Retreat!

We've been keeping quite busy in our scrap-booking room preparing for a few craft shows and some Stampin' Up! events.  I thought I'd share some pictures from a retreat we had at the end of October.  The weather at the lake was beautiful that weekend--mostly sun!  The grass is not brown--it's covered with pine needles!

Sandy, from St. Louis, MO sent us this photo.  The view is from the living room of the house looking at the lake.  I love the fall color in the foliage.  I love sitting on the front porch--it's so relaxing!

 We had a varied group of crafters this weekend-- quilting, scrap-booking, and handmade ornaments.   Saturday after lunch we all ran over to Kathryn Wise's store, Sew Many Pleasures in Dowagiac, MI and we hit a sale!  Kathy specializes in gifts and collectibles.  After our guests departed on Sunday,  Nanci and I ran up to Kathy's shop and hit the sale again!

Best of all we had lively games of dominoes after dinner both nights!   Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad, Home Made Navy Bean Soup, and Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole were the favorite weekend menu items!  We are booking retreats for 2011 now!  E-mail us and reserve your weekend today!

Note Card Sets with Mini Milk Cartons

 Isn't this note card set adorable?  It looks so cute with the pumpkins from Sew Many Pleasures (Saturday's post) in the background!  There are six matching 3.75"x4" note cards with envelopes inside the box.  The mini-milk carton is perfect for storing paper clips, rubber bands, thumbtacks, or my personal favorite--chocolate!  Nanci based it on the design from a kit she purchased from Pine Cone Press at CHA Summer 2010.

Here's another look at the same project.  Same papers in a smaller size and a completely different look!  The Play Date DSP is extremely versatile.  The matching cards in this set measure 3"x4"--5 cards will fit inside the holder.  The flower has four layers and is adhered with dimensionals.  Either set would make an excellent gift! 

Supplies: Play Date DSP, Crumbcake, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Old Olive, So Saffron Cardstock, Chocolate Chip Ink, Apple Blossom Stampset, Boho Blossom, Five Petal Flower, Scallop border, Modern Label, and Word window Punch, Tim Holtz hinge clips, Misc. Brads and Ribbon

Thanks for visiting our blog--we love your comments!  Happy crafting!

Fall - Chenille Pumpkins - Retreats!

Fall is right around the corner and so is our first full season offering crafting retreats at Lake View Lodge!  We were out and about in Dowagiac, MI the other day and found this great store less than 3 miles from Lake View Lodge!  It's called Sew Many Pleasures  and it is absolutely a pleasure to visit!  Kathyrn Wise, the owner, specializes in Gifts and Collectibles.  We fell in love with these chenille pumpkins!  

Nanci bought them for her house, but they are at my house right now--I don't know if I can give them back! :)       


Kathy's shop is filled with hand-made "gems" like these pumpkins.  She is a charming woman and a master-crafter!  Kathy has graciously offered to teach a class at Lake View Lodge on how to make these adorable pumpkins.  If you would like to sign up for a class with Kathy at Lake View Lodge, please contact us at info@crafthavenretreats.com.  We are still accepting reservations for our 2010 fall weekend special--$199 per person!  Visit our website at CraftHavenRetreats.com.


If you are in the Dowagiac, MI area, please stop in and visit Kathy at Sew Many Pleasures her shop is a delight to the eye!  Sew Many Pleasures is open Wed-Sun from 10 AM-5 PM, May-November, Phone: 269-424-3467, Cell: 269-208-3094.  Happy Crafting!