indoor fun for chilly days...

Hi!

I'm Jenny from both Jenny Made This and Steph's Closet. It's been a crazy Christmas season, having done two craft sales and knitting most of my presents, but now I have some space to breathe. However, not for long...

I spend much of my time making things out of recycled material for Jenny Made This. There is nothing quite so satisfying to me as rescuing clothing that no one wants and turning it into wicked stuff that has a renewed purpose. I primarily make bags, but I have recently branched out into scarves, arm warmers, and shrugs.

I also enjoy knitting! I work at the Costume Museum of Canada, where we have set up Sunday afternoon knitting classes for beginners. If anyone is interested in learning how to knit, the first class is $30 (this includes your own needles and Manitoba-made handspun yarn) and $10 after that. For all of you experienced knitters, you are welcome to join in the knitting circle for just the price of admission. Here is our website with address and phone number:

http://www.costumemuseum.com/

We are also holding a Clothing Swap on Feb. 6 at the Museum. All of you are invited to join in. It is $10 to participate (this will cover the labour for us to sort the clothing). Just bring your money and bag of clean, pre-loved clothing to the museum by January 30th and we will give you a ticket for entry on the big day. We will have coffee and tea a-plenty and if you would like a beer or glass of wine, we can hook you up with one for $5. We can only handle around 60 people for the swap, so give us a call if you're interested in participating!

We also have a fashion show in the works... I'll post with an update.!

is it true?

Is it true that Winnipegers are some of the most creative people around?

From what I understand, this is because it's so darn cold here in the 'Peg, that we hunker down inside...and we cReATe! That being true, I'm sure that there are some wonderful things being created right now!

emmsgems

Who is emmsgems?

beads make me happy... come on get happy...

What a way to introduce myself! I am Emily, of emmsgems on Etsy. You won't find emmsgems anywhere else, but my dream is for everyone to own at least one gEM. And if you own one, you might as well own two, or three.

That, for me, is how it all started. I started making necklaces for myself, and the odd anklet (so cool in the 90's!) until I reached a point where I pretty much had a piece for each day of the year. In order to fund my passion, I participated in a few summer craft shows, toted my wares to my dad's workplace...and they sold!

I love the feeling of creating something that someone else loves.

Over time, my beads and my jewelry styles have changed. I lovingly refer to my jewelry as either "Retro gEM's", "Classic gEM's", or "Current gEM's".

Current gEM's feature semi-precious gemstones, wood beads, glass and sterling silver. I purchase most of my beads and supplies in Toronto, although I do haunt one particular on-line seller. As well, there are some fantastic bead shops now open in Winnipeg!

So come on and get happy, everyone deserves gEM's!

Emily


P.S. No, "Retro gEM's" are no longer for sale, but if you need one refurbished, just give me a shout.