like you all had such a great time again, LOVE those sweet nest necklaces!
Posted by: Kerry | 04/04/2012 at 01:51 AM
Right, I want to move to the States and come to your craft weekend....or possibly move in with you! I adore the aprons and love the use of hessian in the bunting.
Any chance of a tutorial for the ruffle apron? I'm a novice sewer and need guidance.
Love your blog x
Posted by: Melksham Mum | 04/04/2012 at 02:26 AM
always inspired when i read this and have decided that once easter is over i am putting my fabric to good use!!! one question...do you wash your fabric before using it? i'm always on the fence about this! okay going to make one of those headbands for easter now!!! i sure do wish kansas was closer to montreal!
Posted by: jen | 04/04/2012 at 06:15 AM
It looks like you girls had such a wonderful weekend. I miss doing things like this with girl friends. :-) It is so important to make the time to get together with other woman and talk and be creative. I am going to e-mail to be added to the wait list. I will say a little prayer I get picked one day. Love, Love, Love everything you girls made. So much fun!!! :-)
Posted by: Kristin | 04/04/2012 at 08:07 AM
I so look forward to seeing these. You all look like you havce the most amazing time. I hope that I will get to come if my name is drawn. What's so cool is you all look and sound like me! Could that be possible?!
Posted by: Jennifer | 04/04/2012 at 08:25 AM
If there were more Sonics in Iowa than in the cities, I guarantee you there'd be lots of trucks with livestock pulling in.
One of these times, I hope I make the cut to attend! :)
Posted by: nicole | 04/04/2012 at 08:34 AM
The pig thing at Sonic, yes, happens here in Arkansas too. I've even seen chickens and goats. Not in the same pen of course. Can you imagine?! Ha!
Looks like a great time!
Can't wait for my name to be picked to come to Craft weekend :) Love these posts! Thanks Meg! Have a great day!
Ps. I sent you an email.
Posted by: Rachel J | 04/04/2012 at 08:58 AM
I HAVE THAT BARBIE GAME!! Oh, the memories. I can't believe it is in an ANTIQUE show now.
Looks like Craft Weekend was awesome!
Posted by: Katie Mathieson | 04/04/2012 at 09:05 AM
So glad someone went home with that green glider from the barn. I swooned over it a couple of weeks ago! You're keeping Oggie and Dennis busy...stocking that barn for lots of awesome crafty shoppers. Looks like the weekend was a big success!
Posted by: Lisa | 04/04/2012 at 09:18 AM
Pigs at Sonic? Not that unusual...I personally have been the driver of a truck with pigs in the back, parked at Dairy Queen here in Minnesota. I have a story about the drive-thru window at McDonalds and a back seat full of kids and baby lambs that would have you rolling on the floor!
Posted by: Sheila P. | 04/04/2012 at 09:32 AM
I would love,love,love to be part of your next craftweekend,because I just love everything you do...I've been following your blog for at least 2 years from Montreal,Canada!!
so that's why I won't be able to come and meet you in person...snif,snif but you still make me dream in your different projects,big thanks.
Anne-Marie
Posted by: Anne-Marie | 04/04/2012 at 09:39 AM
Oh. I ache. SO much loving all that... and missingssses the you... Just sweet lovliness all up in there! You ladies! SO devine!!!
Posted by: jennyonthespot | 04/04/2012 at 10:21 AM
Love the pictures! Wish this is something I could do it looks like a blast!
Posted by: Allison | 04/04/2012 at 10:22 AM
Oh I am so gloriously jealous!!!
Question: where do you get your white aprons?
Posted by: Kirsten J | 04/04/2012 at 10:44 AM
Just a side note on the Michelangelo...that is one of my favorites because it is showing how desperatly God is reaching out to touch us, to know us and be with us. If you look at the entire painting you will see that every muscle is stretched tight and the angles are latched on to God to keep him from falling because he is trying so hard to be near. Unfortunatly Adam (us as humans) are barely putting forth effort to touch our beloved God. I think it is a great reminder for you and your family. Take a closer look and tell them to be zealous in their pursuit of Christ.
Posted by: Carrie | 04/04/2012 at 11:00 AM
Every time I read these I want to hurry and be put on the list but then I'm afraid I'll be picked for when I can't come :/
I LOVE those block frames. I'm so doing that!!
Posted by: Nikki | 04/04/2012 at 11:19 AM
I always carry a couple of pigs in my car.
and I do not think I will ever stop shaking my head in total disbelief at Craft Weekend....how you turned such a simple idea, women crafting and laughing and eating and shopping, into a most amazing success. It is awesome to see a dream become a reality.
now..tell me more about that whimsical garland with playing cards...
Posted by: Laura Phelps | 04/04/2012 at 11:37 AM
absolutely love seeing pics from craft weekend! very inspiring!! was curious if any of the crafters have blogs, always enjoy checking those out too.
Posted by: cindy | 04/04/2012 at 11:40 AM
one day I hope to come to all the crafty fun! thanks for sharing all the pics!! I look forward to seeing them EVERYTIME! xoxo...
Posted by: tiffany gardner | 04/04/2012 at 12:24 PM
Ok, I should be commenting on craftiness, but...where's your stripey sweater from?? I love it.
Posted by: cheryl @ a pretty cool life. | 04/04/2012 at 12:26 PM
In Mississippi you never know what you will see at Sonic!
I think I say this every time you have a craft weekend. JEALOUS!
So wish this was in my budget and schedule! It looks like so much fun and just the quick getaway a mother needs!
Can't wait to see what happens at the next one!
Posted by: Dani | 04/04/2012 at 12:53 PM
Pigs in truck at Sonic-not uncommon for this Arkansas girl!
My hubby and I have been to Italy..so I adore the painting on your ceiling. :)
Looks like another successful Craft Weekend!
What a neat thing you're doing Meg!
Posted by: Sara Torbett | 04/04/2012 at 01:02 PM
yay! can't wait for my name to be picked!! is gonna be fun fun fun!!
Posted by: jacqui anderson | 04/04/2012 at 01:14 PM
i live in nebraska and i'm pretty sure our sonics would have pick up trucks with pigs in the back... or maybe cattle :)
Posted by: renee | 04/04/2012 at 01:26 PM
Someday I hope I hope I hope!
Looks like so much fun as always.
I love that your big ol family moved out of that amazing house and you STILL have enough furniture to fill it for craft weekends. Dreamy.
You are a generous hostess, Meg (and Kimberlee!)
Posted by: Kristin S | 04/04/2012 at 01:47 PM
I think you should give a craft weekend getaway away to one of your readers. And, since it was my idea, I should be the winner. Just sayin'. :0)
Posted by: Melissa | 04/04/2012 at 01:57 PM
in the year i worked at sonic in high school, i never saw pigs in the back of a truck but we did have a man who came up with his little pony in the back of his truck, along with lawnmowers.. poor pony. lol.. // anyways, craft weekend looks like so much fun..
Posted by: carrie | 04/04/2012 at 03:13 PM
LOVE!!
Posted by: tina | 04/04/2012 at 03:25 PM
I used to teach and my first teaching job was in a small town in the Missouri Ozarks where the first day of turkey season and trout season were excused absences from school...no kidding! Anyway, I was at Sonic one time and someone in a white SUV pulled in with a DEAD DEER STRAPPED TO THE ROOF. It was field dressed, but I had a hard time eating seeing a small trickle of blood coming from it.
I hope my name is drawn for Craft Weekend someday!!!!
Posted by: Heather | 04/04/2012 at 05:48 PM
Meg,
Would love to know where you found that awesome bird print/painting on your wall!
I love it!
Posted by: lynn | 04/04/2012 at 10:16 PM
Not going to pretend I am not sad to have missed it. I am. It looks like this was a really fun group of women and oh how I miss Kimberlee's cheesecake. She said she'd bring me one in OK this summer, I'm going to hold her to it. You will have to come with her :)
Block frames...great CW idea!
Posted by: AshleyAnn | 04/05/2012 at 09:06 AM
I love your posts of Craft Weekend, they look sooo fun! Your house looked so pretty all ready for the ladies. What fun!!
Posted by: Lisa | 04/05/2012 at 07:22 PM
so fun!! i signed up after the first one and im crossing my fingers for an email this year!!
Posted by: ashlee | 04/07/2012 at 01:45 PM
Lordy, this looks like so much fun. Except I don't sew and I don't care what you say -- I'd be too intimidated.
Do you offer discounted rates for girls who just want to come and eat cinnamon rolls and pasta and shop? I'm a good story teller. I could be unpaid entertainment for the seamstresses???
Posted by: Flower Patch Farmgirl | 04/09/2012 at 07:57 PM
can we see a picture of melissa's bunting all finished?? it looks so cute!
Posted by: Cara L | 04/12/2012 at 10:20 AM
Please don't stop doing these!!! My kiddos are too young for me to leave for the weekend. Give me a couple of years, okay? :-)
Posted by: Eva Scott | 04/17/2012 at 07:13 PM