Class: Retro Christmas with Kathy Rosecrans

Join Kathy this Friday at 1:00pm at Harwood United Methodist Church and she'll show you how to make these exquisite vintage style Christmas cards.  Caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays?  Why not take time out for yourself and enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie and creativity.  Kathy uses a myriad of techniques to create these wonderful designs and combines them with her signature trims and details to come up with 3 beautiful cards from the heart.  We never seem to have enough holiday cards on hand to meet our ever-growing list of card recipients, so why not add 3 more to your Christmas card stash.  Actually, these are so elegant, you may not want to share :)   

If you are interested in taking this class, please contact Kathy via email at krosecrans@comcast.net.  

Harwood United Methodist Church has graciously once again offered their fellowship hall for this class.  They are located South of China Phoenix 2 on San Lorenzo just West of 4th street.  Their address is 420 San Lorenzo.

December 16th, Friday:  1:00pm - 4:00pm (class fee is $25.00) 

Pics from the HA Release Party

Yesterday afternoon, Nancy Yoshimoto, our good friend and favorite stamp store proprietress, played hostess to yet another fabulous Hero Arts Catalog Release Party.  The party was so successful and so much fun that this easily distracted, poorly skilled picture taker forgot to take pictures.  I managed to walk away with only a few shots, so I will have to fill in the rest of the details with words, something I am never short on! 

The party was held in the The Partyline Florist shop just 2 doors down from China Phoenix 2.  I arrived at the shop with my husband in tow promptly at 1:00pm and the parking lot was filling up quickly; a good sign that folks were going to be able to reunite and catch up since many of us had not connected with each other as of late, because a terrible fire destroyed our favorite meeting place in mid November.

Once inside, the shop was abuzz with activity and good cheer; hugs and greetings awaited us around every corner.  Much of the party took place in the back of the shop where a large counter was covered in delicious homemade treats supplied by the many talented culinarily inclined friends of CP2.  Cookies, cakes, brownies, dips, chips, a particularly fetching sweet potato dessert casserole, and a crockpot full of pulled pork set the stage for a festive afternoon.  Another counter along the side wall was stacked with Hero Art's latest and greatest designs and products including catalogs, cling stamps, wood mount stamps, die/stamp combos, and embossing folder/cling combos.  The new designs were welcomed by partygoers with open arms and flew out the doors by the basketful!

Resident CP2 teachers, Kathy Rosecrans and Reggie Harris were on hand to offer their instructional expertise by teaching a couple of stylish make-n-takes and their tables stayed busy for hours on end as folks sat and had an opportunity to create using some of the new HA products.  Mr. Binx took the day off, but we received a visit from one of our other favorite four-legged friends, Cooper.

The party wound down around 5:00pm and it was clear that a good time was had by all!  Even my husband, Kirk, had a great day as he was able to chat about his favorite topic, BBQ, with all of the attendees...lol!  Thank you, Nancy, for putting on such a delightful soiree.  You really are the Hostess with the Mostest!              

Class: A Tim Holtz Christmas with Cheryl Valadez

Are you being buried by the hustle and bustle of the holidays?  Do you need a few hours to unwind and do something just for yourself?  Join me this Friday and forget the mile long Christmas "to do" list, and spend some time getting crafty.  We'll make two Tim Holtz inspired holiday cards, perfect for giving or for keeping.  We'll also use lots of die cuts, glitter, ink, embellishments, etc...the list goes on and on.  You'll leave this class covered in ink and feeling happy!  

If you are interested in taking this class, please contact me via email at cvaladez@comcast.net or call me at (505)328-2228.  

Harwood United Methodist Church has graciously once again offered their fellowship hall for this class.  They are located South of China Phoenix 2 on San Lorenzo just West of 4th street.  Their address is 420 San Lorenzo.

December 9th, Friday:  1:00pm - 5:00pm (class fee is $25.00) 

2012 Hero Arts Catalogue Preview Party!

Progress continues at China Phoenix 2!  Nancy is tirelessly working with the restoration company and the contractors to ensure that when the doors reopen, an even more fabulous shop and classroom will be unveiled.  Yes, the majestic Phoenix is beginning her transformation phase and it's only a matter of time before she rises again!  Nancy does not have a definite date as of yet, but she'll no more as the contractors begin their work.  Watch the blog for updates and information as it becomes available. 

Are you missing Nancy?  China Phoenix 2?  Your crafting buddies?  Sharing projects, ideas, and inspiration?  What better way to make contact than with a joyous celebration.  On Sunday, December 11th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Nancy is hosting the 2012 Hero Arts Catalogue Preview Party in the flower shop (4200 4th St.) just 2 doors down from CP2.  

You won't want to miss this party as it will be bursting at the seams with make-n-takes, refreshments and new products.  Yes, you read that correctly!  New products!  Nancy will have a selection of new Hero Arts images and products on hand for sale, along with the new catalogues. You'll want to arrive early for the best selection.  Mark your calendars!

Also, there will be a few classes during the month of December held at the Harwood United Methodist Church.  Check the blog frequently and I'll try to get photos and details posted as soon as I receive them.  

If you have questions regarding the Hero Arts Release Party or upcoming classes, feel free to email me at cvaladez@comcast.net and I'll try to answer all inquiries as best I can.    

Thankful for you!

Nancy and Binx want to wish 

all the wonderful friends and patrons 

of China Phoenix 2, 

a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

May your bellies be full, 

you laughter be joyous,

and your blessings be many!

Copic Marker Class Update!

Hey, everyone!  Just a quick note to update you on my Beginning Copic Marker Class scheduled for this weekend.  The very kind folks at Harwood Methodist Church have stepped in again and are allowing me to use their facilities.  The class will be at the regularly scheduled time of 1:00pm - 4:00pm.  Here's a description of what we'll cover:

Join me Saturday and we'll discuss the wonder of all thing Copic.  This is not a project class.  Instead we'll spend the day learning about these amazing tools and what makes them special, decoding the color wheel and the Copic numbering system, creating designs and textures with the Colorless Blender, and learning basic coloring and shading techniques.  I'll provide lots of handouts and images to color.  Bring your Copic markers, a notepad to take notes on, and something to write with.  If you don't have Copic markers and are interested in trying them out before taking the plunge, then you can use mine.  I love to share!  I received my Copic Certification in August of 2010 and have been extolling the virtues of these tools ever since.

November 19th, Saturday:  1:00pm - 4:00pm (class fee is $25.00 please bring cash or a check, I won't be set up to accept credit cards)  Please have your name on your markers...thank you!


If you don't have markers, feel free to use mine ;D


Location:  Harwood Methodist Church, 420 San Lorenzo.  San Lorenzo is the cross street located South of China Phoenix 2.  Class will be held in the fellowship hall located at the back of the parking lot.  


If you are interested in taking this class, please email me at cvaladez@comcast.net or call me at (505)328-2228, so I can make sure I have plenty of kits.  See you there!  

A peek inside...

The stairs by the back door.

The wall by the stairs between CP2 and the bakery.

Kitchen

Exposed beams on the ceiling.  Notice the damage near the top.

The area by the back door, the stairs, and the storage area above received the brunt of the damage.

Sorting in the dark and without heat as there is no electricity.  

Emptying out the store so the restoration crew can complete their clean-up.

Back with a quick update.  I took these photos Friday afternoon and believe it or not these show vast improvements compared to the condition of the store on Wednesday.  In my negligence, I failed to grab my camera that first day, but trust me, Nancy, her ardent supporters, and the restoration crew have made sweeping strides in cleaning everything up.  

The damage in the front of the store is not as obvious as the rear of the store, but the smell of smoke hangs thick in the air and a hefty coating of soot and grime taint every surface. 

This week the restoration crew is wiping down walls, removing the pegboard, addressing the clean-up, and performing the finishing touches to make the store ready for the next phase of it's resurrection.

Class Updates:

Tuesday Card Class - Sue Kapp is temporarily holding the Tuesday class at Scraps Galore, but please note that it is now moved to Wednesdays at 10:30am.  We want to extend a special thank you to Scraps Galore for helping out with this class during this difficult time. 

Copic Marker Class (November 19th, Saturday) - I'm currently scouting a new location for this Beginning Copic Class.  I've had lots of suggestions, so please watch this blog for updates.  If you are interested in taking this class it is scheduled for this Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and the class fee is $25.00.  Please contact me directly via email at cvaladez@comcast.net or phone 505-328-2228.  If you had signed up for this class previously, please contact me and let me know as I am not in possession of the class list at this time.  Thanks so much!     

Day One

The Restoration Team arrived bright and early at the store Thursday morning.  No one knew exactly what their visit would entail, but everyone was hopeful that progress would be made in cleaning up the debris and removing some of the ashy muck that covered the back area and lay in thick piles on the stairs and floor.

Nancy's friends and ardent supporters were also in attendance to help her sort and identify materials that were salvageable, and inventory items that were beyond saving and destined to be tossed.  At the end of the day, the progress was quite remarkable.  The workers had almost completely cleared the back storage area, the kitchen, and the bathroom.  Considering these areas appeared to have suffered much damage from the fire, the transformation was impressive.

Nancy was very complimentary of the many men and women who comprise the Restoration Team, stating that they were very kind, considerate, and thoughtful during their interactions with her throughout the day.

Wednesday left many of us heartbroken and shocked as we walked through the debris.  We wondered what the future of the shop would be and how our revered proprietress and friend would weather this insurmountable storm.  Thursday we witnessed the beginning stages of a remarkable transformation proving that a little rain can sometimes wash away the old and expose the potential for the new. What a difference a day makes.

Class updates for this weekend:

Steampunk Box with Caroline Lawson - the class has been cancelled due to an unexpected scheduling conflict for Caroline.  Caroline apologizes for the inconvenience.  

Holly Stencil Cards with Kathi Anderson (Saturday, November 12th 10am-1pm) and Southwest Metal Panel with Kathi Anderson (Saturday, November 12th 2pm-5pm) - both classes have been relocated to the Harwood Methodist Church located on 4th St. and San Lorenzo just South of China Phoenix 2.  The address is 420 San Lorenzo Ave NW.  Please be sure to bring your class kits and metal tools if you have them.  

Shop Update

As many of you are already aware, a fire broke out in the shopping center where China Phoenix 2 is located.  It started early Wednesday morning in the upstairs storage area that is part of the store, but located atop the bakery next door.  Firemen were able to put it out fairly quickly, but significant fire damage was sustained to the rear of the shop.  Severe water and smoke damage are apparent in the classroom and front of the store.

Many of you are wondering about Binx.  A fireman was able to locate Binx in the store and place him into Nancy's relieved and loving arms.  He was understandably shaken, but relatively unharmed.  A trip to the vet confirmed that he is in fairly good shape, however, smoke irritation has left his eyes itchy and uncomfortable.  He is safe and sound in Nancy's home and recovering from his ordeal.

Nancy would like to express her sincerest gratitude to the many friends who showed their love and support by calling and/or stoping by the store to check on her and Binx.  Your friendship is a precious gift.

Nancy is in the process of temporarily relocating scheduled workshops.  Please check this blog frequently for updates.  Understandably telephone service is no longer available for the store, so feel free to leave Nancy messages on this blog and I will relay them to her as best I can.  

On a personal note...many of you have communicated to me how important Nancy, Binx,  and China Phoenix 2 are to you.  The store has not only served as a place to share our creativity with one another, but also a place filled to the brim with camaraderie and good cheer.  Within its doors, Nancy welcomed us with open arms, and offered us a tiny bit of comfort and refuge from a crazy world...a home away from home.  To some degree all of us are experiencing a sense of loss.  However, let us remember the story of The Phoenix...a great and powerful bird with exquisite plumage.  At the end of its life cycle, it's nest catches fire and it is engulfed in flames, but from the ashes a new bird emerges, resurrected and reborn.

Class: Southwest Metal Panel with Kathi Anderson

Kathi's afternoon class features an exquisite metal panel using various metal tools and materials by Merc Arts.  The metal is not your typical aluminum or tin, but rather a luxurious and rich pewter panel that responds beautifully to the metalwork techniques that Kathi is going to share with you.  The finished project is perfect for framing, so clear a special spot on your wall to showcase this amazing sculptured art piece.  If you have metal tools (Merc Arts, 10-second studio, etc.) this will use the basic set and the horizontal wheel.

November 12th, Saturday:  2:00pm - 5:00pm (class fee is $30.00)

Class: Holly Stencil Cards with Kathi Anderson

Kathi Anderson is back in town for a limited engagement and she'll be teaching 2 classes on Saturday that you won't want to miss.  The first features a beautiful holly stencil and 4 uniquely different techniques to achieve a variety of finishes.  These will be great to add a touch of panache to your holiday cards and friends and family will wonder how you did it.  Aside from Kathi sharing her extensive paper crafting knowledge with you, the next best thing about this class is you get to keep the stencil!

November 12th, Saturday:  10:00am - 1:00pm (class fee $30.00)

Class: Steampunk Cards with Sue LaMeer

Join Sue Saturday and create 3 amazing steampunk themed cards featuring Tim Holtz' die cuts and texture fades.  Steampunk marries the industrial look of metal and gears with vintage imagery and creates a unique stylized look that's beautiful and a tad masculine.  Sue's cards are loaded with details that make them special and different from other cards you've seen.  You'll want to add them to your card arsenal for those occasions when you need something that makes the recipient go "WOW"!  

November 5th, Saturday:  Call the store for times.  

Outdoor Stamp Market

Looking for an inexpensive way to add different stamps and tools to your crafting arsenal?  Or do you just need to clean out some older stuff to make room for newer stuff?  Whatever the case may be, you'll want to make sure you stop by the store Saturday afternoon and check out the Outdoor Stamp Market that Nancy will be hosting in the parking lot directly in back of the store.  

Buy, trade, sell...the choice is yours.  If you have stamps and tools you want to get rid of, contact Nancy at the shop today and tomorrow, and she'll let you know if there is space available.  If there is, all you'll need is your wares and a table.  This will certainly be a fun day for visiting with friends.

The first 24 folks who show up on Saturday will create a fabulous free make-n-take that Nancy is calling Cat in the Jack.  Sounds intriguing!

October 29th, Saturday:  1:00pm - 4:00pm

Class: Soldering Pendants with Cheryl Thorpe

Now for something completely different!  As many of you know, Cheryl Thorpe is a master at soldering.  Her soldered projects are creative and beautiful, and her craftsmanship is exquisite.  She is very graciously teaching a soldering class Friday to share her knowledge of this craft.  She'll work with you to create a collaged art piece between glass slides that will be soldered together and she'll even show you how to solder the bail that houses the chain at the top of the pendant.  Learn to solder from a master and use this knowledge to create a number soldering projects.  This might be a great way to garner the skill to create special, one-of-a-kind Christmas presents for family and friends.  Better not miss this one!

Bring your class kit and make sure you have good adhesive and sharp scissors on hand.

October 28th, Friday:  10:00am - 2:00pm (class fee $50.00)    

Class: Shabby Chic Falloween with Kathy Rosecrans

Join Kathy Saturday afternoon and create these beautiful shabby chic cards that embrace all the wonderful details we love about this season.  Kathy has combined rich Autumnal colors with rustic harvest textures to bring you 3 stunning cards perfect for any Fall occasion.  You'll love the details on these cards and will marvel at the spot of tulle, the bit of string, the tufts of muslin, and all of the other subtle accouterments that enhance their chic characteristics.  Don't miss this class!

October 22nd, Saturday:  1:00pm - 4:00pm (class fee $25.00)