Well we made it to the newspaper, one last time. 

Just thought I would pass it on…

September 8, 2009

Hello all, By now you may have heard that we are indeed closing our doors. It comes as a great sadness for us to do so, but the numbers in the past year have played out in a different fashion. So for now, this is a direction that we need to turn.

The last day to be open for sales will be September 14th from 10-6 p.m. So mark your calendars as this would be the opportune time to do your Holiday Shopping!

• September 14: Last day of sales
• September 15-25: Artist pick-up of their goods & display items
• September 21-25: Liquidation of fixtures and furniture

In the process of closing, there will be many items from the store that will be for sale. Please feel free to come and peruse those items as well. As they say, “Everything Must Go!”

Thanks again for allowing us to share The Stash with you; we appreciate your support and enthusiasm more than we can say.

Sincerely,

The Stash 535 3rd Avenue, Suite B

Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-457-8274

Email: thestashalaska@gmail.com

Website: http://threadsinmystash.wordpress.com/

Hello out there!

Just wanted to let you know that The Stash will be closed on this coming Saturday, Sept. 5th and Monday Sept. 7th for Labor Day.

We will however, be open until 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4th for First Friday!

So be sure to swing by and hang out for a while, we would LOVE to see you…

Hope you have a safe and wonderful weekend!

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NEW items HOT off the artists fingers!

• Aprons by Bernadette Woods these are totally cute fun colors & shapes, perfect for all the holiday cooking coming up!
• Twilight Locker Boards by Jennifer Eskridge yep, that’s right, now you can have a little piece of Edward, Bella, Jasper, Jacob and Alice in your locker or at your office desk!
  
• Hand-touched Giclee prints by Amy Komar there are wonderful trees and moving colors to carry you off to far away places!
• Photo cards by Gretjen Helene Photography she has captured many facets of Alaska that we all know and love, be sure to check them out…

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First Friday Schedules are ready!

We did some planning recently and planned out the themes for some of our upcoming First Friday events.  We hope you can join us and help our artist celebrate their pieces!

September:  Baby Stash (more info below)

• Artists: Tammy Brock, The Stashettes, Monika Hebert, Susi Doyle Larson and Nettie Larson
• Extras:  Numerology by Dana
• Music:  Mariah Ver Hoef

October:  Art Bras for Breast Cancer Awareness  (more info below)

November:  Holiday delectable edibles!  (Just like last year we will feature those who make edible goods, we will take pre-orders for the holiday season.)

December:  Glass – all things bright & shiny!

January:  Winter Watercolors

We are also looking for music for our First Fridays!  So if you play, want to jam, hang out or know of a band that needs some extra playing time…  We have great acoustics here, lively atmosphere & would love to hear from you!  Please forward our email thestashalaska@gmail.com or phone 45-STASH.

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Non-Profit Line Ups for Fall!

We will continue in our effort to give back to our community by supporting more non-profits for the Fall.  Please help us spread the word!

• August:  School Supplies for kids in need, all supplies will be donated to Nordale Elementary School!  Please bring in extras from your shopping trips to donate!    (We need MORE!)
• September:  Diapers & Wipes recipient TBA.
• October:  Silent Auction of Art Bras for Breast Cancer Detection Center  (more info on this below)

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Art Bras:

The time has come for us to think about Breast Cancer Awareness month here at The Stash!  Last year we were part of the window decorating contest, and this year we will feature a silent auction of Artful Bras, made by our fabulous Fairbanks artists!    Is this something you are interested to participate in?  Please let us know, we are open to accepting Art Bras from you too!

What is an Art Bra you ask???
“An art bra is basically an artistically decorated bra; an embellished bra. Art bras are fun – they are popular items for artists to make for Breast Cancer fundraisers. What you do is take a regular bra – usually padded – and cover it with fabric or beads or paint – or all three plus whatever else comes to mind. Some art bras have a theme, some are serious, some are funny, some are just decorated and given a name.”  Ask the Crafter

Please contact us for more information, as well as to sign up!  We need to have a good picture of how many bras we will be working with.  This will be our featured medium for October First Friday, and BCDC of Fairbanks will be the recipients of our October Non-Profit.  All proceeds from the silent auction of these bras will be donated to them.

Check these sites for ideas!
http://www.fijicancersociety.org/Bra%20Gallery.htm
http://www.quiltersofsc.org/artfullbras/artfullbras.htm
http://artbrashow.blogspot.com/

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Whats HOT right now:
Some things around here seem to fly off the shelves…  They are ever changing and fun to watch and see what is HOT right now around town!  (these are in no certain order)

• Erinn Hatter jewelry
• Crib Crinklers by Patti Shechter
• CD by Mariah Ver Hoef
• Gretchen Whitman candy
• Lauren Hughes earrings
• Brandalion Beads earrings

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Baby Stash!

There is something new coming to The Stash, or rather a ‘new’ line of goods!  It is called Baby Stash, and these are items made by our artists that are geared directly towards the children in our lives.  All items that are in this line will be ‘exclusive‘ items only sold here at The Stash!

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Upcoming!  Upcoming!  Upcoming!

Fall Schedule is coming soon!

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Class Name:  Summer YogaDescription: The Stash yogi, Rachael, will provide a relaxing beginning level, hour long yoga class.  Bring your mat and be ready to breathe!

Date: Thursdays from 6-7 p.m.

Cost: $10 per class $15 per private lesson

Supplies:          All supplies provided

Age Appropriateness: 13 & up

Class size:        5 person limit

Teacher:          Rachael Brechan

Supplies: Bring your yoga mat!

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Class Name: Beginning SewingDescription: This is about sewing basics, tools patterns and methods.  We will cover hand sewing, basic embroidery stitches, and the beginning of machine sewing.  All students will leave with a finished project

Date: By appointment only

Time: 6 hour class (broken into 3 segments)

Cost: $125

Age Appropriateness:      8 and above

Class size: Private class

Teacher:            Various teachers available

Supplies:           All supplies provided!

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Class Name: KnittingDescription: Come deal with your knitting “issues” in a one-on-one environment. This is an excellent opportunity to get started on a new skill, or to get help fixing a heinous knitting emergency.   What ever you decide, it’s all about you!

Date: By appointment only

Cost: $15 per hour

Age Appropriateness:      8 and above

Class size: Private class

Teacher:            Caitlin Winebarger

Supplies:           All supplies provided!

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Hi all!  Hope you are having a beautiful summer thus far…  It has been a while since we sent you an email, so thought it was about time we got caught up!
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First Friday Schedules are ready! We did some planning recently and planned out the themes for some of our upcoming First Friday events.  We hope you can join us and help our artist celebrate their pieces!

August:  All About Acrylics

• Artists: Amy Komar, Erinn Hatter and Tammy Holland
• Extras:  Numerology by Dana

September:  Baby Stash (more info on this below)

October:  Art Bras for Breast Cancer Awareness  (more info on this below)

November:  Holiday delectable edibles!  (Just like last year we will feature those who make edible goods, we will take pre-orders for the holidays.)

December:  Glass – all things bright & shiny!

January:  Winter Watercolors

We are also looking for music for our First Fridays!  So if you play, want to jam, hang out or know of a band that needs some extra playing time…  We have great acoustics here, lively atmosphere & would love to hear from you!  Please forward our email thestashalaska@gmail.com or phone 45-STASH.

******************************

Non-Profit Line Ups for Fall! We will continue in our effort to give back to our community by supporting more non-profits for the Fall.  Please help us spread the word!

August:  School Supplies for kids in need!  Please bring in extras from your shopping trips to donate! 

September:  Diapers & Wipes recipient TBA.

October:  Silent Auction of Art Bras for Breast Cancer Detection Center  (more info on this below)

******************************
Art Bras: The time has come for us to think about Breast Cancer Awareness month here at The Stash!  Last year we were part of the window decorating contest, and this year we will feature a silent auction of Artful Bras, made by our fabulous Fairbanks artists! 

What is an Art Bra you ask???
“An art bra is basically an artistically decorated bra; an embellished bra. Art bras are fun – they are popular items for artists to make for Breast Cancer fundraisers. What you do is take a regular bra – usually padded – and cover it with fabric or beads or paint – or all three plus whatever else comes to mind. Some art bras have a theme, some are serious, some are funny, some are just decorated and given a name.”  Ask the Crafter

These will be featured for October First Friday, and BCDC of Fairbanks will be the recipients of our October Non-Profit.  All proceeds from the silent auction of these bras will be donated to them.

******************************
Sale Items: All canes & walking sticks were just marked on sale!  They are beautiful and make great gifts…

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Baby Stash! There is something new coming to The Stash, or rather a ‘new’ line of goods!  It is called Baby Stash, and these are items made by our artists that are geared directly towards the babies in our lives.  All items that are in this line will be ‘exclusive‘ items only sold here at The Stash!  We are in need of a nice crib or cradle for this area of the store.  Have one you don’t mind parting with?  Saw one at a friends?  Please let us know!

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Therapy! Yep, you read it right!  The Stash is now offering Therapy sessions (aka UFO Night)!  You bring your project & a dish to share and let the session begin.    RSVP so we know how many to expect…  Wednesday, August 19th from 5-8 p.m.  Cost is $5 and be sure to bring what supplies you need to work on!

Upcoming!  Upcoming!  Upcoming!

Class Name:  Pixies, Fairies, and Wee Friends

Description: Jennifer and Miriam will teach you how to make your own tiny fairy dolls and wee folk from wrapped wire bodies to create posable pixies and woodland wee folk that will make wonderful playmates for you and your fairy friends.

Date: Wednesday, August 5th from 3-5 p.m.

Cost: $15 per person or If you book both classes at the same time a special rate of $ 25.00 for both classes is available.

Age Appropriateness: Ages 5 to 105

Class size: Space is limited (10 children under the age of 10) no more than 20 total

Teacher:          Jennifer Eskridge

Supplies: Supplies are included; we will use l felt, chenille stems, wooden beads, and simple embellishments.  Finished Pixies are about 3 inches tall. If you would like to bring items to include in your design remember to keep your wee folk’s size in mind. Found treasures that often make their way into designs might include: Gems, Pebbles, Feathers, Shells, etc

Class Name:  Mixed Media Self Portraits for Kids

Description: We will begin with an introduction to the materials, a brief historical perspective of self portraits, and a few thoughts about why this is a valuable practice whether you identify as an artist or have never picked up a crayon.  The class is interactive, the process is often playful with participants working together to generate ideas It is intended for artists of all levels, it will include some basic instruction on the scale in regard to the human body as needed or desired, but will not focus on this information, instead focusing on the creative process.

Dates:   Wednesday, August 12^th from 3-5 p.m.

Cost:     $20 per person

Age Appropriateness: age 8 and up

Class size: 5 person limit

Teacher:          Jennifer Eskridge

Supplies: All supplies provided.  Please bring duplicates of any photos you may want to incorporate in to your artwork. (Photos are optional)

Class Name:  Summer Yoga

Description: The Stash yogi, Rachael, will provide a relaxing beginning level, hour long yoga class.  Bring your mat and be ready to breathe!

Date: Thursdays from 6-7 p.m.
Fridays from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Cost: $10 per class $15 per private lesson

Supplies:          All supplies provided

Age Appropriateness: 13 & up

Class size:        5 person limit

Teacher:          Rachael Brechan

Supplies: Bring your yoga mat!

Class Name: Beginning Sewing

Description: This is about sewing basics, tools patterns and methods.  We will cover hand sewing, basic embroidery stitches, and the beginning of machine sewing.  All students will leave with a finished project

Date: By appointment only

Time: 6 hour class (broken into 3 segments)

Cost: $125

Age Appropriateness:      8 and above

Class size: Private class

Teacher:            Various teachers available

Supplies:           All supplies provided!

Class Name: Knitting

Description: Come deal with your knitting “issues” in a one-on-one environment. This is an excellent opportunity to get started on a new skill, or to get help fixing a heinous knitting emergency.   What ever you decide, it’s all about you!

Date: By appointment only

Cost: $15 per hour

Age Appropriateness:      8 and above

Class size: Private class

Teacher:            Caitlin Winebarger

Supplies:           All supplies provided!

Well we finally got the blankets delivered yesterday to the Fairbanks Alzheimer’s Resource Agency.  What a gratifying experience to be part of such an event.

Altogether we, The Stash (artists, Stashettes, & customers combined), were able to donate 17 sensory quilts to our local recipients.  We are grateful to the MANY artists & patrons who helped in the process.  There were many donations of fabric, sewing, cutting time, ironing and so MUCH more!   We could NOT have done it without you…

Blanket/Quilt Donation

Here is our first blog by one of our WONDERFUL artist!

The Importance of Knowing Things and The Utilitarianism of Craft

by:  Caitlin Montague-W.

Long-gone are the days of saving scraps, mending, and reworking; so much so that the entire idea of crafting or perhaps the idea of being a craftsman is no longer looked upon with a sense of utilitarian, homemaking longing. Long winter evenings are rarely spent on handiworks, and a rainy day is more often an excuse to watch television than start and finish a project. I often wonder if the ability to create, fix and make-do even a treasured value in this day of Blackberries and Wal-Mart.

It is part of the human condition to create, it has been a matter of necessity to make things for a household, and it is a luxury to take time to craft a beautiful thing for a gift. What we make as craftsmen is an extension of our soul, it is part of our heart, passed through our hands and into a garment, onto canvas, or through a tool to a turning lathe. As craftsmen, we call upon a long line of talent before us, and as we use modern conveniences to make our crafting lives easier, one wonders if the crafter is allowing the technology to take over the technique.

We live in a world where baskets and blankets can be made in factories, in a fully automated way devoid of human hands, human hearts, and stories. The stitches and weavings and carvings passed down and developed through generations have been infringed upon by mechanisms. This not only degrades the crafts, but the craftsmen themselves. We should not be ashamed if we can only create simple, plain things, we should not be ashamed if we are able create beautiful things, what we should be ashamed of is the lack of want to learn, and the impulse to buy something crafted by machine.

Perhaps we are too busy in this life to craft, especially to craft simple things for the home, or to mend. Where have all the homemakers gone? For those with no time, I hope they find comfort in a quilt stitched without a human touch. For me, I hope to be surrounded by things with a story, made by a craftsman who takes pride in their work.

It is strange to think that the same mechanisms that provided the western world with the luxuries of free time, would then devoid us of the wont of crafting expression. As a society we must relearn and take back those skills that help make a home a home. Crafting should not become obsolete, it is important to know how to make things, and it is equally important to make them, allow others to see you making them, and to teach those others to make their own. It is in this way that we connect with each other, enriching our own lives and the lives of others with things that you cannot get on the Internet, and making bonds that go beyond the TV.

If you would like to see more of Caitlin’s work, come by the shop!

Golden Days Grande Parade: 10:00am – Noon

The pinnacle of Golden Days activities and the largest parade in Alaska ! Hosting more than 100 entries including marching bands, clowns, jugglers, antique cars, unicycle riders and floats, the parade winds from the Carlson Center through downtown, where it ends at Noble and Airport Way . The parade will be broadcast immediately following the parade by KTVF Channel 11

Golden Days Rubber Duckie Race:  2:30pm at Downtown Fairbanks – Golden Heart Plaza

And they’re off! All 6,000 rubber duckies race for the chance to win cash and prizes totaling over $20,000. On race day the Golden Days Committee drop the yellow ducks from the Wendell Street Bridge into the Chena River. The numbered ducks float downstream to the finish line at the Cushman Street Bridge.

Golden Days Street Fair:  9:00am – 6:00pm; 1st & 2nd Avenues

Visit a wide variety of unique vendors and enjoy a fun-filled day in the heart of our great city. This street fair includes something for everyone – enjoy great food for sale by a variety of vendors. Don’t miss music to suit all tastes, entertainment on the Northern Schools Federal Credit Union Stage. There will also be demonstrations, arts and crafts, dunk tank, games for the kids and much, much more!

What it’s like in here today…

Some days I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such lovely goodness.  Realizing how many artists we have creating the things for the store, makes me happy!  The energy that comes from these handmade items is good for the soul.

I do wonder how many people can ‘feel’ the difference in a handmade item vs. a random store bought item?  That might be a good survey sometime. 

So I thought I would share some pictures of some of the items that caught my eye today.

Enjoy!  If you have questions or need to purchase something that you see, just let us know.  We are more than happy to help you out!

Thank you for supporting the Art of Handmade & Shopping Local!  There is nothing that will sustain a community longer than doing just that!

Well we made it half-way!  We are half-way through the year as of Sunday, and ready for half #2!  The light will start to decrease, your mind will start to think of keeping warm and holiday seasons in the future.  But WAIT we still have half a summer left right?  Shew, lets not get into all the winter talk just yet!  We have had some new super FUN classes added this week, that will be GREAT for those of you that are into Fairies and/or have Fairy gardens this summer.  Be sure to read about them more below.  Also Golden Days is coming upon us as the ‘next’ Fairbanks event.  I hope that you will join us that week and help us celebrate!

Remembering to shop local and buy handmade supports our community in so many ways!  Thank you…

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Fairbanks for coming over and supporting us during the Solstice Festival!  We thoroughly enjoyed seeing all our valued customers and it was exciting for us to see all the NEW folks coming through too. As far as The Stash goes, the Downtown Association did a GREAT job!  Kudos to them for all the hard work…

A Hand in Creation
An evening of exploring ritual art!
Wednesday, July 15 from 5-8 p.m.

The Stash, 535 Third Ave.

Featured speakers: Jennifer Eskridge and Acting Rabbi Elyssa Joy Auster
Event sponsored by: Congregation Or HaTzafon ~ Light of the North

Upcoming Classes you DON’T want to miss out on!

Class Name:  Knot tying

Description: A beaded and knotted necklace.  We’ll use beads and thin leather to create a choker style necklace.  Very easy & fun.

Difficulty Level: Beginning or Easy

Date: Monday, June 29

Time: 1-3 pm

Cost: $25

Age Appropriateness:              Age 7 years to adult

Class size: No more than 7

Teacher:          Rebecca Sirevaag

Supplies:          All beads, findings and tools provided

Class Name:  Fairy Cottages (New Class Added!)

Description: The magical appeal of fairies knows no age boundaries. The notion of these mysterious creatures enchants both young and old. A tiny woodsy place where fairies would love to dwell, Jennifer and Miriam will help you create fairies home away from home for when they come for a visit to you. Come decorate your own miniature fairy house.

Date: Tuesday, July 7th from 11-1 p.m. or Tuesday, August 4th from 3-5 p.m.

Cost: $15 per person or If you book both classes at the same time a special rate of $ 25.00 for both classes is available.

Age Appropriateness: Ages 5 to 105

Class size: Space is limited (10 children under the age of 10) no more than 20 total

Teacher:          Jennifer Eskridge

Supplies: All supplies provided, however, if you would like to bring items to include in your design consider things that will do well outside like:

• Sticks
• Bark
• Pine cones
• Pebbles
• Pussy Willow Branches
• Feathers
• Other natural materials such as shells and stones

Class Name:  Pixies, Fairies, and Wee Friends (New Class Added!)

Description: Jennifer and Miriam will teach you how to make your own tiny fairy dolls and wee folk from wrapped wire bodies to create posable pixies and woodland wee folk that will make wonderful playmates for you and your fairy friends.

Date: Wednesday, July 8th from 11-1 p.m. or Wednesday, August 5th from 3-5 p.m.

Cost: $15 per person or If you book both classes at the same time a special rate of $ 25.00 for both classes is available.

Age Appropriateness: Ages 5 to 105

Class size: Space is limited (10 children under the age of 10) no more than 20 total

Teacher:          Jennifer Eskridge

Supplies: Supplies are included; we will use l felt, chenille stems, wooden beads, and simple embellishments.  Finished Pixies are about 3 inches tall. If you would like to bring items to include in your design remember to keep your wee folk’s size in mind. Found treasures that often make their way into designs might include:

• Gems (Mom’s read here: sequins, special beads, and buttons)
• Particularly nice pebbles
• Feathers
• Tiny Shells

Class Name:  Mixed Media Self Portraits (New Class Added!)

Description: We will begin with an introduction to the materials, a brief historical perspective of self portraits, and a few thoughts about why this is a valuable practice whether you identify as an artist or have never picked up a crayon.  The class is interactive, the process is often playful with participants working together to generate ideas It is intended for artists of all levels, it will include some basic instruction on the scale in regard to the human body as needed or desired, but will not focus on this information, instead focusing on the creative process.

Dates:   Wednesday, July 22nd

Time:   5-8 pm

Cost: $20 per person

Age Appropriateness: age 16 and up

Class size: 10 person limit

Teacher:          Jennifer Eskridge

Supplies: All supplies provided.  Please bring duplicates of any photos you may want to incorporate in to your artwork. (Photos are optional)

Class Name:  Summer Yoga

Description: The Stash yogi, Rachael, will provide a relaxing beginning level, hour long yoga class.  Bring your mat and be ready to breath!

Date: Thursdays from 6-7 p.m.
Fridays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. (note the time change)

Cost: $10 per class $15 per private lesson

Age Appropriateness: 13 & up

Class size: 5 person limit

Teacher:          Rachael Brechan

Supplies: Bring your yoga mat!

Class Name:  Crocheted Jewelry

Description: Come to make creative jewelry using yarn, beads and buttons. Learn many important tips to make a beautiful crocheted necklace and bracelet. Participants should have a basic understanding of crochet.

Date: Thursday, July 30^th

Time: 6-8 pm

Cost: $40 per person

Age Appropriateness: 13 & up

Class size: 5 person limit

Teacher:          Hannelore Grosser

Supplies: All supplies provided

Description:     Come to design creative jewelry using clay, acrylics and different beads.  Make and paint your beads with wonderful colors. Learn a basic understanding of color, texture and many important tips to make a beautiful set: necklace and earrings.

Dates:    Monday, August 3^rd

Time:   3-5 pm (2 hrs)

Cost:    $40 per person

Age Appropriateness: 8-12 years

Class size:        5 person limit

Teacher:          Hannelore Grosser

Supplies:          All supplies provided