Rainy Day Fun

Rainy Day Fun
Classes for when you're stuck at home

Don't let the world rain on your parade. When the water starts falling, you can be prepared for a full day of fun with these local classes geared toward activities that will brighten even the dreariest of days.

After a long winter, the gray skies and cold winds of a spring storm aren't as welcome as the fruit blossoms and bright flowers popping up along the path. But you don't have to let April's showers bring you down. In fact, Sewn Studio Owner Stephanie Gilbreth and Scraps Etc. Owner Lana Nelson are here to make sure you welcome those rainy days.

Sewing Your Way to More than a So-so Day

Your grandmother and maybe even your mother sewed out of necessity, but you have the luxury to sew for fun, Gilbreth says. So whether you've worked your magic on your wardrobe before or you've never plugged in a sewing machine, Sewn has a class for you.

Gilbreth's goal for Sewn was to create the "ultimate sewing room," she says, which for her doesn't have as much of a cozy, quaint feeling as some of the more traditional sewing stores. Instead, Gilbreth keeps her studio modern with trendy fabrics and up-to-date fashion examples. "I wanted it to be something completely different — something bright, cheerful, a clean space that was not cluttered feeling and that would really show off the colors of the fabric," she says.

Beyond the younger look and feel, Gilbreth actually brings sewing into the space with several classes each week. "Probably at least a quarter of the people who walk into the store don't know how to sew, and maybe another half of them are beginning sewers," Gilbreth says, but Sewn is working to change those numbers.

A basic sewing 101 class runs two to three times a week. The weekend classes are booked solid for the next month or so, but the beginner class also runs during the week. This $35 class takes two and a half hours and includes the fabric used in sewing a throw pillow cover. "So you walk home from that class with an actual object that you've created and hopefully a really good feeling about the experience," Gilbreth says.

Beyond the beginner classes, Sewn also offers individual pattern classes, so if you're interested in learning to make something specific, you can pick the class you want to take. Classes cover everything from home décor items to clothing pieces to crafty projects (a fabric Easter basket class is set for April 9). So if you want to make matching placemats and napkins for your spring and summer barbecues or if you'd rather make your own head band, Sewn can help you through the process.

Sewn also offers a sewing series, which goes beyond the individual class to teach you more advanced but necessary techniques. This six-week class series includes sewing zippers, buttons and hems, among other intimidating steps in the sewing process.

For more information about Sewn and the classes and sewing materials offered at the studio, check out SewnStudio.com, the Sewn Studio Facebook page or just stop in the shop at 3212 Madison Road in Oakley.

Achieving Scrapbook Success

If you don't have a sewing machine or an urge to create fabric wonders, you might want to use your rainy day to make sure your memories aren't washed away, and scrapbooking is a great way to do it.

"Scrapbooking is something everyone can and should do. It can be simple. Everyone has photos. Getting them in a safe place, coupled with the story behind them where they can be enjoyed by others as well as ourselves is what Scraps, Etc. is all about," Nelson says.

So while anyone can scrapbook, you probably want to be sure you're making something you'll be proud to show your friends. So before the umbrellas start coming out, you can check out the classes at Scraps, Etc. so that you're ready for some rainy day fun when the time comes.

The classes offered at the two store locations range from stamping to crops to various techniques. Other classes focus specifically on the all-the-rage Cricut. All of these classes help you learn skills that go beyond scrapbooking.

One upcoming class isn't geared toward scrabooking specifically at all. "We have a darling card class April 12 at Beechmont and April 14 at [the Florence location]," Nelson says.

For more information about Scraps Etc. and the classes and scrapbooking supplies offered at the stores, check out ScrapsEtc.com or head to one of the two locations in Cherry Grove and Florence. The Cherry Grove location is at 454 Ohio Pike Suite 8, and you can check out the Florence store at 7836 Connector Drive.

PHOTO CREDITS

First Photo
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl
Model: Stephanie Gilbreth
Location: M/I Homes Estates at Shayler Ridge Model Home

Second Photo
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl
Location: M/I Homes Estates at Shayler Ridge Model Home

Third Photo
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl
Model: Lana Nelson
Location: M/I Homes Estates at Shayler Ridge Model Home

Linda Palacios -
	Linda Palacios is the editor of Cincy Chic. Send her an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .Read More >>

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