Modern Dream Catchers with Makers & Muse

{Photo from Makers Buffalo Instagram account}

I have been wanting to take this class with Makers Buffalo for a long time and my schedule never allowed it up until a couple weeks ago when Makers Buffalo and MUSEJar came together to host a Modern Dream Catchers class at Arden Farm- a place I've been before and really do enjoy going to. It was a Friday night class with some food {yummy food} provided by Daily's Catering. The class took place in the barn and you could BYOB - so clearly I brought a bottle of wine. My friend and co-worker Kelsey came along for the ride! Overall it was a fun crafty night! Every time I take a class with Makers and Muse they don't disappoint. Not only are the classes enjoyable, you create something that's for you and you meet some really great people as well. If you can ever take a class that fits your interest, I highly recommend it.

Below are some of my pictures from the crafty night out.

-B

{One of the first steps was picking your yarn and tying it to the metal circle}

{Kelsey being crafty}

{Separating the yarn to make it more wavy and full}

{Are finished products}

Think Spring! Things to do around town in April

Its hard to believe its April and there is snow on the ground today, well really, I guess not, I mean it is Buffalo. Regardless of what it is doing outside, there is plenty to do around town this month. Here is my list of some events and activities that caught my eye this month.

Take a fun tour with Explore Buffalo - whether its at the Fontana Boat House or an architectural tour you're bound to have fun and learn more about WNY

When I think of April I think of baseball and even though the Major League teams opening day was yesterday and today, the hometown team {The Buffalo Bisons} kickoff their season on the road this Thursday and are at home on April 14th #seizetheseason

Fern Croft Floral is hosting a class on Floral arrangements April 23rd...this comes at the perfect time, gardening season is right around the corner.

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY classes this month, Macramé Hanging Plants on 4/12, Pidge Podge is back with a weaving workshop on 4/30 and in between those dates there is so much more taking place! For a complete list of classes click here

Buffalo State College's Fashion and Textile program is hosting Runway ECOLUTION April 16th. For tickets click here.

Resurgence is hosting a Toy Brewbash on 4/14. For more details you can go here.

The new EXPO Market downtown is hosting their Grand Opening on April 18 & 19th. If you haven't checked out the popular downtown food hall, put it on your calendar to do in April.

Party in the Park is back on April 22 at Marcy Casino

If you're in need of a wedding planner or need some DIY tips for your big day, MuseJar is hosting a Secrets of the Trade DIY event on 4/24. For more details check out the Facebook event page.

One event I'd like to attend this year is the Knox Farm Spring Art Fest taking place at the end of the month - April 29- May 1

Woman Who Move Buffalo - Vanessa from MUSEjar

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Making my way to the beautiful East Aurora, I walked into Musejar for the first time and literally shouted out how much I loved the space and just stood there for a minute to take it all in. So if you didn't know already today I am featuring Vanessa from MUSE Jar on the blog as a Woman Who Moves Buffalo because of her pure creativity and passion she has brought into the Western New York community.

Majoring in the film industry in NYC Vanessa moved back home and started working at Red Fish Art Studio {located next door to Musejar}. While she was there she noticed that there weren’t any art supply stores in the area and decided to open shop.

2+ years later things are only getting bigger and better for her. Not only does Musejar offer a wide variety of supplies {paint brushes, chalk spray paint, Rublev Natural Paint Pigment, etc.}, but she also hosts an array of art classes {public and private} , parties for all ages {Birthday, Bridal, Holiday, etc.} and collaborates with a lot of local businesses in and out of East Aurora on a number of events. And if you don’t see an art supply you need, she can order them for you!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Outside of her store, Vanessa does offer offsite lessons and parties – she has done workshops with Fisher Price and has started working with Mandala School in East Aurora to help fill a void with art programs being cut. Her business is a great space to go, for those who still want to get a great art experience.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

When asked what some of her favorite areas of her business are, she said she loves the farm-to-table events and wants to grow them more, hoping to make it more of a retreat and offering the full experience. She loves events where she can collaborate with other people and businesses. "The possibilities are endless when you can work with more people." Hosting kids birthday parties are also a favorite of Vanessa’s. "The raw creativity that comes out of it is amazing." Being surrounded by creativity everyday keeps her very inspired. Instructors and students who walk through these doors, they are all a daily inspiration for her.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

When I asked her what she loves about Western New York she said she loves the East Aurora community, everyone is very supportive of one another and help each other to succeed. The town is changing and evolving and people are being open-minded. Being here is exciting, young families are moving back and the area feels like a “little Brooklyn.”

There are a number of things about MUSEjar that I love, but the one that sticks out the most is that it’s one of a kind. Vanessa taps into areas that you don’t normally think of. When talking with Vanessa she gives off a great energy and you can tell she loves what she does and is passionate in her work. I asked her what MUSEjar means and she said an inspirational jar. She wants people to walk in the store and get inspired, by the supplies, artwork and environment. The goal is to have the store be one large jar of inspiration and it certainly was for me.

Stop by the Holiday Market event she is hosting on December 19th during the East Aurora Carolcade. Come before, during or after the event to check out her shop and the other participating vendors. Let's help make this a destination spot to visit every year.

{MUSEjar photo from website}

#DTH14 Review

For a third year in a row, Ooo La La Boutique/Fashion Truck owner, Crista Botticello and myself set out to kick off the Holiday season in style and this year was no different. Deck the Halls Runway was held at The West Herr Buick, GMC and Cadillac Dealership in East Aurora on Saturday night. The event was filled with 7 local boutiques {Blush, Village Designs, The Dress Shop, Ragmuffinz, Aurora Outfitters, The Walk In Closet and Ooo La La Boutique} showing off their holiday fashion looks. Before the show guests were able to shop an array of local vendors {MuseJar, Celestial Designs, Total Tan, Prima Oliva, Upstairs Treasures, Tres Chic Boutique, Mary Kay, Jamberry, Medici House, Taste and Sipada}.

The show was created not only to bring local businesses together, but to raise money and awareness for local charities. This year was no different. Proceeds benefitted are friends over at Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Saturday showed us that this year was bigger and better and I look forward to seeing what it becomes in years to come. We have a lot of people that help us and we are forever grateful for working with them.

To see pictures from the Deck the Halls event, make sure to follow Ooo La La Boutique on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

-B