January 19th, 2012

A couple of weekends ago, the Urban Craft Center hosted Lexi Boeger of Pluckyfluff,
and her spinning wheel for another round of art spinning! We had a great group of women
join us as we carded and spun all sorts of fibers and materials and even the odd non-fiberous item into our yarn.

Take a look at what we created!

To be honest, I’m not a very proficient spinner. I typically only have the time to spin when we’re at a craft show and I’m conducting a demo, but fortunately for me, art yarn revels in the uneven, mismatched, and lumpy!

Many of us were using Lendrum spinning wheels, (the model we have in the studio), but a couple of spinners had Matchless from Schacht Spindle Co. We’ve been drooling over the Ladybug and the Sidekick – both of which are reportedly very good machines (and they look awesome!)

We’re thinking about bringing these into the studio, as well as a few small table looms if anyone is interested…

For those of you already equipped with a wheel, we have several types of roving available in the shop. And if making your own yarn doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, we do have Noddyboom’s beautiful hand spuns available in the store for purchase.

January 15th, 2012

January 28st, 11am-2pm
LEVEL: BEGINNER

Just starting out? Take our Intro class and you will be sewing in no time. Taught by special guest teacher Christine Haynes, you will learn all the parts of the machine, how to sew perfect straight and zigzag stitches, and what tools you need to set up your own sewing room at home. In addition, we will make a reversible tote bag to take home!

One session class, additional materials list.
$65 non-member, 10%-15% discount for members
Give us a call to signup 310.392.0139 or purchase on our Webstore

January 15th, 2012

February 8th & 15th: Wednesdays, 7-9pm
LEVEL: BEGINNER AND EXPERIENCED CROCHETERS WELCOME

Learn to crochet and brush up on your skills with this fun project! Join local artist Cheryl Cambras as she teaches how to make this super happy flower with basic chain and crochet stitches. Add a face to your finished creation and celebrate the sweetness for summertime all year long.

Two Session Class.
$65 non-member, 10%-15% discount for members

Materials Needed (take 15% off your purchase at The U.C.C): • size G crochet hook
• two skeins bulky yarn (I use Lamb’s Pride Bulky): one in yellow (for flower center); one in white, or color of your choice (for petals)
Give us a call to signup 310.392.0139 or purchase on our Webstore

January 14th, 2012

Friday January 16th, 7-9pm

LEVEL: BEGINNER

Learn the hot process method for making luxurious, naturally scented soaps. Using materials found in your very own kitchen, you will learn how to make a batch of vegetarian soap with your choice of essential oils, herbs, and soap molds.

One session class, materials included.
$70 non-member, 10%-15% discount for members

Give us a call to signup 310.392.0139 or purchase on our Webstore

January 12th, 2012

Working for the Urban Craft Center is inspiring on many levels. As a crafter, I love
being surrounded by so many interesting people (teachers, studio members, and
staff) with varied skill sets and specialties. As a craft instructor myself, (and
daughter of two elementary school teachers) I value the educational aspect and the
opportunity to learn new trades and try the new techniques that I am exposed to in
the shop, and as someone with many years of marketing experience under my belt,
I am awe-struck by the sheer number of potential connections we all have thanks to
our mutual hobbies and passions.

Since the new year, I’ve chatted with many of the people who pass through the doors
of the U.C.C, and it seems that a lot of us share the same resolution: Learn a new
craft in 2012.

So this week, I wanted to highlight the inspirations, passions and resolutions of the
folks who work here at the Urban Craft Center. We are a small, but mighty collection
of crafters and while we all have a lot in common, our strengths and interests tend to
be as different as our backgrounds.

- – - – - – - – - -
Angharad: Owner at the Urban Craft Center
Background: Book-binder, Yarn-spinner, Candy-maker, Sewing guru, Soap-making
wizard, All-around crafty genius.

New Craft Resolution for 2012:
“Hmm, my resolution this year is to finish some of my chronic unfinished projects.
On my ravelry page, I have lists of project that are incomplete. As far as inspiration,
I’m constantly amazed by things I see on Pinterest! There are some amazing candies
and confections out there, and as I have a sweet thumb myself, I’m keen to start
making more experimental candies in 2012!”

Sources from left to right: Candy Buttons, Jelly Bean Chandelier, Mushroom Candy

- – - – - – - – - -
Rhea: Manager at the Urban Craft Center
Background: Print-maker, Music-maker, Zine queen

New craft to try in 2012:
Inspired by a student who came in wearing a beautiful handmade scarf that she wove,
this year I’d love to learn to weave-and then take it to the next level by
weaving straight circuits into the piece!

Source: Saori Weaving, Circuit Weaving

- – - – - – - – - -

Gabriella: Retail Manager at the Urban Craft Center
Background: Crochet, Embroidery, Sewing, Needle felting, Soft sculpture

New Craft Resolution?
To complete a new craft each and every day of 2012! So far? Success!

- – - – - – - – - -

Champ: Designer at the Urban Craft Center
Background: Illustration, Music-making, Puppets and Soft sculpture

New craft to try in 2012:
“Furniture building would be great! I also promised myself I would learn how to knit
and crochet this year …both would be awesome and I’m pretty sure they are skills
that would be very helpful here at work, and at home.”

Source: Retro/Modern End Tables, keepsake box

- – - – - – - – - -

Eryca: Retail Assistant
Background: Making zines, Embroidery, and Candle making! (And Soap making?
Can it be a favorite craft if you’ve only done it once?) 

New craft to try in 2012:
“I want to learn how to follow patterns and make my own clothes! My dream is
to somehow find/make a pattern for a dress in the 1960′s french musical, Les
Demoiselles de Rochefort (The Young Girls of Rochefort.) It is the most glorious
dress ever and has giant colored pleats that look amazing when you spin! I also
love this pleated dress I saw on Mad Men. What’s with me and pleats!?

Source: Mad Men, Les Demoiselles de Rochefort

- – - – - – - – - -

Faith: Retail Assistant
Background: Purse-sewing, Sock-embellishment, Needle-felting

New craft to try in 2012:
“I want to learn how to make backpacks…..awesome backpacks ;) I made an ‘Octo-purse’ that I love so much, but!! Backpacks are calling my name!”

Source: Dragon backpack & Chewbacca backpack

- – - – - – - – - -

Megan: Marketing & Craft Parties at the Urban Craft Center
Background: Needle-felting, Terrarium-making, Wood-working

New craft to try in 2012:
I’d like to do more wood-working in 2012. I love the simple lines of modern Scandinavian design and look forward to challenging myself with more complex wood working projects this year. I also want to tighten up my sewing skills.

Source: Monkeys, Norway Overlook, Wood Sofa

- – - – - – - – - -

What are your craft resolutions for 2012? Where does your inspiration come from? We’d love to hear from you!

xoxo
Megan
The Urban Craft Center

December 27th, 2011

Hello! Been wanting to learn to sew? How about knitting…or that other one with a hook…crochet! We’ve got a wide variety of classes, whether you’re curious to try
something new, or destined to perfect every craft that comes your way.
Not finding the class you want this month? Email us with your suggestions, or sign up
for a private lesson!

How to register for a class: By Phone: Give us a call in the studio, 310-392-0139
In Person: Drop by the studio any time during normal business hours, 11-7 every day.
Online: Go to our Web Store to see which classes are available.

DOWNLOAD FEBRUARY CLASS SCHEDULE AND MATERIALS LIST HERE

General Refund Policy: If you cancel class enrollment a week or more in advance
you receive a full refund. If you cancel within a week to 48 hours before the class
we can issue you 50% store credit. If you cancel within 48 hours we are unable to offer a credit
a refund but you may send another person in your place.

Please note: the correct time of Intro to Crochet is Sunday January 22nd at 4-6pm
Intro to Knitting has been rescheduled. The new date is Sunday January 29th from 4-6pm
Download January 2012 Class Schedule

December 16th, 2011

It’s that time of year again!

Call the Urban Craft Center today (310.392.0139) to enroll your son or
daughter in one of our Winter Craft Camps! We can't wait to see you there!!

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