HenandChicks

Here a Pig, there a Pig, every where a Pig!

2012-02-08T14:05:59Z

This is the third year that I've designed and made a quilt to donate to the AASV auction. Each quilt has been very different. There was Pigs in a Blanket in 2010 and Homeward Bound in 2011. 2012 brings a wall hanging, featuring a traditional Irish Chain block with a animal fabric that featured various farm animals and traditional quilt blocks. The finished quilt measures about 58 inches square. It was machine-quilted by Kelly Van Vliet, our long-arm quilter at Hen & Chicks Studio.

I hope it strikes someone's fancy!

Fab Fabrics Everywhere!

2012-02-05T23:47:09Z

Every time a new shipment of fabric arrives at Hen & Chicks Studio, it's like Christmas. I open the box as quickly as possible to see what wonderful colors the box is holding. And, I always love the fabrics inside! Of course this makes me chuckle, because I'm the one who selected them...so I better like them, right? There's always that feeling if I'm as excited about it the second time I see it, then it must be really great fabric.

Case in point are these soft corduroy fabrics. Most people don't even realize they are corduroy until they touch the bolt.

This rail fence block was put together by Janet using 1/4 yard of each of three prints. It will make a sweet baby gift. Can't wait to see how our resident longarm quilter decides to quilt it.

Two different Hen & Chick Studio customers made cute jumpers for granddaughters out of the pink print.

And, it's always fun to work with fabric by a designer you know! Sue Penn is from Iowa and I met her years ago. This particular line is bright and happy. I made this table mat as a free pattern for Red Bag Club members. Kelly quilted with a swirl that mimics the fountains of color.

Wonder what delightful colors and patterns will arrive at Hen & Chicks Studio this week? Come in and see!

A Walk in the Park

2012-02-04T23:55:09Z

Kim Diehl's newest fabric line--A Walk in the Park--is just wonderful. When we got it in at Hen & Chicks Studio, I knew I'd have to make something with it. The same day it arrived, I was asked to make a quilt for the NPPC auction in March. Wanting an Iowa theme, I selected the Iowa block as the design. This is one block and it measures 48 inches square. I'll make four blocks and rotate the blocks so all the green corners come together in the center. A border will probably be necessary, but I will figure that out when the blocks get done.

The colors in her fabric line are so rich. Just yummy to work with. Another few hours of piecing and I'll have this done! Keep designing these great fabrics, Kim!

Pictures of The Nest

2012-01-31T14:33:47Z

It's been so fun to have quilters and scrapbookers utilizing The Nest. I want to share a few photos for you all to get a feel of what it's like. I must point out that the beautiful painted doors that help divide the space were painted by Jo Myers-Walker--a wonderful artist. (I'll write more on her another time.)

If your group would like to book a private retreat, just call Hen & Chicks Studio at 641-366-3336 or e-mail Heidi@heidikaisand.com.

You'll Learn So Much

2012-01-22T19:55:04Z

Last year I wrote two posts (one and two) about a wonderful artist--Janet Brandt. Well, I'm so excited to tell you that almost exactly a year since seeing her, Janet is coming to Hen & Chicks Studio on April 14 and 15 for a two-day surface embroidery class. She is amazing with a needle and thread and will inspire you to be creative! Check out her web site for just a sampling of what she's working on right now.

The class project is going to be this incredible piece featuring an angel.

You'll have to stop by the store and see this in person--it's beautiful. Reserve your spot now for this opportunity to expand your embroidery stitches beyond a back stitch and buttonhole stitch!

Class will be Saturday, 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. The class fee of $80 includes the workshop and the kit for making this piece. Accommodations on Saturday night in The Nest will be available for $60.

Call Hen & Chicks Studio at 641-366-3336 or e-mail me at heidi@heidikaisand.com to sign up or learn more.

Let it Snow! Because we're going to be having fun!

2012-01-15T23:12:54Z

Pack your bags and head to Conrad, Iowa! We'll take good care of you while you have fun.

Playing with Paper!

2012-01-10T11:35:06Z

You're Invited!

What: Click, Crop and Be Inspired!
Where: Hen & Chicks Studio
When: Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Who: You! Are you needing inspiration for your next project? Are you wondering what to do with all of those pictures you took over the holidays? Do you already own Memory Manager or Storybook Creator Plus and you need help? Do you need 5 hours of dedicated scrapbooking?

If you answered YES to any of these questions,
then this day is for you!

If you want to reserve a spot for working from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. call Heidi at 641-366-3336 and reserve a spot. $8 fee covers your lunch and beverages for the day. (Join our Click/Crop Club, meeting once every other month, for 1 year for $35 and save money!)

If you just want to stop in and see what's happening, please do! I'll look forward to hearing about your scrapbooking projects.

Let's make 2012 the year to turn your photos into wonderful finished albums, projects and gifts!

Go ISU Cyclones!

2011-12-30T14:29:05Z

You could say I was born an ISU Cyclone (that's the college in Ames, Iowa)...my father was finishing his degree at ISU. We lived in Pammel Court.

Bit of History about Pammel Court from ISU Web site.

"Family housing came to Iowa State at the conclusion of World War II. Many men took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled in higher education institutions. Iowa State experienced a wave of new students and responded to another shortage of housing by constructing University Married Housing in 1946. Pammel Court, a series of trailers and demountable houses, Quonset houses, and metal barracks, had a mayor and four council members. By the fall 1968, it was apparent that Pammel Court’s infrastructure was unable to meet a growing student body. Three years earlier, Iowa State purchased land north and east of Pammel Drive. Development of the land into university-owned apartments ensued, and University Village was born."

My brother Matt (a two-time graduate of University of Iowa) pulling me through Pammel Court. I don't think I look very happy.

I've been told that my color choices in quilts are very red and yellow.

We travel in style.

When we play, we think about our favorite team.

We are proud when we receive ISU gifts from Santa and friends.

We love our Cyclones.

GO CYCLONES!!!

The Nest

2011-12-28T14:21:54Z

The Nest--This is the name that I gave the second floor retreat center at Hen & Chicks Studio. The space is ready to be used by quilters, scrapbookers or any crafter that simply wants space to be creative. There are lots of details about the retreat center to share, but today, I have to show you what is now proudly hanging in the stairwell.

This wonderful wool wall hanging was given to me for Christmas by my incredible mother! The colors, the texture, the design...it is perfect. We had discussed needing something in a particular spot and I knew she was working on something, but I totally didn't expect it for Christmas. She's amazing.

We'd love to have you join us at an upcoming retreat. Check out these two opportunities.

You can always rent The Nest for your own private retreat, too!

A Mix of Stuff

2011-12-12T11:46:33Z

Picking out things to sell at Hen & Chicks Studio has been very exciting. There are so many choices in fabrics and gifts. But there is something in my gut that usually says "go for it" or "don't do it." Of course, my personal likes and dislikes are part of the decision-making process, but ultimately I want our customers to like it all. Looking back at my 17+ years at Meredith corporation, that's basically what we did every magazine issue. We'd try to find the right mix of quilts, patterns, and colors that would appeal to the majority and make a top-rated publication.

I wanted to share a few things we have at the store. In the bucket you'll see a variety of Walker bags. I love these bags for a few reasons--one they are Made in the USA. San Francisco to be specific. Beyond that, the colors are vibrant, the usibility awesome! Whether carring around my next quilt project or putting coins in smallest bag with a clip, they are going to come in handy.

Then there are the pretty necklaces we have. From personality charms to describe you, or someone special. To these monogram necklaces. They come from a small family business in Kentucky. It's great to call up Robin and know that I've met her in person.

As I'm looking for products to sell, I'm also looking for great values. And, I think the kits from Quick Quotes are just that--a great value. All the cards in the picture below are made from one kit that is under $20. Great deal!

Stop by Hen & Chicks Studio and see these and all of the other great products we have picked out just for you!

Join the Red Bag Club

2011-12-08T11:42:17Z

We're having so much fun at Hen & Chicks Studio with the Red Bag Club...join the fun with us. Several of my blog readers have asked how they can participate without being within driving range of the store. I've put my thinking cap on and am trying to create a club for those individuals. Give me a few days to get the details worked out.

The first event has been announced. Can't beat this great opportunity to purchase last minute gifts or pick the project you'll start when the holiday is over!

A Great Gift for Christmas

2011-12-07T12:05:31Z

Part of the fun at Hen & Chicks Studio is the combination of quilting and scrapbooking. I love to do both so it's fun to share that excitement with others. Local creative person Megan Bergman and I have known each other for years. We've done things together with our families and kids, but now we're working together as creative adults! She has a passion for things with paper and is an awesome teacher, so I've asked her to be in charge of our scrapbooking classes at Hen & Chicks Studio. We're off to a great start and her next class is coming up quickly.

If you want to join Megan and get this project done quickly, call the store at 641-366-3336 or e-mail me at heidi@heidikaisand.com

Wanna Have Some Fun?

2011-12-06T12:14:41Z

I'm working on my calendar for 2012 and I've started by announcing two new retreats in The Nest at Hen & Chicks Studio! Let me know if you're interested in signing up for either of these events by calling the store at 641-366-3336 or e-mail me at heidi@heidikaisand.com.

Spinning in Color

2011-12-04T13:53:00Z

The last few months have been a whirlwind of fun, excitement, and color! I just received the photos that Perry Struse took during our Grand Opening Celebration on November 19. It's been so fun to relive that day through his eyes. The people enjoying the make-it-and-take-its. The laughter. The smiles. The color! I'll be sharing more photos on my blog and website, but I just loved this photo--lots of color.

And, yes, Hen & Chicks Studio has all the DMC colors--a hot item in Central Iowa.

The Ribbon Cutting

2011-11-22T14:10:52Z

At 10 a.m. on Friday, November 18, Hen & Chicks Studio hosted its official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. It was so exciting...I only cried once! It was so fun to share the excitement with my mom and my staff. I so appreciate the support from the city of Conrad, as well.

A friend was taking pictures with my camera. It's always fun to see what they saw!

Pretty bundles of Lake House fabrics.

Darla giving tours of The Nest.

Guests having fun and chatting!

The Grand Opening Celebration was Saturday, November 19, and was a huge success. I'm waiting for the photos from my friend Perry Struse. He came and took tons! Of course, he enjoyed mingling with all of the creative folks in the store, too.

Fill the Candy Dish

2011-11-08T11:32:27Z

When I made traditional Kalediscope pattern in scraps of 1930s fabrics, I immediately thought it looked like a dish of Christmas ribbon candy--thus I name the pattern Candy Dish.

I've had lots of fun teaching this class, as each person's quilt can look so different depending on the fabrics they choose. Last week I had a visit in the shop from one of my Cedar Falls guild members with their quilt top. She was having so much fun cutting pieces that she made her quilt larger! (It is an easy quilt to cut using the Marti Michell Kaledio-Ruler--call the shop if you need any Marti Michell product, as we have the entire line.)

I'm teaching the class today at Hen & Chicks Studio--can't wait to see what the students do. One is working in black and white with lime.

Be Ready for Christmas!

2011-11-07T12:33:57Z

With everything going on in my life these days, I don't want Christmas to become a headache! The first thing I've crossed off the to-do list is the family Christmas cards. And, guess what I'll design yours, too! I've selected two dates for Christmas Card Parties at Hen & Chicks Studio.

Friday, November 11 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, November 29 from 4 to 7 p.m.

You bring your photos on a flash drive or CD (or e-mail them in advance to me). We'll sit down and design a card that is just right for you. Then, we'll upload it to Creative Memories, order exactly the number of cards you need, and they'll be mailed directly to you. Address them, add a stamp, and all of your friends and family will be impressed with your creativity!

I had so much fun designing our cards so I created three versions to give you ideas. Imagine what fun we can have with your photos.

Pretty, pretty papers...and pictures

2011-10-26T18:24:04Z

Since becoming a mother, I've become interested (ok, maybe obsessed is a better word) with documenting the details of life. Whoever coined the phrase "a picture is worth 1,000 words" had something right there! So, let's see if we take the 30,000 photos currently stored in Memory Manager x 1,000 = WOW!! That's a lot of memories captured. But, it's more than just taking the pictures--it's doing something with them. Whether you start with a small project or jump in with both feet and take the big challenge--get started now. Don't worry about yesterday's pictures, start with one photo today. You will be so thankful you did.

Why not start with a simple scrapbooking kit? My friend Megan Bergman made these four pages from a Quick Quotes kit in just a couple of hours. She has three precious daughters and lots of photos to choose from. The theme for this kit was one of being thankful.

Join Megan on Tuesday, November 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. and turn your pictures into these wonderful pages. Call Hen & Chicks Studio at 641-366-3336 to sign up for class.

Want to make a commitment to getting lots done this next year? Ask me about our Crop and Click Clubs.

Wine

2011-10-23T12:24:52Z

In the mix of gifts that we sell at Hen & Chicks Studio, I had to include some Iowa wine. It was an easy decision as to which one, because my cousin John McNutt and his wife Ilene Lande own it! It's Brick Arch Winery in West Branch, Iowa.

Their wines are lovely. We sell a variety, but I must say I'm partial to Save the Barn White and Save the Barn Red.

We made a trip to West Branch to re-stock so we got a picture with John and Ilene while we were there. From left, Henry, Goldie, Virginia, Heidi, John, and Ilene. I love what they've done with their building and I think they have a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy a nice glass of wine with friends.

Stop by Hen & Chicks Studio and pick up a bottle of Brick Arch wine to try!

More Cards

2011-10-13T11:13:13Z

Several of you wanted to see more of the Hen & Chicks Studio greeting cards available, so here are a few more. I'll post more tomorrow.