Today was the first time I tried out my new wood burning kit.   Actually the brand name is Versa Tool.   After practicing on a small piece of wood with a few of the tips, I decided to work on my big project.   My friend Steven had given me some awesome driftwood that I have been using in a display case at Jersey Made.   I had also selected this piece from his vast collection.   He said this particular piece had came from the riverbank in Delanco -  real New Jersey driftwood!!!

First I marked the letters onto the driftwood with yellow chalk.   Pencil lines would have been too hard to see and I was not couragous enough to even think about using a pen or other permanent writing tool!    After doing the outline of the letters I got braver and made a design inside the letters too.     

I think I did mighty fine for my first adventure!!!

It still needed a little something.    I had some of the light gray paint left so I brushed that onto the outer part of the letters first.   Once I was sure I liked that I added the green.    Just want to make really sure everyone could see that Jersey Made was O P E N. 

 Next week’s project will be to figure out how to hang it right by the front door.    I have a few ideas but need to make sure the sign is secure and still easily removed each night.  

As usual thanks for reading!

Come on over to Jersey Made …..

The sign will be hanging every Wed & Fri from 11-6PM, Thurs 12-6PM, Sat 10-6PM, Sun noon – 4PM.

Jersey Made, LLC

Mill Race Village

33 White Street

Mount Holly, NJ   08060

609-914-1536

I have missed my adventures in blogging!   Seems I had some sort of glitch on my website.   My webmasters probably have a fancy technical name for it but they know that it out of my area of expertise.

Things are going well at Jersey Made.   There are 12 artists on display now and the new banner has been catching some attention.   My new exercise program is carrying the big & heavy sandwich board out to the sidewalk every day and then back onto the porch at night.   The weather keeps washing away my message but I keep rechalking it.

A few years ago I had done this drawing of the Ocean City boardwalk looking from 13th Street.   It was drawn from some photographs I had taken while people watching on the boardwalk after lunch with my Mom and a friend.   The drawing came out so well that I had notecards made.   These were sold out quickly.   It seemed a nice addition to Jersey Made so I recently had some more printed and packaged them in sets of 5.  

Thanks for reading – I hope you all have missed my meanderings of blog!!

The Nyman’s have been participating at events at Kirby’s Mill in Medford for many years.   They display and demonstrate their beautiful nature carvings and decoys.    I always stop to admire them even if I am in the midst of helping with the event.  So today it was a special thrill when Barbara Nyman came into Jersey Made with a collection of their works.   Both Barbara and her husband, Raymond are carvers and their work is exquisite.  

Here are a few photos for you to enjoy.

This bird is beautiful….

This is a ‘pocket’ decoy.   Hunters can carry it along with them….

All of the decoys can be used for display but are ready to float too…

Barbara demonstrated this folk box of birds that come with little pegs so they will stick in the ground….

And these fish decoys are going to be hung from my 10′ antique fishing pole that I have hanging…

Jersey Made is thrilled to welcome the Nyman Collection.   Please stop by to see them all.  I forgot to take pictures of the feather pins but I have some friends helping me find some driftwood to finish up the display for them.  

Ahhh – the crow pin is special!!!   

I was so glad I wore my Seahorse Designs hat to the shop today.   I took alot of grief for taking off the giant sunflower that was attached to the hat.   I purchased it at the Witches Ball and tried to give Doreen the flower back.  Everyone insisted I keep it on the hat but as soon as I got home  I replaced the sunflower with my green winged teal feather pin.  It really was the perfect match and the hat is just perfect now.    Of course I had to show Barbara that I was already a fan of carved feathers and have been enjoying their work for many years.  I am so glad to have them participating at Jersey Made.

11/4/09 – Excited and a little nervous I went to the presentation for the Mill Race Village merchants group.   It was great that Abbie came along to help set up the display and answer some of the questions.   The little New Jersey chocolates were very popular!

11/5/09 - Got approval to have Jersey Made included in the merchants group

11/6/09 – I gave notice at my job where I had for 4 years.   I started working there 1 day a week and was up to 3 days a week doing such a variety of tasks.

11/12/09 – I signed the lease and paid the 1st month’s rent.

11/13/09 – I was fired from my job.   This solidified that I was on the right path in pursuing Jersey Made.   I am very thankful that my other 2 bosses have been incredibly supportive.   Jeff gave me a microwave and some small furniture to use.  He has been quite encouraging.  Anthony has been great.   Always asking how things are going and once again has allowed me to adjust my schedule.   

11/14/09 – Work began to create a store at 33-35 White Street, Mt. Holly, NJ.   Gathering of NJ maps went into full force.   All my friends and family no longer have maps in their cars.   I even convinced my boss, Anthony, to go out and get his map out of the truck.   It was a messy map but definitely one of my favorites.   I started to bring over any items that would fit into my car each time I went to Jersey Made.

11/25/09 – Many friends with large vehicles arrived at my house.   Kelly & Dave arrived 1st and furniture started heading out to their van.   Just when the van was getting full Hope arrived and we started to fill her van up.   Just when we needed help with the big table Abbie & Sean arrived.   My car was filled last.   All 4 vehicles and friends traveled to Jersey Made with a stop at Wawa on the way first – now a tradition LOL!

At 1PM that day the inspector was coming for the Certificate of Occupancy.   I asked Sean and Dave to check the exit signs cause one didn’t look right but they couldn’t fix it.    I called and an MRV guy came over immediately, discovered what was wrong, went and got the part and fixed it.   Just in time for the inspector.   It passed! 

11/27/09 – Black Friday for some but for me it was all green.   Actually it was “Almost Aloe” as I spent the day painting walls at Jersey Made.   Say bye bye to more of the wallpaper!    My sis, brother-in-law and nephew came over to help out.   So much got done that day with their help!   Heidi just kept asking “ok what next?” until we had gotten it all done.  

11/28/09 – Jersey Made was sort of open to support the Creativity for a Cause event in the Mill Race Village.   Thought it was for breast cancer but that was the last cause.   So the chocolate ribbon lollipops didn’t go over as great as was hoped.   The cause was the South Jersey Food Bank this time.    It seemed like no one knew the store was open.    Steve and Tanya brought over an old sandwich board that was covered in mud and leaves.   It was a real mess.   By the end of the day Tanya had transformed this old sign with some paint and it is almost ready to be moved to the sidewalk each day. 

11/29/09 – Mom came to spend the afternoon with me at Jersey Made.   She really liked it and even took a walk over to the Bookery and Spirit of Christmas coming back with a bagful of goodies she had purchased.   That was a big giant walk for her.   I was glad to have her share in my new adventure.

12/2/09 – Official opening day.   I put green Christmas lights around the front of the store so that visitors to the village would know that something was going on at this location. 

So now here we are at 12/5/09 – exactly one month since being approved by the Mill Race Village merchants group.   I think that is a pretty awesome timeline of events.    The store is not 100% ready.  There are more artists to bring in their items, classes to be scheduled, and much more but I think Jersey Made is off to a great start!

Here are just a few cool statistics about Jersey Made….

1.   No furniture or fixtures were purchased in the setup of the store.   All items came from my home, donated by friends, and the counter came with the store. 

2.   All items in Jersey Made will be 100% created by New Jersey artists.

3.  Several classes have already been scheduled.   Jersey Made welcomes Kelly Donovan who will be teaching the Artist Trading Card Club that will meet monthly.  She is super talented and has lots of great ideas.   Wait until you see what she has planned for January Club (3rd Wednesday) just in time for Valentine’s Day.    Look out in 2010 cause Jersey Made will be the place to take some great artistic classes!

4.  The “Cupboard Under the Stairs” is quickly gaining notarity and fame.   Today it got nicknamed the Harry Potty room  LOL!!!   I am still laughing at that one…..

5.  There are already 6 artists on display at Jersey Made.   By the end of this week that will jump to 10.

6.  Already a customer has left the store and found something at home that she thought we could use and came back 2 days later to drop it off.    I had never met the woman before but thought it was so special that she did that.    The large shadow box will be used in the classroom to show off samples of art created at Jersey Made.

7.   Jersey Made is 100% green.   We recycle everything!  

Thanks for reading – hope you liked the timeline!   I thought it was pretty cool!!!

There was alot going on in Mill Race Village today.   All the shops were getting ready for tomorrow’s festivities.   Santa Claus will be coming to town and the tree lighting at 5PM.   

In addition to fixing up the shop and putting items on display I thought it would be fun to spruce up the “Cupboard under the stairs”.   So I posted on my Facebook status to see if anyone had some Harry Potter items.   My neice said she would look around and let me know.   Jenn thinks that she has a Hermoine wand.   Shortly after that Allan stopped into Jersey Made.  He had seen my Facebook message and brought this awesome Gryffindor banner.  It is the perfect size for the cupboard..   I am going to gather some items to make a tassel type hanger for it and it will be hung up tommorrow.   I was thrilled with his gift and thoughtfulness!

I did lots of things around the store today in between chatting with customers.   I wrapped up empty boxes with Christmas paper to put outside in the little wagon under the tree.   The little wagon looks cute but as soon as I moved it another wheel fell off.   Perhaps in the spring it could be up-cycled.   I worked on my Leafpile display and made some signs for around the store.

The M A D E letters have been talking to me as I sat at the counter.   The wall behind the counter needed something to catch people’s attention when they come through the door.   So I hung them up and sketched out the Jersey from the logo.   The Jersey will need another coat of gray paint and an outline but I think it looks pretty close to the actual font.   The M A D E letters really like the flash and pop out in the photo.   This is the wall that I painted “Almost Aloe”.  I know it doesn’t look that way in the picture so you will just have to stop in and see it in person.

I have been enjoying my time at Jersey Made this week.   Although I worked just as hard it just didn’t seem that way.   I could play music while I worked or was busy creating something.   The shop is looking great.   Tomorrow will be a busy day in the village with lots of people coming to enjoy the festivities.

Mark your calendars for a few upcoming events at Jersey Made….

Wednesday, December 9th 6PM to ???     Christmas Card Creations.   Bring your own supplies or you may buy a kit for $10   (makes 10 cards)    Holly will have her Christmas scrapbook there with loads of ideas and treasured cards she has made and received over the years.  

Saturday, December 12th 1-4PM   Iron Works Hill Battle -  come see all the reenactors fighting through the Mill Race Village.    and then from 6-9PM is the Chocolate Walk – oh wow!   What a fun event that is going to be.   Plan to spend the day in Mill Race Village but make sure to stop at Jersey Made for some chocolate treats!

Wednesday, December 16th 7PM to 8:30PM    The 1st monthly artist trading card club.  Make 3 ATC’s – see the events page for pics.   Kelly Donovan brings her awesome talents to Jersey Made.  There are still a few openings available.     $15 plus $5 supply fee = $20

Saturday, December 19th  1PM to 2:30PM    Here is a great opportunity for parents and kids too.   Parent shop/Kids craft   Parents will have 1 1/2 hours to shop the Mill Race Village while the kids make holiday crafts.   There will be a few different crafts available depending on the age groups.   This class will be limited to 8.   Parents are asked to plan their shopping at Jersey Made after 2:30PM.    Class fee is $15.   If you are bringing 2 or more each additional kid is $10.   i.e.  3 kids = $35 total

  As always, thanks for reading!  

Today was the the official opening of Jersey Made.   It was very fun and exciting.   Not too much walking traffic in Mill Race Village on a Wednesday but there were a few.    It gave me time to continue putting things away and setting up displays.

I took Rose to the store with me today.   She is a rosemary plant and thought it would be nice to have her join me at the store.   Of course she had to get dressed up for the occasion.   This is an old Christmas tree skirt that I think would have been worn by a doll.  It is very small but a perfect fit for Rose.

My friend Mary Kay stopped by to see the store and brought the most perfect opening gift -a bundle of New Jersey maps wrapper in a pretty ribbon.  She really enjoyed seeing the walls and how they are decorated.   

More chocolate art from The Sweet Stop arrived today.   Very cute gift ideas – hint hint!!!

My big project of the day was to put the little green lights on the porch.  Not feeling brave enough to try to rig them to the front I decided to put them along the top of the shutters.   They looked great but I had to wait until dark to take a picture.   Can you see the “made” inside the shop?   Those are some reflective letters that Abbie found on the internet.  They will be incorporated into future signage for Jersey Made.  I was surprised how well they showed up with the flash from the camera.  

I straightened things up in the classroom and started finding places to put things.   Still need a place for my extensive rubber stamp collection.    It is looking alot better and will be ready for classes soon!   Next week a Christmas card making evening is being planned.   I will post an event as soon as it is confirmed.

As always, thanks for reading!  

Please leave me comments – I like that alot!!!

Jersey Made Hours

Wednesday 11AM to 6PM 

Thursday Noon to 6PM 

Friday   11AM to 6PM

Saturday 10AM to 6PM

Sunday Noon to 4PM

 It is the eve of the opening of Jersey Made.  

Is everything ready?  Nope, but every new store has to start somewhere and tomorrow is going to be it.   

Verizon will arrive tomorrow to install the internet and then by Thursday or Friday  Jersey Made will be able to take credit cards.   It was kind of dim in the store for a little bit but now the lights on the brand new ceiling fans have been fixed. The broken fixtures on the track lighting have been repaired.    There will be more New Jersey artists coming to bring their creations to Jersey Made in the next few days.    Hopefully the store will be in full swing for the weekend. 

Once the website is up and running the full class list will be posted and you will be able to register online   and see all that is going on at Jersey Made.  Contact me at Holly@leafpile.org to sign up in the meantime.  Any updates will be gathering here in the Leafpile until then.

Give the gift of art this Christmas.   Gift Certificates are available at Jersey Made and can be used for purchases and classes/clubs too!  

When doing the presentation for the Mill Race Village group  The Sweet Stop made these cute little New Jersey’s out of chocolate to be handed out to each of the merchants attending the meeting.   They were such a big hit and were quickly gobbled up.    It is very exciting to have The Sweet Stop as a New Jersey artist at Jersey Made.   Debbie Blyn is the owner of The Sweet Stop and creates beautiful and yummy treats out of chocolate.    Her lollipops would be great tied on to holiday packages or to eat when the wrapping gets the best of you.    She also makes the best pretzel rods and has some gift tins that will be available.

On December 12th the Mill Race Village will be hosting the Chocolate Walk.  As you stoll through the village stop at each of the participating shops (Jersey Made included) to enjoy chocolates for the tasting.  Some shops will have live music – I promise not to sing to you – LOL!    You can also purchase tickets for the special treats to take home.   $15 in advance at http://www.millraceshops.com/Events.htm  or $20 at the door.   The proceeds of the special treat chocolate will go to the South Jersey Food Bank.    Even if you don’t get the box for collecting treats it sure would be yummy to walk around the village that day.   Stop by and get some yummy New Jersey’s to add to your box!

My family and friends are awesome!    Not sure how all this could have happened without their help.    Yesterday my sis, brother-in-law and Jacob came over to help out.   Lou helped hang some shelves under extreme circumstances.  The building is not level.  The walls are not level, neither is the ceiling.  The windows are not even at the same heights.   Never ever do the marble test on the floors.   The walls are some old fashioned plaster and the studs are nearly impossible to find.   Yet Lou managed to get the shelf strong enough to hold my glass jars full of great creative stuff.    My sis Heidi was everywhere and anywhere she was needed.    My neighbor James looked at us like we were crazy when we asked to borrow his vacuum cleaner but he quickly obliged.    Jacob was the best.  He is my 11year old nephew.  He helped to clean off shelves and even swept up around the store.    It was all good until his iPod ran out of battery LOL!   I was almost gushy when he said “cool place Aunt Holly”.

There was still more to do this morning.  Kelly and Dave arrived at my house a little before 9AM to help move more furniture over to the store.   Dave set up the round table while Kelly at I discussed displays and classes.   It was so nice to meet their daughter Emily.   Of course I had to show her the Harry Potter room.   All the while I was hoping the doorknob wound not fall off again.  

Jersey Made was open for the first time today so that was very exciting.   It also meant that work tools needed to be hidden, empty tubs removed and painting supplies stashed away.   I totally enjoyed setting up my Leafpile recycled art items.   Since I will be at the store 5 days a week I won’t be able to do too many outside shows now but that also means that my artwork will not be getting destroyed by the packing and travel.  Mostly I am glad that my artwork can be available year round without being in the elements – this summer was the worst with all the rain, wind and damage.

Tanya and Steve from the Pinelands Music and Basketry came over for a visit.   While there we were noticing people walking right by Jersey Made and not stopping.   So we started doing some brainstorming.   Steve recalled a sandwich board that was no longer in use so he went home to retrieve it.   It was perfect!   Well really it was dirty and generally a mess but it showed some real potential!  Tanya and I started discussing the colors of Jersey Made and what paints I had available.   So the “Almost Aloe” from my great painting-on-wallpaper experiment inside was moved outside to be the new background for the board.   Just when we were trying to figure out what to do next with the limited supply of paint colors available Lauren showed up.   She had mentioned some unused paint at home that was looking for a new home so I had asked her to bring over the gray that she had.   Poof!   A coat of gray paint got added to the sandwich board.  

This became Tanya’s project for the day and it looks totally awesome.  We even figured some ideas for moving the sandwich board around since it is quite heavy.    Many thanks to Tanya and Steve for their ideas and contributions to Jersey Made today.

Meanwhile Lauren had also come with all of her artwork to display in the store.   Her business is Orange Slice Art and she uses her custom created fabrics to make awesome purses of many different types and clothing too!    So we moved some furniture around and found a great way to use her display rack and the existing flatwall.   Not without some mishaps though.   First I banged my head really hard on a wooden shelf.   I saw stars and had to sit for a few minutes until the pain subsided.  Another reason to have ice cubes at the store - ouch!     A little while later I came inside from checking on Tanya and the sandwich board to find Lauren clutching her finger with a paper towel.   She had gotten attacked by my extra sharp scissors.  I had packed my old canoeing first aid kit to take over to the store.  The first bandage I pulled out broke apart.  Guess I haven’t been canoeing in awhile.   All that was now left were my Wile E. Coyote bandages.   After fumbling around and dropping one on the floor Lauren & I finally managed to get a bandage on her finger.   The walking wounded - me with an egg on my head and Lauren with a kiddie bandage.   

Lauren has become sort of famous in my world.   I met her earlier this summer at a show and became fascinated with her lint rolling skills.    Her booth was right across from me so I could watch as she lint rolled the table cloth and then her purses.   Of course I had to go over and make a comment.   Ever since that day I have carried my lint roller to every show.    Seeing Lauren using the lint roller today at Jersey Made was such a big kick for me that I went for the camera.   Photographing her lint rolling has become a hobby at every show since.  LOL!

Bill stopped by the store today to see if he could help too!   Of course I had to mention the doorknob that falls off on a whim.  He quickly took care of that and then helped to set up the cabinets/wooden door area in the classroom that will help hold supplies and a little refrigerator.  Hopefully it will have room for an ice cube tray too for future mishaps LOL!

More artists will be coming in the next week to bring their creations to Jersey Made.  It was great to have sort of a dry run today.   I enjoyed hearing the many compliments and talking about future classes with the customers who came in to look around.   This location has not had a store for about a year so the sandwich board will really help to let people know that something exciting is happening at 33-35 White Street!   Something really exciting!!!!

Much has been going on at Jersey Made.   On Wednesday a bunch of friends came to help move some of the big furniture from my house.   My house is looking empty.  What once was a crowded workspace where 8 of us had room to scrapbook could now host a square dance.   The cats are a little confused and keep walking around imaginary furniture.    Meanwhile Jersey Made is starting to look like something big is happening.   The furniture really brought the place to life.   Just seeing my table in the classroom got me excited.   It looked so small in the big room and there will be plenty of room for classes and clubs!

This is me in the area where my recycled art will be displayed.   The walls are looking awesome with the variety of maps that have been collected.

My friend Hope arrived just as we needed her.  Such a great friend!   She brought along many useful items and display racks, including a little white shelf that we have been passing back and forth over the years.   The sweetest gift was a roll of paper towels and a roll of toilet paper.   She looked puzzled when I told her to put them in the “cupboard under the stairs” but quickly chuckled as she found it.   LOL!!!   Plus a delicious pumpkin pie complete with plates and plasticware!  

There was furniture for everyone to move – even Neil!   He loved playing with this little cabinet table and it kept him entertained while his parents went to get us some much needed food and beverages!   If you look behind Neil you can see my table in the classroom.    Lauren came by with some chairs that had to be made by the same manufacturer and will go great in the classroom.

Hehe – it has no back so it was extra fun!   He began saying hello like me so it sounded more like hellloooooooooooo.   Both of us laughed a bunch!

Abbie did a great job with the maps on the walls.   They really look sharp.   We were laughing that when someone needs directions to anywhere in Burlington County or New Jersey the place for directions will be Jersey Made.  

Many thanks to Kelly & Dave.   Geez they really helped a bunch!!!    I can’t wait for the ATC Club to start on December 16th – that will be so fun making minature pieces of art.   Please check the Leafpile events calendar for upcoming classes and clubs.    Meanwhile Sean is busy getting the Jersey Made website going.

The inspector came for the Certificate of Occupancy and I was so excited when Jersey Made passed!   Came in a little under the wire with last minute repairs but the MRV staff is awesome and really helped out!

This was my entertainment on Monday and Tuesday as I was busy painting at Jersey Made.  It seems the main passtime of the young teens across the street is finding connections to the wireless internet in the neighborhood.   This kid was extra persistant.  It must of been a great game he was trying to play.   When opening the downstairs window did not work he went upstairs.  When opening the upstairs window didn’t work he proceeded to hang out the window.   Further and further I watched him go until finally he was practically out of the house.   He stayed this way for quite awhile pushing the buttons on his little gizmo.   Needless to say, Jersey Made will have locked internet!!!

It’s all very exciting!   Tomorrow I will be setting up my recycled art and other items that I have created.   Artists will be coming in to bring in their artwork as well throughout the weekend.    Abbie has some great ideas for displaying her t-shirts and art blocks.    James, the upstairs neighbor, had some shelves and brackets for the slatwall that is in many of the rooms at Jersey Made.    So every piece of furniture and shelving is being re-used.    Many in unique ways!   Go green……

Hope you plan to stop by Jersey Made soon.    It will be open this Saturday & Sunday but offically open on Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

The Leafpile has accumulated 100 comments as of Tuesday.  I thought that was an interesting milestone.   It also helped me to see that if I want more comments I need to set some goals for that.    

 Step 1 towards this goal - say PLEASE leave me a comment…..

Thanks for reading – PLEASE leave me a comment!!!  

I posted this comment on Facebook yesterday:

Do you think they put surveillance cameras above the paint chip color sample section to look for repeat offenders? Seems I have gathered quite a collection. I might be addicted…..

I found out that I am not alone.   Mary suggested recycling them and I liked that idea alot because I recycle everything – really as much as possible.   4 people liked my status comment.   I would have company visiting me when I got caught swiping those precious pieces of colored paper in the paint department.   Moving up to collecting the paint chip booklets has magnified my addiction and I have some company in that area as well.   Most of us sound like repeat offenders and need some outlet for this before we are all wearing orange at the bars that don’t serve wine and cocktails.

So I am thinking of planning an event at Jersey Made.   A “Paint Chip Detox” night…..    Bring your paint chips and we will make something useful and recycled out of them.    There would be a class fee of $15 to help keep Jersey Made going.  This would include supplies and light refreshments (no- I am not going to make you drink paint but that might be a good punishment for our little petty crime  LOL!!).  

Now DO NOT run out to the local hardware stores and pick up even more paint chips.   That would take the fun out of this project.  Instead search your house or garage or wherever you might have stashed these paint chips and bring them along with you to “Detox” night!   I will bring some of mine cause I sure do have enough to share……

Please leave me a comment here on my blog (NOT on Facebook) to let me know what you think.   Every person who responds here will get a special gift the night of class…..     Have I mentioned lately how much I like comments?   It really encourages me to blog more often and it always brings a smile when I see notices that I got a comment.

Here are some questions for you to think about and maybe include in your comments….

1) How long have you been a paint chip junkie?

2) Have you ever considered using them for another art project?

       a) Did you ever made the project?

3) Would you have your paint chips gathered and be ready for “Paint Chip Detox” on Thursday, January 14th at 7PM?

 This is starting to sound like a colorful idea LOL!!!

As always, thanks for reading……