We had such fun this weekend with the first event in my new studio downtown! For World Cardmaking Day I held a free open house and I was so blessed and touched by everyone who came to wish our new adventure well. Neither Penni or I got a head count, but we were never without people from before 10 a.m. when we opened, until after 4 p.m. when we closed.
It is literally a dream come true to see people in this bright and happy space, stamping and shopping!
Now, for this open house I had all my craft fair stuff out as well as my rubber rummage and a large buffet/gifts/drawing area set up. So it may seem a little crowded. Normally it will be much clearer--having worked out of my tiny room all these years, I really prize having plenty of space!
The backdrop for the buffet is hiding the walls behind the areas we tore down! Ran out of time to get those done. I had these two lovely ruffled shower curtains I planned to use for curtains that were perfect to staple up --and provide a backdrop for the party anyway!
Speaking of drawings, let's share the winners! Everyone who came could fill out a door prize slip and stick it in the numbered bucket for the prize they most wished to win.
- Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss: Barb Zacher
- Mini Personal Paper Cutter: Jerry Kolwinska
- Stampin' Up Shoulder Bag: Lorraine Michel
- Paper Pumpkin subscription: Margaret Handyside
CONGRATULATIONS to our prize winners!
Extra big thanks to Penni Litwiller, Ruth Stadler and Kathy Neverman for assistance getting the place cleaned and prepped for the party! Ruth especially whipped my overwhelming list down to nothing the night before our event. I have the nicest friends!
The bathroom turned out so cute. We ran into complications replacing the faucet, so that's still on the to-do list, but my mom sewed this adorable pleated skirt for the wall-mount sink. She also hemmed all the curtains--a big help! I love sewing but have needed to concentrate on the painting and cleaning side of things. The fabric touches make everything really homey, though.
One of my favorite parts of the day was when a visitor told me she'd been chatting online with a crafty friend in Australia the next before. The friend told her to "be sure to go to Lyssa's open house tomorrow!" because she's an overseas fan of Song of My Heart! Funny!
Another favorite moment was seeing some of the hubbies in the lobby just chilling out while their wives happily stamped in the classroom. I didn't plan it that way, but I love that we have a comfy spot for the great guys who cheerfully drive their wives to class and hang out patiently while she plays. I will be getting some guy-friendly magazines and crossword/suduku books for that spot, for sure!
This rug is my favorite thing in the studio (besides my stamps!) It is just everything I love all rolled into one.
I walk in to the building and feel a deep sense of satisfaction over the space we have created for crafters in the Watertown area to come and relax and be inspired in their creative endeavors.
It is so worthwhile, to make things with your hands to give to others, to preserve traditions and memories, to give tangible representations of love and encouragement. To celebrate life's big moments, both happy and sad; to make sure occasions don't go un-noted and that people are SEEN and accepted. I love that we do that here.
Come visit me soon!
It looks spectacular!!! So happy for you. Love the colors! Icwish you the best!
Posted by: Vicky Kahlandt | 10/05/2021 at 11:14 AM
Lyssa, I am so jealous!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new space! I have a craft room but would love to have a space like this to hold my workshops and camps. Right now I rent a space for the day of the event only. I live about 2 hrs away from you (over by Prairie du Chien Wi) My sister and I have talked about road tripping to see your space. Congrats on this new venture from a fellow demo! You are killing it already! Have a stampalicious day!
Posted by: Vicky Mezera | 10/05/2021 at 12:26 PM
Oh wow Lyssa! I have patiently and eagerly been awaiting to see your grand opening of your new craft studio and it’s just absolutely fabulous. I am very excited and happy for you and your crafty customers and friends. You have done a wonderful job and I wish you all the best with it and even though you say there is still more work, I’m sure it’s a labor of love.
You have made a dream come true. It’s my dream too one day to have such a beautiful space to share with my lovely ladies (and gents)…somewhere close but not in my home like now.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos, you truly are an inspiration!
Hugs and best wishes from Australia. Sharni Haines. Xxx
Posted by: Sharni Haines | 10/05/2021 at 01:52 PM
Congratulations on your new place. !!!
Posted by: Linda Bode | 10/05/2021 at 02:15 PM
Beautifully designed and well thought out. Love the whole thing - colors, comfort, displays - the whole thing.
Wishing you the best of luck and success Lyssa in this marvelous adventure. Enjoy the journey!!!
Posted by: Donna Banta | 10/05/2021 at 02:52 PM
Looks wonderful!
Posted by: Chris from Pella | 10/05/2021 at 03:46 PM
I'm so excited for you to have this wonderful space to share with others. I've followed your blog for a number of years. Thank you for sharing photos of your beautiful space. Dreams do come true! Of course, it also took a lot of hard work!
Posted by: Karen | 10/05/2021 at 08:39 PM
This looks really awesome, wish I were closer to visit.
Posted by: Dolores | 10/05/2021 at 09:54 PM
Great news that your grand opening was wonderful and that you had a lot of card makers attend. Good luck with your new venture.
Posted by: Cheryl Hewak | 10/06/2021 at 08:44 AM
Congratulations on opening your studio. I wish you great success!!
Posted by: Susan Harwood | 10/06/2021 at 02:27 PM
What a lovely place you've created! Wish I lived in the area to be able to stop in to craft with you. Wishing you many years of fun and creativity in this space!
Posted by: Alicia | 10/07/2021 at 06:02 AM