whatever

Each Craft Weekend we have sponsors that send their product for our guests to enjoy.
it is so fun to watch everyone open all the packages and squeal with delight.
our sponsors are so generous!  These are awesome companies that i hope you will support!

Our November Sponsors have got you covered for Christmas shopping!
Go visit their shops and use their discounts to get moving on your gift gifting.
AND you can even shop for yourself… that’s ok too!

 

Use code CRAFT25 for 25% off your purchase!

JENNIFER DAHL DESIGNS

I just clicked over and bought myself the gold cross necklace!
merry christmas to me!

Use code whatever15 for 15% off your order.

ALLEN DESIGNS STUDIO

i use these shopping bags for everything!

 

Use the code WHATEVER for 15% off  your purchase in her shop

WIFEYSINGER

hannah has fun colorful jewelry!! i love all the new colors!

 

Use the code WHATEVER15 for 15% off your order!

KATYGIRL DESIGNS

i love katy’s prints… her calendars… her cards.  I love it all!

 

Use the code MEG25 for 25% off your order!

IKE & CO

You KNOW i love these rainbow bracelets! 🙂  🙂  🙂

 

Starting Monday use the code 30FRIDAY14 for 30% off your order through Dec. 1

DAYSPRING

i am loving all their christmas products!

 

Use code CRAFTWEEKEND10 for 10% off your order.

BENZIE DESIGN

this is the BEST felt to craft with!!!

Use code artsyorange for 15% off your order in her shop!

JENNI HORNE

Beautiful paintings by Jenni!! i LOVE them all!

 

Use code HEYCRAFTYLADY for 20% until 12/10/14.

RECIPE FOR CRAZY

i love all of lesley’s christmas prints!

 

Use code CRAFTWEEKEND for 10% of in her shop.

The TURQUOISE TOMATO

she has really cute cuffs and adorable initial key chain tags too!

 

 

thank you to ALL of our sponsors in 2014!!

 

the craft house looks its very best 10 minutes before the guests arrive.
we light all the candles.  we turn on all the lights.  we open all the curtains.
music is playing.
everything is clean and sparkly.
and kimberlee and i are making the margaritas!

the guests arrived… nervously met each other… ate a delicious meal and then we get busy ruffling!
they chose the fabrics and ribbons.
they sewed into the night.
they are always so excited about what they’ve made… which makes ME excited too!

while we were shopping i told myself i didn’t need anything and wasn’t spending any money.
but then i started pulling out quilts i’d never seen before at Bearly Makin’ It.
and i was starting to feel my will power giving in.
but thankfully these girls stepped up and bought all the things i wanted so i could stay strong.
isn’t that orange quilt the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?!

my breaking point is usually when i see something very unique that i love.
because i know i may never see anything like it again.
and that vintage wedding ring quilt in ORANGE? i bet that was once in a lifetime.

and a rainbow quilt?!
it was a tough day for me!

i like to take pictures like this in the barn because when i am in the barn i feel like there is so much and i miss great stuff.  so when i take a picture i can go back “shop” again.  like… i never noticed the stool in front of the desk… the middle table with the cradle on top… or the round table behind the desk!

this green desk.
this was my dreamy idea i had out in the field… a nursery or flower shop should use this for display!
or i should put it in MY flower bed (if i had one…) for more pots to create another level.
OR anthropologie should use it for stacking 2507 dishes on and make a hand written price tag of $3913.00
ha ha ha
bottom line: this rusty desk is awesome.

i died a little when i saw this.
sad sad sad.
i appreciate my electric sewing machines 1000% but this hurts my heart.

after shopping and eating and a little resting it is straight back to crafting!

ashley taught us how to make leather cuff bracelets from old belts!
oh my goodness.
this was a total blast!
i found all different metal stamp sets on amazon…
Lowercase Alphabet 6mm
Lowercase Alphabet Set – 3mm
36-Piece Letter &Number Set 6mm
4mm Letter & Number Stamp Set
Metal Block
Revolving Leather Hole Punch Tool

and all the other supplies you can find at a craft store.
it takes a little while to get the hang of it and it is loud but it was SO much fun!

(my friends joyce & arnie found THE MOTHER LOAD of belts making this project possible!! YAY!!)

i am certainly no expert at stamping but it is too fun to care!
my husband calls me mrs. duerksen.  🙂

the girls made super cute wreaths with fabric scraps and benzie felt.
benzie felt is easy to work with and she has the best colors!

julianna and ashley were our helpers this month.
it’s not an easy job!
there is not a lot of sleep.  there is not a lot of crafting.  and there are very very many dishes to wash.
but the food is amazing!
and new friends that you get to make… i think it’s worth it.  🙂

all three of these girls make me happy!
i just keep looking at those smiles and it makes me smile too.

i always like to photograph the room mates!

what a super group this was!  they were joyful and silly and so kind!
it was the best kind of group to end 2014 Craft Weekends!
God knew just what kimberlee and i needed.

these girls reminded me once again what a blessing this “job” is.
we get to give these women a break from their demanding lives, give them a pretty place to feel refreshed, feed them good food, remind them of their creative gifts and let them be themselves!
they go home inspired and ready to make things again.
sometimes they get teary when they are leaving because they’d forgotten how much they like to create.
our lives just get so busy and creativity takes a back seat to work, kids and lots of other things.  and sometimes it’s not even in the backseat anymore.  it has been put in the trunk under all the other junk and we forgot it was even there anymore!
but at Craft Weekend… Creativity is number one.
front seat all the way!
getting time to sit, have all the supplies you need and just M A K E is a big deal.
i am so grateful that you CW girls agree…. all of you that have come…. all of you on the wait list and all of you reading that encourage me.

THANK YOU!!

if you would like to come to a craft weekend….

1. read this informative post
2. send an email to get on the wait list (address is in that post)
3. wait patiently to get a chance to come
🙂   🙂   🙂   🙂   🙂   🙂   🙂

 

we had PERFECT weather for the october craft weekend!
it was so nice prepping for CW with the sun shining and the trees turning fall colors.
i am always happy when kansas puts on a good show for visitors.  🙂

our sponsors sent fabulous swag for our guests!
they always do!
it had been since june that i had opened the sponsors boxes… it’s always like christmas!

there were lots of new fabrics to choose from for aprons.
picking out apron fabrics is one of my favorite tasks!

everyone was pretty great at sewing!
they were just moving right along… making ruffles like rock stars.

everywhere you look at the Craft House there is color!

Homemade Bread Pudding with Caramel Glaze… to die for!!
Kimberlee makes sure we eat well all weekend.
homemade cookies… harvest chili & cornbread…. cinnamon rolls…. french toast… YUM!!!

Back40Life sent these 16″ letters for us decorate.
they were heavy duty!
the chalkboard paint was a big hit too.

we made photo frames out of old books.
Amy from Amy J. Delightful taught us how to cover the books with fabric and cut the covers and pages to make a frame.
These were really fun!

We made these SUPER CUTE garlands using Say Hello Shop’s wood banners and Felt Pom Poms from Benzie Handmade.
i love these!!!
we used chalkboard paint on one side of the banners and decoupaged fabric to the other side.
the felt pom poms make it so cheery!

Jaime from Raising Up Rubies led this project based off this tutorial by Bev.
it. was. awesome.
we were all flipping out over how fun it was and how much we loved it.
it is a lot of cutting but seriously adorable results!
we got our hoops at joanns (18″x27″).
you should make this!

proud crafters… and they should be!!


my favorite = antique treasures and chippy paint!
our trip out to the barn was extra lovely with the perfect weather.
there is always something fabulous for everyone.

i was really tempted by the farm bureau sign because i love my kansas sunflowers.
but it went home with someone else.
i am happy about that… i would hate to have left it there.

i even got to drive Oggie‘s truck out to the barn since i took so long at the shop!
ha ha ha
the group had to leave in the giant van without me.  🙂
i had a few partners in crime along with me.

these quilts are such a treasure!
that green?  i was dying over that one… great score gretchen!

roomie pictures!

my pretty ruffled up friends all lined up.  🙂

jaime & amy…truly lovely ladies and also excellent helpers!

Thank you girls for making Kimberlee’s and my job so much easier and fun!

Thanks you to all our new friends that came to Craft Weekend!

🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂  🙂

 

Each Craft Weekend we have special sponsors that send their product for our guests.
Each company is creative, uplifting, FUN and sometimes even YUMMY!
Go and shop through their stores!

 

Use the code craft20 for 20% off your order at

BROWARD PATCH

rainbow chevron?  i love that camera strap!!

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Use the code WHATEVER15  for a  15%  discount on your order at

KATY GIRL DESIGNS

how CUTE are these recipe cards?!! loving that new design in her shop!

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Use the code MEG20  for a  20%  discount on your order at

IKE & CO.

i love these earrings!  Classic and go with everything!

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Use the code CRAFTWEEKEND for 10% off your order at

Say Hello Shop

we keep making this wreath because it is SO happy to look at!
the hello is the icing on the cake!

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Use the code  whatever  for a  60%  discount AND FREE SHIPPING at

SORTA SOUTHERN BOUTIQUE

these wristlet wallets are a new size so the bigger phones can fit inside!
i loved the watermelon color.
and you can get it for a GREAT price!

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Use the code CW20 for  20%  your order at

CRAVE POPCORN COMPANY

this stuff is crazy amazing!!! you need it in your life!
double stuffed oreo popcorn?
D E L I C I O U S.
there are so many flavors to choose from… and they are ALL good.    🙂

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Use the code WHATEVER for 20% off your order at

GABRIEL’S GOOD TIDINGS

rainbow chevron lip balm holder?  yes please!

 

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KELLY RAE ROBERTS

Kelly’s artwork is inspiring and now you can even wear it!
how fun is that?
i love the big round necklace that says “everything shapes us”… so true.

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Use the code CRAFTWEEKEND  for a  20%  discount off your order at

LORELEI EURTO JEWELRY

Lorelei has beautiful handmade jewelry… i love her bracelets!

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Use the code THANKS25 for a 25% discount on your order at

DAYSPRING

there are so many great books & gifts available at Dayspring!

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FIREFLY CONFECTIONS

oh my goodness… these were SO GOOD!!!
i ate them all.

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Use the code  CRAFT15  for a 15%  discount on your order at

CAROL & COMPANY

i wear this bracelet almost everyday now! i LOVE it!!

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this shop is a fundraising shop run by 16 year old Maddie raising money
to take a trip to Sierra Leone, West Africa this summer!
let’s support Maddie!

HELLO FROM A GIRL

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Use the code CRAFTWEEKEND10  for a 10%  discount on your order at

BETWEEN YOU & ME

i really love all the designs in this shop.
they would look pretty in ANY home!

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ELLA RUE DESIGNS

Amy’s shop is closed right now while she preps for a big craft show but go over and see what will be available soon!

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Use the code WHATEVER30  for a  30%  discount on your order at

ART CAN’T HURT

i am LOVING everything is Lauren’s shop!
i totally dig her unique style and use of color, vintage and modern together!!!
and 30% discount?! that is awesome!

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Use the code HEYCRAFTYLADY  for a 20%  discount on your order at

RECIPE FOR CRAZY

i love lesley’s print that says Only Jesus can Bring the Awesome.  🙂

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Use the code MGCC20  for a 20%  discount on your order at

MENNONITE GIRLS CAN COOK

i grew up in a “mennonite town” with all these recipes!
these cookbooks are so much fun.

offer good through june 24, 2014

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have you heard of this 3D Mascara by Younique?!!
WOW!
it takes your own lashes to a whole new level!

you can order this and other make up products through Erin at Younique!

 

THANK YOU to ALL of these generous companies!
You make Craft Weekend even more spectacular!

T H A N K S!!!

oh these girls.
such lovely women…. every single one.

we don’t allow our guests to clear their plates… they have a hard time at first.
but it doesn’t take long to catch on.  🙂

my kids popped in friday evening to bring me my computer that i forgot at home.
but really they were hoping to get some of kimberlee’s cake.

we worked on several projects that were colorful and happy.
everyone loved using the scroll saw and learning how to cut stamps from potatoes.

kimberlee’s cinnamon rolls are everyone’s favorite.
i am getting brave and may finally try to make them for my family this summer.
i’ve heard that her recipe is really user friendly… i need that!
🙂

our field trip out to Bearly Makin’ It and their barn of antiques was a success.
but really…. when isn’t it?
everyone found treasures to remember kansas and craft weekend.
the weather was magnificent!!

how cute is that birdcage filled with bird figurines?!

some old and not-so-old cookbooks.

i scored loads of vintage sheets, an afgan for my oldest’s dorm room and vintage notions at the thrift shop.

we had a weak moment and tried on the wigs.
they claimed they were “new” and they looked “new” so we put them on.
it was so funny… we looked like our moms from our childhood!

seriously so many beautiful junky finds!

we ate on tables built by the guys at the barn.
they build them from found barn wood & porch posts… i love them!
they will make them in any size you want.
i have two BIG ones in the craft house too.

kimberlee’s salad and snacks, outside on a gorgeous day, surrounded by my favorite things = AWESOME.

this green tool box made it’s way to my kitchen too… i mean… DUH!
it had to!
i had no choice.  😉

kansas was totally showing off last saturday.

jessica’s pile she brought back from shopping was really fabulous.
that globe is probably the coolest i have ever seen.
she is lucky she saw it before me.  HA!

saturday night is always full of even more crafting!
laura created this AWESOME wood art project and taught our guests to make it too.
i loved her creativity and then how everyone interpreted it with their own style!

lauren showed us how to use potatoes to make stamps.
it’s always cool to see everyone’s different ideas!
once you start stamping it was hard to stop!

we made pom pom garland again.
it is just such a happy project that i think everyone should do it.
we used THESE POM POM MAKERS by Clover.
you should order them… you can thank me later.
you will LOVE it… your kids will LOVE it… and i am willing to bet you will have a hard time stopping!

RUFFLE APRONS!!

Laura and Lauren were our helpers this weekend…. SO great!!

This job is so much fun.
the women are nervously excited when they arrive and they ohhh & ahhh over everything.
they love to create so we provide them with all the supplies to do so!
they love to eat delicious food (of course) so kimberlee spoils them rotten.
they love the friends they come with and they all make friends when they get here.
they share their stories… their tears… their laughter… their hearts with all of us.

i love Craft Weekend.

If you would like to come to Craft Weekend first READ THIS and then get on our Wait List by sending an email to whatevercraftweekend@yahoo.com.

I hope i get to meet you someday!

And now we are off for the ENTIRE SUMMER!!!
Wooo-hoooo!!!

bring on the swimsuits, popsicles, camp fires and sleeping in!
yay summer!

 

Each Craft Weekend we have sponsors who send their product to our guests as a gift.
And i get to tell you all about these AWESOME sponsors!
Each of these companies carry products i love and are hard work ing creative women!

i would love for you to visit each shop!
these are great places to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the moms in your life!

i have made it so easy for you!

follow the links to get lots of super discounts!

 

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……………….. KNITTY BITTIES ………………..

Use code HAPPYCRAFTWEEKEND for 15% off your order.

She also has pop up sales on her Instagram account.
follow her @knittybittiesshop

 

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……………….. GABRIEL’S GOOD TIDINGS ………………..

Use the code WHATEVER for 20% off your order in her shop!

follow on IG = @gabrielsgoodtidings

 

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……………….. DAISYS & DOTS ………………..

Use the code HEISRISEN  for a  20%  discount in her shop good through april 30!

follow on IG = @daisysanddots

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……………….. IKE &  CO…………………
Use the code MEG20 for 20% off your order.

follow on IG = @ikeandco

 

 

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……………….. JENNIFER DAHL DESIGNS ………………..

Use the code CRAFT25 for 25% off your order!

follow on IG = @jenniferdahl

 

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……………….. NAPTIME DIARIES ………………..

Use the code Craftweekend for 15%  off any prints or canvases (offer good through april 28th)

follow on IG = @ntdprints

 

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……………….. CURLY GIRL DESIGN …………………..

Use the code WHIMSY  for a 15%  discount on your order in her shop!

follow on IG = @curlygirldesign

 

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……………….. DAYSPRING ………………..

Go check out this line of products called Daily Grace at Dayspring… it is my favorite!!

follow on IG = @dayspringcards

 

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……………….. NATALIE CREATES ………………..

Right now Natalie’s shop is closed but her blog is adorable!  go check her out!

follow on IG = @nataliecreates

 

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……………….. LORI DANELLE …………………..

Use the code CRAFT20 for 20% off your order in Lori’s shop.

follow on IG = @loridanelle

 

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………………… THE TURQUOISE TOMATO …………………

Use the code CRAFTWEEKEND for 10% off your order in Jennifer’s shop.

follow on IG = @jenniferallred

 

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……………….. ELLA REU DESIGNS ………………..

Use the code CRAFTWEEKEND for 15% off your order.
Her shop is on Facebook so if you see something you like… message her!

follow on IG = @ellareudesigns

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THANK YOU to all of our sponsors!
everything was perfect!

Thans for always sending your beautiful products!!!