When Miss Iowa won my stamp giveaway earlier this month, she suggested we meet in person to deliver the box of goodies ... so instead of just meeting, we decided to plan a day of crafty goodness. Since we couldn't be in California at CHA, we created our own crafty getaway right here in Iowa.
First stop was taking a peek at all of her wonderful ATCs she had on display at her home ... they are seriously even cooler in person than the photos on her blog.
Next we headed to Coralville for stops at Michael's, Hobby Lobby & Memories on Fifth. One of our favorite finds was this fabulous new collection of Brenda Walton products at Michael's ... yes, we both added several packages to our creative stash.
After that, Miss Iowa treated to me lunch at one of her favorite spots ... Micky's Irish Pub ... and of course, I had what you'd expect someone to have at an Irish Pub ... Blackened Ahi Tuna Fajitas ... they were seriously delicious. I never thought of combining Mexican spices with Tuna, but it was very yummy indeed.
We stopped at Defunct Books where used a Groupon to pick up a book called the International Biennial of Illustrations, which is full of fabulous art and design that will likely make its way into some fun cards and art journal pages.
When we were searching for one of our favorite card stores, RSVP, we stumbled upon a fun new store called Home Ec Workshop where we had a great time exploring all they have to offer and visiting with the owner.
Of course we also picked up some fun goodies like waxed linen thread in wonderful colors and some fabulous embroidery patterns from Sublime Stitching.
There were so many great yarns to look at and touch (I'm a very tactile person ... I love art I can touch).
I loved this fun little bird cage full of fabric scraps (how cute is that little gnome pattern that snuck into the photo).
And they even had a fun little mascot on the fabric cutting table (oh how I wish I had a standing height island like this in my studio).
The classroom was buzzing with a group of people making some cool t-shirts. They also have wonderful drinks and desserts that looked to-die-for like these caramel bars.
I want to see if I can fit one of their fun classes into my schedule, like this Resin Pendant Making Class.
All in all ... a very fun day.
What fun! Miss Iowa is one of my online friends & this is just so much fun to read about. I've been the recipient of her cards and you are so right that they are EVEN more amazing in person. Sounds like you ladies had a FANTASTIC day!
Posted by: Lori G. | January 29, 2011 at 11:54 PM
aww you are having your own lil "CHA" here Stef! Enjoy loads!!
Posted by: E.T | January 30, 2011 at 02:14 AM
Did we have fun or what? Woo hoo! We tore up the town and your photos turned out great. All the yarn lovers are drooling. But you forgot to mention our stop at John's Grocery for beer. (Oops, was that supposed to be a secret? The beer was for her DH, everyone.) :)
Posted by: Miss Iowa | January 30, 2011 at 04:17 PM
That was an unintentional oversight ... he loved the beer ... and I loved the Mast Brothers Dark Chocolate + Fleur de Sel.
Posted by: SmilynStef | January 30, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Looks like you had a blast! Wish I could meet more crafty friends...ALWAYS a good time!
Posted by: Ann Cox | January 30, 2011 at 07:46 PM
OH my goodness.... how wonderful. MissI is the best!!
She is so fun and talented and she is such an awesome friend.
It really looks and sounds like you gals had a blast
Posted by: Carolina | January 31, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Thanks for stopping in! (There's another Groupon coming in April.)
Posted by: Greg | February 01, 2011 at 12:14 AM