Pincushion Rings in New Colors!

Pumpkin

MelonMy cupcake pincushion rings are now available in 8 colors! I'm open to custom color requests as well :)

Taking an online course

I internet-know a lot of amazing people offering their wisdom in online course form. I always thought that sounded completely cool but had no idea what it meant. When I went to school there were no computers, all my classes were in real classrooms where I was surrounded by actual human beings scribbling notes with pens on paper and missing phone messages being left on their answering machines back at the dorms.

But this being the 21st century, things have changed! I shed my fears and signed up for an online class taught by Diane Gilleland. Diane is a crafty powerhouse; not only does she teach online classes, she produces a popular podcast called CraftyPod, has a lovely website, publishes e-books and has written a beautiful book on the art of fabric flower folding.

I follow her on Twitter and knew her to be friendly and encouraging to crafters. So when she offered a 3 week online course on how to make a PodCast, well, I could not resist.

And I am totally thrilled with the results! Even though over 20 people signed up for the course, Diane helped me personally learn my way around the online classroom. Once I signed in I had access to class forums where discussions could be held amongst the students and teacher. The lessons were broken down into manageable sections with each week's lessons released at the beginning of the week. The lessons were multi-media, encompassing videos, audio, and writing with images and diagrams. Also there were checklists and worksheets I could download. Each lesson had a space for discussion and questions. Also Diane was available for questions privately through one-on-one email. The lessons stay up for the duration of the course and for a certain time period after so you can access them at your own pace.

Every Wednesday Diane initiated a group chat on Gmail where we got to socialize and get to know each other a little, plus ask questions and see questions asked we might not have thought of on our own.

I feel like the course was an incredible value for the kind of information imparted and how well it was presented, but especially for the personal attention the online format afforded.

Now I feel like I understand what it takes to produce a podcast AND I now know what a professional online class experience can be like, I'm sold. Thanks Diane!

Craftopia Craft Show

THIS SUNDAY!

CRAFTOPIA rings in spring at Hope Artiste Village on April 10

Who: Rhody Craft 100 promotes local artists and crafters through its seasonal store and website. At Rhody Craft 100 everything is 100% handmade, 100% local, and 100% delightful.

What: CRAFTOPIA is a super-duper day of art, craft, food, and fun in the beautifully restored Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI. Showcasing the unique work of 70+ independent artisans, Craftopia offers an eclectic afternoon of shopping, and celebrating all things local and handmade. Repurposed clothing, impeccably stitched handbags, one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories join paper arts, fine arts, bath and body products, housewares and a whole lot of fabulosity you just won’t find elsewhere.

Always festive, Craftopia is the perfect way to swing into spring. Admission is just a buck, and kids, of course, are admitted free.

Where: Hope Artiste Village
1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
In the Main Hallway {known locally as the home of the Winter Farmers’ Market}

When: This Sunday, April 10, 2011. 10 AM - 4 PM.

Hope to see you there!