Doors are open . . .

Today is Thursday.  And yesterday was Wednesday.  Our first day back open.  I want to post pictures, and I want to say thank you so much to everyone, and I want to post classes and answer every one of the questions that you lovely customers asked me yesterday, but first I just have to do this:

Aaahhhhh.  That was a heavy, grunty sigh.  A big deep breath and a letting go of the shoulders and the craziness that has been my life for the last two weeks.  Who would have thought that by trying to do something that would make my life simpler and more relaxed that I would embark on a crazed marathon of putting puzzle pieces together?  Not I, said the Polly.  And I am so glad that I did.  I can’t tell you how many times during the last couple of weeks that I have almost cried, and how every single time, either Eric or wonderful Kylie, or lovely Cecily, or sweet Sherry has picked me back up and reminded me that I could do this.  So THANK YOU to my amazing man, to my beautiful friends, and to everyone who picked up a paint brush or brought me a rug, or picked up a hammer, and THANK YOU to the wonderful, warm-hearted women who took care of my little fox while I worked.

So now.  Here are answers to some of the questions I got in the shop yesterday.

Will you be offering classes?

Yep!  There are still space in the Sewing 101 and Sewing a Dress classes that start this Saturday, May 10.  As for other classes, we’re currently still putting the shop together and focusing our energy on maintaining the shop.  Our new shop hours are completely centered around my ability to bring little fox to work with me, so for now my goal is this:  To run the shop while not only keeping an eye on my child, but also giving him the best possible opportunities for exploration and life-enrichment.  It’s a lofty goal, but I tend not to pick small goals.   I still planning on teaching 1 or 2 sewing classes per month, and any other classes will be taught by other teachers.  Anyone interested in teaching classes at The Crafty Fox should email me with the following information:

– Crafty specialty

– Class description

– Available days/times to teach 

– Any previous teaching experience  

What are your Hours?

Wed  3-7

Thurs 3-7

Fri- 3-7

Sat 10-4

Sun- Tues CLOSED

Plus any other hours that we can get volunteers to cover.  I can’t physically be in the shop during every hour that a shop should be open.  So in addition to the hours listed we will open whenever there’s a volunteer to work a 4 hour shift.  In the mornings I will post to our Facebook page if there will be any earlier/extra hours that day.

Will you have a drop-in studio?

No.  Not in the near future anyhow. I think that a drop in kid craft space would make an awesome addition to our town- someone please open one!!!  In truth,  I’m a designer, and I need to make things.  My studio is like my second home.  It needs to be a private, and protected space.  I love that I can invite people in to use it for classes, groups, and special functions, but in the end I am not going to be the one to open a Color Me Mine in Forest Grove.

That being said, the space is open and usable to those who would like to volunteer to run one 4 hour shift per week in the shop.  I’m looking for people who feel like a natural fit in the shop, for people who are trustworthy and reliable, and for people who don’t mind keeping my child from running with scissors if I happen to leave the room to go potty.

You should  . . .

Not a question, but I hear it a lot.  If you have a suggestion and are interested in volunteering your time/materials/money, then let’s talk!  If it’s a suggestion without the ability to actually contribute, please understand that I am inundated suggestions and requests.  I cannot take on any new projects until I have lots more help, money, and time.  So, it may be a while!

Are you going to bring back Kids Classes?

YES!!!  We’re working on getting a dedicated kids craft teacher so we will definitely have a Kids Craft Camp this summer!  Classes will likely be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings for 2 hours.  I’ll be posting more details about this in the coming weeks.

How can I get involved?

We are actively recruiting volunteers to work 4 hour shifts in the shop and do some make-and-take crafts on farmers market days.  If you’re interested in either please email us with the following information:

– Name

– Age

– Crafty specialty, if any (no biggie if you’re still starting out)

– Available days and times.  Evenings, days, or afternoons are all great times to volunteer.  Weekends or week days, it’s up to you!  We really need people with a consistent schedule, however, so please take this into consideration before emailing us.

In return for your hard work you get access to all 3 rooms our lovely crafting/living space, gain new crafty friends, and pick up crafty skills along the way.  It’s a really enjoyable way to spend 4 hours, I promise.

That about wraps up the majority of the questions that I got yesterday.  I’ll take some time soon to post new FAQs and classes to the site.  Thank you all so much for sticking with me throughout this crazy time.  If yesterday was any indication of how you all feel about our shop, I think we’re in pretty good shape.  X’s and O’s.