Thursday, August 26, 2010

Creative Connection Giveaway

Well - it's that time - time to get back to work! We've had our fun playing in the sun, now it's time to buckle down! First job on my list is to make up all of the kits for the upcoming Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis, September 15-19. This will be a great week of inspiration filled with lots of crafting and women from all over the country - so many talented teachers and panelists coming along - there is something for everyone. Wendy Addison, Marcia Ceppos, Amy Butler, Joanna Figueroa - just to name a few! I heard there are still a handful of spots left in my Petite Coeur Workshop - so just in case you are on the fence about taking the class - I thought I would do a giveaway of one of the kits so you could see what we will be making. First, we'll be stuffing an old velvet heart with lambswool - or lavender - and sewing it closed. Then we'll be making up all sorts of charms and chains with vintage beads, baubles and cabochons, that can be worn together or individually. Gluing, looping and jump ring work will all be taught - including some fun ribbon work with antique Napoleonic brass beads. By the end of the workshop, the hearts should be dripping with jewelry and charms - all pinned on with old pearl pins.
I read that the French gypsies used to make these small stuffed hearts and they would keep all of their trinkets and charms pinned to the hearts while they were traveling. I was also told, by a customer the other day, that when her mother was in convent school in Buenos Aires, the girls were chosen to go to the mother superiors room and pull a thorn out of the purple velvet heart if they had done a good deed. So - somewhere between safekeeping our amulets and doing good deeds, leave me a comment and we'll choose a lucky winner to try out our Petite Coeur Kit. Merci!

107 comments:

Babsarella said...

What a fabulous project. Love the wonderful stories surrounding it as well. Good luck to all the commentors!!

Cara Scarlett said...

I always love your posts--the interesting stories, as well as the juicy pics! But when I saw the red velvet, I gasped--sooo beautiful! Thanks for doing this giveaway!

Cara
carascarlett@yahoo.com

Heather - Speckled Egg said...

Ooooooh. Just beautiful! I'd adore a chance to play with this kit!

Jackie said...

Absolutely beautiful! What a great project (that I'd LOVE to make). I wish I could come to the event, but having a kit would be the next best thing! Hope you're doing well!!

Debby - Romancing the Bling said...

How beautiful! I would be thrilled to create one of your lovely hearts if I were to win the giveaway. So very generous of you!
Good luck everyone!

Debby

Renee; said...

Kerri, I am going to the event and can not wait !! I am also signed up for your class, your kits look amazing !!! See you in Minneapolis !

Gail said...

Precious hearts, what a great story!

becky up the hill said...

Just whimse~! Thanks for the chance Kaari!

cb said...

This looks like a delightful project! Love the story about pulling the thorn from the heart.
Thanks for giving us the chance to win!

Deb said...

Would love an opportunity to win your kit and love your posts!

Anonymous said...

Would love to sew something that would be so beautiful and have such a folklore history attached to it too! And, maybe because today is my birthday, that will bring me good luck for this contest!

As part of my bday celebration I am taking off from work Monday to come to the shop! Looking forward to it...

Jennifer S.
L.A. CA

p.s. Plan to enjoy a bday Lillet cocktail like the fabulous ones your dad makes too!

Cindy Swan-Eagan said...

Oh, this is wonderful & what a fun thing - thanks for doing this giveaway, I hope you pick me, but whomever you pick - what a lucky, lucky person!
Cindy

Cottage Way of Life said...

I think this is one of your best projects to date (and you've come up with some pretty terrific stuff). I hope you'll post about it again after the event & show us all photos of what your class accomplished!

NancyDaQ said...

Another gorgeous project! It's truly beautiful and I'd love to make one to grace my jewelry chest.

Becky S. said...

So pretty--I wish I could be at your workshop in Minneapolis Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful kit.

Kori Turner (olive grace studios) said...

How awesome! What else can I say have fun in Minnesota its a beautiful state. My mom and I were just there in May. :)Kori

Anonymous said...

I would love a chance to win this beautiful kit!

La Loca said...

Oh, how I wish I had a private jet to fly me to Minneapolis. Instead I'll be here, with my fingers crossed. Bon Chance to all!

-Jane
elphaba30@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Love love love this project! It would be so nice to win the draw and make one for my own dresser. Thank you for the opportunity......

prissy_missy_50@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Love that Petite Coeur - thanks for the chance to win a kit!

Edina

edina_tien@yahoo.com

Deb said...

Oh my goodness, does that look like a wonderful project. I just love it. Wish that I would make it to this event!

Catherine said...

Oh what a beautiful project. Wish I could be in class with you. I so enjoyed meeting you at Silver Bella and enjoyed making my first bracelet.


Catherine

PS...keeping my fingers and toes crossed : )

carole brungar said...

Gorgeous project! Wish I could attend classes in real life! :( Never mind, keeping fingers crossed I win!

Tricia said...

What a fun and beautiful project to make!

Pam said...

What a beautiful project!! I would love to win.

Honey Lamb and I said...

I will see you in Minneapolis!

Honey Lamb and I said...

I will see you in Minneapolis!

rjk said...

I love the vintage look of the velvet heart. I would love to win.

Gretchen Portwood said...

Kaari, where do your wonderful creations come from? This heart is so beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win the kit. I can't wait to take your class at Silver Bella. Take good care, Gretchen

Emma said...

Wouldn't it be fun to travel with the gypsies? Your velvet heart class sound delish and thank you for offering a sampling.

merumo said...

What a beautiful project you are teaching! Rich colors in rouge and velvet heart seem to be a perfect friends for autumn...

Miriam said...

I wish I lived closer so I could attend!
The red of that velvet is truly scrumptious!
Thank you for the story of the history behind the hearts. Really interesting and makes the heart all the more special.
Thank you for the opportunity ti win. :)

terry said...

count me in! can't make it to the show and would love a kit to ease the pain. terry

Camille said...

Having a bad day, this would definitely cheer me up!! Love everything you do Kaari!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, It's nice to be part of the fun; I hope I win!
Au Revoir,
♥Danette

Irene ~ RE~VINTAGED said...

I'll just check down the back of the Sofa for my airfare.....
(I wish!)

Mrs Smith said...

C'est tres jolie! I love your blog.

Anonymous said...

Those sweet stories make your charming project even more special! I know just who that dear little finished heart will go to if your give away comes my way!

Karen Burns said...

Love the project and the stories. Would love to see that kit!!!

Suzanne said...

This is such a lovely giveaway. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!

Sharon Stanley said...

could anything be more perfect? i think not...what a great giveaway...thanks for a fun chance!

Robin Thomas said...

Ms. Meng,

Please count me in.

Thank you,

Ms. Thomas

Cindy said...

Hearts, always a favorite symbol, worldwide.

nonnie said...

What a cool project...I am taking your necklace class at Creative Connection so it would be fun to win this!! I could get a little more practice in before Creative Connection - LOL - I still need it!! Have yet to finish the bracelet kit I got at the Rose Mille Bloom event, but I am working on it! See you soon....

Juels said...

Intriguing! Looks like there will be fun to be had by all! Please enter my name in the hat for this lovely project! Thanks!

Dia said...

Really interesting! I love the stories behind all these beautiful things you are doing!

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh I would love to try.
If this is the one that was on the table the other day.......It was very very sweet.

Bernie

Lucid Dreamings said...

Your post had me giggling, as I was once a gypsy living in a convent :) Thank you for your taste, I adore it. deux bisoux.

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

I can not be in Minneapolis to enjoy to fun - winning your velvet heart kit would help drive the blues away about what I would be missing. I would be tickled pink to win your giveaway. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful project! I wish I could come to Minneapolis for the event! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us. The little heart is delicious and the story behind it is the icing!

Kimberly said...

Sounds like so much fun! I wish I lived near enough to come by!

Cassie said...

I always look forward to reading your posts. The velvet heart is beautiful!
Cassie

Margaret said...

I'd love to be able to attend but it's too far away. Winning this kit would be great too of course. :D

Christine said...

So beautiful! Wish I could be there crafting with you! Would love though to be the gracious winner of this giveaway as a consolation gift:)

True North Interior Design & Antiques said...

They are so beautiful and meaningful. Loved the history lesson too, that connection to the beautiful is inspiring. Again you have inspired me!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of a good luck charm for traveling. I keep a little medal in my glove compartment in my car. It makes me feel safe. Someone is watching over me.

KathyG

Cathy said...

Just beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Sharrieboberry said...

What a fun and beautiful kit to try out. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.

Kris and Evie said...

That is a beautiful project. I love the deep red. Kris

Anonymous said...

Oh the stories each one of these elements tell! Love the vintage feel.
CaryB
Washington State

Deb said...

Beautiful! I love to view your post and thanks for the giveaway!

Blogger said...

Oooh I wish I could go. Please make an event like that here in CA!

AnnaBananna said...

I am continually inspired by your whimsy, perspective and genuite gifts of creativity that you share with us via the Warp and the Weft. Thank you for being in our community of craft!

sandi s said...

I love the story and the project. The velvet is beautiful.

Liz said...

wow, what great stories surrounding the velvet hearts and doesn't that look amazing. So wish I could be there for the class in that gorgeous city....
Lizzie
xxx

Sandy said...

oH, bE sTILL mY hEART!! hOW i wISH i wERE tHERE : )

michelle said...

Please pick me - yeah!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I would love to win!

Lou Ann louannmoo@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Oh how I would love to win this one! And a thank you for the delivery of your beautiful fabric to finish my quilt top ! Just the presentation inside the package was like opening a gift on Christmas! What beautiful tissue.

Pam said...

So wanted to come to this...loved your sessions at the MEHC workshop in STL, but we are leaving for Istanbul on the 20th so I just couldn't swing it. Certainly would love to win this kit though!

Anonymous said...

oh my, your projects are such treasures. wish I could make it to Minneapolis!

itscharming said...

Fabulous Treasures as always!! :) I took my 1st jewelry class at your shop a few years back...and I've been hooked ever since!! :)
Would love to win...please enter me!! :)
Have a fab time in Minneapolis!
xo
~Nancy

Elissa said...

What could be more beautiful than a
lovely velvet heart embellished with precious charms, delicate chains, and sweet treasures. Something to cherish forever!

Jamie said...

Beautiful red velvet. I love this project! And again, it's wonderful to read your stories!
Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.como
amzanioli@yahoo.com

Ravenhill said...

This is a most delightful looking project! Please count me in!
emily xo

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

oh what a fabulous kit indeed!! The red velvet is simply stunning.

Lisnaweary Quilts said...

This is beautiful, and a fantastic idea!

Nancy said...

I love the idea and the stories that go with it. Wish I could be there in MN to make it myself!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

A velvet heart filled with baubles and charms...what could be more beautiful? Thanks for a chance!
:)

love you to pieces said...

If I lived anywhere near Mn I would be there in a heartbeat. I had the opportunity to visit your lovely little shop before you moved and I would be over the moon happy to win this gem of a giveaway. Thanks for opportunity and good luck every one. Kathy H.

Quilt it and Dotty www.quilt-it.nl said...

I have every series of fabric in my shop since you started designing at Moda. Kits with your fabric sell the fastest ever. Give me a hand on your givaway and I'll show you what I mad of it!

beadgirl said...

The velvet heart is beautiful; it reminds me of some Victorian-inspired projects I did a number of years ago. I'd love, love, love a kit!

Anonymous said...

I love this project! What fun! Thanks for a chance at this great giveaway.
Pam

Julie Stout said...

I Love your beautiful kit and the reference to gypsys. Im taking an old camping trailer and turning it into my gypsy wagon, and I would LOVE nothing more than to sit in my wagon and assemble your kits!!!!! LOVE everything youd! Julie Stout

Life's a Joy said...

What a beautiful Kit! I adore the velvet, it is such a timeless item, something to give to my daughter or grandmother. Thank you for the opportunity to win:)

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous project to pin your charms,etc.!! The velvet looks luscious and the folklore to go with it--so interesting!!
I so enjoyed taking your millinery flower class @ the ME art retreat. It looks lovely on my Inspiration Board and is admired by my friends!!
Keep creating beautiful projects for us!!

Sammy Girl said...

Kaari -- What a wonderful project and thanks for letting one of us be lucky enough to "pull the thorn" of this giveaway!
Hugs and have a great time at the Creative Connection!
Betty :)

nancarts said...

This is an amazing kit. I love the velvet for the heart. Thanks for doing this giveaway and please include me! Would be great to make all these glittery embellishments.

Have a great day.
Smiles and Blessings,
Nancy

DawnB said...

Love the project. Thank you for the giveaway.

Vicki K. said...

What beautiful materials! I made some humble looking sachets with ticking and lavender to store with my sheets. Every time I pull out a set of sheets - I am pleasantly surprised (again) to find my little sachets.

penny nelson said...

Aren't there so very many fascinating stories. Thank you for sharing these. Never heard before.
Thanks for a chance at the lovely gift.

Anonymous said...

i'd be happy to win a velvet heart!
my heart, my heart!

diedre

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaari,

Well, be still my velvet heart. You know how much I love gypsy culture...so, of course I'd live this little amulet.

So, I'm tossing my scarfs into the ring.

Penny

Trina said...

Would love the chance to win since Minneapolis is such a long way from me ... any chance of a trip to the Northeast to do some workshopping?
cheerio,
Trina

Pamela Jane said...

It would be lovely if I were the lucky one to win this beautiful heart kit. But if not, maybe I'll be lucky to find you are bringing a few extra to SB so I can earmark one there. :)

Anonymous said...

Love the velvet! Just beautiful. Would love this project! Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of this even if we can't be in the class!
Lynne in WA

Christie said...

How fabulous! Remind's me of a keepsake Marie Antoinette's Mother would have given her when she went away to be married to Louis Auguste. Good luck everyone!Saltea

kelli said...

I love this project, and the stories behind it, Kaari. I have enjoyed the classes so much that I have taken with you and I'm sad I will not be able to attend Creative Connection. It sounds wonderful!

xo Kelli

Jillian Maria said...

Beautiful. It reminds me of the velvet strawberries my very-southern grandmother made when I was a child.

Jill

Jemellia Hilfiger said...

Well, I usually spend time pulling thorns from my fleshy cushion, but this is prettier than my bottom!

Diane Langness said...

I will be at the Creative Connection as a volunteer. I would LOVE to win your beautiful kit!! I love the idea and have always loved hearts. I'm a frequent purchaser of your jewelry kits. I get many complements when I wear them. I always tell people where I got them from. I would certainly treasure the Coeur kit and would find a way to sign up for your class if I won. Thanks!!

Diane Langness

RideAndShine said...

Oh I would LOVE to be in your class and at this event. I hope I win the kit so I can pretend I was there! Thanks for being so generous with your creative spirits.

Vickie

qltmom9 said...

I am SO enjoying your blog...just found you.~

Jillayne said...

I'm unable to get to the Creative Connection event - sigh! I would love to win one of your kits - your bits and baubles are always so wonderfully charming!

rose said...

The heart looks like a wonderful project...beautiful with mystique!!

Anonymous said...

My grandma made me a red velvet heart when I was a little girl! I ahve all of my pins - including many from her, some beautiful, some that say silly things from the early 90's. It looks just like the one in the photo!!!

Donna said...

Wishing everyone luck to win! Dreaming of winning is half the fun! Thank you for sharing!

Donna in Salem