Since Emily sold her shop Blackbird, we've taken a small hiatus from workshops and decided to focus on marketing our Craft Show as much as our children give us time to.

It looks to be another exciting show and we can't wait to get into the town hall and get a view of what our vendors are going to be selling.

Make sure you come by the Old Town Hall in Almonte on Friday Nov 4th from 4-9 pm and Saturday Nov 5th 10-4 pm!

2$ admission gets you in the door and your name in a basket raffle both days. Once again, swag bags will go to the first 50 shoppers on Saturday!

See you then!

Colleen & Emily

New Workshop!

For our next workshop we'll be raiding the cupboards to make these hoity-toity Pouffy Paper Wreaths.

The pouffier they get the snootier they get these things!

You'll leave this workshop with one big pouffy wreath you didn't know you needed until you saw it.

They're fun to make and seriously cute.

Seriously.

Cost is $40 and includes all materials as well as snacks, refreshments (translation: wine) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday July 6th 6pm-9pm (IN OUR FUNKY NEW IN-STORE STUDIO!! HELLOOOOO!) please check out the postcard attached and let us know as soon as possible. We've got 10 spots available.

You can book your spot by replying to this email or call 613-256-9669.

$10 deposit or credit card number required at booking.

Cash or cheque only. Payable to Colleen Hewitt.

Hope to see you soon!

Emily & Colleen

Glass Tile Pendants Workshop

Hello Crafters!

For those of you who missed out on the action last Spring, we've decided to have a yet another customized glass pendant necklace workshop.

Add a little handmade pop of colour to your drab winter wardrobe or create a one of a kind piece for someone you love.

You'll leave this workshop with 2 small and 1 large glass pendants (and will have an opportunity to purchase additional supplies should you be so inspired).

The cost is $40 and includes all materials as well as snacks and refreshments (translation: wine) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

For this one we've got 12 spots available.

Cash or cheque only (cheque payable to Colleen Hewitt).

$10 deposit or credit card required at booking.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday March 30th from 6pm - 9pm please let us know by replying to this email or calling 256-9669. Postcard attached.

Hope to see you soon!

"EAT" Fabric Covered Letters Workshop

When you've got a new baby at home, you watch a lot of TV.

At least I do.

One of my new favourite shows has to be Cougar Town.

And not just because there isn't a single scene without a huge glass of red wine in someone's hand.

I love the home decor on that show.

Long story long, THAT'S the inspiration behind our next workshop.

On the wall in Courtney Cox's character's kitchen, are the letters EAT (like we needed a reminder).

I can't tell if they're painted, or fabric covered, but regardless, they're super cute.

So we're going to make them.

With the help of Dutch Girl Textiles (our craft show's main sponsor for Spring) we're making 3-dimensional fabric covered letters (from scratch) that spell the word "EAT".

Dutch Girl herself is going to pop by the shop at the beginning of the course and you'll be able to pick your own fabrics for this latest creative masterpiece.

Fun right?

The class will run Wed Mar 16th from 6pm to 9pm at Blackbird (79 Mill Street, Almonte)

Cost is $45 and includes all materials, supplies, snacks and a $5 Blackbird gift card.

We have 10 spots to fill and require a $10 deposit (either cash or credit card #) to hold your spot.

Participants must be 16 years or older.

Cash or cheque (made out to Colleen Hewitt) only.

Please reply to this email or give us a call at 613-256-9669 if you're interested in joining us!

Emily and Colleen

New Workshop! *Mon Feb 28th added 3 spots left*

Hello crafters (and wintertime shut ins)!

Blackbird Creative Workshops are back in Session!

Now that we've got the spring edition of the Handmade Harvest Craft Show under control (to keep in the loop on that front, check out www.handmadeharvest.com), Colleen and I have managed to squeeze in some time to brainstorm some great new workshop ideas.

Our first workshop back is 100% inspired by Catherine of Red Shoes in Ann Arbor Michigan.

(She's the blogger I sent that house pillow to a few years ago http://blackbirdalmonte.blogspot.com/2009/02/due-date.html)

Catherine creates really fabulous canvas art and I've always dreamed of ordering one of her pieces.

So when Col and I started talking about where to start, I thought maybe we'd try our hand at it ourselves.

Next Wednesday March 2nd we'd love you to join us as we create happy little pieces of canvas art (12"x24" approx) right here in the shop.

The class runs from 6 to 9pm.

Cost is $40 and includes all materials as well as snacks and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

$10 deposit due at booking.

4 spots left

Sweet Fabric Trees

Hello Crafters!

Gosh time is getting away with us! Handmade Harvest (our holiday craft show held Nov 6th at the Almonte Old Town Hall) was a whopping success. But it kind of left us crafted out for a few weeks and we found ourselves seriously slacking in the Creative Workshop department!

No more!

For our next Creative Workshop we'll be making sweet little sets of three fabric trees to adorn your holiday mantle, centre piece or coffee table.

To be perfectly honest, Colleen made one for Clementine last Christmas and she sleeps with it in her crib.

They're just that versatile folks.

We're going to funk them up with buttons and ribbon and beads and whatever the heck else we want.

Add a string and you've got yourself an ornament.

Make them for yourself or gift them this Christmas as a gift topper.

The cost is $40 and includes all materials as well as snacks, holiday cheer (translation: wine) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday December 1st from 6pm-9pm please read the attached postcard and let us know as soon as possible.

To book your spot, please reply to this email or call 613-256-9669.

$10 deposit or credit card number required at booking.

Cash or cheque only. Payable to Colleen Hewitt.

Hope to see you here.

Emily & Colleen

Funky Wire Wrapping Workshop

Yes we are doing it again! Due to popular demand we are doing our Funky Wire Wrapped Pieces workshop.

You'll leave this workshop with two rings - one a Wire-wrapped Beaded Cluster Ring and the other a more subtle version. Really though, if you aren't into subtle, go gangbusters!

You'll also learn how to make those super cute Nest Pendants that we've been seeing on fashionistas everywhere!

You'll have the opportunity to make at least two of these as well, time permitting.

The cost is $35 and includes all materials as well as snacks, refreshments (translation: wine) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday October 27th from 6pm-9pm let us know as soon as possible. We've got 4 spots available.

Hello Fellow Crafters!

It's now October and definitely a favourite time of year for crafting and decorating.

With that said, we've decided our next Handmade Nest Workshop will be a Hallow's Eve Feather Wreath.

Time to decorate your door, wall or porch with a gorgeous (albeit spooky!) wreath and welcome your ghoulish friends for some treats!

The cost is $45 and includes all materials as well as snacks, refreshments (maybe a little spikey cider to get us in the mood?) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

If you'd like to join us Tuesday, October 12th from 6pm-9pm please read the attached postcard and let us know as soon as possible.

To book your spot, please reply to this email or call 613-256-9669.

$10 deposit or credit card number required at booking.

Cash or cheque only. Payable to Colleen Hewitt.

Hope to spook you there! BOO!

Emily & Colleen

* sold out

Funky Wire Wrapping

For our next workshop we'll be using our love for beads to create Funky Wire Wrapped Pieces.

You'll leave this workshop with two rings - one a Wire-wrapped Beaded Cluster Ring and the other a more subtle version. Really though, if you aren't into subtle, go gangbusters!

You'll also learn how to make those super cute Nest Pendants that we've been seeing on fashionistas everywhere!

You'll have the opportunity to make at least two of these as well, time permitting.

The cost is $35 and includes all materials as well as snacks, refreshments (translation: wine) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday September 29th from 6pm-9pm please read the postcard attached and let us know as soon as possible. We've got 10 spots available.

You can book your spot by replying to this email or call 613-256-9669.

$10 deposit or credit card number required at booking.

Cash or cheque only. Payable to Colleen Hewitt.

New Workshop!

We're baaaaaack!

After a few months of fun in the sun (ok, so mostly we were here in the shop) we're ready to get back into the swing of things and start getting our crafty hands dirty again.

We've spent our time productively and have come up with a long list of creative new workshops that we'll be hosting a couple times a month from now through the end of the year.

We've also started packaging many of our ideas into DIY Take Home Kits & Tutorials for you to keep creating at home.

But, without further adieu, for our first workshop back we'll be making (and baking) funky accessories using shrinkable plastic, pencil & ink, jewelry findings and your imagination.

The cost is $40 per person and includes all materials as well as snacks, refreshments and a $5 Blackbird gift card.

Wednesday September 15th from 6pm to 9pm at Blackbird (79 Mill Street, Almonte)

We currently have 12 spaces available.

To book your spot, please reply to this email or call 613-256-9669.

$10 deposit or credit card number required at booking.

Cash or cheque only. Payable to Colleen Hewitt.

Hope everyone had a fantastic summer!

Emily & Colleen

* 8 spots available

Hiatus

We are taking a break until the fall. Between vacation, family time and the heat we figured we'd put a hold on the workshops until September at which time we'll come back with a vengeance.

Look for our calendar of workshops coming out late August.

Have a great summer and come stop by the shop!!

*don't forgot to submit your application for our Craft Show. deadline is Aug 1st!*

Last Workshop until September ! Glass Tile Pendant - Wed June 23rd

Hi everyone.

We've decided that it's time we took a little break from the workshops so we can focus on dreaming up some new ideas, work on the planning of our upcoming craft show (we're accepting submissions up until August 1st by the way... www.handmadeharvest.com), and take a little breather for the summer. I think we deserve it.

We've also decided to build a space within the shop just for classes so we'll be constructing that over the next months and will eventually be able to offer weekend courses.

So.

Our last workshop will be next Wednesday June 23rd from 6-9pm.

We'll be making glass pendants again.

Cost is $40 and we have 12 spaces available.

Each participant will leave with 3 different pendants...handmade by you!

Please read the attached postcard for details and give us a call, or drop us an email to book your spot.

Happy summer!

Emily & Colleen

* 4 spots left

Next Workshop: Yarn Wrapped Wreaths - Wed June 16th

Our next Creative Workshop has quickly become of our favourite things to make!

Wednesday June 16th from 6pm to 9pm we'll be creating funky yarn wrapped wreaths.

Embellished with all sort of findings and creations from flowers and buttons to wire and fabric, these wreaths will make adorable little one of a kind additions to your front door, or anywhere inside your home.

The cost is $45 and we've got 12 spots available.

We provide: Wreath forms, batting, embellishments and other necessary materials, as well as snacks and refreshments, a $5 gift card to the store, and a reusable Blackbird bag to carry everything home.

You provide: The yarn. Bring along a minimum of one ball of yarn in the colour of your choice. There all no rules as to the texture or content of the yarn. You just need at least one ball. More if you want multiple colours in your wreath. (Check the Hub before you buy!) You can bring other embellishments if you like, but there will be more than enough supplied here for you to work with.

So.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday June 16th from 6pm-9pm check out the postcard and let us know by emailing handmadenest@blackbirdshop.ca or calling 256-9669.

Next Workshop: Embroidery Hoop Art - Wed June 9th

For our next Creative Workshop we've decided to offer our embroidered art workshop for a 2nd time.

We'll be creating little embroidered art pieces using felt, fabric, embroidery floss & your imagination.

You'll leave this workshop with a finished piece, ready to hang in it's own adorable little 7" hoop.

They'll make great house warming, baby or teacher gifts!!

The cost is $40 and includes all materials as well as snacks and refreshments, a $5 gift card to the store, and a reusable Blackbird bag to carry everything home.

For this one we've got 10 spots available.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday June 9th from 6pm-9pm please read the postcard attached and let us know by emailing handmadenest@blackbirdshop.ca or calling 256-9669.

Handmade Nest Crafter's Club

Introducing the Handmade Nest Crafter's Club!

Keep your resolution to get out of the house, try new things, be creative and socialize more by becoming an Official Handmade Nest Crafter.

For only $100, purchase a Handmade Nest Crafters Club Package.

Each package includes:

• 1x Free Workshop to be used anytime (value: approx $40)
• 12x 15% off Handmade Nest Workshop (one coupon per month for twelve months - value: approx $72)
• 12x 15% off your Blackbird purchase (one coupon per month for twelve months - value: unlimited)
• 1x 25% off your Blackbird purchase (one time, anytime use - value: unlimited)

A fantastic gift for yourself or others.

Buy one today - in store at Blackbird. Neat Stuff for Every Nest.

Package expires one year after purchase.

Freezer Paper Print Making - Wed May 26th

For our next Handmade Nest Workshop we'll be trying something totally different...and just a little messy.

Print making!

During this 3 hour workshop we'll teach you how to make your own unique print using freezer paper and fabric ink.

You'll leave this workshop with an adorable printed-by-you canvas bag and a customized tea towel that, though you will have every intention of giving as a hostess gift, you'll probably want to keep for yourself.

This course promises to unleash the print making monster in you (everyone's got one you know).

The cost is a measly $45 and includes all materials as well as snacks and refreshments (translation: wine) and a $5 gift card to Blackbird.

For this one we've got 12 spots available.

If you'd like to join us Wednesday May 26th from 6pm-9pm please read the postcard below and let us know by emailing handmadenest@blackbirdshop.ca or calling 613-256-9669

This workshop is for adults only.

$10 deposit or credit card number required at booking.

Hope to see you soon!

Wow!

Last night marked our 10th Workshop that we've hosted here at Handmade Nest, and we are so amazed! Emily and I have been having a blast with the workshops and continue to be blown away with how many women need a night out to create and have a chat.

We would love to extend our appreciation to all you wonderful ladies for joining in the handmade fun and hope that the little bits of knowledge we've passed on have led to other creations and gifts.

Have a great week-end!!

Col and Em
xo

Paper Butterfly Art - Wed May 19th

The Butterfly is a universal symbol of change, resurrection and transformation.

In some myths, the Butterfly brings sleep and dreams.

In others, it is symbolic of fertility and is representative of love and relationships.

Here at Handmade Nest, we just think they're pretty.

For our next Creative Workshop, we'll be repurposing all types of pre-loved paper into pretty little pieces of framed art - perfect to give as a wedding or baby shower gift, or to keep for yourself.

The cost is $40 and includes all materials, supplies and refreshments.

If you'd like to join us here in the shop Wednesday May 19th from 6pm to 9pm, please view the postcard below and reply to this email or call us here at 613-256-9669.

9 spots currently available.

$10 deposit req'd at booking.

We love it so much, we want to do it again!

If you think you want to join us for another fun Glass Tile Pendant workshop, sign up now!

*deposit required within 48 hours of booking

Workshop Parties!

Here at Handmade Nest we aim to please.

Do you have a group of girlfriends you would love to spend an evening with? Would you like to have some laughs, sip some wine, and craft? Why not book a private workshop!

If there is a workshop that we've run that interests you, give us a shout and we can arrange a night for you and your friends. Our only requirements are that at least eight workshoppers attend, and you are up for a great time.

Contact Colleen or Emily at 613-256-9669 or e-mail us at handmadenest@hotmail.com

* birthday celebrations, impending nuptials, we support any excuse to celebrate!