Around Town

What I like about Lafayette is that there continues to be new things to like about Lafayette. The city seems to be constantly changing and and adapting and adding, for the better. With various construction projects around town, it's hard to know what will pop up next. Many of the projects are city improvements, you know the ones that make our underground pipes better but make us groan at the torn up roads. Other projects this summer have been for the betterment of the community.


The windmill that popped up at the library is a perfect example. What a surprise to see a windmill installed on the front lawn of the public library. You can see the library in the background with the Lafayette Miner's Mural on the side, one of our 9 public art installations.



The city is making a big effort to go green. This is just one example of how they're doing it. And, according to the Lafayette Library's facebook page, solar panels are next. I'll keep you posted.

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And to keep you posted with what's going on at the studio... While it's been a relatively quiet summer, in the little blue studio, life has been anything but quiet for Kerry and Rachel! Wow! I wouldn't know where to begin...

Now, we're ready to rev up for the fall. Our plans include a fall launch party, our 4th annual artist sale at the studio, and a new line of jewelry.

We got together to work with new materials, new designs, and a new process yesterday. We are so excited with the outcome!!! We'll share photos soon.

We've even found a "green" way to patina silver! The process uses a plastic bag and a hot hard boiled egg! I'll bet you can't wait to hear how that turned out...but for now I'll leave you guessing.

More photos from the sale...

Headbands and pouches...

Littlest Miracles Collection, for the younger set.

Fun, summer drawstring backpacks...

Easy going tote bags.

Beautiful shoulder bags, too.

.........and much, much more!

Join us for our Private Sale

Our two day sale starts today. We have been busy getting ready. The studio is filled with new, summery items.
Our summer specials and one of a kind items are all ready for the two day sale. In the background you can see our fun tote bags and purses on display, too.

Fun, summer bracelets. What a bargain!

Join us Thursday, May 21, 6:30pm – 9:00pm, for some light dessert and beverage; or on Friday, May 22, 9:00am – 1:00pm, for coffee and a treat. Bring a friend along with you.

Hummingbird Mode

Spring is here. We are in extreme hummingbird mode. This means that we are flapping our wings at 12 - 90 beats per second. Per second, folks, we are not kidding around here!

We are in full swing with end of the year activities at school, how many field trips can they cram in at the last minute, book reports, poetry readings, concerts, musicals, field days, and 5th grade graduation. Oh, wait, did I mention that the dandelions and weeds are out of control, and we've had 5 weekends in a row or rain or snow! What about planting a garden? And those vegetable beds we've been meaning to put in, they're half-way done. Don't forget book club and volunteer meetings. The public art committee is gearing up for their summertime events, and oh yeah, Rachel just agreed to be their secretary. We are also coordinating, planning and working on our own home and garden renovation projects. We may even be planning a family vacation, if we're lucky. Then, there is still laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, children, husbands, and friends. Is anyone else feeling this way? It makes my head spin, just to think about it all!

And in the midst of it all, we are preparing for our Spring Sale. Just a little last fling, before we batten down the hatches for the summer. We are excited to be offering a line of less expensive, fun summer jewelry, as well as a wide variety of fabric accessories including tote bags, headbands, wristlet pouches, and bags like these.

So, we know you all are busy too. We hope this spring finds you happy and healthy in the midst of your own personal hummingbird action. Hang in there, summer is just around the corner!

Spring Art & Craft Sale

Thursday, May 21; 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday, May 22; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Affordable Jewelry
• Summer bags and totes
• Fun gifts for adults and kids
• One-of-a-kind accessories
• Mixed media art and collage
• Unbelievable bargains!

We are located at 600 E. Simpson St. in Old Town Lafayette. The studio entrance is on Finch Street. Enter through the west gate and come on in to the back building. Feel free to bring a friend. Food and beverage will be served.

Don't pass up life's small pleasures.

Save the date...

You've been asking, so we've done it....

We've finally picked a date for our Spring Sale.

Thursday, May 21; 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Friday, May 22; 9:00am - 1:00pm



Tell your friends! Mark your calendar! We hope you can make it!

fh handmade

Kerry and I have opened another store!

fh handmade is the online storefront for the Helen Parker Art Studio, a Lafayette, Colorado destination. Partner designers Rachel and Kerry founded Milagro Jewelry and have sold their art and run classes out of the studio now for five years. The studio offers fine sterling silver and semi-precious jewelry, a wide assortment of fabric art and everyday fabric items as well as a growing line of mixed media collage. The fh line continues to grow with expanded lines and new art forms. You can see and be the first to own our new creations as well be introduced to up and coming artists in rotating showings. Visit often to see our changing inventory and to catch those one of a kind items before they are gone.
fh handmade is the place to go if you want that unique art accessory for yourself or your home. We hope you enjoy!

Winter Working

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
-- Josh Billings

Winter is here, and I said that we are usually closed when the weather is too cold. So, I was wrong. We do sometimes have to be open on some of the colder days. Tomorrow may be chilly, but Kerry and I will be there. Our strategy is that we will crank up our little space heaters, and wear our warmest sweaters. Thankfully, the orders are still coming in, and we do need to put in a few hours.



So, we will do our best to warm up the little place. You should stop by, too. We are running a special on non-jewelry items, 15% off. What a deal! We also have our drop in to make art time tomorrow. Come in and make a gift of your own. Drop-in workshops. Make your own gift each Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 - 11:30, December projects include Gypsy bracelets, large journals, Gypsy journals or glass ornaments.

Brave the cold, we promise it won't be too bad! Also, we are the perfect place to look for that special gift you still need.

See you tomorrow!

Inexpensive gifts

At this time of year, in this economy, we are all looking for an affordable gift. Our studio can help you out with that quest. One of our many affordable gifts are these beautiful keyrings. We love them so much; the colors and textures are fun. They also make life a little bit easier, they slip over the wrist so you can keep your keys handy when you have your hands full!

Key Fob - $5

What's more, they are handmade. Stop by the studio Tuesday or Thursday to pick one up.

Rules of the studio...

When it's 32 degrees (or below) we generally don't have the studio open. This little building doesn't have enough heat to keep us (or you) warm.

This morning the temperature is 14, with windchill 3 degrees. Brrrr!

Next week looks good, though.

See you then!

December Studio Events

Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, with company coming, and special dinners and parties to host, with shopping to do and baking, too, we have both been so busy. You have too, I'd bet. We can help you out, we hope. With affordable, handcrafted gifts, check out the specials at the studio. And if you want to make your own handcrafted gift, we can help you do that, too.

We've planned a special sale item every week. (Purchases must be made at the studio for special prices to apply.) This week:


Stone pendants on a leather necklace, only $10. Mix and match to create your own combination.





Do you want to make a gift to give? Join us for Drop-in workshops.Come to the studio to make a gift for someone special. We are open on December 2, 5, 9, 12, 16 and 19; 9:00 – 11:30am. Come make Gypsy Bracelets, Collage Journals, Glass Ornaments, or Gypsy Journals. Other projects may be available, just ask.

Art & Fine Craft Sale - Today

What are you doing for National Arts and Humanities Month? Have you visited a gallery recently? Do you have tickets to see a play or a concert? Have you supported your local artisan?

Now is the time! Come and support your local artisans - Today and tomorrow at the Helen Parker Art Studio, you have the opportunity to view and purchase a wide range of quality art and fine craft items, ranging from textiles to jewelry, lamps to pottery, children's clothing to photography. Don't miss out!

Friday, October 17 9:00am – 1:00 pm and

Saturday, October 18 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

We are proud to announce the following artist will be participating:

Christiane Robinson of Aspengold Artisan Jewelry
Elizabeth Hagen of Elizabeth Hagen Photography
Tiffany Shively of Bebe Sniklefritz
Hope Swenson of Mod Dot Textiles
Linda Brookover of The Light Idea & Boutique Unique Handbags
Sandy Robinson of Sandyland Pottery

Kerry Feiman & Rachel Hanson of Milagro Jewelry

Art & Fine Craft Sale

October Art Sale--

We are hosting our annual Fine Craft and Art Sale
Friday, October 17 9:00am – 1:00 pm and Saturday, October 18 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
We are proud to announce the following artist will be participating:
Christiane Robinson of Aspengold Artisan Jewelry

Elizabeth Hagen of Elizabeth Hagen Photography

Tiffany Shively of Bebe Sniklefritz

Hope Swenson of Mod Dot Textiles

Linda Brookover of The Light Idea and Boutique Unique Handbags and

Sandy Robinson or Sandyland Pottery.

This is a talented group of women. They have amazing skills in their craft. Each one will bring something unique and beautiful to share with you.

There will be a variety of items, from handbags and totes to lamps and photographs. Don’t forget the stunning jewelry! It is a perfect time to start your holiday shopping or find something unique for yourself.

Dog Blog 3

Hi-
It's me, Blue. I am back at the big old blue house. Do you remember me from before? I wrote blogs here and here. My people went away again and left me with Rachel. It's not so bad.

Let me tell you about my time. We spent all day Monday in the studio. Rachel said she had lots of work. I wanted to walk, but Rachel said all the orders came in since Kerry went on vacation, something about Murphy's Law, whatever that is.




I had an important job. I guard the door. My job is to make sure no squirrels come in. First, I look left.

Then, I look right. Then I might even get up and chase one of those wily squirrels. That's the fun part.

After a while, being the guard got boring. So I went into the studio to see what I could sniff. hmmmm, no snacks out there.

I did borrow the camera and took a self-portrait. (Don't tell Rachel) What do you think? Do I have a future as a photographer?

Well, enough writing, this is hard work. Now it's time to take a nap before those little girls come home and want to play. Talk with you later.

Woof Woof

-Blue (the dog)

Fairy Gardens

The four girls were off last Friday. They came to the studio to do a project.

Supplies: We bought four large plant saucers, potting soil, and bedding plants with tiny flowers. We also bought miniature birdhouses and birds, as well as some wooden shapes. Kerry and I got out lots of our studio supplies for them to use, too.

• pistachio shells
• silk flower petals
• glass pebbles
• rocks
• sea shells
• chunky potpourri
• buttons
• small wooden shapes
• paints
• glass and plastic beads
• hot glue to make permanent "ponds"
• colored sand
• moss

The girls were thoughtful in their planning. They collected more materials from the yard. They were very diligent in painting their fairy houses and creating interesting items to attract fairies to their new little homes.

• mailboxes
• sea shell and pod boats
• nut shell dishes
• "food" for the fairies
• twig fences and arches
• ponds and rivers
• twine nests
• houses with chimneys
• shingles
• shell treasure chests
• gardens
• stepping stones and pathways
• bark bridges
• benches and seats

The results of the day were fabulous! The girls (ranging in age from 6 to 10) worked steadily for 2 hours. They each came up with original ideas, their own magical vision of what a fairy house should look like with its own sparkly magic.

What fairy wouldn't choose one of these lovely homes?

Eggs, eggs, eggs

With Easter fast approaching, Kerry and I were looking for a fun project to do in the studio. We were looking for something that encompassed creativity but could also serve as a decorative item. So we started looking for ideas, turning to the trusty Martha Stewart, we found several ideas in the Easter section of her website.

We purchased wooden, Styrofoam, and papier-mache eggs from Michael's and Hobby Lobby. We pulled various stickers, rub-ons, origami papers, printed tissue papers, paint and glitter from our stash of supplies. Of course we added the ever-present Mod Podge, and a few foam brushes. We gathered our materials, and started a round of speed crafting.

With one set of Martha's directions at hand and lots of other ideas, we got started. Here's what we came up with:
As soon as we got started, we were on a roll. We could make monogram eggs, eggs with dresdens, butterfly eggs, painted eggs, and glittered eggs. Won't they all look pretty in a centerpiece? Using a little faux nest or a pretty glass bowl, they will be a nice addition to our Easter tables.

We want to invite you to join us for this project, next week. Come to the studio for a FREE class.

Here are the details:

• Wednesday March 19 or Friday March 21
  


• 9:00 am - 11:00 am



• We will provide collage and decoupage materials, paint, glitter, glue, paper, and lots more!
  


• You bring your own eggs and decorate as many as you wish. You may bring wooden, papier-mache or Styrofoam eggs. If you prefer real ones, please hard boil or blow them first.



• The class will be at the studio. Leave a comment with your email if you need directions.

Winter Hello

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show.

~Andrew Wyeth

The whole story will begin to show. We are coming out of our winter hibernation. The studio is chilly (read - frigid) in the winter. Our little electric heaters don't help much when it's below the freezing mark. As the weather turns, and the flower buds begin to show, we will also emerge.

note: We haven't quite had this much snow this year. The above photo is from the first of the 2006-2007 blizzard season. We are hoping that the weather this year will continue to be somewhat mild.

Happy New Year & Good Tidings to all!

So busy!

I know. I know! It's not even Thanksgiving yet! But Kerry and I are feeling the holiday push already. Are you?
We have our weeks jam packed with parties, open houses, and classes! It is so busy, and exciting too.
We finally added a studio calendar to our blog--look on the right. That should have been a no-brainer, but it took us 9 months to think of the idea. Wow!
So, if you are in the area and want to stop by, you can check it out. If you just want to see what we are up to, you can take a peek too. If you don't have time to stop by and want to get some great Milagro Jewelry, visit our website or our Amazon store and we can take care of all your jewelry gifts for the holidays.
Well, off to stamp some more invitations, bake some pies, address those holiday cards, plan a party, and make Christmas ornaments.
How are you getting ready for the holidays? How do you stay on top of it all?

The tour that never ends...

...and on your left you will find our food and drink station. Today we have some lovely hazelnut coffee and some delicious pumpkin chocolate chunk bread. Help yourself to some coffee or tea, and take a look around.

During our evening events we offer wine and dessert. In addition to the wine glasses on this shelf, we have placed various art pieces that we have each made, as well as some folk art and scrabble tile messages. Click the photo to take a closer look

As you make your way around our studio you will find a plethora of beautiful materials. We have worked hard to sort, categorize and organize the many items we use for our various projects. As much as we have boxed and labeled, it is hard to keep everything at hands reach and aesthetically pleasing. Many our our supplies are kept on this shelf.

We came up with a solution to hide all the mess. We call it the magic curtain. Now you see it... now you don't! We close the curtain when we have guests so the chaos isn't too distracting.

Our big supply table has been a challenge. Our solution has been a dozen or so of the media storage boxes you can find at Michael's Craft Stores. They are perfect for sorting and storing all sorts of items. We have one for rubber stamps, on for ink pads, one for chip board letters, one for costume jewelry pieces, one for children's game pieces, and the list goes on and on and on....

If you read this blog or this one or this one or have seen all the things we have in our studio, you would never guess that our space is really pretty small, only 15 x 20. No, really, it is. We use every inch of it!

One of the best parts of the studio is the wonderful, warm feeling you get when you walk in the door. We hope you feel it too. If you haven't stopped by, you really should sometime. We'd love to show you around!

10 Things I Learned

Fall is that funny time of year, I look forward to all that it is, cool, colorful, changing, crisp, cozy, but it has its bittersweet bits as well. It is a nostalgic time of year for me. Looking back, I have been thinking about all the things my mom taught me. I never got to thank her for these lessons. With my gratitude for her, I will share them with you:

1. Save everything, you never know when you will need it. I think our studio was meant to be. Kerry and I certainly had a head start getting it set up, with all the wonderful art supplies that my mom had collected over the years.

2. Surround yourself with beautiful things, in the garden, on your walls, in your home. Those things don't have to be expensive, just put care in what you do and how you do them.

3. Never save the good china, silver or crystal for a special day. What is the point of having all those special things away in a cabinet, or in a box?

4. And, if it breaks, that’s okay. After all, they are just things.

5. Always have enough good food and drink in the house to entertain at the drop of a hat.

6. Everyone is beautiful, in his own way. This one drove me nuts as a teenager. I actually think it was part of a song lyric from the 70's that my mom tormented me with--does anyone recognize it? Always the optimist, my mom could find beauty in anyone or anything. I appreciate it now.

7. Be inclusive, the more the merrier. Holidays and parties were grand affairs at our house!

8. Never turn away a friend. Whatever a friend or relative needed, my mom was sure to try and accommodate.

9. Laughter is necessary and contagious. My home was always filled with laughter and happiness.

10. Be kind, it’s that simple.

It has been almost 9 years since my mom died. It was too soon, too sudden, and we had way too many plans for her to go. But her legacy lives on in our studio. And I hope that I learned enough of her lessons so that I can continue her vision.

-R