4th of July Weekend in the Berkshires

Traditionally the 4th of July is the start of our tourist season here in the rolling hills of western MA. As a kid it meant inhanced possibilities for high-jinx. As an adult there is still that sort of magic that comes with jumping into the height of 'the season' as well as other more mundane concerns like timing errands, grocery shopping, and trans-county travel.
This year the weather has been pretty unusual - lots of rain. Rain that sort of sneaks up on you and then leaves as abruptly as it arrived with a drenching soak in its wake. The garden is GREEN - and my laundry on the SLOW cycle!

On account of the un-summer-like weather I sort of forgot what Great Barrington is like during this season. None- the less, Berkshire Arts Festival at Ski Butternut in Great Barrington was a lot of fun on Friday – the girls had a great time while I was able to browse the great quality crafts –
always with one eye on the bouncing kids.

Notable was the stained glass mosaic work done by a guy from Maplewood, NJ named Michael Solomon.

A family from Maine who made super cool spinklers - the girls got soaked - and LOVED it! When I find their card I will post a link.


Friends and I had gone to seek out a dear friend and future Alchemy Initiative workshop teacher, Janice Shields - of Cut It Out. When the daily drench surprised us we headed for the
car without finding our friend. It was great to soak up some D for a while anyway.

The girls were most impressed with the homemade small farm icecream and the chairlifts. They would like to get one.

Friday night I got a couple hours in the studio – finished a trio of baby blankets. My heart is content when making – edging blankets with just the right touch of color and texture sensation that magical stripe around
the outside, completing things. Ohmmmmm


This morning I wound up posting the three in my shop. You can see them on the left hand side bar – if you click it you can see all the things for sale there.

Hung the laundry in the fleeting sunshine then off the the parade with the girlies while Chris was working on some plumbing next steps at the Farmhouse.

Funny to think that we were all sporting windbreakers and sweatshirts on this normally HOT day in the Berkshires!

The Baltimore Police Association Marching Band was our favorite! They had go-go girls in swishy beaded skirts and tassled boots, a man who filled the space in the circle of a tuba belting out the low notes and a jumpin'jivey beat.

Alot of the participants are very serious - there are banners from sponsors that go by without any accompanyment - droopy kids on either end of the banner shuffling along wishing the parade was shorter.

The multi cultural dancers were bright and cheery as were the Dalton Firemen who cartwheel on demand!
I think I saw Richie Rich in giant balloon form. There is a funny memory associated with that character that will have to be saved for another time.
Every year I think how much a little added creativity would enhance the festivities. One year I will think of it in time to do something about it! Bread and Puppet-esque figures, art cars, crazy handmade bikes. This year I have a lot of creativity swelling up in and around me. It is fun and demanding of my time in the best way.

Irish Inspiration

This post is to inspire you - my readers to check out these pictures taken on my Irish travels, and join in the flower making fun on June 26-28 at my flower making workshop. I still have room on all three days -

This post if also for my friend Diane who takes AMAZING pictures of flowers, morphs them into art and helps me at the workshops.

The details on the workshops are:

• They are held in my studio in Pittsfield, MA.
• 10-4 each day
• $150 per day
• Come one, two or all three days
• One and two day students can come on any day/s that work/s.
  

Scroll down to see what the flowers I have made look like and email me at www.crispinaffrench@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to register.

Wow - My head is spinning!

This is a picture of me and my sister Sofia. Good for grounding my current state of an extra full life!

Not a lot of time to post right now but did want to pop online to let you know I am still out here breathing air!

We are heading to Ireland for nearly three weeks in nearly three weeks. Biggie, the girls and I will be flying from JFK to Shannon with my parents' luggage. We will get there a week ahead of them and spend time getting their summer digs in order.

We have a 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom apartment available for rent in our Urban Farmhouse. Alchemy Initiative will be graced with new contributors which is exciting. Space available June 1st. (We will be out of the country.)

I am working on a new line of Sweatshirts! No, they are not wool! I am wearing the first of them in the picture above which was shot at Alchemy Initiative's Earthday kickoff event.

Looks like we are buying the convent across the street. It is a visual shambles on the outside ~ the inside is structurely sound. A boutique hostel is in the works for this property.

An internship program will get underway here this summer. Applicants should send their resume and letter of interest to me at crispinaffrench@gmail.com.

Chickens and Bees are coming soon! First week in May.

The girls are growing and so much fun to be with. Ben is a fine and healthy young man of 16.5 years. He just got his driver's permit and needs to practice driving.

Chris and I are good. Ireland will give us some time to share and relax.

The rest of the year's worth of workshops will be posted online soon! Stay tuned!

thanks for contributing to the general good of this planet! Seems to be commonly accepted as the way to behave these days. A refreshing new paradigm is unfolding.

Potholder Rug Making Workshop

A three day Potholder Rug making workshop began last Sunday in the studio. A great group people turned up, some from far away places (like Michigan, Missouri, and Arkansas!) with all sorts of backgrounds. While most people stayed for more than just one day there were single day visitors everyday adding new input and fun to the core group.

My friend Eric made some Potholder Rug looms for me to sell - and they sold! He was able to join in on Sunday to learn the process. He was my first ever male workshop student!

Everyone left with beautiful rugs, a clear desire to continue creating and and a few sore fingers!

My workshop schedule for the rest of the year will be posted on my calendar soon.

The next workshop is a one day event on May 16 - Recycled wool felt flower making. 11-5:30 $150 includes all tools, materials, and lunch

Every Wednesday the studio is open for my Sewing Lounge and shopping.
Come by anytime from 11-5 and see the newest recycled creations from my studio. Bring a project to work on or just pop in.

Making

This is what I have been working on in the studio. The blanket on the table came back for a repair. It was a little hard to find what the customer was concerned about. The experience reminded me how cool that collection was. Makes me want to make more!

The top image is of the sign I am making for the Alchemy Initiative. In case you haven't heard, we are having an Earthday celebration - the WE of Alchemy Initiative is a group for four, myself, Jess Rufo, Jess Conzo, and Bridget Conry. Alchemy Initiative is bound to grow but for now we are the team making it happen. Join us 4/22 here at the Church from 6-10 pm. See Alchemy Initiative.org for all the deets.

This Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I am holding my Potholder Rug Making Workshop. There are a couple spaces open if you are interested.

Potholder Rugs

This week is going to be busy. Getting ready for my three day Potholder Rug making workshop and Alchemy Initiative's introduction to the community.
Workshop preparations are familiar and clear. I am excited to meet a nice group of women, some traveling from far away places to join in the learning and making scheduled to begin at 10am, Sunday April 19.
Every time I have a workshop I try to add something to the experience, my learning process. Looms to sell are the addition to this Potholder Rug making workshop. My friend Eric has made a couple of lovely samples for students to try and order if they are excited enough about the process to want to continue at home. Looms that make 2.5x3.5 ft rugs are available for $275 and smaller looms - that make rugs that measure 1.75x2.5ft are priced at $175. You can buy them at the studio or from my online shop, www.crispinaffrench.etsy.com

Alchemy Initiative is unfamiliar as it is so new and really exciting. We, the founding members are a group of 4 women all committed to urban farming, art making, urban center, community housing development and community in general. Our first event is planned for Wednesday April 22 - Earthday. There suddenly seems like there is so much to do! Yikes! Gotta get to bed so I can get up early and work before the girls are up.

Workshop Schedule Change

Greetings from EXTRA snowy Shire City (also known as Pittsfield, MA).
After a bunch of requests came in for more weekend time offered for workshops I have decided to try it out for my March plan. I am teaching Button Vests and Jackets - now offered on Saturday the 14 through Monday the 16. Come for all three days or just one. The cost is $150 per day. You will have a finished piece and a head full of knowledge and inspiration to continue when the day is done. If you plan to stay for more than one day the learning never ends!

I took a bunch of pictures today in the snow storm that continues to dump quiet softness all around. In front is a Button Vest. Restyled overcoat with recycled sweater trim - the style is from the vault but continues to be super popular! You can make a longer one or even a jacket like the one pictured behind the vest!

Pre-Registration is a must. Please call or email for more information. Crispinaffrench@gmail.com or 413-236-9600

Sweater Making

Today began my February Workshop. The focus this month is on sweater making. Here is my friend Diane wearing a truly amazing rendition of a workshop inspired cardigan. She made the buttons with Fimo. Diane was a workshop attendee at the first one I offered back in June 2008. She got hooked on the process and has made several LOVELY pieces.
Monday and Tuesday round out this month's workshop. The Third Sunday in March I start a new workshop on button vests, incoporating used wool overcoats that are woven and wool knits like sweaters. We will learn combination techniques and general structural know-how pointers will be discussed.

Cyber Magic

I am learning so much every day about the internet and how to use it best as a tool for marketing and general communication.
The latest is a calendar I am working on developing in google that will be searchable for all the events and happenings around here (and there are sooo many exciting things it is hard to stay focused on anything else!). So the learning and the excitement are culminating! So cool.

In the future there will be some sort of cool looking link to the calendar page but for right now today you can just search my measly beginning of a calendar there by going to google calendar and looking for crispinaffrench.

It will be filled with lots more soon so check back whenever you can.

It has been a challenge to make myself take time for cardio vascular challenges. I love to be outdoors and not that enthusiastic about treadmills or gyms.
I did get a good three mile trail run in yesterday. This morning Okemo and I found ourselves at the dog park but it was really really cold!

Workshop Schedule for 2009

here it is - the thing people have been asking about. The full year of workshops I am offering in the studio. If you have difficulty reading the tiny type (which looked perfectly legible before I uploaded it!) let me know and I can email you an attachment that is bigger.

Soon my site at www.crispina.com will changed up to reflect what I am up to these days. Until then here is the calendar of events.
More to come . . like my book will be out in August! It is coming together and looking great!

Potholder Rugs

This is Juan and he is a master rug maker. Here he is working on a 5x7 tenango Potholder rug for some folks out in the Bay Area for their newest family member's bedroom. Nice way to start life!
The rugs are all handwoven just like you see here. They are made with recycled wool sweaters or t shirts. There are no dyes or harsh chemicals used in the process. We machine wash and dry all the raw material in 185 degree water with a biodegradable soap.
If you are interested in ordering one you can visit the my online shop by clicking on the items for sale at the right of this post. If you are interested in learning how to make your own potholder rug you can register for my three day workshop in April - the 19-21. Post a comment here to do that and I will give you all the details.

Blanket/Scarf Workshop

Every time a workshop happens in the studio I seem to learn as much as I teach! This past Sunday a great group of all ladies indulged in scarf and blanket learning and construction. Lovely things were conjured up with sweater alchemy techniques developed over the last 20 years in my work.
Super tasty lunch of braised chicken, mesculin salad, and blue cheese, toasted walnut, and sage biscuits was catered by my great friends David Rizzardi and Judy Merritt. We had home made biscotti and coffee for a afternoon break.

The next workshop is scheduled to begin on the third Sunday in February, the 15th and carry on for the 16th and 17th. The focus next month is on sweater construction. The cost is $150 per day with Wednesday the 18th being free for three day workshop attendees. People are free to register for one, two, or all three days and can begin on any one of the three days. Lunch, as well as tools and materials used in the studio are included in the price of the workshop beginning at 10am and finishing at 5pm daily.

Call or email your questions or to sign-up.
413-236-9600 or crispinaffrench@gmail.com

Thanks!

Special Offer

My new years resolution is to be on time. So far I have been doing pretty well with physically showing up promptly but the deadline issue is yet to be tackled. The reason I bring this to your attention is because I have left marketing my fast approaching January workshop late. I need to have at least 5 students to run the class for any given day. I am offering a buy one and get one for half price special. To take advantage of this offer you must sign up by January 10. If you can find the time in your days from January 18-20 to take a class in my studio I promise to engage you in a wholly satisfying experience that will leave you inspired. Everyone will finish the day with a finished blanket or scarf. The process is done by hand. There is no experience necessary. All tools, materials and lunch is provided for they day. Classes begin at 10 and run until 5pm and the charge is $150 per day. (Bring a friend for $75!)

Studio Workshops

The first round of studio workshops offered sporadically in 2008 were such a great success that I will be offering monthly 3-day workshops in my Pittsfield studio throughout 2009. Beginning the third Sunday of each month, I will teach a class in a specific subject. January's lessons on scarf and blanket making begin on the 19 and will carry over to the 20, and 21. Students can join in any day - or two or all three. Single day students will certainly finish a scarf and/or baby or lap blanket. People who stay for more than one day will have the opportunity to complete a larger, more intricate project and learn more involved techniques.
All materials and tools are included in the daily price of $150. If students are interested in staying for three days the fourth day (a Wednesday) is a free finish-up day.
Those with paid registration for the first workshop of 2009, by January 10th can bring a friend for half price.

There is no prior experience necessary although a strong desire to learn is a must.

Classes are limited to 10 people and run from 10-4pm. Barter, sliding scale fees and tuition assistance are available

Tools and materials are available for purchase if students are interested in continuing on with the technique after the class.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions or just leave a comment that I can respond to here so everyone can see.

November Workshops

I am not sure why there is an underline on my text here and honestly I am too tired to figure it out at the moment. Sorry it must be a little difficult to read!

Wanted to let you know that there are a flurry of workshops coming up in November. There are open slots each day but not many so sign up soon!

Attached is a cute color poster for anyone who wants to print it out and hang it in a high crafter-traffic area that would be GREAT! For the rest of you, here is the information that is most useful...

There are a flurry of workshops being offered in the studio this month. I am holding them all back to back to acomadate some out of town guests coming all the way from Texas.

Sooo
As the weather gets colder and we begin to think about the traditional gift giving time of year, consider taking a class in making things that are wonderful to give as gifts.

Here is the Schedule
Sunday, November 16 – learn to make Crispina style sweaters collaged from used sweaters in a shape and color of your desire
Monday, November 17 – choose between Rug weaving and Ornament Workshop including our notable wreathes and bobbles
Tuesday, November 18 – Scarves, Blankets, and Pillows or Ragamuffins - your choice.

Each day is $150. Sign up for all three days and have a free workday in the studio on November 19 to finish nearly completed projects.
The class fee covers all tools and materials as well as lunch. Sweater making workshop students should bring a garment to use for a pattern.
Open studio hours available every Wednesday to prior workshop students at $10 hourly or $45 for the day. Materials are available to take home at $5 a pound.

Feel free to leave a comment with any questions. To sign-up I just need you to send a check with a note in the memo line telling me which day you would like to join. Hope to see some of you soon!

Workshop Coming Up!

Violet says, the mornings are chilly, heating fuel is expensive. Come to my mom's sweater making workshop on October 19 in her studio in Pittsfield and learn how to stay warm this winter!

Details:
Sunday Oct 19, 2008 10-4pm, $150 everything included, sign up now before it is too late!
To sign up, call the studio at 413-236-9600 and leave a message. I'll call you back to cofirm.

Tech Help and Tidbits - GO OBAMA

Hi There,

Sorry for the long silence. I have been in edit mode DEEP. Working on the teaching book I have in the works. This week I am illustrating which is fun and time consuming so not alot of time to catch up here. I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out how to put my google account on my blogger account? It is sometimes very hard to update my blog because I set it up ages ago using a different email address than the gmail address I now have. Every time I go into blogger it tells me that I need to update my account with a google account. When I try to do that, it tells me that it is not possible to use a gmail account as the primary email address for the blog. - I thought that is what blogger was asking me for - my google account - which I think - is my gmail account. Blogger help is a bit of misnomer in this situation. Does anyone have advice for me? Sorry to be so needy in the tech dept but this has me confused.
I would love to stay in better touch and I think help in this area would be a great first step.

Tidbits for the last 2 weeks:
We went to Sarah Humphrey and Gary Rowe's wedding on a super RAINY day at the end of September. It was in Norwell, MA in a LOVELY spot! We stayed with my dear friend Filis Warren in Stoneham. The girls were all dressed up in their best dresses and new shoes. We all had a BLAST dancing and playing and giving all our best love vibes to the newly weds.

Sweater Making workshop coming up on October 19. Need to fill a few more spots for the all day 10-4 event. All materials and tools are included for $150 - which includes lunch too. Join in the fun and spread the word!

I postponed my fall Studio Sale and Giant Studio Tag Sale until November - still need to pick a date so stay tuned on that.

If you live in Massachusetts, the deadline to register to vote is October 15. Please vote for change and fair representation. GO OBAMA!


Thanks!

Workshops

Due to popular demand the October workshop has been changed to a Sweater Making lesson. Details are:
October 19 10-4 at my studio in the former Notre Dame church (40 Melville Street) right in the heart of Pittsfield. Come join the fun and learn how to make Crispina style sweaters from 100% recycled wool sweaters.
The class costs $150 and includes the use of all tools and materials as well as lunch.
Please contact me via email to confirm your place as class size is limited to 10. Thanks, crispinaffrench@gmail.com

Good Green Living

this past weekend I did a hands-on workshop at The Green and Healthy Living Expo that was held at Butternut Ski Area in Great Barrington. Eugenie Sills, of The Women's Times reknown, invited me to participate in there giant SPONSOR booth.
It was really very cool!
Foot traffic was quite light but when you are not trying to sell product that seems a whole lot less important! The exhibitor roster was impressive! Amazing things to learn and network opportunities abounded.
I had a really tight weekend FULL of activities that were not going to allow me any free time at the Expo. The magic of the weekend culminated when my Sweat Lodge sisters decided that the heat of the summer and lack of ability to gather opened my Sunday afternoon to freedom to explore the Expo. It was really lovely. Chris and the girls were there too. We were able to bask in the afternoon sun with all sorts of interesting and smart like-minded people. I hope to help market the event better next year. I felt that it wouldn't take much more work to get a lot more people to know about it.
While I wait for pics from the event to arrive to my inbox, I couldn't wait another day to tell you about it!
The workshop I did was on Flowers. We made a ton of them! There were kids and grannies and everyone in between. Friends and folks I had never met. It was fun and easy to learn, empowering and a great way to meet lots of people. Thanks for the opportunity Eugenie!

It is not too late to join in the learning on Saturday June 21 for Crispina’s first ever Ragamuffin making workshop. The class is to be held at the 40 Melville Street cool basement studio and will run from 10-4 at a cost of $125. All materials, written instruction and a healthy lunch is inculded. Students need no prior experience but should have a solid interest in hand work. They will finish the day with a completed stuffed ‘animal’ and inspiration to make many different types and sizes.
All work is done by hand with scissors, a needle and thread making the transition to working at home on other similar projects easy. Call 413-441-9766 or email crispinaffrench@gmail.com for sign-up or to ask questions.