the lights at Longwood Gardens
Right now Craig and I are in the process of negotiating a lease on a space for my studio/ gallery/ art lessons/ handmade retail business!! We just felt that this could be a good time to actually try it. My kids are so excited and want to be a part of it, I have experience in different areas of what I want to offer, and there doesn't seem to be anyone else in our area who is offering something to the community that is focused on indie arts and crafts like we all do here. Plus I am really sorry that I only have two children... so my way of reconciling that is to give some of my time to work with other children, which I always love to do! It is absolutely thrilling to think of all the projects and learning that could take place. The space is located right in the middle of family-filled neighborhoods and I could even ride my bike to work, if I wanted to! I thought the rent would be too much, but it seems that they might be reasonable with us. So... that is it!!! I want to do gallery shows of other artists and of the students' work. And of course, of my own! I also want to carry handmade gifts and things that I love... things that YOU make. So I will be coming up with a plan for that! I am even thinking of caring a few art supplies that aren't available locally. I have so many ideas just pouring out!!!
The only idea I have not come up with yet, is the name! Why is it so difficult?? I am open to any suggestions. I want it to have a simple, welcoming name. I love the name of Carly's space: Nest Studio. It will be a safe place for children to come and express themselves through their art. So many art instructors for children are into really weird stuff and that's just not me! I want it to express the interest in indie art because that is such a strong movement right now. I love to teach the traditional art skills like drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, etc. but I also love to do crafting and have fun with all the different things we've been doing... even kokeshis and felt plushes, crocheting and embroidery, making all kinds of things that add our personality to our lives!
So, whew... there it is! I have lots of work to do! We are hoping to open in May if the contract goes through with the lease like we want it. And then start with Summer Art Camps. I was even thinking of offering badges, kind of like the Scouts... just for fun and maybe even more whimsical. And I would have a big picture window to decorate... ooooh... sooo many fun ideas for that!!! I love window design at the big department stores like Saks!!! I always take photos of them!
Hope you catch a bit of my excitement!!
Thank you so much again for your support!
love,
Bethany
xoxo
The window at Saks in NYC 2007
31 comments:
Sweetheart, I'm so fortunate that I get to see the JOY on your face as you've dreamed this dream with me and the kids. And I can already see the joy on the kid's faces that will be coming to your studio - you have no idea how much of an impact you'll have on them (including our own kids)! And I can see the wonder and love on the faces of the people that will stop by to see your work and the work or your friends, too! I'm sooo glad I can share this dream with you! I love you! Craigie
congratulations!
Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited for you. What a Praise report. I'm going to keep you and your new ventures in my prayers. Praying God's favor over it. Your going to wow you town. I just know it!
Hugs.
Waouh ! This is a wonderful idea !!! And I agree with you this is probably the right moment to do it ! You would'nt believe how much I would love to be your neighbour right now, to help and enjoy !!! That is fantastic ! And it's You ! Totally You ! It will work !!!
It will work ! Congratulations Bethany !!! I will open a bottle tonight for you !
xoxoxo
Wow Bethany, what a wonderful announcement! I just know you will make it a big success and I will be Hooraying you every step of the way!
Hugs,
Kathy
x
Wow, Bethany! This news is so much bigger than I expected! Hurray! I can't wait to find out more about it, see the opening day photos, rejoice with you!
OK--names: why not Red Yarn or Red Yarn Studio? The name is already associated with you...
Again, Congratulations!
Hey - a comment from Craig!! I think it is the best idea and I am so excited to be a part of it with you!! I am busy thinking of names as I type (I'm not the most inventive when it comes to things like that but I'll try!)
I think The Red Yarn is perfect!! Why look when it is in you backyard so to speak!!! I will be there in July!!! Can I come by for a lesson?? I would love to see your new place!!! Miss P in CA!
I am so incredibly PROUD of and ECSTATICALLY THRILLED for you!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I can see the smile on your face, the twinkle in your eye, and feel the joy in your heart. I believe this is the type of endeavor your soul has been searching for ever since we were young girls growing up. You have the talent, patience, guidance, and love to shower your students with in a way no one else ever could. Your art has a simple elegance and beauty to it that others will be thrilled to experience in the many opportunities that will be open to them. Their lives will certainly be enriched, as will yours and your family’s.
You have the best support system in place right there at home as well as your extended family all around the world. We’re praying and cheering for you!
Love you, Cousin!!
Yeah! I am so excited for you...I thought maybe this idea was what was up your sleeve...I even said something to Dave last night to that effect. If I can be of any help, just let me know! And I like the idea of using your Red Yarn name in some way, too. It is already associated with you. I can't wait to see how this all comes together! Yeah!
Oh wowww! I'm so happy for you! How cool!!! =)
I've read your post and I've read all your comments and I'm still a bit 'Whoah!' speechless. I think this is a fantastic thing for you to do. I'm a bit like you. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination...and you've got an unbelievable imagination! My mind is reeling so I can only imagine what yours has been...and will be doing! I agree that Red Yarn in the name is a fabulous idea. It gives colour to an art store/gallery/world of wonderfulness and sounds bright, bold and confident...but the yarn is soft and part of another world of creating...home, soft, grandmothers....
I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job! How could you not?
Congratulations. I wish I was next door. I'd be at that dinner table with you, tea cup in hand helping you dream!
Jen
wow, what wonderful news. i am very excited for you. it is awesome that you are pursuing something you are so very passionate about and you have your families total support. that is so important. love the idea of keeping red yarn in the name.
Wow! After reading these comments, I just had to comment, again...Beth has the most sincere and supportive (creative, too) friends. Thank you all for your support of Beth!!!
Beth,
I am soooo happy for you! What a super idea!! I know that you will be great at something like this--what a wonderful way to tie together so many of your interests. The mothers will likely be knocking down your door and I know that you will enrich the life of every child who visits your studio. I am just so thrilled for you! Good luck with all of the details!
Terrill :0)
Well, I don't really know you, nor do I know Craig...but I am tearing up at all his support of you. What a wonderful adventure.
I too agree about using Red Yarn a bit, but the Yarn part may 'scare' some people. As I was reading your description of what you want the place to feel like, I kept coming back to the (Big) Red Box (Studio). When I was growing up, the town did arts and crafts and sports in the local parks. We knew where to go because each park got it's own big red box with all the supplies and toys and balls and anything you could think of to entertain a gaggle of kids.
Good luck with all of it...we share the same dream.
Oh my goodness. What a wonderful idea! I am sending all my love and happy thoughts your ways and wishing you all the support in the world! Let me know if you need help with anything! A for a name...
Hmmm
studio for the heART
that sounds cheesy` well good luck with that one! It will come to you! It did with my two online shops.
Best~
Chelsea Ann
P.S. Craig sounds like a keeper ;)
Wow, Beth! This is amazing news. I am so happy for you pursuing your dream. Your talents and background blend perfectly with this. How exciting to have your own store front! You are Blessed to have all the support you have. Good luck with the name decision. I am sure it will come to you. Thanks for sharing your NEWS! We are cheering you on from down here in TN!!!
Beth,
What wonderful news. I can tell how happy and excited you are by your post. Best wishes!
Laura L
that is awesome! congratulations!
wow! wow! wow! i was so excited to get the email and then read this. this idea is just fantastic and you will touch so many lives (plus, you already have!). The kids will be so excited, many artists will be so excited and we are all so excited!!! i think The Red Yarn is a most appropriate name and I so wish I was nearby to be part of this. I would love to send True there or even to just help you set up! This really is so fantastic and to see dreams coming to fruition is even much more encouraging! Really, all is takes is an imagination and The Red Yarn will be just the place to help others see that. I am so encouraged!!! Thank you for sharing this and I can't see how the whole process goes... I am so thankful for this blogging world!
What great news, Bethany! I pray that God will help build the business & continue to inspire you.
In some ways, now (the country having a somewhat-depressed economy) is a good time to start a business. It creates jobs, even if it's just the proprietress to start with.
Happy New(ish) Year to you and yours, and Happy New Venture!! This sounds brilliant, Bethany, I hope it works out for you. As for a name, I like your Red Yarn name too .... how about The Red Yarn Barn?
Whatever you call it, I hope you have loads of fun in it!
:)
What wonderful news! Very happy for you.
how exciting!!! and congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see what projects you will do and what all you come up with. i wish you all the BEST with this new endeavor. you will make so many kids happy! and there are so many crafts that you can do for very little money that are super fun. I did two with my sister that were a big success- making your own salt dough and baking /painting the sculptures. and making macaroni picture frames and spraypainting them. I really like your badge idea- very cute and I can see little kids totally being into that! I wish I was better at coming up with names... for some reason, little whimsies is in my head.
Congrats and Blessings! I'm just catching up on the week's posts so please forgive my late arrival to the celebration!
oh I needed to catch up with your posts.....hooray!!!!!!!!!! this is sooooooooo exciting. This is perfect for you. Teaching art that reaches out to everyone! I cannot wait to see it unveil. oh names are hard.. I do like the Red Yarn. Whatever you choose it has to have red in it. What about,,, The red bus studio...the lil red Studio..the red tree art studio...Outside/Inside red...the red pencil studio...ok I'll stop =)
I think this is going to be awesome! What a wonderful idea... I wish you all the luck in the world!
well, i have to say i'm so so so happy for you!! this will be an amazing place for you and the kids. how awesome!!!! we are in such huge need for creative and safe places for our children and i know you will do a fantastic job with it! congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!! hugs! ps: i vote for the red yarn too.
Congratulations! Having a supportive family makes all the difference, doesn't it? Wishing you all the best.
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